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Today has been a mixed bag for me.
Brian and I visited Harvey at the nursing home this morning. We decided to do an experiment, since Harvey hasn’t been greeting me and it isn’t clear if he knows who I am. I entered his room first and greeted him. He said, “Hi, Babe,” so it was clear he recognized me this time – a relief. This was a better than usual visit, with him mostly making sense. He wanted to see my latest sketch, and talked about riding in his wheelchair to go to the shop (in Arkansas) to hang my paintings up on the shop walls. We adjusted his fan, put his socks on, and generally made sure he was comfortable. We each held a hand while we talked, and he squeezed ours from time to time.
I got an answer to an email I had sent, asking how my dog, Amber, was doing. I found out that she died suddenly a couple of months ago. The lady who adopted her hadn’t wanted to tell me. I realize that this email was really hard for her because we were both grieving. What I tried to tell her was that I appreciate her letting me know, giving me closure, and that I was so happy for Amber that she had TWO families who loved her with all their hearts. So now both Amber and Jet are gone – but they both had stellar families to love for the rest of their lives. Life doesn’t get better than that.
I was exhausted when we got home from visiting Harvey, so I took a quick nap. Then I went to the cafe, lucked out and got my favorite spot, and had a happy time sketching.
These are my two latest sketches –
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At the gym this morning, the Ugly American came up behind us, using our door opening as his entrance. I don’t know why he doesn’t go to the gym when the staff are available and make sure he has face recognition, or a QR code to get him in the door during this time when the card reader isn’t working, but he seems to think he is above all that. Not only that, he got on the treadmill right beside me today! He proceeded to hit the buttons that make a beeping sound the whole time he was on the machine. I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say he hit the buttons 100 times in the 25 minutes he was on there. He then proceeded to walk up and down the length of the gym, talking loudly into his phone as usual. We left without my having told him what I thought of his manners or biting him in the leg. Brian said the understatement of the day when he said, “You really don’t like him, do you?”
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jimmy ssi
Why does that American guy even bother using the gym? He’s not really using it.
Let your son know I hate the guy as much as you do.
I have no clue, Liz. I’ll tell Brian. 😁
😊
🙂
Sounds as if you enjoyed your visit with your Harvey. The visit and memories will help some until the next visit
Sorry for the passing of Amber. Clearly, she was well loved by both families.
Your sketches are so pretty!
What a very rude man at the gym. Can you report him to the owner? Some people are just all about themselves. Too bad that he has to disturb your gym time. I hope the rest of your day was good. (Donna)
Hi, Donna. Yes, the visit with Harvey was one of the better ones. I hold onto these closely. Yes, the man at the gym definitely deserves a bite in the leg, but Brian doesn’t want ME to be the one to try to give him one. I’m glad you like the sketches. Thanks for your kind words about Amber. Thanks for writing. Have a wonderful day.
I’m glad Harvey recognized you! And your cat in the box painting is spot-on! 😀🐱 I’m getting irritated with this American guy at the gym too. How rude! What’s he even doing in Thailand anyway? 🤨 Oh well, at least you and Brian are there to show people that all Americans aren’t like that! 🥰
I’m so glad Harvey recognized me, too, Debra. I’m glad you liked the cat-in-the-box. Yeah, we try to show everyone we meet that not all Americans are boorish, self-important and rude. Thank you for writing.
Ohhh my dear Linda, you do know (right?) that we really cannot change anybody???
Let’s leave the ugly American to himself and ignore, ignore, ignore him. (For your sake.)
Harvey?!? Beautiful!!! What a lovely visit!
Favorite cafe seat? Lovely!
Sad about Amber but relief too. That’s how it works (though I know we don’t always understand it).
See? The universe really does have your back. Sweet!
Thank you, Sheila. I won’t speak to the gym guy or bite him in the leg . But it gives me something to fantasize about while I am walking on the treadmill…
I’ll hold onto the visit with Harvey for quite a while.
I’m going to try to draw Amber and Jet.