Day 188

I want to take on a political action. Just not sure how to get started. I have a map of my district. Shall I make a flier to invite people to board meetings? I’ll figure out what my job is. Today is foggy outside and the coffee is making headway into my brain fog. I need something new again. Restless and no focus yet. I may do something dumb like clean house if I can’t find a productive distraction.

Day 187

The papers were out by 11 AM. Hollie and I went to see 100 Step Journey and it was great. Feel good movie and beautiful besides great acting. This morning is the Dem’s Union breakfast. For years, Gene and I went together. Last year I went alone as he was sick. Now he is gone and I will go alone in his memory. He was my best friend and mentor. He is still teaching me about compassion and action. 

Day 186

We fed 82 people at the community dinner. It was a mixed crowd from babies to elders. Everyone enjoyed the food, especially the cake and ice cream. I served mashed potatoes that went under the shepherd’s pie. The salad came from fresh produce and was full of tomatoes. I acknowledge that I can schedule late afternoon activities after so many years when my day was over early. This morning I will distribute Senior News. Movie with Hollie this afternoon.

Day 185

Karen tried to start the day with small talk. OK, I can do that. Then Donita came and said, Oh, you’re on time today. Out it came, I told Karen the consequences to my life from her hysteria. I hope I can move on now. Working with the others to prepare for this evening’s meal at the church was fun. I enjoyed it and am finally feeling well enough to want a deeper connection with other people. Ah, progress!

Day 184

It was a good day. The supervisors meeting was interesting. Gitlin made a scene, as usual. Today is museum duty. I don’t know what to expect from Karen B. or from me. I want to be cool but I also want her to know what her Chicken-Little act did to my life. If I feel uncomfortable with her, I may leave. Later is preparation for tomorrow’s community dinner at church. I’ll take some of Carol’s wonderful tomatoes to share.

Day 183

I walked on Chris’ labyrinth again yesterday. It is a work of art. Visited with Carol and received Big Flat tomatoes. I have generous friends. Today is Board of Supervisors meeting. When I say I go to the meetings, I hear groans. We hired those people, it’s our job to see what they are doing. Then Karen Rath will iron out my wrinkles with her magic fingers. Add good food and a long walk and it’s a great day.

Day 182

It’s my half-year birthday. Let’s see, what have I done with the time? Improved my health. Can’t stop now with a long way to normal numbers. My breathing is still short and puffy. Less vertigo. Occasional good energy. Lots of routine days, lots of walks. A few extra pounds around the middle. A new hobby – Board of supervisors meetings. Not much writing or creating in my journal. Stronger tie with church. Thinking of looking for a new volunteer placement.

Day 181

After church I will move in some direction. Maybe walking, or shopping, but not another day of inertia. I have to get busy and build on my progress toward restoring my body. I did see a couple of good old movies and a Giant’s game. Not enough to engage my mind. No writing. No reading. I need to kick myself. Still a lingering distaste from the Wednesday incident. No one asked how it impacted me except Hollie and Chris.

Day 180

Karen is keeping her drama alive. She is the hero. I am the villain. That’s OK. She needs it. I don’t. The visit with Megan and Butters was fun. The dog fun takes away time from deep conversation and I did get a poke in about registering at HSU. She doesn’t understand what’s keeping her from pushing SEND. Just do it, my dear one, get moving. Farmer’s Market this morning followed by whatever happens next. Maybe shopping and errands.

Day 179

I worked it all out. It was the unexpected invasion of privacy and the total feeling of exposure. I had to walk it off and write it off. All gone now. Megan is at Hollie’s and will be here later with Butters. After my appointment with Dr. E. we will go to breakfast and visit. I’m looking forward to time with both of them. May get shopping done and errands, or not. And a long walk will be good.

Day 178

Yesterday the museum people forgot that I had a dental appointment and would be late. Karen called Hollie, the sheriff, Chris and Jon and drove around looking for me, set off a storm of anxiety. Then I walked in. I was bombarded by the feelings. I was both touched and embarrassed. Later my psyche felt stirred and shaken. I haven’t sorted out what all that means to me. I don’t have words yet. My night was broken and restless. 

Day 177

Hollie did most of the cleaning yesterday and the little house looks welcoming. Then we went to lunch and ran into Katie and Trish. They talked about delivering meals to homebound people and Hollie is thinking about doing it. She is looking for a new activity. Today I’m going to the dentist for crown prep. Depending on how long that takes, I may get to the museum for my duty. My knees hurt from stumbling yesterday. An awkward moment.

