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.
Love the group pic š„°