Day 3

This is what 100 degrees does to a person. Note the red cheeks as well as the overall look of exhaustion.

 

 

 

 

 

So, this is one of the hottest summers on record for the country.  I sure picked a great year to spend my mornings in the heat walking the pavement.  100 degrees again today.

We were given specific places to find in the building today as well as ascending and descending stairs. Did I mention I cannot see? Going UP the stairs is ok, going DOWN the stairs? Uh, no.  I was like a grandma trying not to breaka hip! I am glad to report I did not bust my head on anything or break a leg, and I was
able to maneuver my way with my cane with only hitting 1 person.

In my defense, she was sitting on the floor in the hallway I was walking through, and didn't make her presence known even after I tapped her.  I thought I had touched a backpack, and my instructor says to me "when we hit people with our cane we say 'excuse me'." So I of course say "oh my God I am so sorry!" and still not a peep!  For future reference when an individual with blindness (or one with a huge ugly black blindfold on their head who you can presume cannot see) is traveling with a white cane get out of the way or respectfully let them know you are there! Had she just said "good morning" or "careful, I am sitting to your right and my feet in are in your path" I would have had the common sense to at least attempt to avoid her.
Why did my instructor remain quiet about it you might ask.  Well, it was a teachable moment and he knew I wasn't going to really whack her or anything.  I still maintain I tapped her backpack.  I felt it was squishy and it sure sounded like nylon to me.  For all I know there was no one there at all...Hmm, is my instructor a jokester???

Meet Jack.

So at the store the other day I picked up a Christmas Cactus.  I have named him Jack after the SFA Lumberjacks. Gives me something to nurture while I'm up here.

At the cafeteria for dinner this evening I discovered the smoothie bar.  Perfect ending to a 100 degree day. It was a healthy addition to my fried chicken and au gratin potatoes. I brought it back to the table and all I heard was "WHERE did you get that!" and had to duck from the mad dash to the corner where I pointed as heat exhausted O&M trainees dodged junior high band camp kids who got in their way as they ran to the fresh fruit smoothie guru.

Oh yeah.  Fresh strawberries, pineapple, and cranberry juice.

Hoping I do not fall down the stairs tomorrow.