Bev, a friend, and neighbor, just came by to drop off some anti-bacterial wipes for me to take to New York City. How thoughtful. People like her remind me to be proud of being human.

This made Maria feel a lot better. She didn’t need to tell me what to do or worry about me. She just wanted to help out in a slightly sticky situation.

More and more, I am content to let my life speak for me. My life is my politics, my identity.  I’ve lost my appetite for anger, justification and explaining myself. Let my life do the talking.

Learning to make sound and ethical decisions has been the challenge and pleasure of my recent life.

There is such a fine line between delusion and recklessness and courage and clarity. They all often blur together. I can never really know whether my decisions are the right ones, only that I believe they are the right ones for me.

I always follow Hannah Arendt’s guidance: you have to like the person you see in the mirror. It isn’t what other people think is right, it’s what you think is right. It simplifies life in an age when so many people are eager and comfortable telling other people what to do and think.

When all is said and done, what else can we do but let our lives speak for us. We, humans, are so diverse and complex. There is no one way to do anything.

I am happy to let my life speak for me. What matters is what I do not what I say.

So we are heading off shortly for the Bronx Zoo, each of us to collect our Valentine’s Day gifts to one another. I bought Maria the right to name a Hissing Madagascar Cockroach, she bought me the chance to spent half an hour with a penguin.

Maybe we’ll get some face time with a sloth later on in the Spring.

This isn’t something I ever thought about doing or wanted to do, but I am surprised by how much I’m looking forward to it. And yes, for sure, I will have my camera.

I went out last night to catch the moon in the pasture, my camera picked up the light in our old trees. There is so much beauty in the world if I can just see it.

Much to my surprise, Maria and I talked a lot about whether we should go or not. She is worried about me. She is okay with the trip.

Last night, a local pharmacist was reported to have gotten the coronavirus, that got our attention. One can be careful, but there is really no hiding, not even up here in the country.

We gathered the evidence, talked it through and are happy and comfortable about our trip. I’ll get to see my daughter and granddaughter – we’re meeting at the zoo. It is a selfish decision, but a grounded and rational one.

We’re staying overnight at a funky hotel halfway between here and there.

Rumor has it there are good restaurants nearby. We’ll get up early Monday and head home. Our farm is in good hands, the dogs will be well occupied, fed and exercised. Even cuddled.

I think Zinnia would love meeting a penguin, but the world isn’t quite there yet (neither am I).

I have a full week of do- good stuff planned, I intend to do it.

I’ll be back home Monday morning.  I admit I am happy to support New York City a bit, I truly hate the idea of the city shutting down. And good for the Bronx Zoo for staying cool.

Bev just by the house to drop off some anti-bacterial wipes she has in her medicine cabinet. I said no three times, and she decided it was a yes. I’m glad she came.

I think it would make Maria easier and it’s a handy way to be mindful without succumbing to hysteria or panic. To be honest, I’m just not too worried about it, at least not yet.

What a generous thought to bring me these things. I hope I live a life worthy of that thoughtfulness.

Thanks, Bev, you are a sweet person and a great neighbor. So we’re going to stop and pick up some coffee and muffins and hit the road.

My life will do most of the talking today.