This morning, I am writing about Tuesday morning; it has been a cluster-filled morning. The RN from the hospital discovered that I needed more medical tests, and I had to make that work before getting on a plane. This is to make the requirements for surgery at the hospital. Not expected. But, at the last minute, American Airlines (AA) offered a $125 upgrade to first class on my red-eye to Chicago tonight, which would cover the same cost for checking a bag and seat (yes, you often have to buy a seat or get something interestingly assigned). So, yes, I paid the same price for a First Class seat this morning.
The distractions did not stop, and even a flicker (a local bird) appeared in my backyard, showing off; it was not a good day for writing today. It was just an experiential morning!
I slept with some interruptions and started again at 7ish to write the blog. I had pain in my legs and had to get some Tylenol to sleep as the pain was enough to stop me from sleeping. So no sunrise for me as I slept the early morning away. For breakfast, I made steel-cut oats, a banana, and Columbia coffee.
Corwin was trying to wash a pillow-like thing, which stopped because of an imbalance in The Machine. I restarted it, and it went for as long as thirty minutes before stopping because of an unbalanced load. I put The Machine on Dry, which lasted longer, but the pillow-like thing was not dry after two hours and three restarts. I put it outside to dry.
I then collected all my laundry, including my swimming suit, which I found (and more clothing from Susie to give away) in a drawer. I decided to stay inside and do more housework. I took the old computer desk and tried to clean it and move it to the soon ad hoc office for Linda, but it came apart when I pushed it. The sudden explosive, unplanned disassembly missed smashing the sliding glass door. I got to experience the sudden loss of resistance; Physics still works, and I flew over the wreck and crashed into the hunter’s cabinet as an alternative to reaching the deck through the sliding glass door! The door was closed, of course. Shocked as I got to experience all of this in slow motion in my mind, I then cleared the mess, stacked the pieces outside, and later recommended Corwin take the desk remains to his next beach burn. F**k, I nearly avoided brain surgery by bleeding out on my deck.
Lunch was reheated Chinese-style food from a previous delivery. I ate that in Susie’s usual seat. I then removed all the board games (all recent Kickstarters) and put them in the garage. I then went through the last bits that have been sitting there since Susie left for a physical therapy appointment (she never returned from that–that was the day we were walked to the ER for stroke). Her purse, glasses, and other items. All gone now. One more change. I managed to cry only a little.
Aside: I was unsure I could live here in The Volvo Cave with so many memories of Susie and our life together. So far, I can, but I often think I should sell it and get an apartment with access to a pool and exercise stuff. However, I think that I would be more lonely in an apartment and feel more like I was rootless in a hotel (renting the house and living elsewhere would cause negative tax consequences later, except if I held the rental for my estate). If I do go that way, I would likely become a gypsy and rent furnished apartments across the world and just travel forever.
Things got to be too much, and I said, f**k and got in Air Volvo and ran away. I found myself delivered to Salt and Straw ice cream, folks could not get in a line properly, but soon the folks who must have order sorted it out. I was willing to go with Chaos or Law at that time as I still suffered from churning emotions. But once the ice cream was acquired, I was calm enough to return to The Volvo Cave.
I started packing, doing more laundry, and doing the dishes. I rested a bit, as I had been going nonstop all morning. This was followed by meeting Dondrea and Z at Swagats at Orenco Station for dinner. We ordered two full plates with two mains. The lamb was spicy, and the chicken was flavorful. We chatted about upcoming events and had a great dinner. It was one quiet and easy dinner before the travel, tears, and medical stuff started. Thanks, Dondrea and Z!
I returned home, packed some more, and finally went to bed, dragging and tired.
Thanks for reading.
Alohawild (Michael Wild's) Website 