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Year Two, Day 223: "C"!


Still battling this head cold and cough.  But it was such a beautiful, balmy day in Portland today at 50 degrees, that I bundled myself up and ventured out for a walk.  I was going to make a chicken dinner for the adult children. And try to cure myself with one more bowl of pho.

I walked 22 blocks up to the Fred Meyer near my home.There is a new pho restuarant conveniently located there: Nam Vang.  They do not have as wide a selection as my other regular pho haunts and they are a bit spendier, but their broth is most aromatic!

I splurged and got the combination noodle soup. It had meat and lovely, plump succulent shrimp floating in a rich, flavorful broth with rice noodles, and fresh bean sprouts, lime and cilantro on the side.

Amazing Pho at Nam Vang


I can feel my sinuses open as I type this.

I spent a long time there.  Just relaxing with my pho. Did some prayer too. We have a family member in crisis that I am quite concerned about. Lifted him up in prayer.  Played a wee bit of "Words with Friends" and checked email.

Nice to have such a day of leisure!

After shopping for supper, I hopped on the bus heading home.  As I walked the final blocks, I ran into my neighbor "C".

Have I mentioned C?

He lives a few blocks from me. He is on my walking path. We have been exchanging pleasantries for over a year now. Last week I ran into him at my gym.

A few months ago, I gave him my business card. He mentioned sometimes he felt down. I told him he could always call if he needed to talk.

He never called. But I like C.  I like how our friendship has developed slowly.  He is kind and interesting to talk too. He is about my age. He works out. Plus, C has beautiful eyes.

Well, today he finally asked me out! We were talking about cars, the weather, my music gigs for the homeless... I was trying not to grimace because my grocery bags were getting heavy. I did not want him to notice because I was really enjoying this conversation. Our longest ever!

Suddenly he started talking about how he liked to walk. Walk up Mt. Tabor, walk at Forest Park, walk the Springwater Trail...

I got excited, and squeeked, "Me too!"

And just like that he said, "I would like to take you walking soon. I have a car. We can drive somewhere and walk!"

I told him I would like that. I asked if he still had my card. He said he did.

An hour later, while pan frying chicken, I checked my phone. There was one missed call. And a voicemail. From C.

He said he will be calling me in the next few days for our walk.

Well now!

I think I am starting to feel much better!

Happy Tuesday!


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