Self Service

Leaving Michaels this morning, I wondered if I'd forgotten to take my blood pressure pill!  

I used to love going there, meandering the aisles, human employees ready to help find things, then friendly cashiers adding up your frames or whatnots, then telling you a total.  If you had a paper coupon, you simply handed it to said human and saved 40%.

Now, there are no humans nearby for checkout, I saw maybe three employees in the entire store.  

First you have to tell the machine if you are a rewards member.  Insert phone number.  Scan your items.  Look on the phone to get the coupon of the day, scan it, and insert your card.  I had to press the red HELP button twice--and a grumpy young man ambled over, rolled his eyes, and reluctantly helped.

For generations who have grown up on QR codes and machines, or for older people who have gotten with the program with more grace than I have, it's no big deal. 

But for me, it's infuriating to have to answer all those questions just to buy three little picture frames.  

I miss Jo Ann's--always well-staffed in the aisles and at check out.  

At Whole Foods next door, you can choose between human checkers and machines, and I always go with humans, even if the line is longer.  Same with HEB and Lowe's.  But even these stores, I predict, are heading toward all machines.

Doctors' offices are even worse.  You get two or three reminder texts for each appointment.  (Remember the day when, if you said you'd be there, you put it on your calendar and you were there?). Then a text with a QR code to fill out the questionnaire online and check in.  (Remember when someone actually called to remind you and when someone else handed you a form to fill out when you arrived?) 

Five minutes into my last appointment, before even getting weighed, I got a text asking me to review this appointment that hadn't even started.

I am literally feeling homesick for former days of friendly human interaction and filling out forms with a pen on paper! 

Highlights of Christmas

Today we're expected to tie the all-time high for San Antonio, 83 degrees--back in the fifties.  In spite of that, we've had a low-key and happy Christmas.

It started with a festive neighborhood party at Jan's house with tamales and all the foods and spirits of good cheer.

Jan got a bowl she wanted in the pass-around game of presents,
and she was daring anyone to steal it! 

Christmas started a week early for Elena--when her parents surprised her with the horse she's had her eye on for a while, a young sorrel a friend in 4H was selling. 

She's grown up on Yancy, and riding on him (after wilder Clown) still "feels like a Cadillac" in comparison.  Yancy's well-trained and has taken her through many rodeos, but Clown is hers to train.  She's smitten.  

So on Christmas morning Luci and I  set out to pick up Pam to go see a horse.  And have breakfast.  And see Nathan before he left for his other family's.  

Luci looked out the window while we waited for Pam, then perked up when she saw her coming.   And off we rolled!

First Christmas in the Pritchett's new house (out near China Grove) 

Meanwhile in Virginia, half a year after getting his Masters, Jackson landed a job he's excited about in Richmond!  And one of Marcus' recent sports interviewees, turns out, to be more than the subject of a sports profile--on which I may say more when and if I'm given more to say.   All I know now is that her name is Lucia, an athlete from Spain. 

Sending all my best wishes to all of you for the happiest of holidays!

It's almost 80 degrees, so Texas looks nothing like the pictures you see on Christmas cards--but here we go, doing San Antonio and Santa Claus in shorts. 

Luci got a leash-less walk from Ms. Santa--which she quite appreciated, and will accompany me to Jan's party next door in an hour, then to the Pritchetts tomorrow to romp with her cousins (or maybe nephews?) Charlie and Marlow and Conway, the latter of whom, against all odds a month or so ago, is getting another Christmas on this side of the Rainbow Bridge. 

Christmas decorations look a little ridiculous, I thought--musing as we walked.  Inflatable snowmen, inflatable nutcrackers, and inflatable Santas in snow.  But oh well, it's South Texas and you never know what you're gonna get.

Not a creature was stirring as we walked, as far as we could see.  I did manage to make 100 cookies and a paper kimono this afternoon.  But I very much like the "no presents, experiences instead" that our family has adopted this year.  Will's family took me out to Ladana at the Pearl this week and we had a wonderful time!

Day's family went to a Spurs game in D.C.

A change in tradition

After toying with changing Christmas traditions for a few years, my family and I have decided to forego Christmas gifts this year.  It's kind of exciting, to tell the truth--the prospect of not having to shop and wrap and ship gifts because the calendar says it's time.

