Day 35

The glasses are going to take some time to appreciate. I immediately had a headache. The prism makes my eyes feel like they are crossing. I did wear them for the afternoon. I do a lot of moving my head to use them. The lunch with the chief was interesting and productive. He has enthusiasm for volunteers and was clear about how they can help. Today I will distribute senior news. It’s a spring rain, some sun, and wind day. 

Day 34

Yesterday was flat. One up then one down. I want to have even energy so I can predict what I can do. The PT exercises are for that purpose. I didn’t even get a walk that mattered. Just a slow stroll around the block. This morning I’m going to Brookings to get new glasses. I’m looking forward to seeing better. Then lunch with the volunteers and the police chief at Northwoods. I’m still deciding what new places I might go.

Day 33

After many phone calls the tech came at 8:30 PM to fix the security system. Now it isn’t annoyingly beeping. Yesterday was full of domestic energy. I washed curtains, cleaned out the kitchen window and put away most of what I had placed there. More light now. Today I will wash the outside of it too. I will plant nasturtium seeds in the outside of the bales after applying the chicken manure. Close now to planting the green leafy vegetables.

Day 32

Yesterday started so well and I expected  a productive day. No. After PT, after the security system started beeping, after another late 1099 that will make another tax amendment, after unanswered requests by phone, the day went downhill. I did get out and walk but the errands are still waiting. I was simply flat and waiting for bedtime. Today is clear and cool and my head is also clear so I’m hopeful again that it will be a good day.

Day 31

I did get two walks yesterday. The dogs did well and I know they need to walk regularly. This morning I have PT at 8 so I will get out early to walk before the session. I’m looking forward to the exercises and feeling stronger. Then it’s a day for collecting soil and seeds for the bale garden. Won’t be long now until I can plant. Today blood meal goes on top, more water. Later comes chicken manure and fertilizer.

Day 30

Walked over five miles yesterday and that and the massage made for an early bed time. Karen’s bales are a few days ahead of mine so I could see what to expect. My gardener instinct, inherited from my father, is ready to plant, plant, plant. Today is senior center duty. The band will be there and so it will be noisy.  I do want to walk briskly again and the dogs sorely need exercise. Maybe we can walk together later.

Day 29

Even though John Knox started the exercises slowly and with few repetitions, I am sore this morning. It’s an indication that the timing is appropriate. I am intent on following the program and getting the result I want. I will do the exercises at least twice today plus add a couple that I know I need. Later Karen will use her skills to make my body feel relaxed so it can heal. I want to see her straw bale garden.

Day 28

Poor restless sleep and I’m already weary before the sun is even up. When it does show up I will treat the straw bales with nitrogen. Mother Nature is still in charge of watering them. Later I get to start physical therapy for core conditioning. I want to improve my posture, upper body strength and definitely, ab strength. I’m looking forward to the work. After that, depending on how I fare, I may go to the board of supervisors meeting.

Day 27

We all slept through the night. Wow. It makes a difference to how the morning looks. Della’s problem seems to be over. It did pour buckets yesterday. Good for the bales but not for walking. Today is senior center duty and later I will go to Tracy for my back ache. I did enjoy Sunday without a lot to do. Lately Sunday’s have been quiet days. It’s supposed to be a day of rest and I guess I’m doing that. 

day 26

Kind of low energy again this morning. Could be because Della has been sick and is up and down several times in the night. Tomorrow I’ll make a vet appointment and hope to figure out what’s going on. It rained in the night so the bale watering won’t take long. I’ll get the orchids watered before church and that’s about it for plans. I may get a walk if I can do it without getting too wet. The journal calls.

Day 25

My four straw bale garden is set up and wet. I will pour more water to be sure it’s soaked to the bottom. Then the amendments start the process of breaking down the straw. It will take two weeks until plants can go in it. I plan to grow nasturtiums around the outside of the bales for color. I made calls to two guys who might join the police volunteers. That makes four people that I have recruited this week.

Day 24

I met Aggie O’Connor yesterday and introduced her around the senior center. She is the new volunteer who also went on police patrol. I know there are folks out there who could be busy helping out in the community. I liked her and that’s one of the best parts of volunteering. Today Karen will bring two bales. Mother Nature will help the process with rain. I’m eager to get baby plants. The first day of Spring is the right time.

