Sunset lighting the 99-year-old Sacramento Railroad Depot
There are certainly days that seem almost numbingly routine, while others bring about all sorts of challenges, changes, engagements, and entanglements. I got up at 5.40 with Jen and Lauren – they were going for a walk, while I went to the gym. I got there around 6.15 AM, and there were as many people there then as there are around 3 PM. Few. I went through the routines somewhat detached, perhaps half sleepwalking and half unrattled or undistracted by the events of the morning, as there'd been nothing but waking and working out. I liked it. Getting up early is harder in the winter than in the summer, but once up and out, it was rewarding. I'll need to consider this approach. It's similar to the Jikoji mornings efforts - it's a good way to start the day. We all returned within minutes of each other. I, of course, enjoyed coffee while fudging Wordle. Double letters get me every time. I *finally* had Lauren captive and pressed the eTrade account migrations, including calling them and putting her on the phone to complete the move. The "custodial" account timed out three years ago, and I don't want to be held responsible for any earnings, losses, or taxes. That is now, finally, done. I covered the outdoor furniture in anticipation of rain tomorrow, and while finishing, I felt the first sprinkles landing. That was fortunate timing. I also quickly reviewed and restored the blinds settings in Tommy's room. Another task that took days to find time and instructions to complete. Tommy offered to replace Lauren's headlights due to the complications and time limits. I was pleased that he did so and acknowledged appreciation for the effort and the intention behind it. He has been quite busy and was again today. I took Lauren to Rasputins and bought her several CDs for the car: Matchbox Twenty, Dixie Chicks, Tears for Fears, Five for Fighting, and several others. We then met Jen at my mom's after ordering Aqui (note to self: stop ordering chips; nobody eats them). It was a pleasant lunch and visit before Lauren, and I headed to Sac. She has a lot to juggle when driving due to visual challenges. The drive was more of a 'sink-or-swim' challenge than I had anticipated – so many moving pieces, merges, lanes ending or splitting off… with limited vision, it's a challenge. Hell, with decent vision and 50 years of experience, it's a challenge. She did well. There were a few moments of anxiety, but also clear signs of competence and capability. I'll be ordering her a Bluetooth transmitter for her iPhone for navigation needs. We agree that distractions should be minimized, so for now, no CarPlay or other upgrades. There's no rush. Back at home, Tommy wasn't feeling well again, so Jen took him to Good Sam for an evaluation. Jen got to meet his friend Shelby and really enjoyed meeting her. It makes me so happy that both of the kids have such a positive, healthy rapport with her.