Day 176

Yesterday was the best day all month! Lots of errands done, contacts made, dust bunnies ousted, a good long walk with the dogs to pay bills and visit along the way. Today the little house will get attention in a last dusting for Rachel’s arrival. The weeds are already taking over the little yard and I’m not doing any more. No more wogs or frogs in the pond so I dumped it. I’m a failure as a frog farmer.

Day 175

Monday, Monday. Hoping for a good week. The dogs go to the groomer at 8 and the floors will definitely get a sweep while they are away. It’s damp outside and dark. Today I will institute a revised version of the physical therapy exercises. If I can get my core stronger, maybe the back problems will go away. If I can’t get started on my own, I’ll ask for a series with my good friends at Northwest Physical Therapy.

Day 174

Another anomaly in my yard is the rhody blooming. It is an early blooming red and supposed to thrill us in February with its bold color. Well, it’s blooming in mid-August while swirls of dry leaves are also present. Oh well, there are no good old days. The funeral was packed and meaningful. It was a great send-off to lovely lady. I didn’t know she was a scrabble addict. Lots of funny stories that brought everyone laughter and tears.

Day 173

No trip after all. Headaches interfered. Oh well, there’s another day coming up. Today is farmers’ market and the sad duty of attending a funeral for Donna. I lost three people last Wednesday. It becomes more frequent as I grow in birthday candles. It's the natural order of nature and not to be feared. I watered all the trees and shrubs yesterday. No rain in sight. Wondering about winter already as leaves are blowing by. No more normal pattern.

Day 172

Probably won’t hear the results of the test until Wednesday when Tonda works again. As long as the number is over 47, April’s total, I’ll feel that progress is happening. The gas-pump icon lit up in the car so I must go Brookings today for the shopping and gas that we planned for last Monday and didn’t go. It was a low day for me. Today I’m rarin’ to go and fill the list. The dogs need bones too.

Day 171

Story in. Photo of Bill and Kathy in. Lots of socializing yesterday. I enjoyed every minute. I like days with parts, active and quiet, people and alone, mental and not-so-much. Today I get a blood test and I have high hopes for a number around 60. In spite of the low days, I know I am getting better. All those beans, greens, and grains must be filling in the empty places where I am storing new iron and calcium.

Day 170

The heater is turned on again. Too cold. I’m feeling a cold lurking in my head too. The supervisors meeting was interesting. J/Cooper intersection was on the agenda. As long as I keep learning something new about how it all works, I will attend the meetings. My story about LRT is ready to write. I’ll walk down in this mild drizzle and take a photo of the future home of the theater company on my way to museum duty. 

Day 169

Did more research about LRT and had a long conversation with Jenny. She didn’t know who the original people were and hopefully Kathy Maffett will call back. I want to write about who and how the whole thing began. It might inspire others to work toward groups and projects that they want to have. A few people can make a big difference when they put their heads and energies together. Today is board of supervisors meeting. Interesting so far.

Day 168

Monday again. Hollie and I may go to Brookings today. I need shoes and maybe Freddie’s will have tops and shirts on sale since back to school is in full swing. I want to talk to Tracy about my back and hear his diagnosis. I’m afraid it’s something I have to live with. Maybe it’s time to go to physical therapy and work on core conditioning. Could take a serious look at my food intake too. I want well-being.

Day 167

Three walks yesterday and a subject for the column. I’ll write a history of LRT. It is a local theater group and I can use a lot of familiar names. After watching the weather channel about heat waves, fires, and hurricanes, fifty and foggy look pretty good.  Saw a frog in the pond. It’s fully formed and tiny enough to fit on my thumb nail. There seem to be only three pollywogs. It’s a mystery where they all went.

Day 166

Farmers’ market and my weekly walk to restock the greens that are a big part of my food intake. Also an expected social spree. I’m glad so many people I know are also fans of fresh vegetables. Later I’ll find something fun or, at least productive, to do. There are always household chores but I’m in the mood for a people activity. May go to the museum and figure out a historical subject for the September Senior News column.

Day 165

I was sidetracked yesterday afternoon by the appearance of the sun. I had to sit in its warmth and enjoy the breeze fluttering the prayer flags. I have named most of the flags by color and say the names as I know prayer is going up for them. Some are living.  Some are not but the prayers have the same message. My hair is shorter and I don’t look so much like a dandelion that has gone to seed. 

