Friday, June 19, 2026

     My family asks me what I want to do for my birthday this weekend. I don’t know what I want. Breakfast at Denny’s is always good for me. I never have been comfortable with birthday events and now that I am going to be 86 years old, my desires are more limited.  Quiet conversations and carrot cakes are good.

     Driving back and forth from medical offices on Highway 68 and home I notice the trees.  Close to Monterey there is a pine tree forest with super tall pine trees.  After passing the airport road, the oak trees take over. Why has it taken me so long to notice this shift in trees.

     It is my turn to help my roommate with medical issues. She has taken care of me for years. The gusty wind keeps up all day. I watch the opening ceremony of the Obama Center in Chicago.

     In the evening we watch two shows, WIDOWS COVE, a horror comedy series and CLARKSON’S FARM, a working farm with lots of comedy. Yep laughter is the goal last night.

 

Thursday, June 18, 2026

    It’s taken a year for me to stop being angry about having sepsis after my sixth surgery last summer. Plus, why was the surgeon not concerned about pain control in the pre operation room. As if I am a chronic complainer. I get intense bladder spasms pain from a blocked catheter. And then I was annoyed with the Urology Physician Assistant’s refusal to let me talk about my sepsis and pain experiences.

    Last night I look at the Probiotic pills recommended by this PA last summer. And the anger is gone. I take my first pill this morning, Life is such a mystery.

     My personal librarian arrives in the late afternoon with a bag of library books. She stays for awhile as we talk about our lives. The most serious issue is understanding tiredness. The more we talk, the more energetic we become.

     I love watching CLARKSON’S FARM in the evening. The show isn’t for everyone but for me it just hits the right spot of humor and beauty. We also watch Monday night’s THE DAILY SHOW WITH JON STEWART. More laughter and feeling good. The political news about our unhinged leader is both alarming and not funny

 

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

     When I am too tired or anxious or bored I return to searching for the next book to read. A book that is great and unknown. I can’t describe the excitement of looking through recommendations on line until I am finally satisfied and the book is on order at the library or on line.

     I am now in the middle of three very good books. ON THE CALCULATION OF VOLUME, a sci fi novel by Solvej Balle. PARABLE OF THE TALENTS, another sci fi book by Octavia Butler. Finally NOTES ON A FOREIGN COUNTRY, nonfiction by Suzy Hansen. I guess my mind is able to keep up with the various plots. I love to read. My job lately is to just keep reading.

     I do worry about losing words when I am talking with friends. I pause in the middle of a thought and am unable to find the next word. Eventually the word returns to my mind but too late for the conversation I am in.

     My neighbor’s New Yorker shows up in my mail box a couple of days ago. The third New Yorker of the week, to arrive. My roommate and I both have New Yorker subscriptions. Yesterday I finely walk down to his mail box with his magazine.