Day 126

Must get to PT this morning. It’s been a week since I did the exercises and I lose muscle tone fast. I enjoy feeling muscles and good posture. I have a few errands and that’s it for the agenda. I’m missing my paper journal. Today I will recap June and get back to daily posts. Seems like I haven’t written daily since last August when the sheriff read my journal and the stuff around that. Time to get over it.

Day 125

Yesterday the stumps were pulled and now the new fence project can get underway. Chuck and Hollie will be home on Wednesday and will come and measure on Thursday. Today is damp outside. It is refreshing. Everything is so dry that people are praying for rain. Imagine that in Del Norte County. Today, after a walk, I will go for Senior Center duty. I enjoyed the break and know that I am content staying home.  The bale garden is flourishing.

Day 124

I bought a cookie at the market and came home to stay for the day. I like being here in my home and yard. Today I have Sunday activities: water the orchids, walk, church, and feel gratitude for my life. The country is celebrating gay rights, Obama care, and what both of those Supreme Court decisions mean to so many who have felt disenfranchised. My president made a heartfelt eulogy that I watched over and over and cried every time. 

Day 123

Yes, all the papers were out before noon! Tired, sore body again. Left-over from the marathon weeding day. Later I confronted John about his son’s use of my fence line and that I was not waiting any longer for action. John moved the rusty car parts and now I want him to do the promised removal of the stumps. I can’t get a new fence until that is done. Today I will walk and end up at the farmers’ market.

Day 122

I stayed home all day and poked around doing sorting and cleaning small things. I did sweep the garage and wash the windows in the guest house. I found a box full of stuff that guests have left for me and will take them to the senior center for their recycled gift shop. Today I want a walk and exercise. If senior news shows up, I will distribute it as I want the papers out early. Kathy likes my column. 

Day 121

I connected with the daily bread guys yesterday and smiled as they took away about a ton of unwanted green stuff. Now my job is to keep it clean so I don’t get overwhelmed again. I am tired and sore this morning and it’s worth it to know how much I can do. Sheila cleaned the guest house and it looks great. I’m thinking about staying home from the senior center today. A break from routine is a good thing.

Day 120

Kelle reminded me that I hadn’t blogged yet.  I am full of yard energy and have been pulling weeds and cutting bushes down since 6:30! I have a considerable pile of green stuff that needs to go to the transfer station. Now, find someone to transport it. May call recology and find out how much it would cost to have them  get it. Karen finally has a boot for her broken foot. Terrible story about our broken health care system.

Day 119

Monday was better. It didn’t last but I enjoyed feeling well while it was going on. Today will be a good one. After walking I will go to physical therapy and do the upper body exercises. Then the board of supervisors meeting where I intend to speak about the intersection of J and Cooper streets. Later, Karen for a massage. I have chicken breast marinating that will be part of a kale and pasta dinner. I am ready for action.

Day 118

Yesterday was a non-starter, again. No energy to match my intentions. No church. No walk. No nothing. There has to be something I can do to up my physical abilities. I work at it. It’s not like I’m a couch potato by choice. I got dressed about 4 PM and walked around the short block because I just had to move. Now it’s Monday and I want do what I say I’ll do. This makes two weeks of low functioning.

Day 117

The project is now in the repair stage. First a couple of new boards and then paint. It looks different without the covering and Chuck will use all the parts for a chicken yard. I like recycling. I pulled more weeds and cleaned the bird of paradise of its old leaves and blooms. There is a huge pile for the guys to take to the transfer station. Today is cool and windy. After the sunny days, it’s kind of refreshing.

Day 116

The test showed that my oxygen diffusion score went from 57 in 2011 to 75 now. That’s a great increase. So, why can’t I take a deep breath? The back deck cover is almost down. Chuck is doing the deconstruction carefully and it all looks reusable. I walked to Sandi’s work and we visited. I wish her health and well-being. Today I will walk to Farmers’ market, wander around, buy a nutritious cookie, and come home to do yard work.

