Wandering With Spirit

WHO IS ‘HELPING’

Tuesday morning started – another cloudy, rainy day. The weatherman promised sunshine — in the afternoon. Drinking coffee, sitting at the table, I opened my morning pills only to discover that the small pill box that held my prescriptions was already opened. Contents released into a plastic bag that holds both containers of pills. I found most of the pills except for 2 pain pills. Not the way I liked to start the day. CONFUSED! HOW? WHY? Where did the missing pills go? After breakfast, I found the 2 small pills sitting side by side on the table.

ASSISTANCE CONTINUED. Something called my attention to the group at the camper on the internet. I posted a THANK YOU to the group providing me with information on the tornado, calming my worry. I noticed an invitation to join me at a meeting that was posted. I DID NOT POST A MEETING AND SAID SO.

I missed a featured story on the news. I managed to roll the program back to find it. Success! I pressed play. The tv switched ALL BY ITSELF to another station. The segment I wanted to watch was all gone.

Finally, the rain stopped. I headed to the store. I moved slowly. Checking for essentials: cell phone, money, car keys, purse before I left the house. I always ask for “HELP” from above driving, shopping, parking, my life. I proceeded SLOWLY. I stopped to mail envelopes, found a lovely place to park and a quarter to rent a shopping cart. Looking at my list, I proceeded slowly through the store. I’m trying to prepare for the heat of summer. Use up frozen food, and pasta. My list was short but my cart was full anyway.

Stopping at checkout, I removed a tube of biscuits from my cart. I watched in amazement as it slipped out of my hand and rolled clear across the floor. Thankfully no one was behind me as I watched it go. The clerk took pity on me and came to my assistance. Not only capturing the wayward rolls but unloading my cart.

At home, parking the car in the garage was a challenge. Parking the car at the store had already caused concern. Thankfully I did it safely. Cooking dinner Did Not present a problem. End to an interesting day. More interesting than some but not unique.

THE GARDEN

I have been a member of the Botanical Garden for many years. Last year I renewed my membership but only visited one time. I used to walk most of the garden in two or three hours. But I was young. My knees were no problem.

But life passes and I have aged. So have my knees. I can no longer walk three miles at the camper. I can no longer walk the entire Garden. And I was afraid to try. The weatherman promised a warm sunny day. I decided to take a chance.

I planned my day. I decided to take my cane. I wouldn’t push, I would take advantage of the many benches and SIT down often. I would learn if I could still enjoy the Garden. The last time I went I took money for lunch but they only take plastic now.

The night before I went my knees hurt ALL NIGHT. But the sun was out, warming up the day. Unusually warm for April. I decided to take a chance. I wore my compression stockings and knee guards. I was pleasantly surprised. My knees didn’t hurt.

The Garden was still sleeping. Daffodils were blooming and the Persian Buttercups were showing off. In the Old English Garden the magnolia tree was just beginning to bloom. Not many other flowers. Sitting at a table under trees that were only beginning to get leaves I enjoyed talking to two young children — six and almost three. I stopped at the information desk and received needed information on butterfly and hummingbird plants. Preparing for the garden in the country. I planned to return when the crabapple trees were in bloom.

I stopped for lunch, The line For food was VERY LONG and I do not stand in line well. Thankfully a couple let me in front of them. I sat at a table outside and tried playing with water color paints. I could have walked further but the Garden was still sleeping. I had brought a bottle of water with me. Next time I would bring a snack.

EASTER SUNDAY

I woke early Easter Sunday morn, remembering my uncle Alvin who always gave me an orchid to celebrate the day. He raised orchids. I was very young — in grammar school.

Drinking my first cup of coffee, I remembered that last Sunday I found an old friend — a chef I enjoyed watching who no longer had a weekly tv show. His name popped up when I turned on the tv to check the days weather.

Coffee in hand — running late — I turned on the tv to find Ming Tsai cooking in Hawaii with his mother and father. Ming’s father is 92. I’ve watched this program before — not happy that I was late — put it on record. They were making an oriental hot pot complete with dumplings. Ming’s two sons were also part of the show.

We always had Easter dinner at my house. When my children were young, aunts and uncles would join us. If we were in the country — no big dinner, just an Easter egg hunt. I have found eggs many years later — still hiding.

Now my children are grown with families of their own. Since my husband passed, we no longer gather for the holidays. I’m not planning on cooking a big meal. Lamb is marinating and will be in the oven in the afternoon.

I have the morning to relax, plan meals for next week. the temperature is rising. 70’s are expected. My meals have been winter based. It is time for a change.

I added two sprigs of silk yellow wild flowers to my plants on the back porch yesterday. It was a welcome sight this morning.

I’m ready for CHOCOLATE and an Easter egg hunt.