San Diego at night

Across the city. Just after sunset. Photo taken in 2017.

Reading 2026: The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa, 2003

I listened to this book using the Libby library app. I loved it from the first chapter. 

The narrator was awesome, using different voices for the different characters, of which there were really only three: the housekeeper, her son and the professor.

It's described as enchanting, and that's a great word for it. You get completely absorbed into the relationships and interactions between the three. 
 

Sunnies

 

When you find a great pair of sunglasses that would transport you to the Italian Riviera, and the owner of the shop says they belong to his daughter. Oh well. May she wear them in good health.

Ritual and routine: the things that keep the ship afloat. When life is more free time than work time, first you feel super grateful but then you have to work hard to not lose your mind to too slow a pace. Retirement, that feels less retired, is my goal. So, I am trying to keep the calendar somewhat active. That reminds me, time to find that seedy, no-knead overnight bread to make; now that I hear Dave's Killer Bread contains glyphosate. I haven't eaten THAT many loaves. Is nothing safe anymore? 

Let's get back to how we lived when it was like camping, but it wasn't called camping. Saw this in an IG post the other day and it sounds smart. 

The Lodge

 We celebrated Sophie and Jason on their recent wedding. The Lodge is always a great place to mark a special occasion. As we waited, these lovelies were on the table in front of me. I have a love/hate relationship with orchids--I'm usually a wildflower/garden rose person. I'd like to get better at growing them though because look how great they look like this, instead of just on the spike. These happen to be exceptional, of course; all the flowers here are incredible. Gorgeous arrangements and artwork everywhere.

Solid

A couple of solid structures. Taking in all the brick and heft and strength and letting it bolster me in this sad time. 

My friend, Sherri, a.k.a. www.foziewisp.blogspot.com, took her step on 2/6/26. She knows all the secrets now. May death truly be just a step into another dimension. I hope you hear me sweet girl, as I continue our dialogue, and I hope Tallulah Mae's sweet face along with your Mom's were perhaps your first encounters on the other side. Rest in all peace and love.

Her light

Her light will shine in my heart forever.

Mary's needlework

 

Stitched by my mother-in-law. I guess this is a sampler? Such perfect stitches on a thick piece of blue and white ticking. She did so much needlework over her long lifetime.

Pacific sun

La Jolla, Calumet Park. A golden sunset captured recently. 

We are lucky to live around such beauty. I call these moments mini sanctuaries. And I am trying to accept more of them in my life. Even with sadness all around, you have to receive joy. It's one of the gifts of being alive, and it's good for you!

Little loves

Gwynnie and Ella (in her holiday bandana) surveying the yard from their safe vantage point. While I whine about people letting their cats run free, Gwynnie is so good at staying close that we make an exception. She never leaves the deck, and only every now and then ventures into the yard. She is so loved. 

Ella, on the other hand will go down the front steps to the sidewalk. Everyone knows her and she is so friendly with people and dogs (she knows which ones to steer clear of). A darling dog and a perfect example of why people should adopt from shelters. 

Remembering

Burning a candle and remembering my Mom.

Also remembering to live life to its fullest, or at least as full as I can get it. Tomorrow is not promised.

Love and miss you, Mom.

Light

In these dark times, it's good to catch a glimpse of something bright. 

And that's just what I'm seeing through these branches.

Wisteria

 

A reliable source of beauty in our neighborhood, this lovely hedge never disappoints. This one bloom caught me by surprise on a walk. 

May the world find its way back to peace.

Moss

 

After our many days of rain, which are now over for a while, I love seeing the green moss growing in the cracks of the sidewalk.

Filled with thoughts of my friend, wishing her all possible healing and so much time to continue her beautiful life.