Author: Peg

Nice warm sunny springy day. Windows open in the Old Bat’s Cave. A couple of fine outdoor walks. One for exercise. The other just because I could.

Gratitude

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Grateful that I can still make it around my 1-mile course in less than 20 minutes. I am trying for under 19. 

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I considered going to a class here at The Asylum called Functional Fitness. But, I decided that for me, functional fitness is the ability to walk outdoors. So, I did my own functional fitness. I walked.

I also figured out a new origami model. My hands helped my brain—or maybe my brain helped my hands.

A completely fine warm and sunny day. I took myself to yoga in person today. And for the first time in 5 years everyone was “in person”. It was wonderful. I love the Zoom option. But being there is better. Also enjoyed a nice walk after class.

Before yoga we decided that today was the 5th anniversary of Covid for us – because we had our last in person yoga class on March 10, 2020. Then we missed a few weeks but soon figured out Zoom yoga.

There is a lot of bad shit happening in America. But, there is some good news as well.

Doesn’t that cheer you up? Now, giving up Tesla. That’s easy. BUT, if we really want to kick the bastards in the balls – we could make real sacrifices. Give up Amazon, StarLink, Meta. This might be our only hope.

Spent some time outdoors today. Opened the windows. Read a book. I’m reading it on a Kindle. Sigh. However, I believe my current Kindle library will last me for the rest of my life. Alexa does turn my lights on and off. However, Amazon loses money on Alexa. So, maybe I can rationalize keeping Alexa. I sure can’t turn the lights on myself.

We, the people, possess the economic power to dismantle the current regime. It’s time to question whether we have the will to stop consuming their products. 

 

The light was really funky. Sort of a nice navy blue sky. I loved having an entire hour to enjoy downtown Denver.

Not a very busy day today. Trimmed my hair. Changed the clocks. Watered and fertilized my orchids. Napped. Folded paper. Wondered what outrages are on tap for next week.

Some days are just dull. This has been one. And that is OK.

Messed around with origami fish today. After consigning many slices of paper to recycling, I decided simple is best. The purple-patterned angel fish that I  always make is the best. Because it looks like a fish. 

Still lots of issues with Norovirus at The Asylum. I am pretty sure that I got my case here and took it with me on the train. Apparently, I have about 6 weeks of immunity to the Norovirus that attacked me. After that, I can get it again. I hope that management figures out how to kill it off soon.

As Carlton would have said: I am now well into my 82nd year. So, what’s next?

I made some purchases this year that made it brutally clear that I am old. I bought a shoehorn and one of those pill-sorter boxes. What’s next? Velcro shoes? Depends? The horror.

On a happy note. Birthday Party tonight. Friends. Cake. Ice Cream. Funny Cards. Booze.

So, now what? This old age shit is starting to cut. When I was in my 70s, I was just an “older” version of myself. In my  80s, I am just old. When I was in my 70s, I might ask myself, “Am I capable of getting to the Everest Base Camp that is ½ a world away?”. In my  80s, I ask myself, “Am I capable of getting to the grocery store this is ½ a block away?”.

Several years ago I started a check list for Getting Old. Every now and again I tweak it. 

1. 1. 1. If there’s a bus then take it.
      2. Use Uber. You can no longer walk everywhere.
      3. Get out of the Old Bat Cave and the Asylum.
      4. Over tip.
      5. Wear the damn compression socks
      6. Use up the good stuff
      7. Get rid of the other stuff. Don’t leave a mess for others to clean up.
      8. Do something “mental” and totally offline for 30 minutes every day.
      9. Work at keeping mobile.  No excuses:
   15 minutes of yoga stretches every single day. That’s a minimum.
   20 minutes of fast walking 5 times a week. It depends on what the definition of fast is!

             10. Accept and adapt.

So, here I am.
I did not get any photos on my trip that are worth keeping, which is a disappointment. My goal was one good image, but it didn’t happen.

There are worse things than rainy days. But I like sunny days better.

Got in a fast walk before the rain and a good Zoom yoga session. I am not a fan of exercise. But at my age, exercise isn’t an option. It is required.

I also got my tax stuff uploaded for the tax boy. He doesn’t accept paper, not even checks. I like this, but I could never recommend him to my friends.

I didn’t kill anyone today.  Many should be eliminated. 

Back at The Asylum. Not much seems to be happening. Folks still getting Norovirus. Folks still “transitioning”. (Which is to say – dying – or doing a Celestrial Change of Address).

But, spring sprang while I was gone. That was part of the plan.

So, after attacking my inbox and settling back into the Old Bat’s Cave, I did a little research: the trip was 6,842 miles. 6,510 were by train, and 332 were by bus.

Gratitude

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Grateful that we still have Amtrak. And that I am still able to go anywhere Amtrak goes.

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The Norovirus part wasn’t fun. The rest of the trip was. And, I over packed. I came home with one shirt, one pair of socks and 2 pair of underdrawers that I didn’t use. And, I am glad I didn’t take my computer. That’s the lesson for the next little trip: Don’t even think about taking the computer.

Tomorrow, taxes will be tackled. Maybe even finished up and shipped off to the tax guy. Or not. I already missed his April 15 filing date. So, an extension will be needed.

Train arrived 2 hours late. Made it home by 4PM. Unpacked. Much needed shower. Dinner with the family. Now, it’s 7PM and I am calling it a day.

I wonder how many miles? Maybe I will figure it out tomorrow.

Last night we got to Denver early so, I had an hour to wander around downtown. It was warm. I missed my train dinner, but my Sleeping Car Attendant brought me coffee, wine and cheesecake when we departed.

Arrived in Chicago at about 1:30, I headed out for a little explore. Mostly looking for lunch. My favorite Chicago diner is closed on Sunday. But I find an open Popeyes. Fried chicken sandwich it is then.

While enjoying my sandwich, a text arrived. My train will be 3 hours late. Briefly consider getting a flight. But, hey, I have a book to read. And no place I need to be. So, I will just go with whatever happens.

Train currently scheduled to depart at 9:10pm. We’ll see.

I was never a landscape photographer and today was all about landscape.

It’s been a fine day. Good scenery. Good food, good conversations, good weather. And the train is on time. In fact the train is early so we have an hour in Denver. Denver has a great station. I will be going for a little walk.

On to Chicago tomorrow.