Day 128

Wednesday dwindled down. Headache that made a flat line out of my energy so I didn’t prep for tonight’s dinner. After senior center duty, I’ll meet Laurie Minsal to work on fliers for volunteer opportunities at the PD. There are requirements we need to learn to make the information clear. I know that adults need to pass background checks. I don’t know what explorer scouts need besides parental approval. Laurie has design experience and I am glad to work with her.

Day 127

Yesterday was one of my favorites. Lots of connections. The board meeting was interesting and I spoke about the hole on Macken. It was repaired two hours later. Must ask again for the crosswalk at Cooper and J. When I was visiting Carol, Kathy Hartley came and it was great to catch up with her. Lots of texting too. I have such a good life! Today is museum duty and preparation for community dinner. I have written three POH vignettes. Overachiever!

Day 126

Board of Supervisors this morning. I will go and listen. I like knowing how our elected ones are doing the business of the people. Few show up and that’s too bad. Later I will visit Carol. She wants to know how our POH story telling group is doing and I can tell her that it is a happy and interesting bunch. The internet has a couple of websites for elder circles and I have ideas to share with Tera on Friday.

Day 125

Tara and I will meet next Friday to brainstorm about what an elder circle could become. I’m up for a new project that involves connecting people with mutual interests. I feel better this morning. It’s been a few listless days and I don’t like to feel like a wet noodle. The garden is thriving. I’ll take peas and kale to Cheri this morning. I like sharing with her and Luke. Carol is staying home this week so we can catch up. 

Day 124

It was a quiet day and I’m better for it. It’s hard for me to accept that now and then I need to rest. After church I’m going to the blueberry farm for two flats. I finished the frozen ones from last year. Megan sold two strings of her lights and she was stoked. It’s creative and also has grounded her as a resident. I introduced myself to Tara of Moon Tribe and said I was interested in her Elder Circle. 

POH

Starting when I was twelve years old I went to Camp Kimtu for a couple of weeks every summer. It was a Camp Fire Girls camp near Willow Creek.  Marjorie went too. We were best friends and rode our bicycles to Jr. High together. At camp, we shared a tent cabin with six other girls and everyone had chores. I hated “Suzie” duty. That was cleaning the outhouse. There was a smell that I can still remember, the smell of the place and of the cleaning product. My favorite duty was carrying food from the kitchen to the tables. I felt important and must have felt like I was the hostess. There was swimming in the Trinity River and crafts. I made a lanyard that hung around for years. My favorite part was the singing. I loved all the camp songs and the campfire in the evening was always singing. On the way home in the car, I would sing all the way until I fell asleep.

Day 123

Yesterday was for resting. Did pull a few weeds but nothing else. Just didn’t feel energetic or productive. I enjoy the farmers’ market. I will walk down and meet Hollie for a walk-through and many catch-up chats. It’s the socializing that I like best. Megan will have her origami lights on sale again. I hope she sells at least one. They are works of art and it would be a boost. Then I may just settle in for another quiet day.

Day 122

Ah, Friday. A day for myself. I really don’t like duties four days in a row. We need to train another desk person who could substitute. Writing group is wonderful. I miss Carol’s presence and her comments. She is right-on with her reflections and questions. Hopefully she can join us again soon. My broken toe was fine until I took my shoes off last night. Then it pinged a bit. I will walk anyway and I must shop early for groceries. 

Day 121

Yesterday started with a social walk: four conversations on the way around the long block and I enjoyed the whole thing. It reinforces my connection with my community. Later, the museum was busy and more fun interesting conversations happened. Megan and I walked to the farmers’ market for a Philippine lunch. It’s our favorite. Today is gray and calm. It’s a Boondock band day at the senior center. I like them too. Sometimes I sing along and dance at my desk. 

Day 120

Overcast start for Wednesday. Yesterday was warm and it was a good day. My favorite days are those with parts and interesting people. After senior center duty, I visited with Kathy O’Conner before my massage. It was a connection with someone who already felt like on old friend. The massage lead to an early bed time and a long deep sleep. The garden is ready for picking kale and there is a mess of peas. Looking at it is a pleasure.

