Spooky days are here again

My downstairs neighbor awhile ago

I am not sure when the person who lived right downstairs from us moved out, but he was there long enough for me to enjoy his seasonal decorations for a few years. I think he grew those pumpkins in his plot in the community garden some of us shared. I no longer plant anything in it, as I got very tired of all the slugs getting first dibs on the best vegetables. I tried to make them drink beer out of shallow containers, because I learned that they love beer and would drown themselves in it. But it still seemed like a lot of work and frustration, and finally after years of all kinds of tricks, I gave up. I have shared the beer trick with others, some of whom swear by it.

As I am aging, I notice that I am more choosy about how I spend my time, and have given up many activities that I once thought were simply part of me and wouldn't ever stop. Until I began to lose my eyesight, and as it has continued to slip away, I have found other things that give me pleasure. Fortunately, I can still write and read blogs, which will eventually leave me, so I am taking advantage every day that I can see well enough to create and post these missives. Even when I have little to write about. I can still read books on my Kindle, but it's a lot of work to get through a complete novel or memoir (my two favorites), so that also is curtailed. 

I am still able to volunteer in the lunch room at the Senior Center, so that has helped to keep me socially active. Some of my best friends these days work with me, and we share the lunch room duties. I can also take the bus to my yoga class across town, and I've grown familiar with the route and the drivers. I feel a part of my community in ways that I cherish every day.

John, me, Michelle and Gene

This morning's picture was taken at the coffee shop today, when my usual coffee shop partner John invited Michelle and Gene to join us. Gene is in mourning for his long-time girlfriend, Paula, who died this week in her late eighties. He cared for her daily during the last few months, and I had heard that she was dying. I just didn't know her well enough to visit, but it was wonderful to see Gene again and tell stories we remembered about Paula. Michelle flew into Bellingham from her home on the West Coast to support Gene.

The three of them decided to go to a local restaurant for breakfast, but I declined and took the bus home. I'm glad I did, because it began to rain and I wasn't dressed for it. I am once again feel with happiness because of all the wonderful people who surround me with love. Gratitude abounds.

:-)