Another gloomy day with heavy dark clouds and barely a drop of moisture to justify the depressing conditions. Apart from a few minutes’ appearance by the sun on Sunday, we’ve hardly witnessed the light in nearly a week. It’s like Seattle in winter. We were, however, graced by a rainbow as the sun set, again peeking out for brief minutes. It’s a wonder I managed to survive in Scotland for two years, although I kept too busy to bother about the weather much and had many distractions.

Among other things, it’s National Face Your Fears Day. My current fear still lingers from yesterday: not having an idea for a storytelling show in 10 days. Another fear surfaced the other day when I was talking to a friend at the office. A few weeks ago, a bicyclist ran her down while she walking along our local bike-pedestrian path with her two small children. Her knee and left arm were in a brace, and she showed me the wounds where the tire ran over her leg and the pedals scraped skin off her shin. For this very reason I walk on the adjacent horse path along this trail wherever possible. She said the guy fell off his bike as well, and they were both crying, and he’s been sending her flowers and chocolates. I asked whether he’s also going to pay her out-of-pocket medical expenses. I was angry on her behalf, having experienced near misses with careless—and arrogant—cyclists myself and witnessing near misses. They give the rest of us cyclists a bad name. Yesterday on my walk along this same trail I kept looking over my shoulder, even though the speed racer bikers don’t use the horsey part. Of course, out-of-control cyclists aren’t the only trail danger. A few years ago Hubby T-boned a deer early one morning while riding to work, landing him in ER with a moderately severe concussion.

Talked to Mamacita today. She’s holding up well despite having another 10 days or so in quarantine. She gets to come out of her room to eat, alone, in the common room next door when everyone else is in the dining room for their meals. My brother-in-law visited her today in her room (she gets to see certain designated family members) and showed her pictures of their recent trip to California to see the grandkids. That made her happy. When Mama is’s happy, we’re all happy. She also gave me a pep talk about finding a story idea. “Your dad and grandfather, the storytellers, are looking down on you now giving you inspiration.” I love my mama. And Dad and Grandpa, if you are there, I’m listening.