Category: Uncategorized

I was surprised to see that I haven’t written anything since April 29. That’s not because things haven’t been happening…more like too many things. And, I have discovered, although I may have said this before, I like writing, but it doesn’t bring me the same experience of joy as calligraphy, or Zentangle, or gardening. It’s so much easier to spend time on those things. But I always feel better when I’m finished with a blog entry, so I’ll shoot for that.

Yes, heart disease…who knew for sure. Well, I can’t say I was completely shocked, given my family history, but I was hoping that my lifestyle saved me. It hasn’t completely. The diagnostic workup showed a 70% blockage at the left anterior descending (LAD). This is one of the most common spots for blockage. My sister, Michele, had 100% blockage in just that spot at the age of 55. So, at 70, I’ve kept the disease at bay. However, this is a good case of “you can run, but you can’t hide.” My EKG also showed left ventricular hypertrophy, which could have been from a heart attack. My blood work is also showing heart failure.

There is a lot of good news here. All of my biomarkers are in the “slightly bad” range. Another positive is that this is reversible. I will begin Zetia, which takes the culpable cholesterol particles out with the poop; niacin, which blocks the enzyme responsible for making cholesterol in the liver; and Arteriosil, a new supplement that heals the endothelial lining of the vessels. The damage to the vessels is caused by the tiny cholesterol particles that penetrate the lining, build up in that lining, and cause the vessel to narrow.

I’ve been fortunate to have made the acquaintance of Dr. Tara Dall, a lipidologist, who lives in Delafield. Turns out she has an international reputation and is one of Peter Attia’s teachers. Peter Attia is a doctor/athlete/driven individual who has an excellent podcast called The Drive, which was the title of his book. I’ve seen him interviewed by Andrew Huberman and Rich Roll. Attia is a voice that is pushing the medical community to move forward with more specific, personalized cholesterol monitoring.

I was lucky to have had genetic testing to find this anomaly. And my primary physician didn’t know about any of the new information available on diagnosing and treating elevated cholesterol. So, all in all, I feel lucky.

So, what else has been going on…the garden. I have been having so much fun out there. I had no idea how much joy I would experience in a garden. It always seemed like work. No more. As Casey Stengel said, “It’s only work if you’d rather be doing something else.”

I do believe that this is the first year that this flower has bloomed. I have been more diligent about feeding the plants. Surprise…it makes a difference. The Morning Glory to the right is just about to bloom. I thought I lost it to some disease that causes the leaves to look like lace. I was told that once it had this disease, it would always have it. This year may be an exception. Stay tuned.

I’ve been blessed to have Mayra to help. She moved 50 ferns in one day!!

I attended Pride Parade with my siblings recently. I was encouraged by the show of support, especially by Kohl’s. There were hundreds of people marching with them. It was a lovely day.

The last one is Kathy; she’s not in drag.

And Hombrecito came out too.

Last weekend I went to the very best little-kid-birthday party ever. It was for Cordelia and Ava. Sara hired a traveling petting zoo. What a hoot! I learned that goats, sheep, cows and other grazers have triangular pupils to improve their peripheral vision. I just had a general impression that they looked weird. I was so judgmental.

https://youtu.be/cbFC1Jagyaw

https://youtu.be/wR4OGo5j6_Q

Plans for India are coming along. Very loosely, I will arrive in Mumbai the first part of December. I will meet Ash, my calligraphy teacher, and spend some time at the Art Village outside of Mumbai.

Home

I would then like to spend time in two other states: Kerala to the north of Mumbai and Goa to the south. It is in Kerala where I see myself on a river boat, lounging in my sari. Goa is a resort/beach town. I don’t know much else about it, other than it is a good spot to visit. From Goa, I would like to take a train to meet the Women’s Expedition in Delhi. I have booked the expedition for December 21 through January 1.

