Tag Archives: Taco Tuesday

The Road to Diamond, Day 356: Improvising

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Posted by on in collaborating, Community, impediments, Inspiration, Personal Values, Social, Striving

November 18, 2025- There were three activities on my schedule today. None of them happened as planned.

First, I went to Community Cupboard, a food pantry where volunteers were needed to fill Thanksgiving bags for people who are down and out. The event started at 8 a.m. I got there at 8:20. The bags were already filled. So, I was asked instead to organize shelves with canned goods, in a way that would allow for ease of access by the volunteers waiting on customers next week, during the pre- Thanksgiving rush. An hour later, there were dedicated shelves filled with corn, beans, tomatoes and mixed vegetables, plus one shelf for single cans of various items, like artichoke hearts, spinach and Lima beans. It should be fairly easy for the volunteer staff to meet customers’ needs.

After that, I headed over to a senior residential complex, where there was to be a Veterans Fair. I was planning to represent the Red Cross there, so off I went in RC attire. There was no Veterans Fair. No matter-as any visit to a senior residential complex finds people who are more than glad for the company. I enjoyed complementary lunch and spent time with a couple of friends who are residents there. We talked of my time in Europe and their upcoming surgeries. There was minimal repetition of stories, by any of us.

Finally, I was to meet some friends in the evening, for our usual Taco Tuesday. It was raining and dark, so no one showed except me. I can still see in the dark, but not everyone can. I just enjoyed a burrito at a comfortable table.

Some days are just meant for improvisation, to see just how sharp one’s cognitive functions still are.

The Road to Diamond, Day 349: Parade

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Posted by on in Assistance, collaborating, Community, Entertainment, Inspiration, Service Activities, Social, Spiritual, Striving

November 11, 2025- We were in the middle of the Veterans Day Parade, three vehicles representing the American Red Cross, in this largest such parade west of the Mississippi River. I chose to ride in the cab of the second truck, having felt slightly enervated when it came time to decide who walked and who rode. Coffee took care of that, so no worries-but I stayed in the truck. We were greeted by a slightly smaller group than I’ve seen before, but the cheers were no less fervent.
It occurs to me that this is my penultimate Prescott parade, the last one will be the Christmas Parade on December 6. I will be a spectator for that one, which has its share of Santas, elves and Grinches. Rumour has it that there may even be a Krampus or two in the mix. Such fol de rol does not detract from the true meaning of Christmas, which is rightly focused on Jesus the Christ’s Message of peace. We do well to keep that message first in our hearts and minds, even in tough times like the one we are in now.

I didn’t partake of any of the freebies that are offered to military veterans on this day. Breakfast was at home; I didn’t really need lunch and I joined a regular group for Taco Tuesday, at El Gordo, which doesn’t offer any veterans’ discounts. My reasoning is simple-give the breaks to the homeless veterans-who shouldn’t be homeless. Use the resources available to help them get shelter and stabilize their lives.

I’m just glad to have been of service, and to have had my life stabilized by learning discipline.

The Road to Diamond, Day 293: The Freebie

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Posted by on in collaborating, Historical, impediments, Personal Values, Social, Spiritual, Striving, Travel

September 16,2025, Nynashamn, Stockholm County- The monitor scratched his head, when I asked where I should tap my card to pay for the train ride from Stockholm to here. “There ought to have been a green gate”, he said quizzically, “but you are here and did not get stopped. It appears you have a free ride.”

This is unusual, but as it turned out, he was correct. No one who looked to be over 65 was charged for the train ride. I will take the bonus. There was likely some point in this journey where I overpaid for transport. Thus, there was a rebate from the Cosmos.

Stockholm, with its ornate buildings, well-curated parks and celebrated heritage, is for now a genial memory. The impossibly crowded hostel of Saturday night became more manageable, almost empty on Sunday night and mildly occupied on Monday. As I checked out of my room and organized my bags, a large group came in. The day manager’s scowl only deepened, but his dissatisfaction with the place and the situation, whatever the cause, can only be helped if he speaks up.

I made it from Radhus Station, about 300 meters from the hostel, to Nynashamn Train Station, in about an hour. There was one Metro Train, a 1/2 mile walk and clear instructions to the commuter train that brought me here. The language may be different, but it is not unintelligible. Besides, there are enough people just about everywhere who can speak English.

Nynashamn is a small city, with my hostel about 2.3 miles from the Train Station. I was let off at the top of a hill, near some apartment buildings. After waiting out the rain by standing under a tree, I asked an apartment maintenance worker where First Camp was. He led me to the trail that took me the rest of the way. I was able to connect with the manager, after ten minutes, and am now the sole guest of First Camp Hostel, for the next day or so.

A walk to Nynashamn’s center led to upholding a tradition-Taco Tuesday! Taco Bar is open and thriving-and while there is no discernible salsa, beans or rice, the tacos and enchiladas are faithful to my expectations. First Camp definitely meets those expectations as well. Time with friends will follow, tomorrow, rain or shine.