WALKING MY WAYS

WALKING MY WAYS. A few days ago, I parked in front of the Chase bank, to use their ATM machine. And out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Dale Byrne, Carmel’s mayor, bending over and picking up a stray piece of paper from the sidewalk. And then he marched over to the nearest waste receptacle, where he previously had hung a “recycled butt” retainer, for discarded cigarettes. Which he now began to fix. So we carried on a brief conversation. First, I didn’t know that so many people still smoked. Secondly, and more to the point, I didn’t know that Dale and his numerous containers had now recycled more than 400,000 cigarette butts, which I found absolutely amazing. And most commendable.

And then I drove to Monterey, for 2 medical appointments. One after the other. Followed by a brief visit to Parker Lusseau, the Patisserie. Which I have mentioned before. Next to the Monterey Post Office, in a tiny cottage. Always demonstrating their culinary skills. With delicious pastries and soups. In this case, “Carrot Ginger Soup.” My favorite. Some years ago, I was in Lhasa, Tibet. And not understanding the menu, I stuck with the same item, 2 times a day. Which was the only edible I could identify. “Carrot Ginger Soup.” Which I loved then and still do.

And then I went to a Zen meeting, followed by a visit to a friend, in a convalescent hospital. Sadly, there are many people, with illness or problems. Including this gentleman, who is doing admirably well, under very difficult conditions. And so I try to visit him regularly, especially when I realize how lucky I am, in comparison.

And in the evening, I joined some friends for a birthday party. At the Highlands Inn, where I hadn’t been in years. Where the food was excellent. The views superb. And the parking a breeze, thanks to numerous parking attendants. In any event, I finally made it home, after a VERY busy day. Exhausted. Finis.