Day 165; A Salem Walk

On the Max, heading to Union Station. Scarf weather. Yay!

Oh my goodness, today was the perfect day! There was a crisp, coolness in the air. And the leaves have begun to change color and fall. But the sun was out and it was mild.  Perfect weather for walking!

On the Amtrak heading to Salem

Wednesday is my Salem day.  But my first student cancelled because of a house full of family, including a precious grandbaby who I met last week!

So, I was able to take my time yet again! This has been such a wonderful week for me. I like not rushing around.

So I hopped on the Max to Union Station. Stopped by the cafe for a cup of Earl Grey tea. My favorite barista was there.  I called him the "Psychic Barista". He sees me walk in and we smile and nod as he grabs a cup, puts in a tea bag, fills it with hot water and then drops a few ice cubes in. I don't need to even open my mouth!  It is like our private joke. For a time I was commuting between Salem and Portland 4 or 5 days a week.  And most of those days I stopped for tea. I have trained him well!

Then I hopped on board the Amtrak bus.  The Wi-fi was sending out a good strong signal, and I was lucky enough to grab a seat with an electrical outlet to keep my Kindle charged.

So I logged into 7 cups of tea. I completed an online training as a "listener" yesterday. So today, on my bus ride down to Salem, I logged in and listened to someone who needed to talk.

It was a really rewarding experience!  I realized that I have not been a very good listener, especially with family and friends. I often give unsolicited advice or "lecture". But I learned how to be a compassionate listener without giving advice. Just being there. 

My "talker" was really appreciative. And I walked off the bus feeling a warm glow of compassion.

I was a little preoccupied though. My son-in-law was having surgery today to remove an enlarged lymph node on his neck. My daughter was with him. It was just supposed to be day surgery. I didn't want to bother them, but I told my daughter I was here if she needed me.  But I didn't hear from her until later. So my walk around Salem was really a prayer walk.

I am back in Portland now. It is quite late. I got the idea to make gluten free chocolate chip cookies. The last batch is cooling. My daughter and her husband are watching television. His surgery went well, but it was long.  They now just have to wait for the biopsy results.

I shall be praying a lot this week!

I stopped in a little Catholic store downtown after lunch (India Palace buffet - yum!)  I was looking for a little silver crucifix and chain. I found a darling one and also picked up a little rosary. Today was free rosary day, lol. This one is for my son-in-law.  I met a lady once who told me she bought a rosary for each one of her children and prayed for them on their rosary each day. She is writing a note for each of them to go with the rosary. They will get their rosaries and her hand written note when she dies.  I think this is lovely. But kind of sad!  

Saying the rosary is a very Catholic tradition. My grandmother prayed the rosary every day. 

Over the years, I have adopted this practice. It brings me peace. 

Today was a lovely day indeed!

I hope your Wednesday was happy!

It was a beautiful, fall day in Salem!