I had a very introspective week in Plymouth. Lots of emotions and they were all necessary. I think it was what I needed to bring closure to a long few years. After we cleared out the storage, I spent quite a bit of time with my sister and family. I went through the old neighborhood and saw the changes to the house which helped me know that Plymouth is no longer home. It's an awesome place to visit, but no longer a necessity. When I head north from now on I can go stay in different places and explore from there. Due to weather and health issues I did not get to see a few people. I had a few long phone conversations with some of those I could not see and will catch up with others soon.
I also went through my last nor'easter in Plymouth (and it was one of the worst). The power fluctuated at the hotel, but we did not lose completely (thank goodness as I found out there was no generator). They had signs up not to take the elevator (just in case) and the cable went out almost immediately so I got some exercise using the stairs and read in the lobby for a while. The hotel was busy as many of the power workers stayed there as well and the trucks were coming in/out at all hours and some locals who lost power immediately stayed as well. I saw lots of storm damage as almost all areas were without power. On the road back I saw lots of trees and wires down all the way to Connecticut. Luckily, I picked the one day that was clear to drive back to Sterling.
I will say in my travels this past week, I was one of the few people to wear a mask. Here and there I saw others, but we were definitely in the minority. I know I've had my vaccines (booster coming soon), but I just want to air on the cautious side. At least there were no comments one way or the others.
I spent quite a bit of time alone which was probably what I needed to recharge by batteries. As an introvert, I don't mind being around people (in certain situations), but it can be wearing. I put my observer hat on got some writing and reading done. As I could not control the weather or the health of others, I tried to remain present and just be open.
I am a person of routine so you can imagine what the last month has done to that part of me. It's been fun and a bit freeing to just go with the flow. One little example happened this past week. I know the route up/down 95 pretty well, but I keep the GPS on just in case. Well, on my return trip Thursday, the GPS advised to go a different route and I thought what the heck I have a full tank of gas. I had a wonderful ride along the Merritt Parkway in Connecticut filled with less traffic (no commercial trucks allowed) and beautiful fall color. Plus, it provided easier access to the George Washington Bridge. It added a little bit of time, but I was not in a hurry. I may have to remember this in the future.
I finally finished a book this week: "BETWEEN TWO KINGDOMS" by Suleika Jauouad. It's about a young woman with a cancer diagnosis and all she goes through to survive.
The daily and wacky holidays for the week...provides something lighthearted to think about:
October 31
Carve a Pumpkin Day - no surprise here
Halloween
Increase Your Psychic Powers Day
Month: November
- Aviation History Month
- Child Safety Protection Month
- International Drum Month
- National Adoption Awareness Month
- National Caregivers Appreciation Month
- National Diabetes Awareness Month
- National Epilepsy Month
- National Model Railroad Month
- National Novel Writing Month
- Native American Heritage Month
- Peanut Butter Lovers Month
- Real Jewelry Month
- National Sleep Comfort Month
- World Vegan Month
- Week 1 Chemistry Week
- Week 3 Game and Puzzle Week
November 1
All Saint's Day
Dios Los Muertos , a two day celebrations on November 1 and 2
National Author's Day
World Vegan Day
November 2
All Soul's Day
Deviled Egg Day
Look for Circles Day
Plan Your Epitaph Day
U.S. General Election Day - first Tuesday of the month after first Monday of month
November 3
Cliché Day
Housewife's Day
Sandwich Day
November 4
King Tut Day
Check Your Blood Pressure Day
Hindu Diwali Day - date varies
Men Make Dinner Day - first Thursday of Month
Use Your Common Sense Day
November 5
Gunpowder Day
Guy Fawkes Day
November 6
Book Lovers Day - first Saturday of the month
Marooned without a Compass Day
National Nacho Day
Saxophone Day
I am leaving it here for today. I hope you have a good week. Take care. Marie
“We become what we think about” – Earl Nightingale
“Your life only gets better when you get better.”- Brian Tracy
“We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.” – Maya Angelou