Memorial Day

Oh good evening Elder Rivera,

How’s life in the city by the bay these days? Heard something about a fire down by pier 49, in a city as big as yours, under lockdown and with no access to media, I wonder if you’re any more aware of it than we are.

This week has been much quieter than last week, thank goodness. My Jeep should be ready to pickup later this week. So far, they’ve changed all of the fluids, replaced the alternator because it had “River debris” in it, and replaced the belts. I have not received a definitive answer regarding internal engine damage I.e. a bent piston rod or internal scoring or rust. Crossing my fingers on that. I fear for long term reliability if that’s the case.

Yesterday was an uneventful Saturday. We did go to Jim’s for breakfast. It’s now open, and it was nice to go out. But honestly, for my part, the shelter in place has been as much a blessing as a hinderance. Mom finished the garden, and it looks amazing. I say she did it because she did, but I helped, a lot. Mostly brown guy work...lifting, dumping, cleaning up. I did get to validate quite a bit. Finishing the garden is one of those things that often is a portent of a move for us. We finished our garden in Murphy 5 years ago this weekend. I do feel that we’ll be here for a while, after all, we finished our basement three years ago and were still here, unlike in Sandy. And I don’t expect to finish my workshop any time soon, though I am making some plans for that. I’m working on another small work bench for my lathe so I can get a spot for my sanders. I want to make some planters for the porch for mom, then I want to do some projects in the house. Mom keeps offering to give big parties for your various cousins life events...baby blessings, wedding receptions etc. you may find me at your doorstep at some point later this summer, not to pick you up, but to seek refuge.

Today we went to visit cemeteries. I find myself really wanting to go. Less to commune with those that have passed, I find I don’t need that proximity for that. I feel that leaving flowers is really wasteful, so we don’t do that. I also find the thought of the remains off-putting, like a pile of nail or hair clippings, only worse. I also have bad memories of those places. Having the morticians pushing the up sell hard during the worst days of our parents lives after my brothers accident. I guess I go because my folks used to. I also find myself cleaning the headstones, maybe it’s the only service I can offer. It makes me feel happy as only service can do.

Uncle Tim brought his family along so it was fun and Jordan hung out with us. Uncle Tim also convinced grandma to make us Sunday dinner — meatloaf — yum!

Jordan is staying the night tonight. I’m looking forward to the day off tomorrow. I’m hoping to get my bench done, get the lawn mowed and fertilized. I also hope to eat something somewhat unreasonable. I also hope you are obedient enough to text, write and speak to us.

Love you kid,

Pops