Day 164

My energy seems brighter today. I was a bit droopy yesterday. And cold. Megan called and we chatted for half an hour. I’m enjoying her conversations. We are getting to know each other from our weekly calls. It’s more than just the casual talks when we get together for family times. Today after senior center duty, I’m planning to go through my closet and make room for new clothes. It’s time for a purge and replenish. Want more color.

Day 163

Put more red mulch around the new azaleas and the pear trees. It brightens up the landscape. Not much more I can do in the little yard. I want another fruit tree in my yard but will wait until next month when it may finally rain. The fog is down to the ground again and it provides little moisture for the plants. I hope it is busy at the museum today. I enjoy the tourists and their travel stories. 

Day 162

Yesterday’s walk was in granny-gear. It’s OK. I walked. Then planted two azaleas. The little yard is about as good as it’s going to get. J Street journals is always a treat. Carol is a great hostess and we shared catch-up conversations. I value our group. Today I’m going to Tracy for traction again. I know I need core conditioning to strengthen my back muscles. I need a flexible back and it’s stiff. Need a flexible mental attitude too.

Day 161

Today I will get two more azaleas to plant between the pear trees in the little yard. The work there is almost done. I worked on the jasmine vines with Chris’ help and it looks neater. Green stuff gets out of control so fast. I just get all the weeds out and it’s time to start over. Yesterday after church I watched the Giants win a game and then TMC old movies for a couple of hours. Good life.

Day 160

I did get out early. Orchids watered, floors swept, groceries and errands done, last eight paper sites distributed, and home by 9:30! Rest of the day, quiet time. Had fun visits with Hollie and Chris. I have a good life. Last week’s busy activities show that I am improving a lot. The thrill of having a plan and being able to DO it is incredible. The best is yet to come as my body catches up with my mind.

Day 159

It was a very good day. Lots of exercise and contact with people. I enjoyed the fair booth and am definitely ramping up my political interest. Ran into several friends that I rarely see and that makes it worthwhile. Today lots of errands and shopping are looming. I’ll get out early and then spend the rest of the day in the yard. The little yard is almost free of weeds and I have cleared the space for the azaleas. 

Dy 158

Senior News will be on the porch in an hour and I’ll be out distributing soon after. Hope to get most of them done this morning. At 11 I will be at the Dems fair booth for a couple of hours. It’s senior day at the fair so I expect to see a lot of familiar faces. The yard work is progressing nicely due to systematic clearing. I want two or three more azaleas and maybe another fruit tree. 

Senior News Column

We know that our brains need good nutrition and exercise but did you know that one of the most dangerous conditions for our brains is loneliness. Being alone, socially and mentally, and physically unstimulated leads to lower synapse activity. The cure is simple and has broad benefits: volunteering.

When my teaching career ended, I knew I had to do something active or I would curl up in a ball and wither away. It is easy to sit in front of the television and watch hours of mind-numbing reruns. It is habit forming. Body muscles begin to shrink in a very short time and there goes the brain too.

My first volunteer duty was tutoring at the continuation high school. Then I realized, “Hey, I’ve done that already. What’s new that I can do?” Through RSVP, (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) and friends, I began to patrol with Crescent City Police Department’s VIPS (Volunteers in Police Service) program. New people, new view of the community, new uses of my skills and new skills. There was even the language of code to learn. I looked forward to my time on duty. I enjoy living here and appreciate the natural beauty so going to the Visitor’s Center at the Chamber of Commerce was a good fit. I like talking to people and hearing about their travels. The historical museum and Battery Point lighthouse are places we send the tourists so it was the next place I took on as a volunteer. I am still learning the stories about the early days and the changes in our county. The museum houses a complete Native American display, baskets and ceremonial costumes. It is an amazing collection and visitors’ rave about it. Another place for socializing while helping a non-profit is the Senior Center. I am there once a week to greet the diners and make sure they are comfortable. I like hearing their stories too.

Our church has plenty of opportunities to prevent loneliness. There are always ways to help out with housekeeping, office work, committee membership, serving as reader or acolyte and studying the Bible with a group.

We are all interested in candidates who want public office. But after the election, do we follow through by attending meetings to see how our officials are doing? I have been attending public meetings and find them more interesting that I expected. The officials are handling issues that affect us and our job after electing them is to see if they are upholding their campaign promises and serving the public good. I’m learning about laws and hurdles that they must face to get things done. I encourage us all to check out public meetings. Hope to see you there.