The pleasure of a warm afternoon

Today I mastered the self service cashier at the supermarket. How proud I was. All my items checked in without a hitch and I was through, groceries packed in bags within six minutes. Managed the talking screen, swiped the credit card and signed electronically. I did it all myself.

Yesterday I invited my neighbor for a walk by the creek, and to tea on our sun-porch. Recently I fixed it up with plants, a water fountain, pale blue throw rugs, and our old bamboo chairs from the sun-room in Buffalo. Molly and Ada sleep there now and I think this might be home.

This morning I worked in the yard, digging up weeds, transplanting flowers and bushes, mowing the little patch of lawn, and creating a small rose garden.

Yesterday I drove out to the University where I will be teaching in the fall. The Chair of department , a colleague and I talked about my schedule and which courses I will be teaching. I became excited when they mentioned my new office space and asked which computer I would like. I could feel work approaching, envisage students coming into my office space for advisement and talks of assignments, and imagined standing in a classroom lecturing once again. It almost felt good sitting in the traffic jam on the way out to the campus. It felt like I was back out in the workers' club soon able to make a contribution to the education community once again.

Now I sit out on my patio, glorious sun shining on the lilac bush where Molly lies sprawled in the shade. Ada sits at my feet and very now and then rolls over with the pleasure of the warm afternoon, chirping at robins and chickadees hopping in and out the branches. Tibetan Prayer Flags wave up and down and chimes ring out in the gentle breeze. I think to myself, "Soon I might go out and buy us a grill." Summer is on its way.

In a couple of weeks I will enter the second half of my fifties. I sense a new era in my life. I think I am almost ready to take it on.

Comments

[Jean]

I just noticed no one has commented. Not because positive stuff is less interesting, I think. But maybe it inspires a contented sigh rather than words.

They'll never get me to use the self-service check-out - I'm not going to interact with an automatic voice. It's freaky and horrible. I'm resisting. (famous last words)

[Tamar]

Jean,
Yes, that's how the post felt for me - a contented sigh. I feel as if a period of intense emotional struggle is coming to an end.

I did notice this morning that no one had commented and thought that perhaps it was too mundane. Which is fine!

By the way the self-service check-out is tons of fun! But only if one has time to spare ... and only if it's once in awhile.

Thanks for stopping by.

[Richard Lawrence Cohen]

Feel good about the traffic jam while you still can, Tamar.

But seriously, a lovely post, as usual. It's good to see you feeling good.

[franchini]

The peaceful image of you sitting in the sun is delightful, especially when compared with a traffic jam and the bustle of work. I've been working for 3 weeks now and I am beginning to appreciate the quiet times again.