Yesterday was Gopal’s last day at work. It was a big, busy day for him. And, here at home, things were rolling along. Needless to say, there’s a lot of chaos here. When I went to the bedroom to try to create a suitcase-packing area, I kept bumping into a hanging decoration near my window. So, I gently pulled at it, trying to untack it from the ceiling. I didn’t want to break the string, but I had to pull a little harder to get it out. It popped out, and the tack must have hit my nose (glasses?). Wow, it hurt! My nose has a little scab on the bridge. I put ice on the bridge of my nose to stop the swelling. Sigh

Gopal is surprised how relieved he feels to be retired. He is really tired but enjoying his new freedom.

As you can imagine, leaving my daughter, son-in-law and grandchild is difficult. My daughter and I are weepy these days. She works at Bananas and just sent me a flier on keeping in touch when grandchildren are far away. It’s wonderful and imaginative.

The packing process has begun. Gopal and I are going to have to negotiate what we take with us. While he’s been making it through his final days at work, I have been packing decorative mobiles. To my dismay, they are taking up half the largest suitcase! : )

After realizing how frayed I have become, it occurred to me that yesterday was not only the first alone-at-home day I have had for a month (and which I need to recharge my batteries), but it was also maybe my last one for the rest of my *@#! * life!! So, after the shock of that realization, and the understanding that I am heading toward a world where spending a day alone is probably unheard of, I decided I need to take more naps, meditate more often, etc. Not being able to walk lately because of the smoke is also not helping my mental health.

Compensating for my frayed edges is already paying off. And my sister is arriving in the morning for the weekend. I can’t wait to spend one-on-one time with her.

Gopal's Retirement Party

Judy, Abbey, Lyn, Ellen and Jane at the party!

CCHP arranged a retirement party for Gopal on June 12th at Abbey and Jonathan's beautiful house in Berkeley. Many of his old colleagues from the CHP days and some of his bosses from UCSF came to attend. It was wonderful to see all of them in one place. Abbey, what a wonderful host you are! We will cherish this occasion for a long time!