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/us/india/india-womens-expedition-145282

Not sure yet how much of this will be alone and how much with Terrie Silverman. I’m waiting to hear from Chaitanya in response to this loose itinerary.

I’ve started working on my Christmas card. I can’t post it because I don’t want anyone to see it before they receive it.

That’s it. Hot tub time. Yay!!

Winding down my last day in Door County. What a wonderful few days I have had here, first with my sisters and now alone. I am so grateful for the opportunity to share this beautiful space.

I feel like I got a solid amount of writing done in the past three days. I have a base established for Documents and Stuff, Gear, and Itinerary. Dan’s still reviewing the Introduction. He said ideas are coming to him in his dreams.

Writing always takes me much longer than I think it will, but I’ve been enjoying the process. About every hour or so, I thank God for technology. It is SO much easier to write something now than when I was in school in the 60s-80s’. Everything is so readily available. I remember having to wait weeks for a reference article that my library at Alverno needed to order from another library somewhere in the universe. Shocking how things have changed, and continue to change every day.

Yesterday I had a second meeting with Patty and Terrie about our India trip. I have not yet received any answers from the travel agent, Chaitanya, in Mumbai. I texted him, and he said he was at an exhibition so couldn’t connect. We plan to meet via Zoom on Monday.

I chatted with my friend, Beth Abrams, in Boquete. We earlier discussed her favorite carry-on travel suitcase, and yesterday she texted me the info. She then called via WhatsApp, and we chatted about her experiences in India. She recommended visiting the Sikh community. I’m also going to get in touch with a couple of other Indian friends for their input.

Tonight’s Zentangle. I replicated the design I’ve been working on, but this time to a larger scale. It’s a better size to put on a card. It’s a fun design to make. Really a challenge at first, but once I really paid attention to the video (and actually turned on the audio), it all came together. I think the one on the right needs a little more shading.

I spent the weekend here in Door County at the house of my friends, Mike Jury and Patty Walker, with my two lovely sisters. And we were delighted that Robin (a childhood neighbor) chose to spend a couple of days with us. Robin lives on Washington Island where she has been the owner/operator of Nelson’s, a historic tavern on Washington Island.

Robin recently lost her son, Sam, so we felt grateful that she chose to spend a couple of days with us. I cannot imagine another human suffering that goes so deep. Truth be told, it was one of reasons I chose not to have children. Being in the midst of that grieving with family members was just too much. I realized that I had a choice, and I decided against it.

We had a delightful visit with Robin. She’s a collector, like our Marie, as well as my friend, Barb, in Panama. They just go outside and collect things that they later incorporate into their home. I wish I would have captured a photo of Robin’s collection of stones, wood and other outside oddities, but she scooped it all up before I got to it. Perhaps she will share with me a photo of one of her creations.

This is another Robin creation. We couldn’t use it because the fire warning was high, so we just admired it.

Walking to Cave Point Park:

We had a number of lovely dinners, soaks in the hot tub, and played Catch Phrase. Never a dull moment. And I have some very nice leftovers to see me through Saturday.

How many kitchens do you know of that has one of these? It’s on my list.

It’s called a molcajete. They say the head is usually the image of a pig. Not sure if this is a pig or a dog.

Yesterday we took a hike through Peninsula State Park. This was the first I’ve seen the new tower/bridge/walkway.

And this was the Zentangle of the weekend:

Kathy and Michele left about 1 pm this afternoon. I stayed in order to accept delivery of a bed for Mike. Turns out the bed is being delivered tomorrow morning, but I am going to stay until Saturday morning. I am almost finished making the beds and cleaning up a bit.

I wanted to get all that done and get my blog caught up so I have the next three days to focus on writing the book. Now that Dan is involved there is a bit more accountability, which is not a bad thing. I think it’s time right now to visit the hot tub.

My friend, Mary Stanke, called me this morning. She said she was missing the blog, so I thought I’d catch up. Can’t believe I’ve been home for nearly three weeks already. I seem to have a never-ending to-do list: doctors’ appointments, hair, massage, walks with friends, Trivia, preparing Myra’s to-do list – which makes mine shorter!

