Day 157

I walked to Dr. E. I may be slower than I would like to be but I’m walking. Eye pressure was great. It was a brief visit and in six months I’ll go back for the big exam. Today is museum duty followed by a massage with Karen. I’m taking her a bag of shirts that I don’t wear and a bag of lemons. She will use both well. Karen frequents thrift shops and yard sales. She has a simple lifestyle of reusing stuff.

Day 156

Two walks yesterday while I was playing hooky. The day off was necessary and the light agenda for today is welcome. Dr. E for a pressure check and a couple of easy errands. A change is as good as a rest. I want to write a story and the ideas keep bouncing around in my mind. The class is inspiring me to write more. I may feel like doing yard work later. Or not. No shoulds right now. I’m feeling fragile. I’ll simply enjoy.

Day 155

I’m staying home today. I want another day off. The idea of standing at the counter talking to visitors while I have a UTI is not comfortable at all. The pills help but I don’t feel secure about getting to the ladies on time. I will get out for a walk if the smoke is at an acceptable level. Megan’s Coda was sick while she was away. Holllie stepped in and took her to Brookings. The Addison’s disease was stabilized and all is well.

Day 154

Red sun from the fire. Always feels heavy and sad. Writing class was productive and moving along well. I like leading people into the writing experience. I am inspired by the progress of the group.  I won’t go to church as the UTI, although it is managed, is not comfortable. I need a day without any agenda. I may get a walk depending on the smoke level or just veg out for the day. Sometimes I have o own my age and slow down.

day 153

Came home yesterday feeling poorly. Too tired from what is enjoyable duty. Found stuff for veg soup and then napped. Not much relief. This morning I woke up with a roaring UTI. Thankfully I have macrobid and AZO to manage while it clears up. I won’t go to the farmers’ market but, of course, I will lead my writing class this afternoon. I  am aware that the immune response has seemed fragile and have done what I know how to do to strengthen it.

Day 152

I’m hoping that the CofC duty is not too strenuous. With the heat wave over the hill, we will get a lot of refugees. Yesterday was enjoyable. It was meet friends day at the grocery store. Lots of chatter and quick catch ups. The house was slicked up pretty and ready for Tea and stories. Everyone had an amusing and entertaining story. The group is the high point of the week. It’s lots more fun than pulling weeds. I’m pleased to host our group.

Day 151

Errands and shopping today. Blueberries, groceries, driving the car are all necessary. Later, Tea and Stories. The group is bonded and trusting so the sharing is deep and meaningful. I walked with a bounce yesterday. Felt so good! Yes, my knee was pinging a bit but the soreness didn’t last. I want the natural vitality and the energy to continue to be productive. I am bothered by the way my juice can just suddenly disappear. I’ll just push myself and get the swagger back.

Oh boy, oh boy, here she comes! I am excited to see her this morning. Every morning, oh goody she’s pushing my on button. Now I can see her as she gets ready to go through her routine. I get to find info that she likes to start the day. I spend lots of time waiting for the moment I get my brain ignited.

First she mumbles about what went on while she slept, so we go look at the call log from the sheriff’s dept. As she sips her coffee and says mm, she looks at the addresses to see if her neighborhood was okay. She says there are too many calls from J street. It used to be a good address.

Then she writes her blog. I notice that she has a slight tremor in her left hand that makes too many as and ds. Sometimes we get a whole row of letters instead of a word. She can write her words and then check the word count and most of the time she has 84. Guess her brain counts for her.

When it’s time for Tea and Stories, she will write longer and I like that. When she is writing, she paces from the front door to the back door. I’m guessing her brain is in her feet. What else would you expect from a Pisces. She does have a fun place for me to wait. Ever since she read the Feng Shui article about having pretty things in the room where writing is created, I have color and fun things like plants and windows and toys to keep me company.

Sigh, I can do many tasks that she doesn’t need. Sometimes I wish she wanted a spread sheet or something more complicated than word. Oh well, I’m here to serve and happy for it. I do get to giggle when she googles. I especially when she is looking through the images to find one for her blog. There are reams and reams of photos for her to choose from.