I love giving and receiving gifts, but am finding it more pleasurable to do so on birthdays or random occasions.  

One family is going to a local theater production of Annie in lieu of gifts.  Some people agree to give gifts to people in need instead of exchanging gifts with friends and family.  We are going cold turkey and hoping to find other ways of being together--with the time we'll save by not shopping. 

Among my friends, we all seem to agree that a meal out or at each others' houses is a great substitute for wrapped gifts.

I feel liberated today without the prospect of frenzied shopping, and without the worry of whether or not the receivers, especially men, will even like my choices.  

Pain and Pudding--while we're on the letter P

The stress of driving set off my feet, so I'm spending the day in bed reading.  Enough about that.

After nearly five years with my furry girl, I thought I knew everything, but she revealed a hidden passion last night.  

Unlike her human mama,  Luci always turns up her nose at any offering of sweets.  She doesn't even like Starbucks' pup cups or ice cream.  Chocolate doesn't tempt her one bit.   She does the Corgi look of disapproval every time--as in "You actually eat that stuff?" 

In my near-empty refrigerator last night, I spotted three or four packs of one of my favorite treats--a cross between vanilla pudding and creme brûlée, excellent with berries of any kind on top. They are packaged in little glass jars as a French dessert--in vanilla, rice pudding, dark chocolate, or pistachio.  Day included some of these in a Whole Foods order of food for my recovery days after dental surgery, and I've been hooked ever since.   

The little glass pots are great for storing do-dads and paper clips and batteries.

Knowing how she feels about sweets, I've never offered Luci a bite, but last night her eyes said, "Let me try that," and I did.

She got that Nirvana look on her face as she delicately licked the first spoonful, then the next, then the next.  I think she has been won over to Sugarland--at least the pudding variety.  Now she follows me every time I go to the refrigerator--just in case. 

All the P's of Monday Morning

After a short walk with Luci, 

just long enough for a Poop and a Pee 

I am eating Popcorn, Pasta, and Pumpkin bread--

and soon going to bring in some beautiful Papers I bought in Virginia 

and open the Packages that arrived in my absence--

after my morning Puff,  American Spirit.  Inside, not outside

as is my morning ritual 

at home.

I made it to genius on Spelling Bee

Then went to Spelling Bee Buddy for hints,

to make it all the way to Queen Bee

(with the word Palp!) 

before un-Packing the car.

It's going to be one good lazy day! 

Notice the irony of the three P's in these two adjacent signs in Natchez:

Home in San Antonio

I arrived home this afternoon as weary as I've ever been!  Jan had left a yummy orzo dish in the fridge and met me as I was taking only the bare essentials out of the car.  Then, within minutes, Bonnie delivered a delicious loaf of pumpkin bread.  What a welcome home!  

I fell asleep within minutes, and just woke up, Luci thinking she's going to get her nightly walk--but, alas, I don't have it in me.

The days IN Georgia and Virginia couldn't have been better--and the drives TO each of those places were good, too--but the 1500 miles from Falls Church to San Antonio were the notes of my swan song as a long-distance road traveler.  In the space since doing it before, I've developed a wheel gripping fear of big bridges and no longer enjoy driving at night.  Since the days have gotten shorter, it took me five days to get home--with several long traffic blocks and last night's inability to find a place to sleep until way after dark. 

Carlene says it's important to know when it's time to give up some of the things we used to do.  And in my case, that means flying the long leaps between places and renting a car to poke around while there.  I needed to prove to myself I could still do it before admitting that--as some wise person once said--"Just because we can doesn't mean we have to." 

In former days, I'd have stopped often, chatted with people longer, and meandered down any road that looked interesting.  I did, however, spend a happy hour in Jonesboro, Tennessee, home of the National Storytelling Conference.   Tennessee Quilts was an amazing store with two floors of luscious fabric, cutting tools, samples of quilts, and offers of classes and retreats. 

This quilt, called Crosswords, was so beautiful it almost made me consider making a quilt.   What I did instead was to buy a few fat quarters to turn into book cloth for book covers. 

