Saturday, April 18, 2026 

     Well, I do it.  I show up at McGowan house for Brown Bag Zen at noon. I sit, nod at friends and talk for 15 minutes. I am so glad they are still alive.  Without newspaper obituaries I never know who is dead or still alive. I am exhausted when I get home.

     I am slightly anxious all morning as I review possible subjects for the talk. And now I can’t remember what I said.  I park on the street and have to face my fear of curbs. I walk the long way around to the car to avoid struggling with the curb.

     I grew up under the strict rules of the 1940’s Catholic Church. I learned to be sneaky when the rules didn’t work for me. I am now willing to admit what I want or need to do. It was difficult to give up being sneaky.

     In the evening, we watch the last episodes of BAD MISTAKES, a Netflix series with some screaming. The ending is great, totally unexpected. I am waiting for the next season. I continue to read Penelope Lively’s novel MOON TIGER. Our crazy politics endure, and I continue to swallow the little pink pill and eat whatever I want. My esophagus is good.