Rainy day in Beaufort

11/22 - It's the day before Thanksgiving and we're getting some good rain.  I appreciate rainy days - it's an excuse to do nothing or catch up on inside work/chores/errands/etc.  

One of my chores for today is to work on health insurance.  Since leaving Agilent, I have had a Zion health share, which isn't actually insurance, but seemed like a good option.  I joined it because I thought, based on my understanding, that I didn't have anything they would consider a preexisting condition as well as the fact that it would cover me anywhere I go in my travels.  What I read indicated that if you hadn't been treated or seen for something in the last 24 months before signing on, that it wasn't a preexisting condition.  But then I read somewhere that arthritis is considered a preexisting condition because it doesn't just appear out of nowhere.  Since Sue has had both hips replaced and Jennifer has had both knees replaced, I have some concerns about my joints.  So, I'm looking into the VT health connect as it does look like they have national network plans, so I think I'm going to switch to that.  If anyone has any tips, let me know!

I have felt really appreciated with all the kind offers for Thanksgiving.  Unfortunately, I can probably only accept one!  Catherine said that if I need to, I can bring Zoe.  :o)  I did not ask and I think it is very kind of her to offer!  I think I will leave her at home as ultimately I think she'll be happier.  Of course, she'd prefer to be with me at all times, but sometimes I'm too distracted or there are too many people trying to pay attention to her that home is the better option.  She tolerates attention and petting from people, but she would prefer to be left alone (or fed!).  If I take her with me I'll be distracted by her, wanting to be sure she isn't begging, stealing food (usually good about this!), or getting on the furniture.  

I've started meditating, something I've wanted to do for a while/years!  I currently have the Calm app and there is an excellent Mediation for Beginners 30 day course with Jeff Warren.  I LOVE his teaching.  His voice is calm and his whole approach is about keeping mediation relaxing without being strict.  So many of us think mediation is about stopping our minds, but that's not possible.  It's about paying attention and noticing when our minds wander and then bring it back to our breath or whatever we're using as our focus.  "At it's most elemental, Meditation is about just sitting and being ok not doing anything.  It is essentially an attitude of accepting the moment just how it is and not making a big deal of it.  This mindset is what helps us relax in a deeper way."  Being open and not uptight.  Everything is there, the surrounding sounds, thoughts, sensations.  Just sitting in the middle of it and you're just relaxed and ok with it all. Nothing needs to be any different than it is. That's the basics of meditation.  Just prior to meditating yesterday to one of his lessons, there was a leaf blower going for a while at the neighbors.  I wish I had done the meditation first because I was so irritated by that noise (one of my pet peeves).  The meditation was about not having judgement about things as being good or bad.  The leaf blower is just a noise.  It's not good or bad - it just is.  The song of a bird also isn't good or bad.  Trying not to hold onto something "good" or get rid of something "bad".  I'm not sure how that works with pain.  As far as I understand it, pain would be just a sensation to notice - not necessarily bad.  I think that might take more practice!!!

I've been in Beaufort for a bit over a week now and I'm noticing that I'm getting a bit antsy.  I'm ready to move along, but at the same time am happy here and looking forward to enjoying it for a bit longer.  I'm going to be here for another 2 weeks!  It feels a little funny as I find I've really settled in like I'm going to be here for the winter.  If I didn't offer to help out with the dog across the street I'm pretty sure I'd be heading out sooner.  Marta and Annie gave me their itinerary for their month travels in FL and I'd love to meet up with them.  Also, my cousin, Charlie and wife Jan, in Texas contacted me about their travel plans so that I can plan my trip there.  I have been feeling like I don't know how I'm going to fill my time before heading to see Tess in Durango, CO in late May, but now I'm thinking I'm going to feel rushed.  I just have to remember that I can always go back through.  I'm also struggling with my current thoughts of heading down the coast from here, thru Charleston, Savannah, islands off the coast, then to FL.  What about all the inland areas and states???  It is a bit overwhelming thinking about all the places to go and I have limited time.  I have promised friends in AZ that I will definitely visit them this year, so I have to (and want to) get to AZ and spend a while there.  I feel like I'm going to only touch on a few states on this trip being that I want to travel slowly.

Had another fun evening with the lovely FIA ladies!

Zoe's morning back scratch and stretches:

11/23 - Though I missed my wonderful family get together for Thanksgiving this year, I thoroughly enjoyed spending the day with this crew!

My red arm (and full plate!), English Catherine (host), Mark, English Isabelle, Mike (host), Justin, Mike, Shannon, Mark's arm, and Luann taking the photo.  Great fun and great eats! 

11/27 - Last night was the 1 year anniversary for Tapping the Admiral in town.  Some photos from this.  I just love this town and these people!

I purchased a sweet smelling soy candle from this lovely lady.  Can't wait to light it in my van and enjoy the evergreen smell!

Tonya, me, Windy, and Marlin

Food trucks and vendors

Tonya is Yuke and Wahoo's favorite person right now!

Mark and Kaye (Wahoo and Yuke's parents)

Nelson (bar owner) and Cindy

Another walk at Fort Macon today with Nancy.

Zoe wasn't being too agreeable to having her photo taken with a stranger...

A gift from Marta and Annie.  Made by their friend Linda.  Zoe will be nice and cozy!

I'm packing up soon and heading across the road to help with Jasper.  I'll have a couple of days to get the house all clean for Missy and Merle's arrival on Saturday.  I'm going to miss the deck and the back yard.