Day 119

Joyce died. The first of our Gang that have been friends since seventh grade. She had a multitude of health issues and bravely went forth anyway. Jackie and I are the healthiest of the six and we both hope to stay that way as long as possible. Cillay called and talked for an hour. She doesn’t know that conversation is supposed to be two-way! It’s a beautiful morning and I’ll be out soon to walk before my extra senior center duty. 

Day 118

Solstice Day. Most daylight in the year. Yesterday I went with Megan to the Happiness Sprinkling. It was fun to be part of an energetic group and I’m delighted that Megan wanted to be there and participate. Their group may be a spiritual home for her. She has “outgrown” the religion of her childhood. Today is senior center duty and that’s all on the calendar. I can use the afternoon in the yard. There are still areas I want to clear.

Day 117

Fathers’ Day. My father was an unknown to me. Quiet, introverted, not involved with us. He was a poet and gardener. He didn’t know me either. After church, more yard clearing. I did a lot yesterday and my back was aching. I will work anyway. The weeds are also thriving. I added three zucchini to the bales and thinned the chard and beets in my adopted bales. No back problem with bale gardening. It’s the ground that requires bending and squatting.

POH

I was appointed as the Assembly member for the California Senior Legislature in Sacramento and was excited about the event. It is held at the capital and we use the chambers and act in the same ways as our elected members. Due to a series of unavoidable glitches, it was not a positive experience. The local airline decided not to fly when I needed to go and so I missed the entire first day of the session. I was not sworn in, didn’t get the orientation, and couldn’t find my way around the capital. I was lost and so far behind that I never caught up.

I went along with the other assembly members into the meeting rooms and heard the proposals but had no idea of what I should be doing. I was disappointed and sad. At meal breaks I had fine conversations with interesting people from all over the state and that was worthwhile. Then on Sunday, it was over at noon and I was stuck in Sacramento until Monday morning. I wandered around and finally just stayed in the hotel room and watched TV. In the morning, I was met at 5 AM by the transport to the airport. I felt dejected and had no energy. When the driver opened the door for me, a young man wearing a sweater with an insignia took my hand and helped me out. He said he was waiting for me. He said he would get my bag, ushered me into the building, sat me in a chair and went off to get my boarding pass. He came back with a wheel chair and said “hop in.” We zoomed past a mile of people waiting for security screening until we were at the top. He took off my shoes, pushed me through the screening, put my shoes back on, and gave me a push through the gate. When I turned around to thank him, there was no one there. A man is a uniform with a jacket asked if he could help me to the airplane. I said no, I could walk and I did. Wondering who ended the difficult experience with kindness.

Day 116

Hollie and I will walk to the farmers’ market this morning. I enjoy our trips together. Megan will sell her origami lights at a table with Moon people. She is making new friends and that will help her own living here. Tracy came to see the bale gardens and she said they are “beautiful.” I was out early with the flashlight again squishing intruders. Nothing else works against their awful predation. Not egg shells, nor coffee grounds were keeping them away. 

Day 115

I must do a news fast. There are too many stories that are disturbing and make me feel like finding a cave. It’s a time when I’m glad Gene is no longer alive. He would grieve what’s going on in our beloved country. I find solace in the garden, in the fresh air, and in gratitude for another day of a routine life. I am connected to the community is so many ways and that helps me feel safe and useful.

Day 114

Woke up to rain. I’ll get a walk and enjoy the air. Later, the senior center and then the annual mammogram. It’s a bother but a must-do. The museum was busy yesterday. Two people researching the rivers and the history of the fishing industry. It has diminished and the fish are smaller. One group of tourists was interested in the tsunamis and were also coastal dwellers with concerns about the Cascadia subduction zone. I enjoy the duty when there are visitors.

day 113

Cool morning. Turned on the heater. The sliver injury in my foot is sore. Up until yesterday I didn’t notice it since my dancing moment turned into a pick out the sliver event. I was sure it was all out. If it gets worse I’ll get help. Maybe it will heal itself. Today is museum duty. It can be interesting or boring, depending on who comes in. I enjoy the tourists and their stories. May walk to the farmers’ market later.

