A Beautiful Spring Day in Chicago

I had a nightmare last night, woke about 3 AM and couldn't get back to sleep. Got up early and headed to West Chicago and spoke of peace to the Third Unitarian Church "Forum Group." About 20 folks most gray haired like me. One little lady said she had been active during the sanctuary movement for persons from Central America in the 80's. Said she didn't know what was happening now. About 4 folks nodded off during the 10 AM talk. I don't take it personally, it is who they are. Of course the little lady said, "I was part of the great generation, we have to have war." I said, "Good folks can disagree on this issue." She thought that was a good response.

As always the questions ask about "How is Jason doing now?" I tell them what I know and am honest about our non-relationship and hope for reconciliation. Being at the peace workshop all day yesterday was hard as I heard "What I could have done and what others have done to live peace." I think telling the story of Jason and my metanoia-my turning around with my life is a good message for others to hear.

I came home and tried to drop off my recyclables, no go as the gate was locked. I headed up Broadway, changed my clothes and headed out to the dreaded treadmill for 30 minutes plus cool down time. After I worked out on weights and embarrassed myself after a year. I can only do 5/10 pounds where I once did 15/20. I like working out on that huge ball for abs/core work.
After a hour's work out at a good pace--15 minute miles.

Back home to repot my peace plant which I found to be infested with spider mites. Yeechh. So I will have to get some anti bug spray. I like to buy the organic kind-basically soap in the bottle. I did repot it then I potted some yellow faced pansies. I remember them being as my mother's favorite when I was growing up. So here I am the next generation potting my own. I really can't remember where she planted them in the yard. I have some very small red tulips opening up, I am happy to see them. It is lucky that I have the S side of the building to plant some color. I hope my landlord appreciates them and much as I do.

So I will enjoy them till the weather gets warm enough for the annuals. I bought a bag of mixed perennials-lilies and echinacea and hope to get those in the ground next weekend.

Talked to Lisa for a few minutes, she and Charlie went out to dinner on the money I gave them for their 13th anniversary. How quickly time flies! The children were very boisterous but I am glad they are doing well. I am sending her the info I collected from the peace workshop and hope she will be able to use it.

I am getting very tired and think I will take an afternoon nap. My dad used to do the same every Sunday. Looking back he worked so very hard to provide for the 9 of us. He was a janitor yet we never went hungry as we grew a lot of food on our one acre. Someday I want to draw a "Grandma Moses" type picture of the house and land. Lots of lawn in front, then flowerbeds then the house. Behind it the fishpond and sunken bathtub filled with water plants. Truly wondrous for a child. To the left of it 1/4 acre of fruit trees: apples, pears, peaches, grapes, then 1/4 acre of ever changing vegetables. They worked so hard growing the food for our family. My mother worked hard canning it all. I was born in 1943 and we moved from Detroit to the "farm" that is what the city cousins called it when I was three. We only actually raised chickens.

Oh the food was so good in taste and texture. I will never have any like it again. Shouldn't say that. I just bought a 1/4 share of produce from a local farmer for the season. I expect goodies like lettuce any day. I really enjoyed helping Lisa shop for her food co-op when I was in FL in January. Her group buys from the wholesales. The food I will get is actually from the farm. So I assume I will have to "surf the net" looking for recipes for some of the food surprises I am sure I will get!