I started reading the paper while I was eating lunch and dinner.  I watch the national news every evening.  I watch 60 Minutes.  I watch Bill Maher.  I listen to NPR when I am in the car.  I keep up with world events.  I found myself responding to the news with uncomfortable feelings.  Too much.

I gave up reading the paper.  I listen to music now when I eat.

The good news is that we have had a lot of rain this winter.  The bad news is that we are getting tired of it and are ready to see the sun.  The forecast was for a clear day today.  I went to the gym in the dark.  I came out to a slight mist. I met a friend for breakfast and we walked out of the restaurant to a rainstorm.

Another hair drying day.  Onward.

I was at a board meeting the other night.  We were getting together to consider making some changes to the group we represent.  There were seven of us sitting around a table.  One person said, “Anyone against the fundraiser is dumb.”

I said, “I am against the fundraiser and I am not dumb. I don’t appreciate being labelled.”

I respect his opinion.  That’s why we have meetings to discuss things.

My daughter Carrie decided to involved my grandsons, her nephews, on an adventure similar to one she had as a child.  When Carrie was 14, our family was on a vacation in California and we were driving up the coast to SF.  We got to Carmel later than we had anticipated and it was past dinner time.  I suggested that, instead of having a late meal, we would have dessert for dinner; junk food only.  And, so we did, and it was so much fun.

Carrie arranged a junk food meal for Isaac and Ari.  They loved it.

She is a fabulous aunt.

There are many areas I have not seen.  I want to, but I am not inclined to drive two or three hours and determine what I want to accomplish while there.  I noticed recently that there is a trip planned to Fort Bragg and Mendocino for two days.  All the accommodations are arranged.  I decided to go.  It is an area I have wanted to visit.

I am asking no one to accompany me.  My own adventure.

I have been going to the same gym, a large one, for 18 months.  I go the same three days of the week at the same time.  There are three people I know from other venues who I see there once in a while.  However, there are some I see regularly who I do not know.  When I am on the treadmill, I look around (not plugged in, am I) and I take attendance.  I notice the same few people on treadmills, one on a bike, and another who is always stretching on the mats.  Others I note moving from one location to another.

I wonder if they do the same?

My birthday was in January.  I have never felt that it needed to be recognized or celebrated; it is another day.

This year I was asked to lunch and dinner by friends, invited to brunch by my family, and given a plant and a bouquet of flowers.  At two events, birthday cakes were very chocolatey.  People who know me well.

Most importantly, thanks for being on my life.  That matters the most.

Erik has worked for years to create new programs for the San Francisco public schools.  Last  week one of the hotels in the city gave him space to introduce these programs to interested students, parents, educators or others.  What a treat.  Each program had students who told about their program and answered questions.  Faculty was available.  In SF, students apply to the high school they want to go to, so what programs are available and where they are is pertinent information.

My grandson Isaac just applied.  I wish him the best.

I had lunch with a woman who informed me the Blood Wolf Moon was going to be visible at 8:30 pm that night.  I typically forget these events, and I decided I would see this one.  The time was right.  That means I would still be up!

I looked outside and could not see the moon.  I went outside and could not see the moon.  I checked again at 9 pm and could not see the moon.

At breakfast this morning, my friend asked me if I had seen it as she praised its beauty.  I told her what I had done and that I had not seen it.  She saw it at 11:30 pm.  I was asleep.

I missed it again.

I was asked to participate in two events on a Saturday.  They were the same day as the Women’s March, so I declined.  Attending marches has been my priority, going back to Washington, DC years ago.

Three days before the March, I was reflecting on my commitments, which I accept full responsibility for.  Work, meetings, mixers, lunches.  I decided I wanted a day for myself.  I informed my friends I would not be joining them for the March.

I spent Saturday by myself.  It was worth it.