Porthole

What a difference a day can make.

　 ∆/)/) 　 ∧,,∧
.／・　 ﾐ(●__●)
(＿ノ＼　ﾐ⊂　)
　　　(　 .しﾉ⌒)～
　　　 .Ｕ ~ Ｕ

I got to see my friend Nick after two years. I was deeply saddened as I realized how much I missed him and that part of the problem was my not having a phone and making more of an effort to keep in touch.

I was able to give him gifts I bought when I was in the Balkans in 2017 and coins from various countries. I love coins! And it's so nice to have someone I can share them with.

I called my mother, 97 and aunt, 90. Both are doing okay. I try to keep in touch but I don't visit. The distance hurts.

I have been in contact with Jyothi and Sonali from Bengaluru, India. Flights aren't too expensive if I plan ahead for November/December when it's still green but drier and cooler. I should just go and enjoy myself.

Today I called my friend Gary... and he answered! Our 15 minute chat is perhaps the longest we have had in over 15 years. He asked for my phone number. I really need to get a phone.

Monte showed me the Alcatel track-phone he uses. I rely on Skype but I'll need to check at WalMart and Target. I do not want a phone with a plan. My Alcatel phone I use in Costa Rica is pay-as-you-go. That's what I want.

My green jacket is so worn and needs a new zipper. It's been a trusty companion for 10 years (found at the Salvation Army dumpster). Kathy messaged her son to ask whether he has an autumn jacket with pockets and zippers. We're similar size. And the Italian suits I bought years ago were donated by him (I didn't know that at the time).

I sent a message to Rhyan since it was his birthday and we had met in Norway and I'm going back. He called me from the Philippines. Mentioned how a friend of his I met in Oslo last year mentioned me to him. It was totally unexpected. I should probably visit him on Luzon or next Spring in Norway.

These small incidents have blown away the cobwebs of my depression.

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