So there I was, boarding the #2 bus eastbound on SE Division Thursday, my one very good day. I heading to the gym before my next students. I was feeling peaceful and balanced, since it was my one good day a month. The bus was crowded, but there was an empty seat upfront. Next to an older man, wearing a long dirty overcoat and a beanie hat. He was having a loud, animated conversation . Apparently with himself. I glanced at him and smiled. He smiled shyly back. His faced was dirty, and leathery looking. His nose was red. But his eyes were brilliant blue and lively.
I looked around at the other passengers. No one else established eye contact. They were either looking at their cell phones or staring straight ahead, in a most serious fashion.
At the next stop, the dirty man stood up, hoisting a large duffel bag onto his back.
To no one in particular, and probably everyone on the bus he said, "I guess I'd better stop being a worthless bum and go to work".
I looked up at him. He smiled at me. I smiled back. He started to tell me about his guitar that he smashed on S.E. Woodstock Street earlier.
The bus driver interrupted, "You want this stop or what?!"
The dirty man said he did and gave me a little wave. I told him to have a nice day as he shuffled off.
I glanced back at the other passengers. No one said a word. And no one met my eyes.
I sighed. I hope acknowledging the dirty man's existence brightened his day. His eyes warmed my soul.
Speaking of warming souls, I had breakfast with my mother at The Diner in Vancouver yesterday. We have been looking forward to this ever since my mother found an article about it in the Columbian newspaper.
As senior citizens, my parents are eligible for Meals on Wheels. But they do not partake. They like getting out of the house and going to a restuaurant a few times a week. My mother is my father's caregiver after his stroke two years ago and diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. She is a retired Registered Nurse. She knows what she is doing. He has thrived in her care. But it is hard work. She deserves a few meals out a week.
But that can get expensive.
The Diner to the rescue! They have a special menu for Meals on Wheels recipients. Everything on that menu is free! The only catch, is since it is a federally approved program, they can not make any substitutions.
Not an issue, since the food is wonderful according to both of my parents.
I ordered off the regular menu. It was tasty, healthy and reasonably priced!
So my mom and I have a new hangout and my dad gets to get out too!
I love it! We talked to the manager of the restaurant extensively yesterday. They are doing a good business. Packed house daily. It is good for the community and for the patrons. They can socialize, eat a good healthy meal and be amongst people of all ages.
Here is the article from the Columbian Newspaper I was referring to, if you would like more info:
https://www.columbian.com/news/2019/feb/19/mission-driven-restaurant-supports-meals-on-wheels-people/
As for my health, I am still breathing well! I am not sure exactly what lifted me out of my sneezy, tired, congested wheezy hell, but I guess I'd better just continue it all!
I am especially enjoying learning Qi Gong and practicing my breathing exercises throughout my day. I've noticed my posture has improved., my brain fog has lifted and I'm walking with longer, smoother strides.
On that note, I am going to walk with long, smooth strides out of the library and head home. I reserved a DVD of a season of my new favorite British TV series: "Keeping Up Appearances".
Oh my goodness, I love this show, especially the main character Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced "Bouquet" she tells everyone in a regal manner!) You can read about it here if interested:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098837/
And off I go! I have a bit of a Spring break coming up this week, although I have three church gigs scheduled in April, so perhaps I should hit the keys!
Happy Saturday!
Talk to you tomorrow.
Love,
Zita
Here is today's hooping video after my Qi Gong stretching. Day 22 of return to hooping!
I looked around at the other passengers. No one else established eye contact. They were either looking at their cell phones or staring straight ahead, in a most serious fashion.
At the next stop, the dirty man stood up, hoisting a large duffel bag onto his back.
To no one in particular, and probably everyone on the bus he said, "I guess I'd better stop being a worthless bum and go to work".
I looked up at him. He smiled at me. I smiled back. He started to tell me about his guitar that he smashed on S.E. Woodstock Street earlier.
The bus driver interrupted, "You want this stop or what?!"
The dirty man said he did and gave me a little wave. I told him to have a nice day as he shuffled off.
I glanced back at the other passengers. No one said a word. And no one met my eyes.
I sighed. I hope acknowledging the dirty man's existence brightened his day. His eyes warmed my soul.
Speaking of warming souls, I had breakfast with my mother at The Diner in Vancouver yesterday. We have been looking forward to this ever since my mother found an article about it in the Columbian newspaper.
As senior citizens, my parents are eligible for Meals on Wheels. But they do not partake. They like getting out of the house and going to a restuaurant a few times a week. My mother is my father's caregiver after his stroke two years ago and diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. She is a retired Registered Nurse. She knows what she is doing. He has thrived in her care. But it is hard work. She deserves a few meals out a week.
But that can get expensive.
The Diner to the rescue! They have a special menu for Meals on Wheels recipients. Everything on that menu is free! The only catch, is since it is a federally approved program, they can not make any substitutions.
Not an issue, since the food is wonderful according to both of my parents.
I ordered off the regular menu. It was tasty, healthy and reasonably priced!
So my mom and I have a new hangout and my dad gets to get out too!
I love it! We talked to the manager of the restaurant extensively yesterday. They are doing a good business. Packed house daily. It is good for the community and for the patrons. They can socialize, eat a good healthy meal and be amongst people of all ages.
Here is the article from the Columbian Newspaper I was referring to, if you would like more info:
https://www.columbian.com/news/2019/feb/19/mission-driven-restaurant-supports-meals-on-wheels-people/
As for my health, I am still breathing well! I am not sure exactly what lifted me out of my sneezy, tired, congested wheezy hell, but I guess I'd better just continue it all!
I am especially enjoying learning Qi Gong and practicing my breathing exercises throughout my day. I've noticed my posture has improved., my brain fog has lifted and I'm walking with longer, smoother strides.
On that note, I am going to walk with long, smooth strides out of the library and head home. I reserved a DVD of a season of my new favorite British TV series: "Keeping Up Appearances".
Oh my goodness, I love this show, especially the main character Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced "Bouquet" she tells everyone in a regal manner!) You can read about it here if interested:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098837/
And off I go! I have a bit of a Spring break coming up this week, although I have three church gigs scheduled in April, so perhaps I should hit the keys!
Happy Saturday!
Talk to you tomorrow.
Love,
Zita
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