Day 249

Yesterday was mellow and busy at the CofC. Then off to PT. Brad did some stretches that were more than I do for myself. He gave me new exercises and the main advice was get the core muscles tighter. It was what I wanted for my progress. I picked up dinner at Christina’s Mexican restaurant and I won’t do that again. Quiet evening led to restless and sick night. Now I have to deal with a UTI. I haven’t had one in years.

Day 248

Interesting Dem meeting all about getting ready for the election. High Hopes for change. I’m glad to be counted among liberal people. Today is CofC duty and that is always worthwhile. Later, I’m going to PT for Brad to monitor and correct my exercises. I want to add more to my routine to stabilize my lower back. I can’t get up from sitting position without pain especially getting out of the car. My body is willing to improve and I’m willing to work.

Day 247

After our usual intimate communion service with Fr, Tom, Linda Lee asked me to go for a walk with her. We went to the ocean along Pebble Beach and it was gorgeous. I enjoy her company. We find a wide range of subjects and talk up a storm. Today I have errands and later a Dem meeting to finalize the election activities. I have signed up to do calling Friday and election day. Good sleep and I’m rarin’ to get started with Monday.

Day 246

The last day of the farmers’ market was kind of sad. It was not the vigorous vendor filled venue because of the rain. We picked up vegetables and made the short trip around the booths then came home. Hollie had a wonderful meeting with Laurie. She needed the girl friend connection. Today is church with Fr. Tom and that is all. Maybe some spontaneous event will pop up. There is nothing I need to do and not motivated to do house sorting stuff.

day 245

I shook the dust from my paper journal. I need details that don’t fit here such as dreams. Felt good to take time for fleshing out my experiences. I do not like being defined by my age. Not as role model for aging. Why not acknowledge me for who I am without adding that.  Last market and I will go. Need vegetables and socializing. Later Hollie will visit. She has been away with Laurie and I hope she is filled with friendship energy.

Day 244

Tea and stories was full of deep sharing again. It is a gift for all of us. I had a night of dreams: finding my way back to a place where I belonged. It is a recurring theme. Asking for help along the way, seeking and never finding the Place. Today I will greet visitors and I enjoy that duty a lot. Still looking for new ways to fill my time. But first, the essentials to continuing my active and gratifyingly uncomplicated  life.  

Day 243

Housework day. Every day I make the bed, clean the sinks, and pick up items sot the house is always neat. Then the floors get attention. Today is tea and stories so I will have a clean and welcoming home. I exercised yesterday beginning with stretches, mat, and an attitude of appreciation for my body’s willingness to move. I walked twice, ate on the food plan, worked in the yard, the simple pleasures I enjoy. And I get to do it again today.

Prompt: describe a piece of furniture from your childhood

When I was about twelve years old we went on a trip to San Francisco. I don’t remember where my mother and brother were, but I was in Chinatown with my father. We walked by Sun Yet Sen park and my father said we were going to lunch in a special place. We went down a side street and into a long walkway. The place was called Hang Ah Alley. Inside I was overwhelmed by the display of Chinese art, lights, colors, sounds, and smells that were unfamiliar. We were shown to a corner table of black carved wood that was intricate and interesting. I rubbed my hands over the carvings of dragons, strange birds, and serpents on the chair arms. The chair had a high back and I did not want to lean on the carved wood. The whole scene was so different and so visually stimulating that I’m sure I stared around with my mouth open. I kept my hands on the carvings as though they were holding me in place. We sat and food was brought without any ordering. I remember a noodle dish that was lemony, full of water chestnuts, vegetables and meat that I didn’t recognize. It was a memory that I have fully intact. It was also my first experience with being a minority as we were the only white people in the place. It was also rare to have time with my father alone.