On Thursdays we compare notes about our day at our local, Maxwell’s. This photo from Dwight’s day at the university greenhouse caught my eye with its unusual bulbous tuberous stem that looks like it should be covered in polite company. Apparently it’s Sinningia helleri (gloxinia) from South America, which leaves me none the wiser.
Category: In This Together
Shelter From the Storm
The odd snowflake was flying around in the wind and gathering in crevices when a friend and I entered the warmth of a new coffee shop for flaky pastries, bottomless coffee mugs, and good conversation.
Time to Re-Fuel
Thursdays are for volunteering: him in a university greenhouse, me with adult learners. Later we have just enough energy to walk a couple blocks to our local bar for dinner and to compare notes about our day. Last week, I learned about a smelly flowering Corpse Plant; today, Lithops (Stone Plants) which are getting ready for spring when, presumably, they’ll flower.
Back to School
On my way into my Thursday gig, I was reminded I could’ve come by bike rather than bus. Later, during a phonics class focused on the short “o” sound, I had to concentrate on repeatedly using the American “aw” sound instead of reverting to the ingrained British pronunciation.
Back on Track
The halfway point on the first cycle ride of the year with a friend was the remains of a bridge serving as sculpture. For all of last year, a series of connected medical problems, now mainly resolved, kept my friend from cycling. Being able to plan our next ride for next Tuesday is something neither of us takes for granted.
Keeping Perspective
On the walk home from a lab draw at the University, the result popped up on my phone: my tumor marker is increasing (expected, but unwelcome news) to the point I just qualify for a clinical study (good news). As I sometimes do, dropped in on one of the exhibits that appear in different departments of the University. This one, about LGBTQ history, helped me keep perspective.
Hiroshima National Peace Memorial for the Atomic Bomb Victims
Encircling the room, on the upper part of the wall, a grim cityscape frieze consists of 140,000 tiles to represent each individual who died. A water basin in the center commemorates those who died begging for water.
Friendly Offers on a Solo Island Hike
A ferry brought me to a small island where I followed OLLE trail markers—like these—along a route with varied terrain, going from sea level to the top of a small mountain. At the beginning, an old man suggested I rent a bicycle. Later, a car stopped next to me and the driver offered me a ride. In both cases, I thanked them then continued walking.
Peaceful Places
Our adventure today combined city bus travel with walking. At the (Queen) Liliʻuokalani Botanical Garden, Dwight located three trees he’ll feature in his blog. The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, situated within a volcanic crater, offered a serene atmosphere and spectacular views, while also serving as a poignant reminder of the Pacific War’s battles.
In the Beginning…
On my walk: a Baskin-Robbins in a strip mall. As a teenager, former President Obama scooped here. Nearby are his place of birth (Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children) and the apartment where he lived with his single mom.