Glorious morning today. In the east, the sun is rising and in the west, a huge cumulous cloud is all pink and beautiful with the sunrise. It is so stunning, I take a picture. Today’s weather gets only better. It is the perfect day in paradise.
But then there is work! Mandy comes into the library to look at the aerial photo again. And gives me back my $50. She gives me the phone number of the woman who owns the bike and draws a map to her house. Mandy and her family will be moving to a house right down the street from there as soon as it has been prepped for occupancy. The Gardeners will be staying for the long term.
At lunch, I sit with Eduardo, Juan Carlos, and then Frida joins us. I ask her where she is going on her vacation. She looks puzzled and I tell her I read about it in the CDF email. She says, Oh, it is my boss who will be taking leave, and the email said that I am covering for him. Least he could have done was ask me. Oh, I say. I really need to read instead of skim my Spanish emails!
Frida asks if I would be up to do something together this weekend. You bet. She will set it up to take a taxi to some highland place and we will hike around somewhere. Great!
After lunch, I go back to the dorm to read Stephen Fry, and repack my backpack for the long email marathon that I am planning in the Library after hours tonight. I grab my flashlight (really George’s flashlight that he uses for tying flies and negotiating in the dark on the river), a bran granola bar (believe me, “granola” bar is a stretch), a candy, and some gummy bears. Fabulous meal, wouldn’t you say? Yeah, me neither! But so it goes…
In the afternoon, Bryan comes into the Library with some Aussie looking bloke. Even though he introduces himself, I don’t recall his name. Bryan and Aussie-bloke start rummaging around in the famed locked cabinet where the aerial maps are. I stand clear, and then sit and work while they search. They certainly are finding maps, but not the ones from the 40s. Then, I think they hit paydirt. Yes, these are what I am looking for. All’s well that ends well. Now Bryan will tell Mandy about them.
At 5:15 PM, a staff member comes in and asks me if I want to buy some encebollado. This is the food fundraiser that I read about in CDF email. Two persons on staff are raising money for some unfortunates by making and selling this fish soup on Saturday. I asked Frida about it at lunch. It surely isn’t that I know what this is! The cost is $4, including home delivery! I say that I live at the Station, but if they would deliver it to the circle, I would gladly buy one. He says, Yes, we can be here at 10 AM or so. I pay and now I have a dinner meal that won’t be cereal!
After he leaves, I lock the door and head over to la tienda to buy some necessities. Today, I need milk, new box of cereal (definitely going back to corn flakes with a touch of honey), and raisins. I find a box of milk that says “50% libre de grasa” (Woo hoo!); half fat is better than all fat, esp. since I have been using cream on my cereal as of late. And, I buy a soda. I go for a coke again today. Uh-oh, this might become habit forming and I will stop buying soda as of today. Promise.
I truck everything back to the Library. And start in on emails; both Gmail and ECSU email. In the Library, there is one window behind me to my left, and the clock is on the wall facing me. I know that today was a gift weather-wise and I look to see what the evening is doing. I decide to take a break during twilight and grab my erstwhile described dinner and head to the walkway where I can eat without inviting critters into the Library. While I’m standing there, Mark Gardener walks by, in wet trunks and a towel. He stops, and asks me if I am burning the midnight oil. If he only knew! He has just gone for a swim, and says the water is fabulous. I have only been in the water once here at the Station, and that was a pretend bath!
I say Buenos noches, and go back to emails. My friend, Lolly, writes that she was on a conference call this morning with many of the staff (physical therapist, head nurse, social worker) of the convalescent hospital where my mother is recuperating. My friend, Judy, is on the ground at the convalescent hospital and has organized this meeting. It lasts for an hour and a half. Wow! Lolly is esp. knowledgeable as a nurse (in a previous life) and can and does ask the medical questions. Judy has gathered the troops to assist my Mom to get her health and strength back, to find out why she is not improving as she should be, that is, to keep food down, to walk solo, to climb stairs, and to return to her home in (possibly) three weeks time.
Another dear friend, Marion, is also local to Fairfield, and she and I grew up as friends (almost as sisters, as I have none) since the day that I was born (as my mother and her mother were friends to start with). She visits my Mom as well and sends me email reports on my Mom’s status. As you can read, I have very devoted friends, not only to me, but to my mother as well. I am fortunate to have them, and for them to care so much about my Mom. I am truly blessed.
I read that the meeting went well. I can go back to the dorm with the knowledge that a plan will be forthcoming to assist my Mom recuperate on all fronts. I feel both relief, and regret because I feel helpless being so many miles away. My saving knowledge is that she is in many good hands.
I gather my things, lock up the Library, and head to the dorm. There is a full moon, and no clouds in the sky. I don’t even need a flashlight. I send up a prayer of thanksgiving and keep on walking.
I get to the dorm and Mari is out. I decide to zone out with my Rise of Atlantis game for an hour before bed. I have much to think on, be thankful for, and dream on.
