An Unexpected Gift in Everyday Ramblings

Thanksgiving. Went for a little walk after class this morning. A cheerful group showing up for the holiday. This is the park across the way, and the new play equipment.

At some point during class I encouraged everyone to think of something lately that made them happy.

I shared my astonishment and delight at the fact that the city actually put in a marked crosswalk across the busy five lane through road that was the commercial hub back in the day. There are flashing lights and signs so unless someone needs to cross the traffic flows as it always has. This has got to be one of the most jaywalked streets in town. The crosswalk is a block from my garden plot.

Up until now there have been 4 ways to get to the garden. The most direct is a very low-lit pedestrian tunnel that curves so you cannot see what is going on at the other end when you enter. It is a graffiti paradise. I try to only walk through there when I am not alone, and it is midday. The second most direct is one I employ early on weekend mornings, which is to jaywalk. There is a blind spot where you can’t see cars until they are almost upon you.

The 3rd way is the way I have used most often, which is a pedestrian bridge closer to me. The problem with this way is the ever-changing landscapes of encampments for mostly drug addled men. There is another tunnel near there that nobody but the most desperate enter. It is full of trash and like I imagine quite reminiscent of the gates of hell.

The last way, the way I went most last year before I had so much stuff to do is the long way. Way out of my way, up and around there is another crosswalk that only crosses one lane of traffic. I used to walk back behind the power station where there are gnarled old apple trees, lots of arbutus and many wild rabbits until the drug folks found that. Now I make an even bigger loop. It is a nice walk but takes…time.

So, I am thrilled.

Yesterday I ordered a proper suitcase. When I went to Seattle, I took a backpack and my laptop bag. My backpack was not light. My train in was late and I was restless, so I decided to walk from King Street station up to my hotel on First Hill. We are talking serious up. By the time I got to the hotel I was done. Bleh. Not doing that ever again. This is why the powers that be gave us cell phones and Lyft, right???

Ones back just isn’t as resilient at 70 as say, umm, 50. No matter how many yoga classes I practice or teach. We took the bus down to the ferry terminal on my last day but then I had to lug my stuff from there back to the train station and I had a couple hour wait. My back is still sore.

Nothing serious. My niece tells me that all the cool kids have luggage made by a company in San Diego called Roam. You can customize it in all sorts of ways. So, I ordered a navy blue one with lighter blue accents. They have fancy wheels that are supposed to be quieter than most. It was a big splurge, but my backpack days are officially offer. At least for travel.

I am having a low-key holiday. In honor of the brunch meals Mr. Finch and I started having for Thanksgiving after we worked our way through the traditional foods, I had a nice buttery biscuit with my breakfast this morning. There was a bit of a traffic jam at the biscuit case yesterday at the grocery. Popular for feeding visiting family, I guess.

Tomorrow we are going to the vet after class. This is a well kitty checkup and a three-year rabies vaccine so I can renew Carlo’s license. He is thriving, other than some over-anxious kneading when he has bouts of insecurity.

It is a pleasure to live with a healthy cat man and I am grateful for this time with him. We all still miss Diego. My cat sitter mentioned it when she was here.

Okay then, onwards and upwards. Less than a month until the solstice and incrementally the light begins to return, at least on this side of the planet.

Right now, though we have a stagnant air advisory after three weeks of more rain than average, but it is above freezing, and I am thankful for that with so many people traveling.

Best wishes for whatever you are doing today. I know it can be hard to keep the mood up some days. Just know I am thinking happy (new crosswalk, or equivalent) thoughts your way.