I stepped from Plank to Plank
A slow and cautious way
The Stars about my Head I felt
About my feet the Sea.

I knew not but the next
Would be my final inch -
This gave me that precarious Gait
Some call Experience.

Emily Dickinson, c. 1864

Sunday, June 8, 2025

Hold on, hang on, looking forward

Steve at Squalicum Harbor yesterday

Do you like the looks of those stratus clouds behind Steve's head? I sure do. And I saw them first thing yesterday morning when I went out to do my morning exercise on the front porch. They attracted my attention then, and after I got to the coffee shop and had my usual double-short Americano and visited with Steve for awhile, we set out for a really nice five-mile walk around Squalicum Harbor. It's been awhile since I felt ready for the entire walk, but I did fine, with no pain in the right hip/leg, and simply perfect weather, cool to start and then getting on the warm side. Well, for me anyway: it got all the way up to the mid-70s before it was all over, and I never felt too hot, especially while the cool breeze wafted up from the bay.

It was our second-year anniversary of starting these Saturday walks, and I've continued to enjoy them very much. Time seems to fly by these days, as I find the days, weeks, and months whizz right on by and I don't seem to be able to catch up; another one is gone before I even have a chance to say hello!

Today I need to figure out what I'm going to write about before running out of time. It's already later than I usually start out my post, since I once again overslept. I remember waking up several times during the night listening to SG snore, but then I fell back asleep and left him alone. Ever since he started taking chemo treatments for his cancer, I have worried that he's not sleeping enough, so I am reluctant to wake him if he's fast asleep enough to actually snore. I love him and can't do much else to help, so not waking him is my secret, don't tell.

Yesterday evening we watched the Broadway show Good Night and Good Luck on our TV, which aired for free all over the world. George Clooney starred in this show about Edward R. Murrow and Joe McCarthy. Adapted from a 2005 movie that was written and directed by Clooney, in this version he played Murrow. I am old enough to remember when these events happened in real time, but of course I wasn't interested back then in anything political. I was a young teenager then, after all.

CNN aired the production live from the Winter Garden Theatre in New York City. The telecast marked the first time in history a Broadway show was broadcast live on national television. More than 20 cameras were positioned throughout the theater to bring the play to audiences at home, CNN correspondent Anderson Cooper said during pre-show coverage (the Independent).

It was on March 9, 1954 that the network first aired the show, See It Now, that looked at McCarthy's and Murrow's live television coverage. But I sure do remember all the controversy over those people who were blackballed by McCarthy for being communist sympathizers. I remember years ago seeing a production of Dalton Trumbo's struggles and eventual recognition for his works. In the end, Trumbo was eventually acknowledged as being an exceptional writer and director. Wikipedia has a very interesting post about him. You can read all about him here.

While watching the show, I was struck by the amazing parallels between what happened back then and what is happening right now in my country. So many people are being blackballed by the Trump administration for believing in DEI, which has become almost as unacceptable in our society as being a communist sympathizer was in those days. Maybe it's a phenomenon that just keeps coming up because of the way our society works: something becomes popular and then is brought down by its opposite. 

This morning my friend John will not be coming to take me to breakfast in Fairhaven, as someone has asked him to attend a gathering of old friends. I will miss him, since I am definitely a creature of habit, but I'll see him later in the week at the coffee shop. We are all growing older, and I cherish each and every day that I am still able to enjoy my routines. One of them that is happening right now is writing this post early on Sunday morning. Sometimes I am at a bit of an impasse, not being able to think about what might emerge from my mind, and as you might be able to tell, this is one of them.

Flowers along the harbor

I hope you can see how pretty the flowers are along Squalicum Harbor right now. I am not sure, since my eyesight has lost much of its ability to see bright colors. The pink and white did catch my eye, so I hope you can enjoy the colors, too. I live in such a beautiful part of the country, and for that I am very grateful. It's been a perfect place for us, and for many years to come, I hope we will be able to continue to enjoy the seasons as they come and go. There is much to appreciate in my older days, so I'll do that, ignore the rest, and keep on keepin' on.

I hope the week ahead will bring you joy and happiness, too. Until we meet again next week, dear friends, look for the bright side of life and be sure to remember to tell your loved ones how much you love them. I'll do the same. Be well.

13 comments:

John's Island said...

Stratus skies and harbor light,
Your walk through morning felt just right.
Two years strong with steps so kind,
And Steve beside—good peace of mind.

The breeze, the bloom, the mid-70s air,
Each moment a jewel, beyond compare.
Though time may fly and posts run late,
You fill each page with thoughts first-rate.

Your silent gift to SG's sleep,
A loving vow you softly keep.
Though battles rage both past and new,
Your heart stays strong, your words ring true.

So write, reflect, sip slow your brew—
The world is brighter thanks to you. 🌿

Warm wishes till next week comes near,
With coffee, clouds, and calm so clear.

ApacheDug said...

A thoughtful Sunday post, another thoughtful rhyme courtesy of John--it's like those old Certs commercials, two treats in one. :^) Those clouds were cool but curious, I'm not used to seeing clouds like that above Pittsburgh; but your day sounded just right. (5 miles--whew!) I saw previews for that CNN sponsored show, I'm embarrassed to admit I passed on it but maybe I'll see if there's an encore presentation of it. DJan, you are always in my thoughts and SG is in my earnest prayers.

Linda Reeder said...

So much of what you posted this morning rings true for me too. I woke too soon today, and after an hour and a half of just lightly dozing and restlessness, I quietly got up, working to not disturb my sleeping partner. He needs more sleep than I do, too.
It's a beautiful morning but will end in a hot afternoon. I'll be happy to return to cooler days later in the week, but I must find a way to cherish each day now in my "later years".
Thanks for being here in my computer again this Sunday morning.

Far Side of Fifty said...

Your photo of the harbor flowers is very pretty! Good news that you enjoyed a longer hike with no problems. I don't wake my husband when he is snoring either, it does not bother me, at least I know he is breathing:)

Anvilcloud said...

Your sunday musings are always worth reading. I wish you a good week.

Elephant's Child said...

I am also a creature of routine - and it amazes me just how much it throws me if that routine is interrupted.
Loved the clouds and the blooms.
Have a truly wonderful week dear friend.

Rian said...

I too am fascinated with clouds, DJan. They invite me to watercolor them... but I never seem to do them justice. I am glad that you were able to do the 5 miles with no problems. That's great! And I understand about not waking up the hubby... the snoring doesn't bother me - been listening to it for 57 years. And I agree with Far side... at least I know he's breathing.

Glenda Beall said...

DJan, I relate to your concerns about your eyesight. Mine is not what it should be. And I feel for your husband taking chemo. I went through that with Barry. I always enjoy your posts because it feels like we are sharing a moment and you are open with me like a good friend. I, too, am a lover of clouds.

Kim S. said...

Your rhythmic writing always brings peace to Sundays. Thank you. Beautiful photo of the flowers. Thanks for sharing. Kim in PA

Red said...

Your post this morning is like a good conversation that rambles from topic to topic. I often wonder what makes the changes take place.

Marie Smith said...

I like routine though not as much as my husband. I think as we age the routine becomes set. I wish your husband well with the chemo, Jan. Have a great week.

Rita said...

I missed Good Night and Good Luck...if I could have even found it somewhere to watch. I hope I can see it eventually. Hope the hubby does well. I love that you don't wake him when his snoring wakes you. True love! :)

The Furry Gnome said...

I'm quite sure the week ahead will bring me joy, and I hope it does for you as well!