one saturday to go

Wow! Time disappears even on Saturdays.


I knew that most of the day was going to be well invested in another retirement party. My management colleagues wanted to do something special as a farewell.


That did not keep me from sleeping in on Saturday morning in a feeble attempt to fight the dreaded Head Cold. And when I did get up, the day was beautiful. Clear and in the 60s. More like the Oregon springs I know.


Professor Jiggs had been very patient with me throughout the past week. He obviously enjoys the attention I give him while I am home. But we have not had our traditional morning and evening walks.


Saturday was different. We walked through his park. But we added an extended excursion. The cherry blossoms are in bloom around the capitol building. They are a little late in blooming, but the show was spectacular. You can see the result in the photograph at the top of the post.


We got home an hour later than I had planned -- just in time for me to get cleaned up for the drive to Portland. I drove up with my former supervisor, who is also the mother of my insurance agent -- for all things American and Mexican. We had a great conversation. The type of talk you can only have after the business relationship no longer exists.


My colleague, who put together the farewell party, really outdid herself. The food was bountiful and delicious. And the camaraderie was every bit as good. I ended up trooping away with more gifts -- all of them very practical.


Speaking of stuff. I took a closer look at the few items I am taking along to Mexico. Even with my stripped-down list, I cannot fit everything into two suit cases. The pots and pans alone could fill that space.


My brother has advocated the purchase of a truck-top cargo carrier. I think he is correct. As long as the dog is making the trip, I will need the extra space. His food alone will take up room. (Even though I have heard that the customs officers are quite methodical in confiscating dog food with any beef byproducts. Mad cow and all that.)


So, I will be in the market for a roof-top carrier during the next week.


I had hoped to retire early on Saturday because I was feeling a bit better. Several weeks ago, I commented that I had presented my last sermon and drama presentation at church. And I thought I had. Instead, I managed to get myself talked into another skit for Sunday morning. This time it is a monologue -- about three minutes.


I stayed up far too late memorizing lines. Because I cannot say "no."


And I wonder why I end up missing deadlines on other projects. Go figure!