Oh no, she’s pushed back her chair. I know that means she’ll turn me off. Bye.

Day 150

Except for the drama between Gitlin and the rest of the world, it was a short meeting. Anne and I enjoyed a Mexican lunch and the weeds went in the green bin. I pushed my walking and felt better about my ability to get my stamina back. Today is museum duty. It is satisfying to greet visitors and help them get started . Later, more work in Megan’s yard. She was taking care of her yard until she was involved in Katherine’s last days.

Day 149

It was a full duty and I came home half hour early. Ran out of juice. There were amusing moments with open people. It’s a pleasure to interact with vacationers. They are relaxed and ready for adventures. Today is Board of Supervisors meeting and the agenda looks short. Maybe Anne and I will have lunch afterwards. Then it’s off to the weed pile in Megan’s yard. I approached it yesterday but didn’t engage. Made weed killer instead. Pulled carrots and crunched with the dogs.

Day 149

It was a full duty and I came home half hour early. Ran out of juice. There were amusing moments with open people. It’s a pleasure to interact with vacationers. They are relaxed and ready for adventures. Today is Board of Supervisors meeting and the agenda looks short. Maybe Anne and I will have lunch afterwards. Then it’s off to the weed pile in Megan’s yard. I approached it yesterday but didn’t engage. Made weed killer instead. Pulled carrots and crunched with the dogs.

Day 148

Good sleep. Ready for Monday. Megan has recovered from Relay for life that she did in honor of Katharine. She was physically and emotionally drained. Hollie brought a flat of blueberries for Meg and I to eat. She will bring another one for us to freeze. So juicy and delicious. Lots of growth in the greenhouse. The peppers and tomatoes are going to town along with zucchinis and kale. I like going out and picking fresh food. Today is CofC duty. It’ll be busy.

Day 147

My dear old 21½ year old car turned 63,000 miles yesterday. I have worn out more shoes than tires. It will take care of my travels as long as I choose to drive. Today is my brother Bruce’s 87^th birthday. I know nothing about him or his family. Long ago the tie broke and there was not enough commonality to repair it. We were close as children due to the mobile life.  We were our only companions. Today is church and a Giants game.

Day 146

The replacement fitbit arrived and I spent a couple of hours getting it connected and updated. What’s with having to update a new product? I like the tracker. It is motivating. Yesterday the CofC duty was just right. The visitors came in small bunches and there was time for conversation. I like the travel stories. Today Hollie and I will go to market. Megan is at relay for life. Later, my second class for the veteran writers. I have anxiety dreams about being prepared.

Day 145

Yesterday was the best one in weeks! Gave me hope that I can get myself back in good shape. It was a day for neighborhood watch stuff due to ongoing problems.  I walked with vigor instead of tottering around like an old lady. Felt good. The house was slicked up before 8 AM and all the dishes and laundry were done. Today is CofC duty and I’m sure we will be slammed again. I get tired from talking so much. Relay for Life starts.

Day 144

Beautiful sunrise. Ready for a domestic day. Yesterday afternoon the Giants won again and it was a well-played game. Art and Ellen came to visit and brought zucchini and tomatoes. I will get the greenhouse clean today. Weeds growing and the darn raspberries that want to live inside. Time to pull carrots and beets to make room for the tomatoes and peppers. I like having fresh food right outside the door. All te floors need attention that shows up when the sun shines in.

Day 143

Woke up well and ready for a busy day. I promised Megan I would bring her a pesto roll from the farmers’ market on my way to the museum for duty. At 11, Kerry is coming so I can give her a catch-up on the writing class. I want her to get started before class two. Then it’s my afternoon and I want to feel like walking. I’ve been missing walking with all this unwell stuff. Time to get on with my good life.

Day 142

It was too busy yesterday. I lost my voice from so much information giving. Had to call Cindy and Luanne to help in front. Too tired from walking home and napped through the first Giants game. What can I do to get energy and stamina? Bad night with UTI symptoms. Took a pill and tried to sleep. Very weary and unwell this morning. Thankfully, it’s a day with no agenda. I can rest and get over it fast. I want to enjoy my life.

