Day 250

Halloween and the greed monsters will be out. I’ll have a dark house so they will go right on by. This morning I will donate pint number 103 at the blood bank. One more will make 13 gallons. It is easy for me. My blood is a common type, OP, and useful. Later I’m hoping Eileen is well again and I can sit at the gallery and write in my journal. It has been empty this month.

Day 249

Yesterday turned out to be so mild that I didn’t do indoor chores. Two long walks instead, one with the dogs and one with Chris. After reading 47 e-mails this morning from my journal list east coast members, I am doubly blessed by the lovely day I had. Today I want to walk again even with the light rain. While Crystal cleans my house, I’ll walk. I’m back in routine with the PT and neck strengthening exercises. 

Day 248

Today I have another appointment with Tracy. My neck is still not stable and I have done the neck strengthening exercises. I’m hoping today will be the one that gets it in a line. A few errands and the rest of the day is mine. The next rainy day was promised for room cleaning. I noticed the drawers need arranging. I have clothes that I never wear. Time to move them on. Make room for new ones.

Day 247

No agenda for today except church. I am getting into the rhythm of the church again. I want to feel at home there as I once did. Woke up with a headache. It really didn’t go away yesterday even with the Imitrex injection. I don’t want to spend the day just getting by. I want pep, vitality and joy and excitement about life, and gratitude. All those wonderful emotions that are my usual approach to my life.

Day 246

Feels good to have a day with no obligations. Both Hollie and Susanne are coming to visit. Hollie will take her portion of the last farm box and we will talk about the consult with the neurosurgeon in Medford. I offered Mother’s Franciscan pottery apple plates to Susanne. She was tickled and will take them and use them. They have been stashed in a drawer for a decade. I like moving items that I no longer need.

Day 245

Good day coming. First the police department duty. I look forward to checking in there and being useful. Sarah gets a lot done in the evidence room while I sit in front. Then hot/sour soup with Darlene. Haven’t talked to her much lately. Nice to catch up on her news. Get the farm box. Must be near the end of the season. And crowning Friday, a massage from Sarah. That’s the way to end a busy week.

Day 244

Storm stories were shared yesterday. Susanne was traumatized by her alarm system. She tripped, fell, and hurt herself. Eileen and Chris both had spooked dogs as I had three. None of us had any property damage, just lost sleep. Eileen is still ill and finally went to the doctor for help. Just like Hollie, putting up with the symptoms until the bug finally took over. Chris took photos of Eileen to go with the column on creativity.

Day 243

Started the day with an alarm system problem that wouldn’t disarm. After phone calls and three guys giving help, it is safe to open the doors without arousing the police. Yesterday Tut asked me to be my “best self.” I didn’t. I walked away from the lunch table because I cannot tolerate a person who was there. Today Tut says other people come so we can say adios. That was it! I did that. Big fat adios.

Day 242

Wild winter storm last night. Minnie did not want to walk on the hail this morning and it’s all over the walkway and yard. After the conversation with Tracy yesterday I’m considering all possibilities regarding my neck problems. I do have an appointment in Medford next month with a neurosurgeon for a consult. Tracy used Dr. Michelletti’s bad outcome as a reason to try anything else first. I don’t want chronic pain and losing range of motion..

Day 241

After the church service Father David asked when I was going to answer his question, “How are you?” with “Fine, thank you.” instead of a shrug and OK. I blurted that I still don’t know why my son is dead and I’m stuck until I know. It won’t make a difference and I need the information. He said, “Keep coming to church and look for the healing.” I do feel more comfortable there each time I attend.

240

Appreciating porches is the theme for today. I enjoy sitting on the front porch and visiting. Chris and I sat there yesterday and caught up on what’s been going on with us both. I love the sun porch and its addition to keeping the house warm when there is any radiation at all. And I depend on the back porch with its windows, utilities, washer and dryer and above all, hot tub and sauna. My comfortable home.

Day 239

It was pizza and laughing at the PD. There was stuff going on in the community but I wasn’t alone and didn’t have any responsibility except to answer the phone and talk to people at the window. That is what I like to do. Today is relaxation after a few errands and shopping. I want to spend time with Chris. I’ve missed her. Hollie seems recovered from her siege of illness. She was her bright self yesterday.

Day 238

Police department day. I hope it is not as busy as last week. I will admit to feeling stress with the sirens and chases going on. I wonder if I know enough to be helpful. It was a relief when the chief came back and I wasn’t there alone any longer. Most of the time I feel that I aid communication with message taking. That is what I signed up for. Friday farm box is a treat.

Day 237

There is color in my journal! I splashed a little watercolor on yesterday and now words can go over the top. Not that my life is that interesting but I do add tidbits of knowledge that I pick up day by day. Seems I learn something new about human nature by simply listening and watching how people do things. Angeles Arrien says Show Up, Listen, Speak the Truth, and Don’t get attached to the outcome. Good advice.

Day 236

And it was a weary feeling day. Now it’s fair outside and I have a day to look forward to enjoying. Love getting messages from Megan. Our connection makes me deeply grateful. Her busy life reminds me of the days when I had school, job, family and did a juggling act. It worked and I was glad to get the balls out of the air. She is working on a meaningful relationship. It is healthy and authentic.

Day 235

I forgot the dog bath appointment yesterday until Julie called. It was one of the mistakes that made me think I should go back to bed and start over. I did get a good walk before the rain. I voted. Not tip top energy today either. Woke up with another headache. Tracy hopes to get them under control with another chiro treatment next Monday. I’m glad today has only one obligation. I’m free after senior center duty.

