Other Things to Do

“You will never reach your destination if you stop and throw stones at every dog that barks.”

― Winston S. Churchill

Happy Monday. Mediation about to start in a few minutes, and at least one client baying at the gates, making threats and demanding attention.

This weekend's exercise was to find things to take the author's mind off the death of my father and all that imparts about this phase of life, not to mention the end of democracy in this country. The latter thing has been a constant irritant, but this morning at 6 a.m. it occurred to me that the loss of democracy in the western tradition often leads to a restoration later, all with a great sigh of relief. Just ask the Brits after Cromwell, the French after Napoleon, or the Germans after You Know Who. This isn't forever.

But still Dad remains on the other side of the curtain, so the need for something to drag my thoughts in another direction.

The first step on Saturday was to drag Peg to a baseball game, to see the Rochester Red Wings get pummeled by the Syracuse Mets. It was a beautiful day in the Flower City, and a lovely drive through farm country and majestic old homes that lead right up to the outskirts of town. And what a great facility for a minor league team.

Sunday Peg felt the call to church, another welcome distraction as we pondered on Paul's call to a disciplined life of discipleship.

Then the whole discipline thing faded as we ate brunch outside on Main Street in Canandaigua, washed down by a mimosa or two.

Finally we returned to Cliffside, donned our swimsuits, and rode the elevator down to the beach, where we launched the floatie on its maiden voyage in the frigid water, enjoying the sunny 80 degree day and the frolicking families, three generations deep, playing together.

All very good, and far better than doomscrolling or staring into space on a nostalgia tour through old family times when both parents were still with us.

And now for the distraction that pays for the party, a day of billable work.

Selah.