In former days, I'd have gotten out and taken pictures of old barns, hay bales, houses, and rusty old vehicles. On this trip, I took a few pictures without getting out of the car--just enough to jog my memory about the countryside at the two book-end Golden Hours of the day.  From the windows on interstate, all exits look pretty much the same  but if you go off the main highways,  you get to see some of what makes each little hamlet or farm its own unique self.

Itinerary Modifications

 I woke up Friday morning 30 miles east of Nashville, hoping to include Parnassas Books and a paper store before heading due west.  But I was too early and decided not to spend two hours waiting for either to open at ten. I pondered: how to do it better next time and I came up with a very conventional travel plan.  Fly to the place you want to be, rent a car, and stay put for enough days to get to know the place and the people better.  

But, of course, that's never been my style.  I've always preferred wandering and encountering whatever shows up.  It's not a traveling style enjoyed by many others.  Day tells me she's too "destination oriented."  I could not bear the thought of traveling from Point A to Point B on interstates.

Most of my former traveling companions have, understandably, opted out of traveling random.  A couple of the ones I enjoyed road-tripping with are, sadly, no longer in my orbit.  But Carlene--the one with whom I've traveled most and who was a far trustier navigator than GPS--remembers these roads as well as I do and rides along with me by phone, suggesting routes and recalling places we had meals along the way.  I admire the way she is able to give up the things she can no longer do with ease.  I love the way she adapts to changing stages of life!  But still, I miss the way we improvised together on the road and collected stories we still find pleasure in remembering.

I woke up Saturday morning in Meridien, Mississippi, working out a plan to go to visit both Oxford and Natchez--two of my favorites--and to drive at least a part of Natchez Trace.  The problem with my plan was that Oxford at one point was three hours north and Natchez only a couple hours south, so I had to choose.  

For old times' sake, I walked around Natchez--but only for an hour until my feet gave up.  In earlier years, Natchez would have been a 2 to 3 hour walk.  But the weather was perfect and Luci waddled along happily, glad to be out of the car.  I figured I'd drive two more hours before dark.  But my GPS routed me along farm roads and small towns, no accommodations anywhere.  

As dark fell, I became anxious.  These are hours when you wish for the convenient cluster of eateries and La Quinta signs.  I was so road weary that I considered a couple of local motels, but they were shabby with hard mattresses, and I soldiered on.

It was way past dark when the road I was on intersected with I10 just a few miles from Lake Charles.  When I saw the huge looming bridge, I panicked, no way no way at night! Luci and I shared a burger in the car and finally settled on a Howard Johnson for the night--my only option unless I headed back east toward Lafayette. 

Maybe it's time for me to reconsider Random!  To embrace the idea of staying in one place and getting a rental car to explore during daylight hours!  Furthermore, if I'm honest, I should put more effort into exploring the kinds of places I'd like to be sure to see--ahead of time.

I'm aspiring to be adaptable, to restore my love of the open road but with some guardrails in place.  To admit to myself that driving back roads after dark is no longer do-able--especially when bridges are looming.  

Traveling solo would be a lot more fun with another solo traveling sort of person! 

The Beginning of the Build

 I had to stay long enough to see the ground broken and gravel laid for Day's studio foundation!  

Yesterday Jackson and Marcus drove up for the day and we all posed to mark the beginning of Day's dream Glass Casita with a Secret Garden. 

Day's appliquéd and embroidered jeans

My daughter the football coach

Last night Tom and I bundled up and went to see the Girls Jaguars play two games of flag football!  I, who have not an athletic bone in my body, found it surprisingly exhilarating to see girls running and intercepting and making home runs!  Day is one of the four coaches and until she married Tom, I never saw athletics in her future, but she's loving it and good at it.  Until the second game last night, her team was undefeated.  

Tom told me that fifty-six languages are spoken in this county!  The team was a beautiful mix of ethnicities and skin colors, all intent on playing good football.  

I drove here on Sunday and Monday and Tuesday in rain and fog and sunshine, thinking to myself, "You've still got the road warrior thing going on, Linda!"  It had been years, but driving cross-country is like, well, riding a bicycle. 

