Zombie Ball

I volunteered and played piano for the Zombie Ball. The upper hall was rocking. The red carpet announcements were energetic, the dancing fun, and the DJ songs familar. There were few volunteers at the end, so I stayed and cleaned up. I've been feeling a little displaced, so it was good to pitch in, work together, and help. We all want a sense of belonging. Work provided that outlet. Retirement is relaxing, but it's still an adjustment. In our current divisive era, we need community events and fraternal organizations to bring us together.

Visiting San Francisco

I took a morning Amtrak train to SF and enjoyed exploring the Haight and Ashbury neighborhood. It was the Summer of Love in 1967. Hippies, counter culture, defining moments for a generation. From Amtrak to Waymos, I enjoyed public transportation, especially hiking Buena Park. Twelve hours later I made it home, tired and ready for bed -- a fun day to explore.

I am at a quandry, regarding how to best make use of short trips in the area. One one hand, I am considering a condo in the historical Piedmont hotel. I ponder both the headache of ownership, but also the opportunity to invite friends. Both the beach and redwoods surround Santa Cruz, but the drive is a tad long. Would it be a joy or headache? If not the Piedmont, maybe partial ownership of a condo in Watsonville? On the other hand, I am considering renting (or buying) into Washington Commons. With the Piedmont and Washington Commons, I have some hope that I would be connected with residents, even if only limited. It would be more than a condo, but an ongoing relationship with fellow residents. Finally, there is another option of renting a hotel once a month and exploring the wonders of Northern California. This K shape stock market, where the wealthy are thriving creates a social conumdrum.

For some time now, I have pondered whether to buy a condo at the historic Piedmont building in Santa Cruz. It's a senior community in the heart of downtown. While our Felton cabin required reqular maintenance, this home would be different. I could imagine staying a couple of nights each month. Travel on Saturday. Enjoy Twin Lakes church in the evening. Spend a day at the beach or hiking trails on Sunday. Then, return to Davis on Monday afternoon. Or, perhaps, travel to Santa Cruz on Monday or Tuesday, then return on Wednesday or Thursday. How often would I really use the condo? Would I enjoy community with the residents? How difficult is public transportation via Amtrak and the Highway 17 Bus ride?

I ponder the strange question... can I afford not to buy it, lol.

I've been home for 4 days now. Still adjusting to jet lag. In some ways, I feel strangely alone. I've completed most household chores and garden work that I missed for two weeks. I've had a several social events: lunch with Ameya, visiting grandparents, breakfast with Glenn, piano at Odd Fellows. Friday and Saturday (today) have been quiet, so I am enjoying bike rides and public pianos--the staples of my life. When all else fails, I return to my Davis roots. I frequently check my stock portfolio, which feels alittle empty, because I seldom take any action. I'm writing this blog post at Nugget Field while watching a youth soccer game. Already, I feel better. So many memories with both youth and adult soccer that filled my weekends for decades. My other common rest stop is on UCD campus, where the snacks are cheaps and the seats plentiful. College students are back, so the campus is alive. The big news is Mae moved out and now has a boyfriend. Caleb and Philip have been helpful It's an adjustment. Next Friday, we visit Elias.