First lilacs  

Day 23

The eye exam showed more need than I was acknowledging. I was used to seeing what I could see and with the corrections, including prism, maybe I can read again. I’m excited about the straw bale garden. Karen brought one straw bale and we rolled it into position atop cardboard. Two more bales will arrive tomorrow and then the process can begin. There will be nitrogen additives and lots of watering to get the bales ready for the baby plants.

Day 22

Minnie woke me up from a deep serious dream where I was digging a hole and burying peoples’ secrets. I was putting rocks on top to keep any from escaping. There was a cat in the dream that I was protecting. The shreds are still in my mind and coffee hasn’t dissipated them yet. Today I’m going to get my eyes examined for glasses. I’m losing some edges far away. Then Karen is coming to start the straw bale garden. 

Day 21

I enjoyed a conversation with Susanne yesterday. I miss having her close enough to share our love of noodles. Also recruited another volunteer for the police department while checking out at Safeway. Never know how connections can occur! I am hoping for a couple more people whose names have popped up. It’s a good thing to add to community policing. I’m still considering volunteer time at the museum or the visitors’ center. Lots of opportunities to serve, learn, and share.

Day 20

Still feeling relief that the computer is doing what I like it to do. I am a creature of routine right down to simple daily chores. I like predictable events and even after 80 years of living on Earth, I still hope for its simplicity. Yet, I also seek change and learning. I’m enjoying the smart phone and keep finding new things it can do. Today I will practice photographing again. I just found out how to crop the picture. 

Day 19

The party was fun. I drank two glasses of merlot and the result was a headache. The food was good and the people were fun and happy to be there together. Today Jeremy put the computer back together after a thorough cleaning and deleting of unnecessary programs. I’m happy to have it back. Felt like I was missing old friends. It’s pouring and windy and I will not get a good walk like those I have enjoyed the past week.

Day 18

No help yesterday so I’m still not connected to my favorites. I will ask Jeremy again and hope he will come over otherwise I don’t know what to do. Today I will get out for a walk and later go to the RSVP recognition party. I’m feeling weary again. I wish I wasn’t dependent on the computer because I don’t know how to take care of the issues. I don’t have any solutions myself. I don’t like asking for help.

Day 17

Yesterday was very busy and I loved every minute of it. Today, not so much. I’m feeling tired. There are times when I must remember my age whether I want to or not. And the computer isn’t working right. Next to electricity, the computer is next on the list of essentials. Now I’m waiting for Jeremy to help me find Google and all the parts that I need. Groceries are on the list for today and maybe a dog walk.

Day 16

I walked over 11 K steps, over five miles, and used over 1500 calories. It takes a lot of effort to get up to those numbers and I may repeat them today. This afternoon is the reception for Rick Bennett at the court house. They are taking down his show and will first honor him and his work. I will be there and enjoy the event. Before that happens I will do my senior center duty and get a haircut.

Day 15

Hollie’s birthday. One of the most memorable events in my life. There we were, just the two of us, for over an hour until her father found us. We were certainly bonded by then! She has been a joy every day of our lives together. And now we are friends and that is just about as good as it gets. Today is damp out but I will still get out and see if I can raise my speed and distance.

Day 14

Now I understand the tax glitch that had me worried. It’s the leftovers from January to March when I moved my account. Not a big deal after all. I want the business stuff to be simple and in one place. Played with the new phone and learned more about how to use it. It can do a lot of tasks that I don’t need. Sort of like the computer and I use well the parts that are appropriate for me.

Day 13

There were nine people in church yesterday and five of them were up front. Mara’s homily was a contemporary skit followed by three searching questions that I will mull over and hope to find answers. I did get a brisk walk and felt better for it. Today I want more for my time and effort. The orchids will be fed and watered, I’ll buy new shoes to go with my police uniform, and I will be conscious about food choices.
New spike
rebloom from a hidden bud

Day 12

Aside from conversations with Hollie and Chris, it was a solitary day. I am assessing constantly, paring the unnecessary, and planning for enhancement. For some reason cleaning the containers, weeding the lemon tree, and planting a row of onion sets filled a need. I wandered around the yard wanting ideas for developing it with plants and vegetables. Straw-bale gardening appeals to me. I have plenty of space for a row of bales. Besides the convenience, the soil is better too.