The cold weather and rain reminded me that my suitcase contents are in need of a change.  Packing when it's 100 degrees, it's hard to imagine the need for thick socks and heavy coats.  I have driven Highway 81--and the parallel 11, into Virginia countless times, and it's always a pleasure to see the patchwork of fields and farms, especially in fall colors of golds and reds and oranges.  I couldn't bear the thought of I95. 

Yesterday, after walking the dogs, I spent the morning at Artistic Artifacts, a one of a kind store for mixed media and quilting and Bernina sewing machines.  I left with a bag of papers and stamps and ribbons, inspired to make a book or two while Day is teaching.  I also left with two potential friends, Amy and the owner Judy.  

 ON the previous post, I included some pictures--as I just figured out how to post them again!

We have had and are having a wonderful visit in the month of five of our October birthdays: Bob's on the 7th, Jackson's on the 13th, mine on the 14th, Day's on the 15th, and Jocelyn's on Halloween. 

Will and Bonnie and Elena had a long weekend in Georgia.  Carlene took us all out to dinner the first night and Elena loved and was loved by her Nana and her Uncle Bob and Aunt Jocelyn!  You can see her soaking up Southern accents, stories and sayings for future reference, too.  I love the pictures Bonnie took of the youngest and oldest hands in our family--Elena's at 13, Carlene's at 100!

Jocelyn and I went to a Mexican-Asian fusion patio restaurant to celebrate her birthday a little early.  The food was so good and the staff welcomed Luci with chicken and water.  

Yesterday Luci stayed with her new Georgia pet sitter, Annette, a jeweler.  Annette lives in her half of a tiny duplex in Athens set way back from the road under huge trees.  She's about to have her final chemo therapy, then planning a trip to Cozumel with her friends. 

Yesterday we had breakfast at Starbucks where we saw a woman who works at Presbyterian Village.  She got out of her car to see Carlene and introduce us to her daughter.  "I told her not to tell her brothers and sisters about this," she joked. "With five kids, I can't afford Starbucks, but she told me she had a dream last night of going to Starbucks, so I'm treating her before school starts."  We noticed that the mom hadn't gotten herself a drink, just one for her girl! After they left, Day went inside and bought her a Starbucks gift card from the three of us which we're delivering today.  

Then we three went to a store to poke around and Carlene bought me a jacket and Day a blouse--then to Amici's for white pizza.  We're having an awesome time all around! 

Photos

Carlene in her happy rocker in her happy apartment

Day and Nana at Amici's Italian Restaurant yesterday

 

A Revelation

 Y'all, I have landed in a place where nobody's going to a No Kings Day march, that's for sure.  (BTW, I was happy to see several of you at them yesterday--if only on this computer screen.)

You get two choices on the radio here--I kid you not.  SIX are extremely conservative religious stations, one is the radio version of Fox News.   I'd been listening all day yesterday to excellent podcasts (more on some of those another day) and when I got in the car for my coke run, phone not yet attached, some preacher was saying, "America is great because America is good--thanks to our pulpits all across the nation...."But within a minute he was ranting about how bad we are.  "We are number one in the world in abortions--ripping babies out of their mama's wombs and harvesting their parts before throwing the babies in the garbage."

These charlatans literally make things up to scare their gullible audiences. In five minutes of listening to that (sermon? rally speech?), I queued up enough NPR podcasts to get me another 450 miles before I sleep again: Krista Tippet, This American Life, The Moth, Hidden Brain, 1A, and so many others. 

At breakfast Fox News was blaring. George Santos was the guest, talking about how his three months in prison were so terrible that he couldn't even get a Bible.  (Poor George, I'm sure that's what he wanted most!) But since he's been there he's turned back to God and he's at peace--and "Jesus is King, he's your f-----ing savior."  

"What about paying back the people?" one of the Fox News hosts asked him, and he said, "I don't have to pay anything back thanks to the grace of President Trump who believes in second chances." (What about the people you ripped off, Georgie? someone should have asked.) 

Profanity has taken on a whole new meaning for me this morning. It's not using certain choice words, it's lie upon lie upon lie. 

After telling the two people at the desk what a beautiful remodel they'd done here, I told them I had one big complaint--Fox News. 

