It’s World Animal Day, something to keep in mind as the oil slick off the coast of So Cal creeps closer and the waves bring dead sea life in ashore ahead of the slick. Why are we still so dependent on oil? I’ve tried to cut back on reading the daily headlines, but I still make my way through them, some heartening, most not. It’s pretty much all about climate change disasters (present and near future), political fighting (as persistent as our backyard mosquitoes but with a much nastier bite), and covid (not going way soon). Sometimes I feel like I’m sleep walking through my day, just trying to go about my business while (trying to be) oblivious to what’s going on around me. Still giving thanks every day for what I have and where I live. The ability to escape quickly and easily to natural landscapes or enjoy long walks in my own neighborhood has been a keystone in my sanity for the past 2, no 4+, years!

Went back into the office today after missing my usual days for the past nearly two weeks because of vacation and not feeling well. The bad news is we have to go back to wearing our masks at our desks again, even though no one is seated anywhere near anyone else. The good news is they started serving hot meals again for lunch; no more of the same sandwiches week after week. The other news is there is no news yet from the hiring committee on whether I’ll be offered a new role.

I decided to deal with the mask-wearing mandate (even though one’s computer glasses fog up) simply to keep getting out of the house a couple days a week. It will become even more paramount once the contractors start on the master bathroom, which is within ear’s reach of my home office. The painters started today, getting one coat of primer done and dusted already. With the incremental changes over the past several weeks, it began to feel as if nothing was happening until now. The whole things is supposed to be completed three weeks from now, which will mean buh-bye to the pod on our driveway.

Went for a long walk to the cemetery, around every road, and back home again on foot. Several new graves, many with memorial service flower arrangements withering in the summer-like temps. It’s one of the longer walks I’ve taken since my ankle healed, although it still twinges. Must make that appointment to see an orthopedist just to check it out.