A Senior Moment - Mon., June 2

Or, how I completely messed up someone else's Monday.

Sometimes everything in life goes along swimmingly. Other times, no matter how much you plan, things get out of whack. Out of whack happened yesterday. 

A week ago, my former co-worker and friend Danielle and I planned to get together for lunch. We set it up on Facebook private messaging. The date was entered into my smartphone calendar and I was all set. 

I drove 45 minutes to Camas, Washington Monday to meet Danielle. I even sent her a message I'd be a few minutes late. Instead of being late, I was a few minutes early. I walked around downtown Camas, took photos and crossed paths with the town character. 

As I was walking down the street, a man was walking toward me. He was hogging up the whole sidewalk and my side of the walk had a sandwich board sign on it. He looked at me and said, "I'm walking here, if you want to walk here you will have to jump over the sign." Then he glared at me as he went by. I waited for him to pass, then walked around the sign. He was a bit weird. 

Sculpture in downtown Camas.

Old theater; new movies

Camas, Washington

Camas, Washington is a mill town. For years, the town has been supported by the local paper mill, which dominates the skyline. I only found one reference to the paper mill in town...

A fountain dedicated to 9-11-2001

After taking photos, I went to the office where Danielle works. The receptionist told her I was there. A few minutes later Danielle came out and said, "You do realize we were supposed to meet for lunch tomorrow, don't you?" I had entered lunch on the wrong day on my smartphone calendar. (As I say, the phone is smart, I am stupid. LOL.) I was so embarrassed. I apologized and told her I could come back tomorrow. She graciously said it was okay, but she had only just seen my message that I would be a few minutes late. She was getting ready to head out to lunch when I arrived. I'm happy she was accommodating. 

She recommended the Thai restaurant in town. We had an excellent green curry lunch. 

I told her about the man who told me to jump over the sign. "Was he wearing a fluorescent green vest?" she asked.

"Yes," I replied, "Do you know him?" 

She explained he's doing better now that he's on medications. He apparently has had some run-ins around town and has mental health issues.

During lunch, a black spider dropped down from the ceiling and landed next to Danielle's plate. A quick napkin squish and no more spider. Ewww.

Danielle is one of my athletic friends. A couple of years ago, she ran the Boston Marathon and wants to qualify again this year. She is also training for a triathlon. Her boyfriend is a marathoner as well. It was fun to see her again after seven years. She is a gorgeous lady - she could be a double for a young Demi Moore.

When I got back to Mom's house, I grabbed my computer. I headed over to the library again to put photos in a few days' worth of blogs, then published those.

At 4:30 p.m., I met my good friend, Rosemary, at The Olde Spaghetti Factory for dinner. 

The headquarters of The Olde Spaghetti Factory chain.

They put us at a table with a river view. Rosemary said, "Isn't this romantic?" We saw an osprey fly by, a number of SUPs (stand-up paddleboarders) and some kayakers out enjoying the 78-degree weather.

The view from our table.

Me and Rosemary.

Rosemary and I were both medical transcriptionists for many years and used to travel together to conventions far and wide (Phoenix, Boston, New Orleans). We had so much fun. I hadn't seen her since she and her friend stayed with us in Hawaii. She became a nurse and is now retired. We caught up on families and talked about, what else (?), travel. Good times. She looks really good!

Monday night, Mom and I watched "The Bachelorette." Then I spent some time online playing Scrabble and reading email. My bedtime book is "Airframe," by Michael Crichton. 

I finished "Allegiant" of the "Divergent" trilogy a few nights ago. I did not like it.  Oh well. Sometimes books really steal your heart and other times they let you down. 

Tuesday:

Mom and I worked out at the clubhouse in the community where she lives. I really like the exercise class teacher. After our workout, I took the rental car back. I loved the Chevy Cruze; it's one peppy car!

Lunchtime now...I think I'm going to have waffles with strawberries. We won't be eating until after 7:00 p.m. tonight.

View of the golf course from Mom's living room.

Mom is out in the yard planting more flowers. Today she's putting in lobelia between her wave petunias. She also bought three Martha Washington "geraniums" for more flower bowls on her patio.

Mom adding to her flower box.

Tonight, my son, Michael, and my sister, Jan, are coming over for dinner. Mom's got chicken, potatoes, carrots and onions cooking in the CrockPot. Delicious smells fill the house. 

I plan to head to the library after lunch to post pictures to my blog and publish it.


Only today left in Oregon; I fly home Wednesday morning. Enjoy the rest of your week. 

Travel Bug out.