The young woman strongly agreed (I first thought we were on the same page), but then went on to say, "I get my news on Tik Tok cause in all the others they just say anything they want."  

The man said they only played it on weekends.

The people who clean the rooms, make the meals and check guests in are kind people.  But clearly they are not deep thinkers.  I just got a taste of the ridiculous propaganda they hear on their dials and in their churches.  No wonder they are terrified of those of us who do the outrageous things they are told we do.  

The news I'm hearing sounds like church, and the churches sound like MAGA rallies.  In one clip, a teary Trump was giving what almost sounded like a sermon in praise of Charlie Kirk, tears in his voice! The Presidential Medal of Honor he bestowed had a cross engraved on the back--which the preacher proudly announced was the first time a religious symbol had ever been engraved on one of those medals. 

I've increased my monthly contribution to NPR--and hope that everyone fortunate enough to have it will do the same, even more so now that Federal funding has stopped.  If it ever goes away we will be immeasurably impoverished. 

I could write a few more pages on this, but you get the picture!  I'm going to take a shower, don my Rock and Roll shirt, and rock and roll on down the road--cause if I scratch my head any longer it's gonna start bleeding.  

  

Day 2

I drove all the way from Houston to Ocean Springs--normally one of my favorite stops.  But arriving on a weekend at 3 in the afternoon was less than ideal.  We popped into one shop, then drove down the coastline from OS to Biloxi, Gulfport to Pass Christian.  I had promised Luci a long walk on the beach, but there were signs everywhere, NO DOGS ON THE BEACH.

With an insane rule like that I figure we're solidly in Trump country!

Having driven over 700 miles, we decided to spend the night here in Gulfport and sleep late in the morning!

Trip Notes Day One

We're back in the saddle again, Luci and I.  These are our kinds of days!

Today we went out of our way a little to visit my favorite store in Smithville--Mosaic Arts, one of the few stores that sells David Marsh furniture and other artsy items with that vibe.  Then we went next door to Panama Rose, a store with lots of venders and pretty things.  We were met with a hug by the musician Sara Hickman and bought a couple of gifts in her shop upstairs, The Twig.  She must adhere to Jon Batiste's oft-spoken line: "I love you even if I don't know you." 

The sky was blue with blankets and mounds of white clouds,  and I actually turned around to take a picture--something I haven't done in way too long.  The photos were unremarkable, but the taking of them--that and the big sky expanded my heart! 

We got as far as the other side of Houston where we found a pet-friendly place to spend the night--and I'm about to begin that part of the adventure so we can get an early start on Day 2. 

When I got in the Lyft from Honda for an oil change to take me to Cecelia's for a massage, the driver was playing loud music, and I sang along.  Each song carried special memories: Georgia on My Mind, Ray Charles; At Last, Etta James; and Ain't No Sunshine When You're Gone. 

The ride was too short to hear more, so I told my driver (who smiled but never spoke) that I'd like to sit in his car for one more song.  

Lunch at Tlahco's, then a pedicure, then--in spite of all their excellent attentions, my feet told me it was time to go home for the night.  Sometimes we just have to listen to our feet or backs or shoulders, whatever's yammering, and call it a day.

Yesterday I went to the lawyer's to pick up my will.  I told her I was about to embark on a 3000 mile road trip and she asked, "Is your family okay with that?"

Unaccustomed to my family okaying what I do or don't do, I took a deep breath, realizing that she thought I might be too--you know (old)--for such a drive, just me an my tiny dog for company.  

But I'm in a happy mood and didn't let it sting.  As Veronica told me today, "You've got this!  I can't wait to hear about all the people you're going to meet."

And so with that send-off and blessing, Luci and I are all set to head east tomorrow, hoping to get through Houston traffic before rush hour.  

Birthday Post

This 23-year-old pretty lady is now a beautiful centenarian--and she's my mama.  I'm the baby in the picture, born on October 14, 1948.

She and my daddy were crazy in love.  I got his blue eyes and crooked little finger.  He called me Sugar and sang to me, "You are my sunshine...."

I was the center of their world, until I had to learn to share that position with my baby brother--when I was three years old.  From the looks of it, he didn't entirely love being held by me.

