DOING

When I am in a social gathering, people will, inevitably, ask me, "What have you been doing?" I don't remember that question occurring, very often, when I was working. In my last job, as the Program Manager of Family and Children Services in a large metropolitan county, I might have had something to say that might have grabbed their interest. Probably not; I am just not good at that question. Since I retired, however, people seem to ask that question, all the time, and again I am not good at that question. Do they want to know how to mend a fence, feed chickens, water the sheep and goats, weed the garden, butcher a chicken, spread new bedding on the floor of the various animal houses? I never know how to respond. I have more to do than I ever get done; but I work leisurely, and get a nap in most days.

Today, I got up, did my usual exercises. Carafed the coffee [Jamie was up first and made it]. Drank my first cup while looking on the internet, partly hoping for some inspiration for this blog, didn't find much. Repaired to the living room for my second cup. Did the crossword puzzle [yesterday's paper], On completion, I went out to do my Morning chores. They consist of letting my new chickens out [the broilers and replacement pullets] and then going a hundred yards to the main chicken coop and barn area, where I let my old hens out and check the water for the sheep and feed for the hens, and replenish if necessary. Usually, I do a short meditation, anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes.

Then it is back in the house. At this point, I generally set up the dishes, get them soaking in the sink and then wash them, when I am done with my blog. Today, I didn't do much cleaning up. I have quite a mess to clean up after our wonderful roast chicken dinner last night. When I am done with the dishes, I usually read, discuss [argue] with my beautiful wife, sometimes I nap for one half hour.

Around, 2:30PM, I go to town and get the paper and get the mail. I read the paper and do all the little things that need doing. Water the houseplants, balance the check book etc. At 4:30PM, or so, I do the afternoon chores. I freshen the water for the young chickens and give them feed. I then go to the chicken coop and gather the eggs. I look around for an egg, an errant hen may have laid, somewhere other than the chicken coop, there is usually one in the barn. Often I will do my second meditation of the day, again time varies.

By now it is usually 5:30PM. I finish reading the paper. Check a few things out on my ipad; stock market etc. About twice a week Jamie suggest a libation before dinner. It usually sounds like a good idea.

We usually sit out on the porch talking about everything imaginable until the coolness drives us in; which is about 9:PM now. Before dusk I go out one more time to check on my animals. I lock up both chicken houses and say good night to the chickens, sheep and goats.

In the Summer we watch little television; unless we have a Netflick. I will watch part of the Letterman or Leno shows most nights. Jamie is, usually, in bed by 10:30 PM. I, always, read some things on the internet before I go to bed, which is usually 12:45AM.

There are variations. Every Tuesday, our friend from across the lake, comes over and visits from 10:30AM to 12:30PM. Yesterday, however, we had a visit from a good friend, who was once, a neighbor and then, a current neighbor. We had company all day long, until 7PM.

Of course, we like to go to town, shopping and visiting, and we do that at least twice a week. And I blog three times a week.

So that is the doing. Hey, it is the being that is important. How am I feeling and thinking when I go through my daily routine? Does the sight of my animals expand my heart? Does the antics of those young chickens fill me with love? Do I glory in the magnificent outdoors? Am I madly in love with the trees, bushes, grasses, weeds and the Earth they live on? Am I, absolutely, in awe of the day, the clouds, the blue sky? Am I enchanted with this world we live in, that continues to entice me with its magic?

Am I amazed, in the presence of the being, of the person, who is my wife? Am I continually impressed by her intelligence, scholarship and search for the truth? Am I continually amazed by her tolerance, acceptance and capacity to love? Do I know myself to be one of the most fortunate people on the face of the Earth?

Nobody asks me those questions. Well, I got a big mess to clean up in the kitchen.

Love and Peace,  Gregg