Day 112

Calm damp morning. Out in the dark with a flashlight for slug patrol. Netted three. After a walk and a quick house tour, I’ll go to the board of supervisors meeting. I’m feeling for Martha since she lost the election and wondering how Gitlin will behave since he tied with Kathryn. Let’s get on with the peoples’ business. I may get another short write. I want to finish the airport angel memory. It was special and saved a few awful days.

Day111

The wind was ugly yesterday and made yard work impossible. It dries out the gardens and bends the baby plants. Today is blessed fog and a chance to regroup. Since I adopted Karen’s bales, my work has increased and thanks to bales, no bending is involved. I did weed around  the cabbages where there might be slug activity. Carol and Gene leave for Medford this morning and I agreed to pick up newspapers and pull the trash bins to their fence. 

Day 110

I weeded that new garden and planted two zucchinis in front of the peas. Lots more thinning to do and transplanting chard and beets. Karen is coming to get her catnip plant to share with cats in her neighborhood. The wind is already blowing and I’ll get out as soon as I get the orchids watered. Then church and whatever happens next. I’ve been restless again for connections and new projects or events. Must be something waiting for me to notice.
POH

In the early 70’s I spent two wonderful lively exciting weeks at an ecology camp at Montana de Oro state park near Los Osos, CA. Every day there were new areas to explore and we learned riparian, estuary, beach, rookeries, flora, and all there was to see and do. One day we drove to Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant that was not on line yet. In the visitors center we were met by a couple of “suits’ who gave us a canned line of propaganda about how safe the facility was. There was a huge aquarium full of fish and plants in what was reported to be outfall water. There was no request for questions from the representative. He was large and in charge. Then we scruffy environmentalists were loaded on a bus with an armed guide and shown around the grounds to see what they wanted us to see all the while being told of the safeguards that would keep the public safe. No mention was made of the marine life kill at the outflow site even though the plant was not turned on. When asked about it, the guide said it was a rumor and there was no loss of marine life there. Later our instructor called the fish and game warden for the area and he said yes, there were signs of dead and dying fish and other natives. When asked what was being done about it, the warden declined to answer and hung up. It was my first first-hand look at corporate power and the intimidation process to keep questions and interest at bay. The whole tour was orchestrated to make us feel small and insignificant. All of us were quiet on the way back to camp trying to make sense of what we had experienced from the visit to the PG&E site.

Day 109

Another sunny morning! Love it until the wind starts. I’ll get to the farmers’ market early and enjoy the day. Karen is abandoning her garden and I will take it over. Lots of plants that need to be thinned out and I’ll get a zucchini or two. Her bales were a good idea when she was between residences and feeling homeless. My idea was to give her some sense of continuity. She’s settled and busy. She doesn’t feel connected to it.

Day 108

The group enjoys the stories and doesn’t want to go home! It is interesting and fun to hear what each wants to share. I told the bus story and the dental appointment story and felt the connections. The sun is shining for the first time in a week. I’ll be out for a walk and then a trip to Walmart for necessaries that I can’t get anywhere else. Later Hollie is coming and I want to hear stories about Bend. 

Day 107

Writing group this afternoon. I’m looking forward to the ladies coming for tea and words. The story telling is fun and lets us know each other at a deeper level. Carol is coming as Gene’s radiation therapy is later. I value her comments. The Palm of the Hand writes are quick and easy and I want to know where they are going. It’s like puzzle pieces that may fit together some time in the future. I want to explore the process.

day 106

Egads. Martha and Kathryn lost the election and David will be in a run-off with the jerk. Going to the board of supervisors meetings will be a must do and keeping letters to the editor about the actions. Sarah worked me hard yesterday. I came home and took a nap. Her massages open joints and muscles as she knows where the sore spots are. This morning my body feels good. Don’t know if the Giants won as I went to sleep.

