Playing along with the Universe

Steve and me at the Bellingham street fair

Yesterday, Steve and I met at the coffee shop, as usual for a Saturday, and went for a nice leisurely walk in town. I'm not sure exactly what this fair is called, but most of the booths had used items for sale, and I almost bought myself a $20 shirt. I thought at first it was a jacket, but it had no pockets and was covered with delightful sparkly things and fit perfectly. Unfortunately for them, they also had a full-length mirror, and I could see it was not quite a "me" item. We had a good time walking around and examining all the wares, but neither of us bought anything after all.

In the background of the shot, you can see the Mt. Baker Theater sticking up, showing exactly where we are in town. It looks almost like a launchpad, but it's not as distant as it seems from the picture. We walked around town and walked to the Farmers' Market, which wasn't open yet, so we didn't get our usual treats there, either.

Nevertheless, it was a very busy week. I am so grateful to Steve for his weekly Saturday walk with me. Today we walked around the downtown neighborhood, not taking our usual trek to Fairhaven or to the harbor. We are so lucky to have such a wonderful cool atmosphere, with the temperature in the mid-sixties, while much of the country is sweltering in hot and humid weather. Still we have August and September to get  through, with the most heat in this area starting about now (but it's delightful) and ending sometime in mid- to late September. 

If you read my other blog, Eye on the Edge, you know that I am now finished with my hikes with the Trailblazers, because of my failing eyesight and my inability to leave my fellow hikers to their own devices, while I struggle to find my footing. Some of you have felt it wasn't necessary, but I myself know that I would never have left on my own, without a bit of a push from the organizers. It doesn't mean I won't continue to hike alone or with one or two others, but no on has to worry about being responsible for me any more. And I have already lined up a couple of friends who are looking forward to my joining them on their weekly walks. So that is taking care of itself.

I also got the results back from my last week's biopsy of a growth on my neck. That wasn't as good news: the growth that they removed is showing up as a squamous cell carcinoma, right on the left side of my neck. I of course looked it up and found that I will be needing to go through a more extensive excision of the lesion. Oh, great! I haven't heard from the doctor yet, but I will be happy when that cancerous growth is completely gone. At least it isn't melanoma, which I have in my family history. But as I said, I will be very glad when this particularly tough time in my life is behind me. It's one thing to look forward to, having this done and gone. Hopefully it has not spread from the original spot.

I did sign up for more volunteer work in the Senior Center kitchen. On Friday I joined the crew to administer salad dressing to those who showed up for the great salad that was offered for lunch. I had dozens of different varieties for them to choose from, and I noticed that the most popular are thousand island and ranch. Most people ask for an enormous amount of dressing, surprising me. My arms got very tired from squeezing dressing onto the salads from big plastic containers for two hours, but I wasn't needing to manage alone; there were three of us at different times. I learned that Fridays are usually salad days, and good looking ones, too: these had great plates full of shrimp and hard boiled eggs, along with lots of greens. 

I am not sure if John is going to come to take me to breakfast. He was missing all week, downed by some kind of stomach flu. He didn't come last week on Sunday, and then missed the entire week at the coffee shop, except for one day in the middle of the week. I think he came mostly so I wouldn't worry too much, I guess. He has had no appetite and feeling very tired. He didn't call me or let me know yet, but I hope that he is better and we will have our usual Fairhaven excursion. 

Yes, it is not an easy time right now, for any of us here on Planet Earth. I took a quick look at the news this morning and promptly stopped, since I can't face the disasters with equanimity when I am not feeling any better myself. Looking for the bright and happy moments is a struggle, but I am trying very hard to keep my spirits up. I had a good night's sleep with a full eight hours, a half-hour of deep restorative sleep, so I can't complain as I look forward to another sunny (but cool) day ahead. The high is projected to be 72F, just about right, don't you think?

Our beautiful Bellingham Bay

Just writing this post has given me a new perspective, and as I look at where I live, I cannot be too sad about the day ahead. I will definitely try to get a good walk in, and I will listen to some uplifting songs and keep on looking ahead to better days, which will return, I am convinced. 

Until we meet again next week, dear friends, I wish you all good things. Be well.