Another Good Day on the Books

Yesterday I started the day with an early morning 2 1/2 hour walk on Copalis Beach in Washington.  I found some sand dollars and chased away aggressive sea gulls.  I saw some brown pelicans, crabs, and jelly fish.  I walked without my shoes until my feet screamed like the sea gulls.

A few other wildlife sightings. The Merlin Bird App identified these as a sooty grouse

I headed toward Portland and was happy to discover that I could make the transition from slow traffic jams in the National Parks to the freeway traffic jams of Portland.  As I neared the city I was struck by contrasts.  I was driving an air conditioned car with a roof top tent passed homeless encampments along the free way baking in 90 plus temps.  I was sleeping in a tent by choice and there were people sleeping in tents by circumstance; untreated mental health,  financial catastrophe, addiction,  PTSD,  loss of a job….  In the contrasts I was reminded of my position of privilege.

I arrived at the day’s destination, Sherwood, OR, where my friend Cathy lives with her husband, Steve, on a hobby farm.  Cathy and I met 47 years ago at Holden Village.  She is an amazing woman who smiles easily, laughs frequently, loves extravagantly, and gives generously.  Her joyful spirit is contagious and being in her presence refreshes my spirit.

She is an exceptional gardener and she uses her talent to bless others.   Working with a group of woman, appropriately named the Farmerettes,, Cathy grows vegetables and flowers, that are given to the local food shelf.   So far this summer they have harvested 1,980 pounds of produce for the food shelf and serves up dignity for every customer by giving them a vase of fresh flowers.  It is a remarkable way to make a positive impact on her community.

It is nice to be in the comfort of friends, to sleep in a bed, to have a shower, to be served wine with a delicious dinner,  and to engage in lively conversations.  I am grateful.