One of those things was to learn how to properly use iNotes. For some reason, I was having a hard time with that. But I’ve got it now and love it. I’ve also done some fine-tuning on learning my Mac. I’ll never go back to a laptop. Now I feel that my iPhone (which I just replaced because of the broken camera) are now synchronized. No more having to remember passwords. Fingers crossed that I’m doing it right.

Our yard is waking up:

Lovely walks with Kathy and Mary on the Glacial Drumlin Trail and in Lapham Peak.

Kathy asked me if I had garlic for breakfast after this photo was taken.

I’ve been spending a lot of time trying to understand “the heart attack gene.” Information in general regarding cholesterol levels has changed dramatically – and quickly – so much so that my primary physician didn’t know what I was talking about when I mentioned ApoB. ProHealth hasn’t added it yet to its basic cholesterol labs.

I have the coronary angiogram on 4/27. So that will be it work workup. We’ll see what Dr. Dall, the lipidologist (cholesterol specialist) recommends. I was pleasantly surprised to see Dr. Dall credited at the end of one of the podcasts by Dr. Peter Attia. He said Dr. Dall was one of his main sources of information. So, looks like I’m in good hands.

Dan has been helping me with the book. He suggested a preface. I was a little nervous when he suggested writing this. I put off reading it for a while because I was worried I would be “losing me” in his writing. His perspective on the Camino is a bit different than mine. However, after I read it today, I was very pleasantly surprised. It did, in fact, sound like me, just more succinct and organized, summarizing the book. So, we’ll see where we go from here. I’m hoping to have it finished and ready for the editor before the end of summer.

And now I’m back in my own lovely little bed looking out at the pink-tinted sky.

And yesterday a fun wedding shower for Mia Guido. One of the best showers I’ve ever attended.

And today is Greek Easter, so we will be celebrating at Tim and Ana’s.

So, today was my “last” day with Barb. This morning was my “last” time getting out of bed here on a Thursday. I ate the “last” of my oatmeal last night. I bought my “last” bag of coffee beans. In a couple of hours, I will have my “last” day with the gang. Betty is hosting a going away gathering for me tonight. I’m excited and sad at the same time.

But we also have something to celebrate tonight. Nancy just had installed a new electric gate. I love this video:

I’ve watched this twice now, and I love the laugh at the end and the “Isn’t that great?!” I can feel the joy.

I saw Cathy Schulte for the “last” time in town this morning while having a coffee with Barb at the Tip and Buckle.

I met three new people within the past couple of days. While at the Buckle and Tip, a woman was sitting at the bar while I was waiting the barista. She immediately struck up a conversation.

In the short time we chatted, we both felt the compulsion to exchange contact information. Her name is Kelle Sparta. She said she has found that just sitting at the bar has led to many opportunities to meet people.

I’ll see her next year. She has been here for eight months and plans to stay. I also met her husband, Jeff. Kelle was very slick about exchanging WhatsApp contact info. She will be a good WhatsApp resource person when I come here next year.

The other two new acquaintances were a couple I met the other day outside the library. I was actually on my way to find Don Quike’s Bakery (another last I was hoping for), and I was going to ask for directions at the library. As I came up to the library door, there was a couple with their backs to me, reading the posted notices on the door.

I asked in Spanish (because I thought he was Panamanian) if they knew where Don Quike’s was located. They explained that they didn’t speak Spanish but were pretty sure where the bakery was located. So, we all walked together and chatted on the way. They are Roberto and Freddy Lee. Instantly engaging. We also exchanged contact info.

This is another thing I love about technology: the ease with which we can get in touch with people and maintain connections.

