B & B (Not Bed & Breakfast) with Swoops & Swooshes

The Gayla Pink Apple

My Boston & Blair Long Weekend

With Several Swoops and Swooshes

And a Couple of "Really - Are You Kidding" Moments

 

 

My nice long weekend in Boston with Blair is coming to a halt and it is time to start packing to move her things. No, I'm not going home, yet.   I purposely came a few days early to spend time in Boston with Blair without being stressed and without our environment being turned upside down.

 

My weekend has been enjoyable.  I spent a couple days exploring the area on my own because Blair had plans with friends.  I expected that - afterall, she is 22 years old - and most likely was not as excited for me to come a few days early as I was.  None the less, I've had a great time with and without her at my side.

 

I decided I'd make a trip to Shaws - the closest grocery store.  It is a nice walk - fairly nice long walk if you are carrying very many groceries.   In the past, we usually make the grocery stop last on our list and take a taxi home.  But, I decided I'd walk both ways and take my time.  I meandered through the grocery store.  Studied the brands and carefully selected items which were not too heavy.  I had plenty of time so was not hurrying at all.  I watched people, etc as I pushed my cart up and down each and every isle. 

 

I wanted frozen fruit for smoothies but this lady was standing in front of the glass front door.  I said "excuse me" ?? She didn't move; and I said "excuse me" ??  She still did not move;  so I said "EXCUSE ME" and still no movement.  She was a tiny lady with dark hair and I looked at her with the thought of saying OK lady get out of my way!  But, I didn't say it.  Low and behold the poor lady was standing at her cart asleep.  Her eyes were shut and she just continued to stand there sleeping.  It became obvious to me she was heavily medicated and appeared to not know where she was etc.  I kindly said "excuse me" and gently touched her arm to wake her.  I continued by saying "I'm sorry to bother you I need in this freezer."  I startled her and she opened her eyes - I'm thinking OMGosh this lady has no idea where she is or what she is doing.  She moved about 6" which barely let me open the door but I managed.  I said "thank you" and as I started to leave she says "can you help me find the green peas?"  Well, I really wanted to help her and I felt very sad for her.  But, I am in a strange store and I have no idea where the green peas are.  I smiled and said "I'm sorry, I don't know where the green peas are" and she hands me her grocery list.  I quickly handed it back to her and pushed my cart the other way.  I hope the lady found her green peas.   I felt badly and later went back to check on her - she was still standing there sleeping.  I went back again a few times because I was worried about her but didn't really know what to do -- finally a store employee was helping her.  I  moved on.

 

Made my way to the check out.  Fumbled through my bag trying to find the Shaws card (like a Kroger card) but no luck.  Oh well, forget the card.  I'm checked out, my groceries bagged and I'm out the door.  I've organized my things so I can easily carry them and make the fairly long walk back.  As I walk out the door a big swoop of wind catches my tunic length top and swoosh goes my shirt up over my head exposing my unsightly leggings and camisole.  My hands are full so good luck to me getting my shirt down.  I stop and put down my groceries to fight my shirt.  OK, all is good now.  Picked up my groceries and off I go!  Another big swoosh of wind again and over my head goes my shirt.  After three of four times of this I am not only embarrassed but very frustrated.  I look around and there before my eyes is a taxi and I'm sure the driver watched my fight with my shirt.  I calmly open the door and say to him "I think that ordeal warrants a taxi ride home, don't you?"  He smiles and nods!  He was very kind and when I get out he says "take your time getting your things - take all the time you need!"  I did!  Tipped him well.

 

After recovering from my grocery trip, I decide to shop.  I am a TJMaxx shopper.  Love to find a bargain.  The TJMaxx store here is not very good but I decide to go anyway.  Off down the street I go as if I know exactly where I'm going (and I do), weaving in and out of people, acting just like the locals, with the attitude of 'geez get out of my way' walking fast to get to my destination.  Make my way inside removing my sunglasses and scrambling in my bag to find my glasses.  REALLY? ARE YOU KIDDING? NO GLASSES IN MY PURSE!  Well, just great.  Now I've walked all this way and forgot my glasses.  They are readers and I'm sure I left them on the table.  I decide to buy a pair of readers and luckily I found them - but the check out line is sooooo dang long!  I'm thinking REALLY?  ARE YOU KIDDING?  Gambled and asked the lady at the jewelry counter if she would check me out sharing my story with her.  She did!  No luck shopping the store and I wasn't surprised so out the door I go - this time NO SWOOP OR SWOOSH! 

 

Ended my day with a run in the Boston Public Garden next to Boston Common...jogging alone with my music and at the same time trying to pay attention to every detail of the path.  I am not familiar with the path and I don't want to weave my way into a path that I can't find my way out.  People everywhere sitting on benches relaxing - others running in and out of people standing in the way visiting.  I'm in my own little world focusing on my music and my heart rate.  I notice a couple of young guys sitting on a bench but pay no attention until I hear one of them say to me "Can't you smile while you are running?"  I shook my head NO and kept running thinking to myself REALLY? ARE YOU KIDDING? 

 

I love Boston in spite of it all,

Gayla