Mimi, my adorable grandmother, was 23 when Carlene was born--and she had three sons and two daughters.  All of the sons have died, but Dot is a healthy, happy 94.  Mimi, who was orphaned at 3, adopted at 7, lived to be almost 98 years old. 

What I realize about my female heritage is that no one ever admits to being old.  Never!  Mimi considered herself "middle aged" in her nineties. 

Here is Mimi when she was about the age I am now.

And here is Carlene when she was about the age I am now.

And here I am turning 77 with friends on Saturday--cropped from a photo of four because one of us didn't want the photo posted. Janet (in the striped dress)  made all four of our dresses , all by the same pattern, different fabrics--and we all wore them to the party! 

By almost anybody's standards, my mama has a daughter who is--you know--old.  But I'm going to follow in the tradition of Carlene and Dot and Mimi (as Day resolves to do, too) and never mention that obvious fact.  Aging is not a disease; it has its challenges, but it's a great privilege to live a long life! 

Today marks 54 years since my beautiful  blue-eyed Day was born just after midnight on my birthday!  She's having a wonderful year, having moved from school staff (mentor to teachers) to the classroom again, also coaching girl's football!  She's designed an art studio for her back yard and construction is starting soon!

Next week Day and I are meeting in Athens for Day to belatedly celebrate Nana's 100th birthday.  I'm spending today packing my car for my first solo (plus Luci)  road trip in years. 

My birthday this year was wonderful.  Will and Bonnie and Elena hosted me last night for a Will-made delicious Asian meal and my birthday cake was a plate of cupcakes from Bird Bakery. 

Then he and Elena sang duets--my idea of a perfect party! 

Yesterday was what I call and Artist Date Day (borrowed from Julia Cameron's book, The Artist's Way)

After going to the dentist, and realizing that my feet were up for it, I poked around in thrift shops for book making elements.  I bought a denim blouse to wear for a while, but its ultimate destination is a book cover.  Also a necklace to cut up for book closures and some rag paper. Then took myself out to lunch where I watched the first class in this year's Gel Printing Summit.

By 3:00, my feet were saying it's time to go home--where I did all but the stitching on a new animal-print-covered buttonhole stitch book!

One of the things I've learned in the past few years--what with the cloud hanging over us until Trump gets on one of Elon's spaceships and goes far far away (an image I'm stealing from Jane Goodall's interview)--is that we have to grab what brings us joy, whatever it is, and go for it!  Maybe we can't do it as long as we could in years past, but we can eke out whatever time we can find to play and get paint on our fingers.

My go-to-bed activities including snuggling with Luci and watching some good murder mysteries on Acorn--my favorite being The Crow Girl.  But mostly watching classes and making lists of things to do the next day.

I hope you're all finding time for some solo artist dates to distract you from the horrors of the Trump people (Jan thinks Karoline Leavitt is an AI construction, not a real person)  and to keep the magic of yourself alive until this is all over. 

I find myself humming, "It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood" when things happen that delight me.  

My day started with an extraordinary email from a longtime friend I rarely see, and it literally made me tear up with gratitude and happiness.

Then I cut out and laminated (paper to paper) two beautiful book covers that are now drying in my messy house.

I went over to Sunset Ridge to CVS and saw a crowd of people outside the Boss Bagel shop I've never gotten around to trying.  Half of them, inside and outside, had dogs and kids; some were alone reading books and papers.  I haven't actually eaten there yet, but according to a few people enjoying them, they just might be the best bagels in town. 

So then I came home and made a spinach quiche, and it's so delicious I wish I were having a dinner party.  I'm having my second piece while watching "Famous Last Words" on Netflix, a wonderful interview with Jane Goodall filmed before her death.

Jan said, "This is who flags should fly half-mast to!" She was a remarkable human being and conservationist and lover of animals.  For her ninetieth birthday, she got what she asked for--a party of ninety dogs!

Surprise visit

 When I came home from my morning coke run, I knew Elena was on her way.  I was looking for Will's truck, and I saw a jeep in the driveway instead!

Turns out Nathan is home for the weekend and I hadn't gotten to see him since he started college. 

He loves Texas Tech and wishes he had joined their band.  He's making A's in all his classes and seems so happy!