This is the “last” Netflix series I will binge on while I’m here. It was so fabulous. Maestro in Blue. So much going on here. I felt like I was getting off a boat and landing in this little town in Greece and getting to know the inhabitants intimately. Music, casting, landscapes, passion, human/emotional/social struggles living under the constant judgmental gaze of ones neighbors. Can’t recommend it highly enough.

My “last” Zentangle:

Tomorrow I collect the sheets and towels and bag them up for Cathy to take to town to be laundered. I thought I was going to be doing that on my own, but she let me know that it is all done as part of the Airbnb service. Everything has to be professionally cleaned. She told me to just relax and enjoy my last days.

And indeed I have. I spent all of Tuesday and Wednesday completely holed up, listening to podcasts, practicing calligraphy, doing Zentangle, researching more extensively the whole new world of cholesterol numbers and what they mean. Unfortunately, with this research, I discovered that I have not only one, but two genetic anomalies. Oh, well.

It’s been wonderful. I feel so happy, healthy, well rested and relaxed. I’m looking forward to being home again and hugging all my lovers at home. Already have our first Trivia night on the calendar! Life is good.

“The Gang,” L to R: Betty Speyer, Nancy Peterson, Beth Abrams, Kathy Rutz and Herta Bermbach.

I just booked my place for next year. Betty met a new friend, Jerry, while doing her volunteer work with Buenos Vecinos. He showed her pictures of his house, which includes a little apartment. She asked if he rented it out, and he said that he did, on Airbnb. Betty took me there this morning. It is perfect! Unfortunately, I could not paste a clickable link here.

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/620166989722198279?source_impression_id=p3_1679674188_agDcHeMEwraqSqao&modal=PHOTO_TOUR_SCROLLABLE

It’s called the Rainbow House Apartment. The photos do not do it justice. What the photos do no show is that at the foot of the bed is the entrance to the apartment – two glass sliding doors, which provide a fantastic view. It has a great feel. Clean, bright, perfect-sized kitchen, washer and dryer. Jerry is an electronics guy, so he just installed he strongest Wi-Fi. The house is two miles up the hill. No sidewalks, but Jerry said he walks it all the time with no problem.

He also said that there is one requirement – that I eat the bananas and the oranges, which are plentiful on the property.

I couldn’t be happier. And, get this, the rent is only $450/month!! Plus $39 for Internet. It even has a television, so I can watch Netflix on a larger screen. Thanks Betty!! You will be handsomely rewarded with a place in heaven – which translated means many meals cooked for you with love.

My latest Zentangle. It’s called Paradox because it is drawn completely with straight lines, yet it produces the illusion of curved images.

I think I may do a series of these with “Thank you” in gold calligraphy.

I haven’t been spending much time on the cards because I have decided to spend my “creative time” on the book. I have my first appointment with Kathie on 4/14, so this gives me time to get the first 20 pages ready. I’m happy Dan is now on board with this and is offering some helpful input.

I’ve started the wind-down. I purchased two more plastic bins. I already had one that I bought from the knitting group last year. Three may be more space than I need, but that’s fine; they can be lighter. Nancy has agreed to let me store my things again under her carport. She was so kind last year and covered the cardboard boxes with a plastic tarp. This way that won’t be necessary, and I won’t have to worry about moisture or dust.

My latest favorite podcast. I was introduced to Dr. Steve Attia. I found the podcast impressive in a number of ways. Attia apparently has the same heart-attack gene profile that I have, so his information on that was valuable for me. He also gives an overall philosophy of what he calls “healthspan,” which is basically being healthy for as long as you can during your lifespan, basically quality versus quantity. He has inspired me to have a complete physical assessment done by a trainer to maximize my strength and stability.

Another facet of the interview I found quite powerful was the revelation of his emotional challenges and his journey in confronting his anger issues and healing them. He was encouraged by his editors to leave this out of his book, Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity; however, he felt it important enough to include. I couldn’t agree more. I am grateful for minds and personalities like Attia’s who are willing to be vulnerable and share not only their technical accomplishments with humanity but their spiritual growth. Again, the value of “presence” is highlighted

Time for a nap!

