Friday, January 2, 2026

     In the early evening, we settle in the living room, build a fire and watch a movie. The New Yorkers work in the film industry. We have watched three movies, whose names escape me now. but the violent torture scenes stay with me. They have a cell phones in their hands distracting themselves from the film. I have no distraction to use. They are interested in the making of the film and I am caught up in the painful stories. It is not surprising that I have difficulty sleeping last night.

     The longer we visit together the clearer it is each person is different and charming in their own ways. We work hard to not antagonize each other, not to fall into old family habits. I resist offering advice or attempting to protect or solve their difficulties.  And of course, we each come with our own fears and struggles. I retreat into my room when I am tired.

     Another rainy cold day this morning. Winter surprises me each year. A stack of dishes waits for me in the kitchen.  I am glad to have a role in this holiday. I didn’t give any gifts this year but have received some unexpectedly.

     I continue to read Louise Penny’s latest book, THE BLACK WOLF. I can’t decide if is good or not, but I keep going.

 

Thursday, January 1, 2026

     Morning walk on the deck, a pause in the rain, a bit of blue sky. Sea gulls squawking and cars racing, in the distance. I trudge on the wet deck, back and forth, tipping chairs to release their puddles. The blue sky is temporary as the clouds cluster back together.

     Nine folks for New Years Eve dinner and then a movie. Nine is the limit for my table. We need more comfortable chairs in the living room. A fire in the fire place. We watch a funny spoof, whose name now escapes me. I go to my room after the movie freeing up one comfortable chair. And life continues in the living room. The five comfortable chairs are taken.

     I am glad to spend time with the family and still I am easily overwhelmed by their dynamic personalities. I join the group and then retreat back to my room. Have I always been this way, don’t remember. I do spend time each morning in the kitchen washing various dishes and putting away stuff. I am the morning kitchen person.

     I am now sitting in my room as I write. Bathroom sounds in the distance, voices come through. TV sounds for the New York inauguration. The wind is picking up.  The heater is working. The plumbing still works. Maybe there is a problem with electricity. Three small leaks in my bathroom skylight. My car runs.  I have no complaints at all.

 

Wednesday, December 31, 2025

     There are 7 of us in the house this week and two bathrooms.  My bathroom and the other bathroom for the six of them. Not fair.  They can use mine but it is set up for my bladder issues and is awkward. In emergencies they will risk it. We only have one shower and 7 people who want to shower. No solution here. We have our favorite living room chairs and blankets. We move up to more comfortable chairs as people leave the room. I have the most comfortable chair.

     I stay at home while the others go to the annual extended family lunch in San Juan Bautista. I am not sick, just a bit fatigued and weak. I am damaged rather than ill from the six surgeries and many treatments. Maybe next year I can attend.

     In the late afternoon we watch WARRIORS, a weird, funny thriller. Very intense and the images stay with me through the night. Later I watch a Rachel Maddow special in Los Angeles. The others slowly leave the living room for other parts of the house.

     I start reading the new book by Louise Penny, THE BLACK WOLF.  Now I have started three books. I can’t finish what I start. The books are piling up again.