Day 141

It was a restful Sunday. After church, I watched the Giants game, napped, and enjoyed doing nothing. Late in the day I walked around the block. That’s all. I’ll get out and water early. The greenhouse is full. Today is CofC duty.  It was busy on Friday and I’m guessing it will be today too. Much as I enjoy the duty, it gets hectic when the lobby is full of people. I like them in twos and threes with time to talk with them.

Day 140

The class was off to a good start with a manageable number. I was happy that Michele and Amy helped me with closing up afterward due to a door glitch. I’ll know next time. Today I’m going to church and walk. That’s all. I’m tired and don’t have enough energy to be social or political at the unity picnic. May connect with Hollie for lunch. She’s had a couple of days away. Megan and I came home from the farmers’ market with fresh goodies.

Day 139

July 13. Birthday memories. Yesterday was busy. It was one of the days when the visitors were three deep at the counter. I was tired when I came home, ate soup, and took a nap. The CofC is businesslike with the new ED. Changes are happening. Today I’ll meet my writing class and see how it works with eleven students. The lesson plans are the same as they were in January. I hope the alumni don’t get bored. I have added to their homework.

Day 138

Errands and walking started yesterday. New coffee maker and two jars of peanut butter. That’s the way to keep a happy home. Minor house slicking plus the fun of digging potatoes. I have a whole basket of Yukon golds that the gophers didn’t get this year. There is a screen under the patch! Story group was deep and intimate with storytelling and personal issues shared. No matter who comes, it’s always perfect. Today is CofC duty and maybe lunch afterward. I’m working on it.

Day 137

Beautiful morning, calm and clear. I’m going to walk a lot today and enjoy every step. But first, a slick up of the house in preparation for tea and stories. I’ve been planning for the writing class on Saturday and feeling anxious about the size of the group. Eleven is too many for intimacy and safety for sharing. Have to make ground rules about keeping confidences. Karen’s massage plus museum duty and walking plus CBD/THC and I go off to dreamland. Another good day.

Our camping trip took place in Grizzly Creek State Park on Highway 36 east and south of Fortuna. There were four couples, eleven kids, and five dogs on this outing. Each of the couple was responsible for the ingredients for one meal plus tons of snacks for the kids. We arrived on Friday afternoon and carried all the necessary equipment across the creek with only one fatality, a watermelon that slipped away from my son. It took a lot of trips with that many people. The food in coolers, tents, sleeping bags, and all the extra baggage for a crowd. When assembled, we sat and took deep breaths of the warm forest air, listened to the creek and drank beer. Our first meal was prepared by Fred who was the chef at the Elks club at the time. He made salmon, coal cooked potatoes, and vegetables on the grill over the campfire. It was delicious and had been preceded by martinis served in stemmed glasses. First class all the way. In fact, the adult drinking was one the features of this trip. The kids hung out together and made their own fun and games. We stayed up late telling stories and drinking. Finally when all the kids and dogs were asleep, we adults joined them for a peaceful night. Breakfast was on everyone. But lunch was prepared by George and was mostly sandwiches and condiments. Kids loved it. Later that evening, we had a formal dinner party on the sandy beach. We had all brought fancy tops, jewelry, and whatever we thought looked elegant. The guys had suit jackets, white shirts and ties. And all the lower dress was swim suit bottoms. We ate from china plates and drank from crystal glasses as the wine flowed.  The food was roast beef with the usual potatoes and vegetables. We made long gloves and boas from toilet paper  Oh my, the way to dine on a camping trip. That night one of  the dogs stole the left over roast and promptly threw up on one the Kids’ sleeping bags. Dave and I made breakfast on Sunday morning. The menu was Bloody Marys followed by bacon and eggs. The sputtering bacon over the campfire made the whole place smell good. There was a leisurely morning  of conversation while the kids had one more splash around in the creek and around noon the packing up started for the trip home. There was a delicious feeling of laughing and sharing with good friends. On the way home, my kids told me all the things that the adults didn’t see. No harm done. No injuries. Only one dog fight and a ton of humor.