I can’t believe it’s been over a week since I posted last. It’s been pretty quiet here.

I went with Sally to Natalie’s on Monday last. We were going to do our chosen art piece, but lunch led to conversation, and the art tools were never taken out. However, I am quite sure we solved all the problems of Affirmative Action and the U.S. educational system. I pretty much took a listening part.

Marianne Williamson announced her candidacy on March 4 in Washington. I was disappointed that it was not more widely covered by the news agencies, and her delivery seemed a bit affected. She was also wilting under the lights. However, in the following days she seems to have garnered some attention from larger media sources.

Recently, Karine Jean-Pierre, Biden’s press secretary mocked Williamson, dismissing her as a serious candidate and referring to her “crystal balls and auras.” Williamson took her to task and expressed her disappointment without name-calling or abuse. I think Williamson has a ton of integrity.

Friday I went to Betty’s for dinner, movie and a sleepover. We watched Sharper. I was so confused. I had to read the wikipedia plot summary the next day. I may just watch it again. I also binged on Red Rose, a Netflix series which dramatizes a group of British youths who are being terrorized by Red Rose, an Internet app produced on the dark web. Scary to see the possibilities.

Lois and Buzz’s friend, Floss, arrived a couple of days ago. She is a delight. On Sunday a group of us went to Lucero for lunch. It was fantastically delicious. I have been there twice, and both times it has been nearly deserted. This is surprising (and I may have said this already) because it is the only full-size golf course in Boquete, and it was a Sunday!!

I walked into town this morning and found Barbara and Debra sitting on the steps outside Sabroson. I sat with them for a bit and then caught the bus back up the hill. The driver went in the opposite direction this time, so it was a unique view for me. I made it home just before it started to “llover a cántaros,” rain cats and dogs.

I have begun writing One Woman’s Camino. I think I have the rough draft of the introduction finished. Time to contact Kathie!

A pheasant (can’t remember what they’re called here) finally gave up trying to communicate with itself through my bedroom window. This has been happening consistently, but today seems particularly active. Just makes the heart skip a beat now and again.

Dinner here last night was lovely. I served fresh salsa, guacamole, corn chips, black beans and rice with mango and coleslaw. Mary, thanks again for that dressing recipe. It is THE BEST. I will forever remember the fish fry at your house. Russ made the fish. I think it was catfish breaded in cornmeal. You made the slaw. It was heaven.

One of tonight’s guests, Cheryl, of Cheryl and Jude, asked for the recipe. Everyone here was from the Midwest and grew up to appreciate and value good coleslaw.

It was such a great conversation last night. Everyone is so intelligent and well-traveled, and they have such funny stories. We talked about our conditioned food choices. Jude related his story of his aversion to oatmeal. It was “a texture” thing he said. I’ve heard of this texture experience before.

I can’t think of any texture to which I have an aversion… maybe crunchy animal parts. We talked about that last night as well, how some Asian cultures love “the crunch.” I just cannot imagine eating a chicken’s foot. But…you never know…I was talked into eating ants in Honduras.

Watched a funny movie last night with Ricky Jervais. It’s called The Correspondents. Funny with a love story. I like that about Ricky Jervais. I was just discussing with Betty last night, however, that I can’t (or haven’t) gotten used to his use of the word “cunt.” It makes me bristle. I know he made a point somewhere in one of his videos that “it’s just a word,” or something to that effect, but I still bristle. Words are important. Harry Dean Stanton uses it in Lucky, which I just watched recently.

So, Marianne Williamson got off to (as Betty said) an inauspicious start. I have to admit, I was underwhelmed by her announcement speech. It felt a bit too affected, and she was wilting under the light. I think she was trying hard not to come off as a “woo-woo wimp,” and perhaps she tried too hard. None of the networks covered it. There was actually a headline about someone who was choosing NOT to run for some office, I think a governorship, but no mention of Marianne. Sigh.