Day 234

It was a large gathering of museum people. I like seeing the other volunteers. I sat with MaryLu and Sandy and chatted with Rick and Diane too. As usual, I ate way too much food. Everyone brings their best dishes to potlucks and lots of salads were provided. Karen gave an interesting historical presentation too. Today, after Tracy, I have a few shopping errands and then I will take care of the business of tidying the house. 

Day 233

I had a quiet restful day with a few house straightening items in the afternoon and a spa interlude. Now after another long sleep, I’m ready for Sunday. First I’ll go to church, and then the potluck for the museum volunteers. I’m not taking anything for the potluck. There is always enough food for a small country and I don’t know what to take. If Hollie was well, I’d ask her to make chocolate covered yummy strawberries.

Day 232

Now Gene has brought vermillion, a choice fish that he usually saves for his family. I feel honored and will share it gratefully with my family. It took twelve hours in bed to recover from yesterday’s busyness. I feel that I am fighting off a bug and since I have spent a lot of time with people who cough and sneeze, it is possible that I am. Here’s to immune system strength and taking care of myself.

Day 231

Today, after the police department duty and picking up the farm box, I will fix the other piece of codfish that Gene brought me. His grandson caught it. Makes it even more of a prized gift. There is nothing like fresh caught fish. Gene seems dispirited and it bothers me to see him giving up. He is such a wonderful friend and generous man. The visiting elk broke the apple trees so no good apples this year.

Day 230

Column way exceeded the word limit. I’m sure Barbara will take out a bunch of words. I could have written more people as they like to talk about their talents. I’ll save some for next year. Joan Butler says I need to see a neuro-surgeon. I am in danger of cord problems with the mess in my neck. Today I get to go to Hollie’s class and begin the fun of being in the second grade again.

Day 229

And today words go on paper. My column is usually submitted by now and Barbara likes to have it early. I’ll ask Jon if he will share his music process with me. Then I will have a science fiction writer, photographer/poet, jewelry designer, gourmet cook, and composer. And they are all my friends. I live a rich life. By writing about them, I get to share them with readers of the Senior News. I’ll get it done.

Day 228

Tracy says I’m doing well with the neck I have to work with. It does have problems. Finished my errands early and had a long walk with the dogs. Chris and Jon invited me for hot huckleberry cobbler and ice cream. Yum. I love my friends. Today after senior center duty is writing group. I haven’t written anything to share, not even my column yet. I like how it’s developing about creative people and their creative process.

Day 227

At church I asked for healing and was anointed by Father David. I felt at home for the first time since I came back. I did not take the dogs to the blessing. The rest of the day was quiet and solitary by choice. Hollie is feeling better and going back to school today. I get to go on Thursday and regularly from November on. Today is another trip to Tracy. I’ll give him the MRI report.

Day 226

It was a lovely day! Being in Eileen’s house brought back memories of weekends with Bill Kucha. Those were important events. I liked the women that came for the EFT presentation. Chris, Susanne and I benefitted from the work. It was unexpected. For the first time I asked for consoling for the loss of my son. I worked out the anger that has gone along with the trauma. Today is the blessing of the animals at church.

Day 225

Today I’m going to Gasquet with Chris to a workshop on EFT presented by Eileen’s sister-in-law Joanne SkyWatcher. It will be a small group of women followed by lunch and visiting. I’m going to support Eileen’s effort. I have used EFT before with Marilyn Fox during the therapy for PTSD a dozen years ago. It is interesting and useful. I believe energy medicine is the way of the future. I’m looking forward to meeting new people too.

Day 224

Busy day coming. After the police department duty comes collecting the farm box. Hollie is sick so she doesn’t want her share today. I hope she gets well soon. Teaching is hard enough healthy and catching up after being out for a week will be doubly hard. Susanne and I are going to the reception at Eileen’s gallery and then may go get some dinner. Another of my favorite kind of day; full of parts and people.

Day 223

Yes, it was my favorite kind of day, lots of interesting people. I added two paragraphs to the column on creativity. Artistic people like to talk about how they create their masterpieces whether it’s a prize winning photo or stuffed strawberries. I’m enjoying the interviews and writing about the people. I have interesting and talented friends. Today is senior center duty. Suzanne may come by after her therapy session. I hope she does come. I enjoy her.

Day 222

Back to Tracy this morning. I hope he gets my neck in place. It has been distracting with the aches. I’ll get a copy of the MRI report and give it to him. On to the gallery. I’m looking forward to sitting with my journal. I plan to have detail and color in this one. It’s fun to add crayons and watercolors and then words. I’ll interview Eileen about her creative process. Megan’s cooking process was interesting.

Day 221

Moonlight this morning, glorious sight. Another hot east wind day. Up to 82 yesterday. I get to wear a light weight top that I didn’t get to wear much in the gloomy summer. Crystal will clean my house this morning as I go to the senior center for my duty. Then I plan to take a walk and finish the last three paper drops. Meanwhile I’m already thinking about the next column on creativity and spirit. 

Day 220

At nine o’clock I’ll be out the door to distribute the senior news. It usually turns into a social event seeing people in the places where I leave copies of the paper. I can do the whole town two hours depending on how many times I stop to chat. Then mammogram and the MRI of my neck. I know I have arthritis and I want to find out if something in there is causing the nerve issue.