The Ides of March. Kathy “got me” this morning by texting me that “the shops were open.” It’s a game we’ve been playing for 60 years. On March 15 ‘lo those many years ago, we were busted for skipping school. I called the attendance monitor at school that morning pretending to be my mom saying that Kathy and I couldn’t attend school because we were going out of town. So, when Kathy and I walked in the kitchen door later that afternoon (as expected), our mother said, “How’s was out of town?” Oops…
It’s been almost two weeks since I last posted. In that time I lost three friends: our neighbor, Carol, who was 93 and being tended by home hospice; Marilyn Wanda (78), a long-time golfing buddy; and Sandy Draelos (61), the wife of Tom, one of our Greek-friends group. Marilyn texted me about six months ago to tell me she had been diagnosed with a blood cancer but felt fine and was undergoing chemo. Sandy fell down a flight of stairs and hit her head. Dan also lost one of his high school classmates and learned of the death of Lisa Deiss Docter, a friend from his childhood (the sister of Ray Deiss). Lisa was diagnosed with liver cancer about 18 months ago. I guess we’d better get used to it.
We had a game night at Don and Lesley’s recently. We played Mexican Train. I was a bit discombobulated since I’ve only played it once before, and apparently there is this thing called “house rules,” which means the rules change depending on the host/hostess. I finally caught on (I think). We’re having another game night on the 20th. I offered to prepare the entree (spaghetti and meatballs), since Lesley has hosted so many times, and they missed my fish fry. I think I may have also been nominated to read the rules for the new Panamanian Monopoly game we will be playing. I need to make a point to get those before the 20th.
I’m engaged in a frustrating backing-and-forthing with the publisher. They sent me their first proofread. I was overwhelmed by the literally thousands of comments in the margin. I realized that, not only did they comment on every single instance of two spaces after a period (where they only want one), they also apparently edited it using a British style guide. I’ve asked them twice now to edit it using the Chicago Style. So, I’m just taking a breath and waiting. I’m in no rush.
Can’t remember if I already posted this, but Trivia night has changed, and one can no longer walk in with a few people and join another group to form a team. All of the tables are reserved for established teams. So, last night, instead, I asked Jerry and Linda if they wanted to go to the full-moon party at Ngärdi. Jerry said yes, and he met Kathy Rutz and I for dinner. This restaurant is one of the few “up-scale” Panamanian restaurants. It was expensive by Boquete standards, but the food was very good – except for Jerry’s appetizer, which was something made with yucca. He didn’t eat it, and I didn’t even try it. I know I don’t like yucca. I remember having it once at a Cuban restaurant in downtown Milwaukee with Dianne. Can’t remember the name of it, but the yucca left a yukka impression.
On my walk into town last night I saw this man carving a tree trunk. These are numerous around town, but this is the first time I have seen one being created.
I spent part of my day today trying to see if I could get an absentee ballot for the WI Supreme Court election on April 1. I wasn’t paying attention and thought that I would be home on the 1st. I’m actually in transit all of the 1st. I don’t arrive in Chicago until 4/2. Dang. I was hoping I could get the ballot emailed to me here, but that is only done for active military abroad. Lesson learned.
And here are the latest gems. I’m looking forward to doing this at home where I have better tools. They are so much fun to make.
