Slowly, but surely, I’m amassing supplies for my trip–like a crossword book I spotted at the store. Hopefully, I didn’t pick a New York Times collection or I’m sunk. The only true conundrum is this weather forecast which has made me shift gears a bit. I’m leaning toward my rubberized clamming raincoat with another light jacket in the carryon, as well as my Keen waterproof boots on the plane with the low tops as a backup. I don’t know what I’m doing! I don’t want to look like I’m summitting Mount Rainier, but I also hate to be cold and wet. Is Ireland windy too? If you’ve read this blog for long, you realize that I fret and agonize (a lot) which is somehow part of my decision-making process. Then when it’s time, I randomly throw a bunch of stuff I’ve already thought about into my suitcase, and I let go of the worries. Well, most of them. None of my friends will be surprised that I’ve checked out amenities on British Airways and due to the length of the flight, we get a meal. The granola bars I packed in my personal item would not suffice as dinner. I also noticed that BA provides free drinks, even alcohol. Personally, I consider that a terrible, no good, very bad idea. Free drinks would seem an enticement to over imbibe and possibly misbehave. I don’t drink on flights except for water and an occasional orange juice because I’m quite boring!
Meanwhile, I’m obsessing over all the recalls: jalapenos, salsas, produce and berries, prepared foods and meats, lettuce, frozen blueberries, eggs, etc…, especially as it could affect my beloved grandsons. I’m also livid over the ridiculous and insulting trade agreement offered to Canada (truly unbelievable); although I had nothing to do with it, I apologize sincerely to my Canadian friends. And I’m sick to my stomach that I might not be able to vote by mail, as I have since 2005. Before I could register at 18, I had to prove I was a U.S.citizen and a Washington resident with no felonies. Now I get a ballot in the mail, as well as a voters’ pamphlet, and can research and read about all the candidates before making my decisions. Looking at the Supreme Court, I’m particularly careful about which judges I vote for! Obviously, I’m finding the country and world a bit much these days. I’m very, very discouraged, as well as furious and scared. NOT GOOD FOR MY BLOOD PRESSURE!
In a stroke of serendipity, someone on Facebook shared this response from E.B. White (Charlotte’s Web) to a Mr. Nadeau, who had expressed his bleak hope for humanity in a letter to the author. I love the end line, “And wind the clock, for tomorrow is another day.”
These older grandsons (and Anders as well) never pass up a blackberry bush. Joy and peace in the small things, right? As well as appreciating those moments, we also need to advocate for what we believe in and want for our country and world. Like our dear Joanne, RIP, who was an inspiration on how to live a purposeful and activist life.
I’ll be working on that.
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