Day 133

Chuck put the siding back on the little house and now I can call the painter. Henry Brown will make the new fence. The dogs and I had a long walk. They need more walking. Today I’ll take them again.  A few errands after a walk and stop at PT for the exercises there. I do the mat exes here. I’ve been using hand weights too wanting to keep muscle tone. A couple of poor energy weeks take a toll.

Day 132

Yesterday I did break away from the comfort zone in a couple of small ways. Felt good to consciously do so. I put music on and moved to it. Also sat on the porch and watched the neighborhood. Sounds simple enough. The pull to sit is stronger in the afternoon. Mornings are the best times for activity and planning. I know I want to clear the fence behind the lemon tree today when I come home from senior center duty.

day 131

Pie social duty done and successful. Hollie and I stayed until noon after the parade crowd was taken care of. I bought two pies to take to church this morning. The noise gets to me and makes me tired. It was pleasant to get home and sit in silence until night when the booms started. Minnie was better with help from a pill. Today I want to follow through with my Independence Day intention. I can find stimulation and activity.

Day 130

No activity yesterday except for changing channels on the TV. Giants lost another game and there was a Blue Bloods marathon. So I have a wider butt and no self-respect. Independence means not controlled by an outside force. My saboteur is an inside force and I can get out if its control. Once I quit smoking on the fourth and it worked. What I want to free myself from is the comfort zone and making it OK to do nothing.

Day 129

Yesterday was noisy. I came home to peace and quiet and took a nap. No call from Tonda so next week I’ll call her. Today I need to shop early. The stores will be busy with people getting ready for the fourth. No other agenda except the routine walking and maybe PT at the clinic. Haven’t been for over a week because I haven’t felt well. I want to take care of unfinished business today. I like to keep current.

Day 128

Love the cool foggy day. When it’s hot inland, I bless living here even more. Today I’ll get a good walk and then go to the senior center for duty. It will be busier than a usual Thursday because the menu is 4^th of July picnic fare. It’s OK once in a while but I don’t like the crowded days. Hoping Tonda calls with results from the pulmonary function test. I would like to know why I’m short of breath.

Day 127

The best intentions need something to make them happen. I had nothing to work with yesterday due to the headaches that wouldn’t depart. Finally, late in the day, I walked around the block because I just had to get outside. This morning I am much better. Not whole but better. I will get the exercises even if I do them in slow motion. I have an investment in my body and I don’t want to waste it. I’ll do it.

Senior News column

If Norman Rockwell came to Crescent City for the Fourth of July, his vision would be on the cover of Saturday Evening Post. I will be standing on the lawn of the historical society museum with my fingers in my ears as the canon is fired to start the parade. The boom is accompanied by a cloud of paper particles. Our parade is an old fashioned, patriotic, small town event with small children sitting on the curbs waving their American flags, old men with their hats over their hearts when the flags go by. There will be colorful floats, some with music and action, fire trucks, marching units, horse groups, and the Jed Smith mountain men in their authentic outfits and their black powder rifles. During the parade people will be coming to our museum grounds for yummy homemade pie topped with a generous scoop of ice cream and a cup of hot coffee.  The parade ends at Beachfront Park where vendors, music, games, and crowds of people will enjoy the day together.

At dark the fireworks will begin. It is a spectacular show that comes from the breakwater so people congregate at the park and along the beaches. There is a deck party on July third, at the Cultural Center, complete with musical entertainment, beverages, and food. Proceeds from the deck party with its raffles pay for the fireworks. Inside the building, the art show is full of visitors enjoying the local talent.

During the summer lots of events happen. Look for posters in store windows, notices in the newspaper, radio reports, conversations with friends and neighbors, to find fun locally and support the community. When travelling, look for county fairs, rodeos and horse races, art and craft shows, farmers’ markets, and participate in the activities. There may be a Relay for Life going on that could use another walker. Attend a service in places you visit. Our congregation enjoys showing our hospitality to travelers.

There is still a lot of the season left to get busy in the garden. Plant some flowers to brighten up the yard. Plant vegetables in containers, or start a straw bale garden. It’s perfect for older folks who don’t want to dig in the dirt or kneel down to pull weeds.

Vacation means many things: a break from work life, a break from the daily routine, a chance to walk around and see new things and explore side roads and tourist attractions. It’s the season to get out and enjoy summer.