Day 136

The BOS was short and almost drama free. Home at noon for a salad and a short walk. Hollie and Chuck came over to fix the porch light. I offered to get an electrician but he wants to do the work. Tea with Michele was comfortable and tasty. I enjoyed meeting her husband, Thomas, and seeing his paintings. He does huge canvasses of seascapes and landscapes. Scones with strawberries and whipped cream topped off the afternoon. Today is museum duty plus a needed massage.

Day 135

Yesterday was full and I managed well plus 10K plus steps. Felt normal with little coughing. I’m on the mend after such a long spell of unwell. The visitors’ center was a constant stream of happy and it had lots of interesting travel stories.. The dem meeting was full of information and current concerns. Today is the BOS. The agenda looks short but I’ve thought so before and been there for hours. Later, Michele will pick me up for high tea. Life is good.

Day 134

I went to church for morning prayer, followed by coffee with Karen and Gayle. The first walk was around the block and it was strenuous. The second walk was to town. Did better. When my energy goes, it’s like putting a kink in a hose. It’s gone. I will exercise and get my endurance back. Today is CogC. Could be busy now that the holiday is over. Later, Dem committee. I’m planning to walk. It’s only a mile. Darn, it’s already dark at 5AM.

Day 133

Hollie was busy with her friends so instead of farmers’ market I went to the store and took on necessities. Maybe I’ll drive to the farm stand later today. I enjoy the fresh produce. I had domestic energy and interest in the maintenance projects. Summer is going by and I have not connected with help. I’ve been ignoring the need by saying that if I wait long enough, it will be someone’s problem. That’s not fair. It’s my property. Pulled weeds too. Feels good.

Day 132

I did finish the duty, came home, ate soup, took a nap and felt great. I want to have more information about my short breath condition as I have to work hard when walking. Fitbit records my efforts as floors.  I feel that I’m walking slower and yet using more energy. Walking is pleasure for me and I don’t want it to be work! Today is farmers’ market with Hollie. I look forward to our Saturday ritual. The garden needs water and weeds attention.

Day 131

I did want to come home early. Bless Megan as she stepped up and poured coffee. It was busy, noisy, and colorful from the walk to the museum to the walk back home. I like to see long time people as they are the ones who show up for pie and ice cream. I feel okay. Still no bundle of firecrackers, but upright and moving. Hope to stay the four hour duty at the CofC. Town will still be busy with the holiday weekend.

Day 130

The doctor visit resulted in a blood pressure pill. My pressure tops off in the 140s and that is too high for someone with an aortic aneurysm. He backed off calling my breathing COPD. Another “don’t know” lack of diagnosis. It’s been that way since 2005! Oh well, where there is breath, there is life. Today is noise and crowds for our Norman Rockwell version of the Fourth of July. I’m feeling almost healthy. Megan will be there if I want to come home..

Day 129

Much better sleep. One big coughing spell and lots of rest. Today might be routine. First I am going to see Dr. V. for the long awaited visit. Lots of questions about the tests he ordered on April 30^th. Long time to wait for information. I have done my homework; dates of shots and blood pressure readings, and hope for how to go forward for my best health. Later, museum duty. It will be a hive of activity for the July 4^th pie social.

Day 128

Feeling better. Lots of coughing still but clear-headed and moving. The dogs go to the groomer this morning and later, I’ll go to Tracy for my neck. The rest of the day will be resting and getting well. I’ve given enough time to the cold symptoms. The writing class is on my mind. With some coming for the second time, I feel that I need to have new processes for them. I have new homework but the same basic content. Waiting for a brainstorm.

Day 127

Sick won the day. Coughing, sneezing, sore throat, all the ingredients for a cold. Miserable night and now coffee is trying to perk me up. I might walk to the CofC for the first hour until Emily shows up or I might just admit that I need to be right here under my blanket. No sense in sharing the germs with the nice visitors. I am not a martyr nor am I indispensable. Megan rested over the weekend. She has had a stressful June.