Day 105

Megan didn’t come home and Hollie didn’t call but I’m sure she’s back from Bend. Yesterday continued to be weary and grumpy but I did sleep well and now I’m back to normal. It’s election day and I took the campaign signs off the lawn. It’s over and done until November when I’m hoping for mass approval for Hillary. I’ll get a walk, then Tracy for a traction treatment, then Sarah for deep massage, then Giants game. Busy agenda. Life is good.

Day 104

Restless night. Had trouble falling asleep and now I’m feeling sluggish. Coffee is helping. My body had aches and pains that couldn’t find comfort until late. Now it’s Monday and I’m ready for a walk, senior center, and whatever else I can find. Hollie will be back from Bend and Megan will be back from Sarah’s. I am happy at home and enjoying my routine. Travel holds no interest. Guess I already did my share. Home is where the dogs are.

Day 103

Lots of people at the market and I enjoyed running into Kathy O’Conner. We made a plan to meet later this week. Scott asked me to lunch and we went to the Chart Room. It was noisy. Not a place for conversation but good food and full of tourists. The bales are thriving and there are peas ready to eat already. The soil under the old bales is full of nutrients and needed only seeds to get busy building new vegetables. 

POH

We moved a lot while I was growing up. By the time we arrived in Eureka I finished fourth grade in my 12^th school. We moved again and I started fifth grade at Lincoln school. That summer we moved to 6^th street and that meant another school for sixth grade. I asked if I could stay at Lincoln. I liked the teachers and I had my first best friend there. I was in the band and played saxophone and Mother made my lunch. Staying there meant toting my stuff, saxophone case, lunch and books, two blocks to the bus stop, transferring down town, and walking the last six blocks to school. I was willing to do that to stay there.

When I transferred in town, the young bus driver would hop down and help me with the saxophone and pull me up the steps. He was always funny and kind and I felt safe while on his bus. I managed all that traveling and completed the year at Lincoln.

Much later, while serving on the advisory committee for area agency on aging, I met Virginia Rumble. I recognized the name from the bus driver, Earl Rumble. I told her the story about the bus travel. She said he was a student at Humboldt at the time and became a teacher. She had heard about the little waif with all the stuff to carry. She knew I was the one in the dirty clothes, scrawny and undersized who he said had the heart of a lion.

Day 102

Fog lifted and it was 70. Today is overcast to start the day. I will walk to the farmers’ market and see what’s going on. Still early for a lot of vendors and I will soon be using my own greens. I’m hoping Megan will go too. She is good company and she needs to get out and enjoy being in Crescent City. Her choice to move back and live here. Tracy did another traction treatment and my back feels better.

Day 101

Well, I said, “Give me 70 or give me fog” and it’s the fog down to the ground. I need to get out to the garden and give flying lessons to any intruders. They like fog. Today I’ll start with a walk and remember to wear a scarf. I’m cold without the hair down my neck. Then Tracy for traction and a quick trip to Walmart. House needs attention and is likely to get a sweeping and a promise for more.  

Day 100

Four walks yesterday and I was soo ready to sit in my recliner and watch the Giants game. My fitbit recorded seven plus miles. Today is overcast so I guess the heatwave is over for now. Senior Center duty today and I’m looking forward to going. I enjoy spending time with Megan. We’ve had lunch two days, Greek on Tuesday and Philippine at the farmers’ market yesterday. She made chocolate-covered strawberries for Hollie to take to her Girls weekend in Bend.

Day 99

It was a busy day with lots of parts. My favorite kind of day. Three walks, short hair, lunch with Megan, visit with Hollie. Felt good all day. I know I am strong and fit. Today will begin June with PT exercises before the long walk. Then museum duty and a trip to the first farmers’ market. I’m ready for fresh produce. Won’t be long before I can use my own. The kales and chards are lifting up their beautiful leaves.