The Really Great Spring Day
I am sitting in Santa Barbara. It is one of my days off on either side of the once-a-month weekend I'm required to work. The weather is beautiful; the skies are ceylon blue with clouds that progress from fog-like wisps to billowing bulbous balls of fluff and then fade behind the summit of the San Ynez mountains. The flora along side walks and in yards of businesses and residences alike is prodigious with the usual array of flowers which transverse the fullness of the color spectrum. The air is gently crisp with just enough of breeze to need a jacket when sitting in the shade.
I am sitting outside at a neighborhood cafe relaxing after a late-morning meal of a bowl that consisted of greens, riced cauliflower, poached egg, wild mushrooms, onion, tomato and smoked salmon. I have been researching ways to get Rachel, Sarah and I together for Memorial Day weekend but as of yet, it doesn't seem very feasible financially. This is because as each person on the planet is receiving their vaccine for Covid, the whole of the world is emerging from their year-long period of hibernation and people are eager to travel again.
Anyone in the hospitality industry who worried they wouldn't survive needs to get ready to be busting at the seams. Restaurants, hotels, resorts and camp grounds are booked for months out.
It seems as if the old physics axiom, "for every action is an equal and opposite reaction" is very evident in this situation" and so as nature bursts forth so does the rest of the world albeit with caution but also with furtive exuberance.
I am waiting on my mechanic to call and say that my car is ready as I've taken in to have the oil changed. I have other errands and chores today and afterwards, I will drive down to meet Rachel at her house where we will go together to have dinner.
I am anxious as she had let me know she is going to attempt a self-detox from Suboxone this weekend which, from a nursing perspective, is a bad idea. The logistics include her titrating her dose down over the last two weeks and the plan is to go with her friend, Mikey, to some remote location (!) to a cabin in which she will undertake this journey. I am unsure how to convey the intent is admirable but the execution of it could be dangerous. I don't want to detract from the initiative but do want to encourage it done in a way that is safe.