Day 11

No agenda today. Feels like a day at home maybe pulling weeds. The domestic energy made its way through the bedroom only so there are places that could use a hand or a mop. I still enjoy doing my housework and I do have Sheila’s phone number in case I change my mind. I’m restless for something new to do, or be, or have. As I get more physical energy, my need for stimulation increases. I want an engaging project.

Day 10

Yesterday was a good one after a week of not-so-good days. So the list of errands and shopping is substantial as is the list of inside work. Maybe the Domestic Goddess will drop in and take care of the dust and dog hair. I learned a couple more moves on the new phone and I like learning how to use it. The camera takes great pictures that I can include in the blog. I like keeping current with tech stuff.

Day 9

Woke up feeling much better! I want a good day with smiles and laughing. After senior center duty, a brisk walk is due. Karen used her magic fingers on my neck and made it feel strong. She gave me a phone lesson too and now I have more that I can do. I already want more. Jon brought hot chocolate chip cookies made with wholesome ingredients. They didn’t last long enough to take a photo. Today is new and fresh.
And the band played on....

Day 8

Patrol went OK. I did come home early. Still not 100% well. The wind was cold and I didn’t want a chill. Today Karen will give me a phone lesson and a massage. I remind myself that I learned a lot about the computer with help. I know I have to do the same motions several times before I have muscle memory. I’m sure the phone is the same. No sense having a device that I can’t maneuver at will.

Karen's farm house

Day 7

Police patrol today.  I will decide if I want to keep this duty. I’m at the place in my life where I want to enjoy what I’m doing and I’m not sure this qualifies. Maybe with a different partner. The new police chief may be proactive about recruiting and training civilian volunteers. Meanwhile, the new phone is at the frustrating point of the learning curve. Yesterday I gave up, turned it off, and said, Why did I want that thing?

Day 6

The drive to Eureka was beautiful. We live in a postcard of nature’s greatest hits. After visiting Megan at her apartment so we could play with Butters, off we went to Shamus T Bones for a delicious and expensive dinner. I dove into my filet like a cave woman fearing a sabre tooth would take it away. There were three of us sitting there with camera phones and no photo. What’s with that? I thought that’s why I wanted it.

Day 5

Today I will walk before church. I’m feeling OK with a few symptoms. Later we will drive to Eureka for family dinner at a steak house they like. Our birthdays are in a row so we have one celebration. I bought myself the phone, Hollie is getting a Kindle, she has a fitbit for Megan, and Chuck had his annual three day party. I want to use the phone well so may have Karen tutor me. She says it’s easy.

Senior news column

What can I do on a gloomy Saturday that would be interesting? Go to the Del Norte County Historical Society museum and find warm, friendly volunteers with stories to tell. On Mondays the research people are available to writers and people working on genealogy. Or people who have an interest in a place, a person, or a time in our history. The research room is a treasure house of documents, photographs, books, newspapers, and people with information.

I asked about Jedediah Strong Smith as his name is prominent here. I found out that Jed Smith brought the first white men, his party of trappers, to come here from the east in 1828. He brought the first horses, made the first maps, and carried the first Bible. His diaries found in 1934 described his weeks of explorations in our area. Whatever the facts are, Jed smith made an impact that is still with us today.

Phil Rovai, a seasonal employee of the Redwood national Park Service, learned a lot about Old Jed. While playing his banjo and singing “The Ballad of Jed Clampet,” Rovai made lyrics about the Smith party that are now sung around campfires. Here is Jed’s whole story complete with music. Why don’t you sing along?

“Come listen to my story ‘bout a man named Jed. Traveled from the east with some trappers he led. Then one day he hiked a river bed. Came upon some trees that were tall and red. (Redwoods, that is, scraped the sky, Jed called ‘em cedars.)

“They traveled up the coast till some rivers could be seen. The waters were so deep and cold and showed a brilliant green. The trappers said to Jed, “now, it’s the place to be”. So they set up camp not far from the sea. (Ocean, that is, crashing waves and sea gulls.)

“The Indians of Del Norte at first were quite afraid. But after watching Jed for days they finally came to trade. When food began to run out and the men could find no meat, the Indians were helpful and brought Jed food to eat. (seafood, that is, eels and salmon, yum yum.)

“So now you know the story of Jed and all his men. They traveled through a country where no white men had been. Today he’s not forgotten for a river bears his name. And also a state redwood park, a tribute to his name. (Jedediah Smith, mountain man, Bible toter.)

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