Day 115

Yesterday saw progress. The yard guy came. He’ll come on Tuesday for clearing and removing the unwanted growth. Chuck started removing the cover on the back porch. He is doing it carefully so he can reuse the parts. He pulled down the vines that were trying to go inside. Lots of weeds were pulled too. Today I have a pulmonary function test at the hospital. I am hoping that the results will give direction to how I can breathe fully.

Day 114

I did PT yesterday plus a walk plus yard cleaning. Today I feel better than I have for a week! I’m hoping for help with the little yard. Made a contact yesterday with Daily Bread to hire their crew. It’s too much for me to do alone. Rachel left the guest house relatively clean. Won’t take Sheila long to freshen it up for Amy. My big issue is still getting the neighbors to do their part in the fence project.

Day 113

Nothing helped yesterday. I could not get going. One of those days when I walked out the front door and then turned around and went back inside. I don’t like wasting a whole day feeling poorly and that happens sometimes. Today is starting out kind of slow too and I’m hoping for more energy. Julia is coming to museum to research Preston Island. She wants to see photos before it was quarried for the breakwater. Maybe I’ll get to PT.

Day 112

Slow start this morning. Feel sluggish like sleep hasn’t let go yet. Coffee helps. I want to walk and go to physical therapy for upper body exercises before I meet Hollie for a trip to Brookings. My walking shoes need to be replaced and the dog bones are worn out and need to be replaced also. We may just dink and poke around. Chuck and Megan will come home from their road trip to San Diego with many fun stories.

Day 111

Weeds galore! I cleaned the north side of the house and fence line. Big pile of berry vines and weeds. Now I need to deal with getting them to the transfer station. Today, while the dogs are at the groomers for their monthly bath, I’m going to buy a water filter pitcher. When a friend who works at the water treatment plant strongly suggests filtering, I’ll follow through. Later is walking and duty at the senior center. Life is good.

Day 110

The day went by with no progress from next door on either side. Oh well. Hollie and I went to farmers’ market and came home with plenty of goodies. I always buy a cookie from Ashland bakery. Ocean Air farm had gorgeous strawberries. Today I’m hoping the wind will be less awful. It takes the fun away from outside and brings the smoke. I will walk, water the orchids, and go to church. Aside from that I don’t know yet.

day 109

The wind was awful yesterday and will blow again today. It’s bringing smoke from the wild fire and that makes the sky and sun a weird brownish color. Hollie is coming this morning and we will walk down to the farmers’ market. It is a busy place and the wind won’t help there either. Later I will still be dealing with weeds and hopefully, John will begin taking out the stumps so I can get on with the fence project.

Day 108

The driving practice worked out fine. Karen can drive with her broken foot. We went on back roads to practice sudden stops and avoiding calves and piglets. Then driving on the highway. I know she will treat herself carefully. Today, after the routine, I will deal with the weeds in the little yard. It is overwhelmingly overgrown. I will get busy with those already pulled and take them to the transfer station. Then I will get help for the rest.

Day 107

Linda gave me new exercises yesterday and they are exercise. I realize how much I have gained from physical therapy when added to walking and nutrition. I need to keep it going for a fit future. Today after senior center duty, I will go to Karen’s place to help her find out if she can drive with her broken foot. It was one of those accidents that come from simply stepping down. She is active and this is a disaster.

Three good things:
The lunch duty was fine. This happened because I can choose who and what to pay attention to.
The driving practice with Karen went fine too. This happened because she was careful with her foot and could move back and forth from accelerator to brake with no pain.
I went to bed early. That happened because the Giants game and the warriors games were both over and I was tired.

I did this exercise for ten days. I don't need it. I am grateful for everything in my days and i know that I am the author of happenings.

Day 106

Warm again although foggy too. Had weird dreams and woke up feeling that I had left something unfinished. I did not talk to the neighbor about clearing his side of the fence. I need to do that soon as it’s been over a year since I first asked for his help. His car junk is rusty and I’m sure it is worthless. After museum duty, I’ll walk to Thai House and have lunch with Julia. First the whole health routine.

Three good things:
I walked over 15 K steps, more than 6 miles  This happened because I am good at walking and did some errands along the way.
Lunch was good. This happened because Julia chose the Thai House and the vegetables were fresh and cooked well.
I shared from the garden. This happened because I offered to share.

