Whenever I go out to eat, I bring my own take home container and put half of the meal in it before I eat. Another meal at home. This week I am eating out four times. My refrigerator will be filled with containers.

No cooking!

I have been talking to Carrie and Julie in the morning at the same time for quite a while. This week it changed. Julie began a new job, Carrie was off work. It has compelled me to think in the morning instead of doing my routine.

Parenting.

I bought a new bathing suit.

I told Julie this means we need to take a trip in December or go to Erik’s hot tub in Cazadero.

She favors both.

He has three days between school ending and working at camp. He is in great demand to be seen. I will have brunch with the local family on one of those days. We will celebrate Isaac and Ari’s birthdays. We will also discuss when he will be around at the end of the summer.

Precious times.

On Saturday, my friend Kevin is coming over for coffee and lemon bread. On Sunday, Erik and I are having lunch together after he helps the Camp Tawonga kids board their busses. It will be catch up discussions with each.

I value conversations.

I attended my Friday meeting of Alameda Referral Group which I have done for 11 years. It unexpectedly became an open discussion on AI. It was meaningful to listen to the 14 people share their opinions and experience spontaneously.

There will be ongoing change in our lives.

I have been calling friends to see how they are doing. Two have had surgery to deal with much pain, and one recently lost a parent. Another friend lives in Alabama where there have been ongoing threats of tornadoes.

It is good to hear their voices.

Houses are suddenly up for sale, including one next door to me. There are four apartments in it and one tenant told me she knows two intend to stay. New neighbors, new owner…anticipation of how it will be.

Change

My dear friend Marjie died suddenly. She lived In Michigan and we met in our PhD program. I stayed with her when I visited Michigan. I feel a large empty space in my life.

Sadness.

Changes take place inside my home too. The carpeting and towels change color in the bathroom, and a light comforter is on the bed. Traditionally I do this to have a visual change. It also heightens awareness of the new seasons.

Variety.