We moved camp last night. For the prior couple of weeks there had been tell-tale signs of increasing activity by park personnel near where we set up camp. There were bright yellow ribbons hung on branches indicating a pattern of some future development, or at least clearing of the brush and dead downed trees. Last week as we were leaving camp we saw signs along the sidewalk and streets advising of a showcasing of upcoming restoration and redevelopment along the creek near us. We checked out the associated web site and knew what was up. It was becoming clear that sometime soon camp would have to be moved, even though actual construction would not occur until this summer. There would no doubt be engineers and park personnel traipsing through in preparation of what was to come.
As we return to our camp location yesterday evening, I could see that the wind had blown some of the cover off our concealed belongings. This was not a major concern as nothing had been tampered with. Then Mary brought something to my attention that was of concern. A large log that partially blocked a pathway into the stand of bamboo and underbrush had been moved. Not just a few inches but it had been dragged at least 15 feet back into the brush. This log had been situated directly next to our concealed things.
Well, it was clear to me we could not, or at least should not set up camp here anymore. Mary was very quiet and almost ready to chuck it all I.E. "We're screwed". Fortunately, toward the end of last week (or was it earlier this week, I forget) we had taken a walk a bit more than a mile north exploring and searching out potential sites to relocate our camp, and did find a few prospects. So after commiserating a while, we waited for it to get a bit darker. I then got the tent and sleeping bags and we made our way just under a mile up the road and set ourselves up for the night. At 3:30 A.M. this morning I was up and returned to our original camp and retrieved the remainder of our things (a travel bag with assorted clothes and coats, food bag and bag with cooking gear.
Our current location does afford sufficient live trees and large ferns to conceal our belongings during the day when we are away, but tent space is minimal. Yet, I don't know that a "perfect" location exists, but there are more options, all with their pluses and minuses.
Mary has been going to the clinic regularly and has been advised to apply for her disability. Earlier this week she saw a lawyer, associated with the ARCH who councils the homeless for free, in order to get the ball rolling. We need to get by the Social Security office ASAP and get her work history to give to the lawyer. Next week is filled with clinic and hospital tests (heart and Mammogram). Two weeks ago it was to the hospital for respiratory tests. Smoking has done its damage. Mary has become eligible for "Case Management" at the ARCH. This will provide the needed guidance and incentive to get things done in order.
I doing well, physically and spiritually. I can walk long distances without effort. After a while Mary begins to struggle, although I think she has been doing better lately. I'm not sure if it is the newly prescribed inhaler or getting into better physical shape. I know I am in better shape than I have been for years. My weight is way down (all that walking) and I really should consider some more pants with a smaller waist. I was eligible ten weeks ago for "Case Management", but after meeting with a "Case Manager" "we" the CM and I, decided case management would not be a good fit, considering my personal goals. So, I trust God (you supply your own definition) and be faithful to what is before me and look for and take advantage of opportunities as they appear and listen to and follow what I recognize as sound advice.
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