Post 41/2024. Goshen Indiana. Once upon a time, in my teens, I dreamed of starting my own business. A coffee shop on the new Ontario 7&8 Highway that bypassed New Hamburg, Baden and Petersburg. The dream faded, other businesses, large and small, filled the strip on both sides of the new bridge across the Nith River at New Hamburg, fast food/coffee shops included.

No regrets. Those dream years included summers of driving an automotive parts delivery truck, then driving a truck for a wholesale grocer, then diving into university studies. I enjoyed my brief time with the wholesale grocer–both for the work experience, colleagues and customers. It was like UPS, FedEx and Amazon without the pell-mell rush, a steady pace nonetheless. My territory covered a radius of 50 miles, delivering smaller orders to restaurants and neighborhood grocers.

I have fond memories of the black olive and pickle barrels at the Greek shop in Kitchener, the bunch of bananas at a shop in Guelph, the restaurants in Stratford where I carried bags of flour and rice and boxes to basement storage, the restaurant with a Cash On Delivery requirement, the small downtown grocery store where two mischievous lads followed me as I was using a shopping cart to deliver items, loudly urging, “Daddy, daddy, buy us. . ..” And, the Central Meat Market owner in Kitchener asking me to join his team.

Good memories, no regrets. The food world is none the poorer given my unrealized pursuit. I say that with a modest sense of nostalgia and great appreciation for life as it has unfolded, given my life partner, education, overseas experience, vocation in communication, coworkers, family, friends, pastimes, health, faith journey, travels, books, retirement/re-firement.

I carry on with gratitude, curiosity and love for life’s mystery and unfolding.

Signs of the season

More pix from the week

After an appointment in South Bend, we had a late breakfast at The Yellow Cat, a favorite café. One wall is covered with children’s art work. This time we noticed for the first time the cat peering from the chainmail helmet.

The first Sunday of the month is a time for an evening gathering of residents of Whispering Pines Court to catch up with each other around the firepit at Deardorff House. One more gathering for 2024.

Tranquility

I conclude with a quote from Marian Wright Edelman. It’s from Marty’s autographed copy of Guide My Feet, (Beacon Press, Boston. 1995) a prayer Edelman found at All Saints Convent in Catonville, Maryland.

The Nuns’ Twenty-Third Psalm

The Lord is my pace-setter, I shall not rush.
He makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals;
He provides me with images of stillness, which restore my serenity.
He leads me in ways of efficiency through calmness of mind.
And His guidance is peace.
Even though I have a great many things to accomplish each day,
I will not fret, for His presence is here.
His timelessness, his all-importance will keep me in balance.
He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of my activity
By anointing my mind with His oils of tranquility.
My cup of joyous energy overflows.
Surely harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruit of my hours for
I shall walk in the place of my Lord and dwell in His House forever. 

Blessings!

-John