Day 105

Noise was the theme for yesterday. Noisy seniors, noisy emergency scene, noisy thunder. Today I will walk first. The sky is full of clouds that look like they could  make noise and the brief rain made the air fresh. It’s warm too. In spite of the noisy night I’m up for physical therapy and then the board of supervisors meeting. Karen broke her foot so no massage today. The bus crash scenario was amazing to watch. Bravo to the players.

Three good things:
I shared garden produce with Hollie. This happened because I planted lots and like to share.
I sat with Anne at the meeting. This happened because we both enjoy going to the meeting. We have been friends since 1967 when she was the neighbor on Rudisill Road.
the Giants won. This happened because they played well and the pitcher pitched a no-hitter.

Day 104

Busy day coming so I will get an early start with a walk around the big block. Later, senior center duty. Mondays are busy there with exercise and card players. Then, after a couple of hours, an emergency drill at the fairgrounds. I will put on my police uniform and join the 400 others who will participate. The scenario is a bus crashing into a crowd. I haven’t been involved since the tsunami drill and the traveling flu shot clinic.

Three good things:
Lunch at the senior center was delicious. That happened because Charlie is a good chef and I was very hungry.
I observed at the emergency drill. That happened because the Chief asked the VIPs to be there and I was amazed at the coordination, the number of responders, and the whole scenario was interesting.
I tried to comfort Minnie in the thunder. That happened because she is terrified and shakes so hard that the bed shook too. I don't do much to soothe her but I hold her close.

Day 103

Yesterday ended better than it began. Finally perked up in the late afternoon. Today will be restful and simple. My agenda: water orchids, go to church, walk. I did sit with the journal and write a few things that I want to remember. May was an awful month and I guess I don’t want to memorialize any of it but there are things I want to remember like the bad service at the pharmacy so I will make a change.

three good things:
One snake stayed long enough for me to get a photo. It happened because I went out frequently to check.
Church was OK. It happened because I wanted to be there. I'm not always sure that I want to be there.
Good conversation with Hollie. It happened because we had a couple of things to talk about and to hear about from each other.

Day 102

Woke up to sun and migraine. I want to enjoy the day and as soon as the imitrex kicks in, I will. No agenda but a simple day at home after a walk in the beautiful place where I live. The journal remains open and waiting. I might look through my file of pictures that I have cut out of magazines and see if anything pops. I’m missing journaling and can’t seem to get that first word on the page.

three good things:
Imitrex works for me. This happened because I tried every migraine medicine I could and found the injectible form gets the headache manageable in a few minutes.
I ate an oatmeal, walnut, cranberry cookie. This happened because I went to the farmers' market and there was the Ashland bakery guy. I asked which cookie had the most nutrition. It was $2.00. I ate it on the walk home.
I enjoyed the Giants game. This happened because they played well and won. I have trouble watching when they are struggling. They get big bucks to play like big boys not fourth graders.

Day 101

Another pristine morning. I love the days when the sun comes in the north windows. In the afternoon sun floods the kitchen.  CJ is posting about journals and I admit that mine is lonely and dull. I pulled out a couple of old ones and was amazed at the creativity I once had for them. Where is the muse? I wonder if I just sat and acted as if I had the spark, would I put something on the page?

Three good things:
I found everything I went shopping for. This happened because I had a list and planned ahead. It's been a while since I shopped and there were many empty places to fill.
Julia visited. This happened because I have an open door for visitors and enjoy drop ins. She likes my dogs and gives them attention.
I made a delicious dinner. This happened because I marinated chicken with garlic and Italian dressing, cooked it with fresh kale from the bale garden, added pasta and pesto.

Day 100

The morning is beautiful and I want to get out before the wind starts again. I love morning. There is something fresh and waiting when I’m out before traffic noises and hurrying people. There are two snakes in the bale garden. They are helpful and I like them. Last year Della kept chasing them so I’m glad they have a haven where they can bask in the sun. Everything is growing fast and well. The tomato plants smell so good.

