Routine

Bee Balm
Bill Frederick Park  
 We have developed/fallen into a routine that brings us pleasure. I am usually the first up, around 6:00 AM, so I do my RPM*, make coffee, and feed the cat. Annie would prefer the order reversed. Meanwhile, Grant often has arisen, but maybe not. When he does, he dresses in bike kit and goes off for his bike ride. I work in the yard with my phone nearby, just in case he needs a pick up. So far only once, when he got a flat tire.

When he returns, we swim, eat breakfast, and decide on our day’s project. Sometimes house maintenance for him, paperwork for me. Other times working in the garden for us both. Maybe a nap if we feel the need. Annie always votes for that. 

Thursday’s, after my EarlyBird Toastmasters meeting ends at 8:30 AM, we rush to Costco to make old people’s hour which begins at 9:00. We’ve also supported Total Wine’s over-60 time from 8:00-9:00 when we can’t get something in an online/pick up order, like margarita salt. So far there has been no other customers, only really helpful staff. 

Home Depot opens at 6:00, so the couple of times I’ve had to go in to buy something not available online, we try to get there really early, before the crowd. Last time I decided to return all the items I’ve ordered but don’t want. I only noticed one person without the required mask (yes, of course I turned him in) and one person with his mask not over his nose. I said loudly, “Grant, please move away from that person. He doesn’t have his mask on.” Then I apologized, saying that my husband has a heart condition. It worked, as the guy quickly pulled his mask up. Usually Grant waits in the car, but this time he helped me carry the heavy items to be returned. 

On Fridays, we visit a park or bike trail. This horrible pandemic just rubs my face in the fact that I’m unlikely to see all those places I thought we’d go to in retirement. Easter Island, the Galapagos, Venice are gone. Heck, San Diego is looking impossible. I’m not going to miss seeing all the things around here just because I thought I’d have plenty of time to get around to visiting them. It may not be Paris, but Bill Fredrick Park has fishing, a nature trail, and waterfront picnic areas. Only 20 minutes from our house and almost empty Friday morning. We will be back when it’s cooler and rent a fishing boat, maybe with Clara.

*RPM: Rise, Pee, Meditate

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