Monday, January 19: Drove home from Portland. Decided to take a closer look at an abandoned structure at an exit I often stop on this stretch. I expected to be stopped by a gate, but no, I was not, so I drove through and parked my car and wandered in the chilly wind for a bit wondering at what was left and what was not.

 
Tuesday, January 20: Went to the eye doctor for a regular exam. My prescription hasn’t changed much since 2023 when I got my last exam (yes, I know that’s too long between checkups but I could see fine). One of the tests did turn up something called epiretinal membrane in my good eye, which apparently will either go away on its own or stay the same or get worse and degrade my vision to the point where surgery might help, but there’s nothing to do but monitor it, so I’m supposed to go back in six months.

 
Wednesday, January 21: Seems frivolous to be thinking about things like doing a rainbow pedicure while the U.S. is in such a dark place, but maybe that’s exactly the right time to be doing things that bring moments of joy.

 
Thursday, January 22: We gave the buyer of our condo concessions for things like this window with the failed seal, but at least the condensation between the panes made pretty designs for me to look at on this cold morning.

 
Friday, January 23: Bought these towels at the spice store when I was in Portland. Another spot of joy.

 
Saturday, January 24: The steam diverter Mr. Karen made for me years ago is still on duty. Much of the color has worn off but it’s still useful.

 
Sunday, January 25: Bought these ridiculously puffy grippy socks because they have my birth year on them. They’re very soft.

 

*****
On this date in 2012 through 2025: No journal entries
2011: The Socks That Took Nearly Forever
2010: Goal Wednesday, 1.27
2009: Sun, Snow, Rain, and More Snow
2007 & 2008: No entries
2006: Mountains of Fun
2005: No entry
2004: In With the New
2003: Back to Real Life