Wednesday, November 12, 2025

     She is back after spending a week in Washington DC with our close relatives. No problems with the airport or airplanes.   The house feels normal again.

     This morning, I will go to the lab for a urine test before next week’s cystoscopy. Slowly I am starting up treatments again. Not sure which ones yet.  I have known this always and I have enjoyed the respite from treatment these last months. The sky is cloudy and a storm is coming today. Heater is on and warming the house. Yes, I am sad.

     The house cleaning couple come Tuesday morning to change the beds, vacuum, clean the kitchen and bathrooms.  The husband manages the pile of cardboard boxes in the corner. My monthly supply of medical stuff arrives in several large boxes.  He cuts them down and stuffs them into the recycle bin. I am so grateful for their help.

     I am still reading WE SURVIVED THE NIGHT.  Although it is about the indigenous north American peoples. it has helped me understand some of the difficulties in my family. I am reminded that trauma is inherited. In the evening, I watch an interesting detective mystery series, DAIGLIESH on Acorn TV.

 

Tuesday, November 11, 2025

     I decide to test ability to return books to the library drop box. I want to be independent. I park near the drop box and slowly climb out of the car and walk around with one hand on the side of the car for balance. One book falls to the ground. I maneuver it with my cane to pick it up. I put the seven books into the drop box and edge back to the front car door.  Not so successful but a good try. I wonder if I will ever get mobile enough.

     Because I am already in the car I drive to San Carlos Beach to sit and watch the ocean.  Lots of empty parking places.  The ocean is a calm silver with a few ruffles. A solitary egret standing in seaweed cluster just off shore. A single pelican glides by. Several young children riding bicycles. Clusters of small quick birds fly past. Strollers and old people moving around. The park.  Just perfect for me.

     Back home I am exhausted with my little outing. I listen to classical music to recover.

     The friendly librarian and I watch the Rachel Maddow show as the senate votes to reopen the government. I find it so interesting that everyone is so angry about this outcome. The poor people needing food verses the middle class needing health care. No good outcome here.

 

  Monday, November 10, 2025 

     Last night at bed time a huge explosion shakes me and my house. Loud with a strong energy release. I listen for sirens, none. Sea lions barking, some dogs barking but no sirens. I check my facebook emergency information page. Hundreds of reports from the Peninsula and Salinas about the blast. Lots of theories, not fireworks, maybe a bomb? a meteorite smashing into the earth? an earthquake? a sonic boom? speculations. Some reports of sirens in Pacific Grove but not here in Monterey. This morning the police report something dangerous fell off a ship and landed on Monterey Beach.  The bomb squad blew it up. There must be more to this story.

     In the morning when I stop thinking of the news, I notice the sun is warming up the house. The plants are thriving, And yet, the desire to find out what is happening is pulling at me. The task is to find the balance.

     My Instacart order arrives at noon with no surprises. Everything I order arrives. I place an order twice a month, when I am out of milk.

     In the evening, I watch more episodes of the Spanish show, OLD DOG NEW TRICKS. This show just gets better and better.  I am continuing to read WE SURVIVED THE NIGHT by Julian Brave Noisecat.