These are today’s Zentangles. I’m going to play at Natalie’s house tomorrow with Sallie, and I wanted to at least get a start on this one so that I could chat at the same time. I think I’ve got it.

It turned out to be much more challenging than I thought. At first glance it seemed simple, but that is one of the beautiful aspects of this art, it really challenges my cognition and pattern recognition. I love the sense of accomplishment I feel at getting it right. It takes a while, but it’s that intermittent variable of reinforcement. You know you’re going to be rewarded, you just don’t know when. It’s why I like golf.

So, I’ve been in couch-potato mode for a few days now. I’ve been bingeing on Jane Austen movies and reading Purple Hibiscus, a novel written by the Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Waking Up by Sam Harris. I cannot remember who recommended the former, but I thank you, I’m enjoying it.

Reading Sam Harris’s book has made me wonder why he and Rupert Spira had a conflict. I’m going to have to look back at that podcast. Right now, it sounds to me like they are both speaking from the same foundation: advaita vedanta: nondualism. Being a scientist, Harris may be taking the more materialist perspective which professes that consciousness is produced by the brain, and someday scientists will discover where that is happening. Whereas, Spira is saying that the brain and the mind are manifestations of consciousness. The other way around. Stay tuned on that one.

I had such a lovely experience of waking up this morning. I woke at my usual 6:30ish, sat up, meditated for my usual half hour, and when I turned the timer off, I continued to sit there. I blissfully drifted in an out of sleep. I love that feeling when I know I have more sleep in me, and I don’t have to get up. I sat there until 9. It was great.

I have a bit of time before Lois and Buzz arrive for dinner, so I thought I’d get caught up here.

On Saturday, I had the gang came over for breakfast. I promised them that it would not be vegan and that we could experience the VR. They loved it…the VR and the food. We had scrambled eggs, bacon, pain perdu (french toast), juice and watermelon. It was nice to have the french toast again. I haven’t had it for a long time.

So, Beth met the gorillas in the forest. I wish I would have gotten a picture of her kissing the baby gorilla. The others watched the National Geographic Elephant Encounter. i wonder if Netflix has any VR movies. I’ll have to check.

And this is Bailey, Nancy’s dog. I am taking care of him while the gang is at Las Lajas. It’s nice having a dog around the house. He’s a sweet boy.

So, just as I’m getting used to having a dog around, I got this message from Lois (my neighbor):

“Chris, Cathy asked if we could Foster these dogs for the month of march. We’d like to do it but I think it’s going to be difficult with our friend coming in from the 7th until the 23rd.
Because we’ll be doing things in the daytime with her. Do we want to Co-foster? Just an idea. What do you think about it?”

Then Cathy sent the same message to me, with this addition: “All of the other pups in the litter died before she was rescued. Just has this 1 left. “

My response:

“Hello. Yes, Lois just texted me these photos and the message. My first reaction is, “I don’t think so.” I’m getting a dose of doggy responsibility right now, and it’s enough for me. I can easily predict that a month with a puppy is well out of my comfort zone right now. I know what puppies are like. But I have to admit that puppy face hit a chord. He looks so much like a dog I used to have. Her name was Jemma. Sorry I can’t give you a better message, but my gut is telling me, “Bad idea.”

Then:

Cathy & Larry Doig: Understand completely. 😊💕
Christine Kunert: And I just want to say that I am so happy you asked. I know it would be the very best world if they had the attention of a single human. Have you tried Dog Camp or Aniimales? That is probably a stupid question. They are not likely your first choice.
Cathy & Larry Doig: Dog Camp is overbooked. They were spayed yesterday at the clinica. The person that rescued them is a renter and the landlord won’t allow. Maybe give Lois & Buzz the puppy and you care for the mom! 😍
Christine Kunert: I’ll let her respond…

Lois will be here soon. I’ll see what she has decided.