Three good things today:
I saw the morning before sunrise when the birds were sleepily tweeting and the air was still. It happened because Minnie woke me up at 4:45. The paper was already on the porch.
Megan and I had a great conversation. It happened because she reminded me of a childhood experience at Sutro Baths and the Cliff House. We both enjoyed my reminiscing.
I had a pleasant and friendly chat across the hedge with the Parmentiers. It happened because i had mentioned a floor cleaning product that I shared with chris and we talked about the yards and wind.

Day 99

I did it all yesterday plus a dog walk. Felt good all day. Today will be a replay or the walks and exercises and duty at the museum. I want to woo the muse back into my writing. My journal is blank. No words, no color. This bit of my history is all I write at this time. I have ideas but they don’t get into black and white. The gratitude exercise that Chris suggested did get a few lines.

Three good things today:
I helped an old lady across the street. That happened because i look friendly and healthy. I enjoyed being asked.
Rick had a great story from his history. That happened because i asked him a question that brought up a happy time for him. Time with Rick is important to me.
Sarah came to pick kale. that happened because I planted so much that I need to share and she like kale as much as I do. It's fun to share.

Day 98

Good day coming up. First a walk and stop at physical therapy to do the upper body exercises. I’m glad they make it possible to use their equipment. I can do the mat exes at home but I need their pulley places to get a good arm and chest work out. Later a mammogram and a haircut. Both are necessary. Yesterday was inspiring that is listening to Carol reading her haiku about blackbirds. I haven’t written anything new in weeks.

Three good things that happened:
the paper was on the porch when I got up. That happened because I called the office and asked for a paper and said that the importance of reading the paper was time: it had to go with the coffee.
I exercised at physical therapy. That happened because they make it possible for me to come in and use the equipment for maintenance at a nominal charge.
Hollie came to visit. that happened because we talked earlier and we like to see each other too. The visit fit our schedules. The dogs were happy too.

Day 97

June! New month. New possibilities. Hope for healthy activity and attitude. I made a nutrition rich salad from four kinds of kale, lemon from my tree, garlic, avocado, and horseradish mustard. All mashed together into about a third of their original size. I can feel the iron and calcium running through my blood helping to restore bones and organs that were depleted by donating blood. My ferritin is 75. Tonda says I may not get a higher value than that.

Senior News

Have you considered the spiritual value of a thorough and relentless housecleaning? Let's consider the closet that repository of deeply held beliefs, hopes, histories, and identity. Recently I took a ruthless approach to who I am, how I live, what I plan to do in the future, how I want to present myself, my personal preferences, and how I feel about myself. I sat on the closet floor and looked at the accumulation of many years and realized that some serious changes were about to happen. I took everything out of the closet. In my house includes a shoe storage unit, a five drawer chest, a couple of protective suit covers, a plastic storage unit with ten shelves, and five big cardboard storage boxes, plus all the hangers, skirt hangers, pants hangers, many of which were double used. My, what a roomy place with all that stuff now stacked and piled on the floor of the living room, and on the furniture. I cleaned every inch. The back wall hadn't seen daylight in at least a decade. Then came the sorting according to the criteria: what do I want to own at this time in my life? Through this frame of reference I viewed each item before either putting it in the St. Vincent DePaul pile, the garbage pile, the used clothes store, or the back in the closet pile.

            I will admit to a few tears when I put some favorite work outfits in the discard pile, but they no longer fit who I am. I had memories and daydreams of the good times when I wore them last and then moved on. Out went all the low self-esteem clothes, shoes with holes, socks that don't match, underwear with stretched out elastic, things I've bought impulsively and have kept because I think I should, gift clothing that I never really used, things that are too big or too small and maybe will be useful someday, and that big category; articles that still have a lot of wear left in them! Out, OUT, OUT! I made sure to get all the personally unusable stuff out of the house immediately before I could sneak anything back in because I do not want to hold on the past, the useless, the reminders of unfinished business, and plans that did not bear fruit.

I have few things stored away. My life now is about the possibilities of each day, and the opportunity to explore everything. So maybe closet cleaning isn't a search for the meaning of life, but I challenge you to shake out and tidy up your private spaces without learning a lot about who you are and how you are living your life.