This morning, Ricka –– my person-in-charge when my family is away –– picked me up early to go give blood, breakfastless, for some tests. My caregiver was her usual helpful soul, and after the blood-letting, we went to breakfast and then to the Morris Book Shop, a local shop to which I had never been. I remember a former local bookstore by the same name downtown, and how charming this new iteration is –– lighter, brighter and more inviting than its predecessor. When we got home, I thanked Ricka, saying how she enriches my life, and she graciously returned the compliment. It’s lovely to think that an arrangement made several years ago, due to my family’s concern for me, has grown even more pleasant. She grocery shops for me, being careful to get just what I need, and sometimes when she cooks, she shares her dishes with me. She is an excellent and imaginative cook whose dishes take the monotony out of Mrs. Kroger’s frozen offerings.
My freezer is usually full, but I no longer go to the grocery. For the most part, I’m kept supplied, but on occasion it is a treat to walk around the drugstore or market and see what’s new. It seems ungrateful to ask for that when my needs are so taken care of, as letting me wander requires a lot more time and patience of my helper. Last Thursday, however, not only did Ricka take me to the drugstore, the computer place, and Trader Joe’s, but in between, we had lunch, and when we got home, she reorganized my freezer so the new strange things fit. What a present! What an adventure!
And as we drove around in the prettiest parts of town –– Ashland Park, Tates Creek and Chevy Chase –– everything was in bloom. The trees seem not to have been ruined by the delayed gasp of winter earlier this week.
I’ve decided that Thursday is my favorite day of the week. It begins with my regular appointment with my hair artist, Mark Wallace. I’m a very loyal person, and I would never have left my previous hairdresser, but sadly, she died. So I was able to take advantage of the beauty salon downstairs at the Hanover Towers, where I live. Mark is a jewel of a hairdresser –– not only has my hair never looked so good, I am intrigued by his philosophy of life and his marvelous sense of humor. His space usually features lovely flowers by the mirror, as well as a card with a saying I quote for weeks. A favorite was, “I wish I could relate to all the people I’m related to!” Is that not unforgettable? And that’s how my Thursday begins.
Then at 4:30, we have a gathering in the Horse Room downstairs in Hanover Towers, where those who want to bring a drink of their choice and some tidbits to share, relax and talk about anything and everything, with the conversation typically veering toward hilarious. It is supposed to be an hour-long gathering, but often we arrive early and stay until the last dog dies –– about 6:30. Last night the dog lasted until 6:45 –– we were having a good time. The weekly gatherings had their beginnings when one of our number remarked that this was her home and she didn’t know her neighbors, so we decided to try getting together and see what happened. It was, and is, well attended. When people come once, they usually move quickly into becoming a “regular.” It is especially nice when new people move in –– such an easy way for them to get acquainted and feel welcomed. And that’s how Thursday, my favorite day, ends.