I am very excited that Marianne Williamson is going to announce her candidacy on March 4. I feel more goosebumps now than I did when Obama announced. I emailed Betty and Barb to see if anyone wanted to get together to watch it. I know that is Movie Day for the gang.

“So on Saturday, March 4, I will formally announce my candidacy for the Democratic nomination for president. I hope you’ll join me for the official kick off of my campaign, either in Washington DC or via live-streaming,
 
The times we’re living in are challenging but they will change if we are willing to change them. I have a lot to say about where I think our problems came from, and what I feel it will take to solve them. I feel my forty years spent close and personal with the trauma of so many thousands of individuals gives me a unique perspective on what is needed to help repair America.

Transactional politics are inadequate to the challenges of this time. We need a transformational politics – one that treats not just symptoms, but cause. One that does not base itself on the crass imperatives of endless corporate profit, but on the eternal imperatives of our principles and values. Einstein said we wouldn’t solve the problems of the world from the level of thinking we were at when we created them. It’s time for a new beginning, and this will only happen if we’re willing to look at the world in a different way.

If we neglect a child today, we should expect to see more prisons later. If we don’t provide for people’s needs today, we should expect a mental health crisis later. If we don’t preserve the blessings of democracy today, we should expect the threat of authoritarianism later. 

Some have already said of course, Well obviously she can’t win. Or Well that’s good; she’ll add to the conversation. But since the election of 2016 it’s odd for anyone to think they know who can win the presidency. And I’m not putting myself through this again just to add to the conversation. I’m running for president to help bring an aberrational chapter of our history to a close, and to help create a new beginning.

What is often considered “politically qualified” for the presidency is simply the ability to do what the system does – essentially, to perpetuate itself. My qualification is not that I’m experienced at running that system, but that I’m best qualified to help disrupt it. The status quo will not disrupt itself. Washington is filled with good political car mechanics, but the problem is that we are on the wrong road. As someone who has worked with thousands of individuals and groups – helping them not only to endure chaos but to transform it – I’ve had exactly the kinds of experiences one needs to have had in order to make sense of these times.
 
My announcement will take place in Washington DC next Saturday at 2pm ET, and will also be streamed live on all my social media channels. You can either join us live in Washington DC, or watch the announcement online.

It’s time for a generation of Americans to affect a course-correction in our nation’s history – and we’re it. I hope you will join with me in creating this historic possibility. Your donations, you volunteering to help with the campaign – and always, your prayers – will help create a wave of change that brings a new day to America. 

Let’s do this…

With love and gratitude,

I had a great time at Barb and Murray’s party on Sunday. They throw great parties. They are a a well-oiled machine. I met a number of new people. Let’s see if these names ever show up again: Rich and Lela (I need her recipe for the coconut flan with maracuya). Tim O’Connell said he was sure it must be illegal is some countries. Michelle: Here by herself, a transplant from Montreal. Ed, the guest of honor. He is Irish, from Massachusettes. He said I reminded him of his cousin (I think – Maureen Sullivan). He showed me a photo on is tablet. I had to agree. I will not see Jeannie and Charlie again. They are moving to Malaga soon.

I am so happy I brought these with me:

They make chopping so much more enjoyable. I made the hummus using the little Cuisinart food processor that I borrowed from Nancy. I burned out the motor. Sorry, Nancy.

I have a whole lot of replacing to do before I leave: glassware, saucers, food processor…

So, I ended up making the salsa by hand. I thought it turned out very well. The fresh ingredients make such a difference in a salsa. Although, Pascual (the chef), shrugged his shoulders when I asked him how he liked it. But Kitty came over later and told me how much she loved it. And she shared with me her stories of burning out a blender motor while making Margarita’s for her daughter’s new family at the wedding rehearsal dinner. She was meeting he new in-laws for the first time. She bonded with the new mother-in-law over Margarita’s. I told her I would like the recipe. I’ll have to compare it to the one I use from Ken Klauck, who used to make them for our Spanish class.

