Day 180

Yesterday was almost too much for me. I am still tired from all the activity. Each piece was great and I need a day off! Guess I will have to wait until Monday. Rosalie and I will meet again next week to write our proposal. We made progress on what we want to present.  Now we need a group. Tea and Stories group was engaging and fun. Today is a busy CofC followed by a birthday visit to Port O pints for Rosalie’s birthday.

Day 179

Busy day coming up. Start at the tractor store for dog food followed by groceries. Swift shining up of the house comes next. Rosalie and I are having a working lunch as we change our eldering program to include a writing component. We will get a proposal ready. Then Tea and Stories group with Michele included for the first time. Hollie and Lala will come by for quilts and the car. Lala is here to get Kyle into rehab. I like days with parts.

I was born in the middle of the Great Depression. That may be why my early memories seem gray and uncomfortable. When this prompt was offered, a bright spot showed up and it was my mothers’ rose colored satin dressing gown. She didn’t wear it often, maybe an occasional Sunday when she made coffee cake as a surprise. She looked beautiful and I wanted to touch the gown but wasn’t allowed to do so. It was a piece of clothing that she prized. I never knew the story of how she obtained it as I know nothing about her life. My young self said that one day I would wear the beautiful gown and I’d let people touch the soft glowing material. Maybe I’d get married in it. I would swish around feel the softness and look beautiful too. I don’t remember when she stopped wearing it but it was later when she started calling it “this old thing.” Much later, when I was helping her with yet another move, I spotted the gown in a discard pile. Oh give that away, she said but I didn’t. I sneaked it into my suitcase and brought it home with me. There I put it away and forgot about until now. And here it is. A 1930’s dressing gown

Day 178

Clean house and neat yard from yesterday’s activity balanced by naps and watching the science channel. Back to my routine with increased vigor. Today is museum duty and that is enjoyable and stress free. Then off to Karen for a massage and conversation.  I had good nutrition yesterday with plans to do the same again. I can only binge once in a great while without regret. My house and body both appreciate moderation and mindfulness. It’s good to take care of myself every day.

Day 177

It was a restful night and I’m ready for a productive day. Megan brought a Roku so now I have Netflix to watch. Housework and laundry today. I feel like cleaning after having a guest. The greenhouse and the north side need weeding plus errands and shopping too. Kelle’s visit has shown me how comfortable I am with my routine activities. Good to shake it up once in a while and try new ways while accommodating others. Back to eating well. No junk food.

Day 176

Kelle will fly out at 2PM and I will have my routine back. I know I’m getting old when I’m curmudgeonly about a house guest’s use of my space! Barbara Clark helped with the OLLI connection and I’m sure Rosalie will be stoked too. I want to get started on blending our conscious aging program with writing components. I want a long walk or maybe two today. Haven’t been moving enough with Kelle here. She doesn’t like to walk. I’m already reclaiming my lifestyle.

Day 175

The market was crowded and I found peaches, broccoli, onions, string beans and hugs from friends. Writing class was stimulating with the stories coming together. I didn’t have much to add to their progress except advice on full character profiles. Later, Kelle, Megan, Hollie and I had an orgy of appetizers at seaquake. Today I’ll go to church and then to the Chart room for fish and chips. Kelle leaves tomorrow and I will deal with the five pounds I’ve gained from eating out.

Day 174

The CofC was busy with pleasant people. I like it when they say I gave them just what they wanted to know. They smile and go on with their vacations. Visited with Robert at the dispensary and pick up CBD. I asked him to find out if CBD can lower blood pressure. I’d rather not take a prescription if the tincture works. Farmers’ market this morning with Kelle and Hollie. Looking for more peaches and plums. Then class #6 on elements of the story.