Yahaira came today to clean. We were talking about my prospects for a rental next year. She knows Jose at Villa San Miquel, and she thought it would be a great place to rent. She told me, however, that if that doesn’t work out, to let her know. She said that she and her fellow cleaning friends know of lots of places for rent during the months of December through March. It’s good to have friends in high places.

What a coincidence! I decided to walk into town this morning, pick up a few things, and take the bus back, hoping to encounter the same bus driver I had on Sunday when my phone went missing. As I was walking down the hill, the bus was coming up. He stopped and gave me my phone! What a great experience.

Here’s another sweet experience interacting with the locals. I was chatting on WhatsApp with Jose from Villa San Miguel about renting a place from him for next year. At one point he said, “Tu me caes bien!” In English: I like you!” I had been struggling with that phrase. Now I will never forget it…well, one hopes. The way I will remember it is, that a more literal translation to English would be saying, “I fall well with you.” I love that. I can imagine falling into the other person and just loving how that experience feels.” I think many people want to do that.

He said he liked my energy, and I liked his. How can I not love a businessman who responds with a sticker of a puppy with a bowtie giving a hive-five? I am hoping there is a place available there for me next year. I anticipate a good time. It already feels like a great opportunity to speak more Spanish.

I took a shower with a scorpion this morning. Last weekend, when the power was out, I was going down the stairs to pee. With my flashlight, I spotted a scorpion on the step. I figured I was not going to try my capture routine with no light, so I just put a glass over him and explained that he would just have to live there for the night. When I got up the next morning, and went down the stairs again, the scorpion was gone. It had escaped through one of the tunnels created by the grout in the tile.

So, when I went to shower this morning, I noticed the foot mat had fallen to the floor. As has become my practice, I picked it up and shook it over the shower stall floor. Sure enough, he fell out. The water was already on, and he hightailed it (literally) up the shower wall. He curled up in a little ball, and there he remains.

I have a number of fun events coming up. I’m having the gang over for breakfast Saturday morning. We are also going to play with the Virtual Reality. I so want to put Beth in the jungle with the gorillas and Nancy somewhere in a Disney setting.

On Sunday, Barb and Murray are having a pizza party to introduce everyone to their friend, Ed, who is visiting from Massachusetts.

On Monday evening, Lois and Buzz are returning from Panama City, and I’m having them over for dinner.

On 3/5, I’m having dinner here with my neighbors: Lois, Buzz, Jude and Cheryl, as well as Betty.

On 3/6, Natalie invited Sally and me to her house for a luncheon playdate

I was putting off having people here because I don’t have a dining area, but it seems that the huge couch and coffee table are working out. I’m getting my fix. I’ve been hearing people talking about “love languages.” I don’t know what they all are, but I think mine is feeding people.

Two movies I highly recommend: The Wonder and The Father. The former made me very happy I escaped Ireland when I did, and the latter made me love Anthony Hopkins even more than I did before. I have informed Dan not to watch this second one. Hopkins’ character not only looks like Don, but his behavior was almost exactly like Don’s.

There is a scene where he walks into the living room and asks a man sitting in a chair, reading a newspaper, who he was and why was he in his flat? The man in the chair was his son-in-law. I remember one day sitting on a couch with Don, and he turned to me and said, “Who are you?” My heart sank.

As painful as the movie was, however, I’m happy I watched it. It was recommended by my Soul Matters class. The title of this month’s packet is The Path of Vulnerability. It is such a good human lesson to accept our vulnerability at every stage of life. I even felt a sense of it while watching the movie because it intentionally confuses the viewer. This movie reminded me of reading Tuesdays with Morrie. I almost wrote Tuesdays with Murray, that would have been a completely different book.

Wow! That turned into a longer post than I expected. I just felt like writing. I’m finding that I am enjoying it more and more.