Blue Bay and Red Shoes

From Berkeley Marina, looking at Berkeley hills, 2:00 p.m. today.

My friend, Kay, is retiring from university employment next week. We had a retirement party for her at H’s Lordships Restaurant in Berkeley Marina. Kay is one of those people you seldom meet and never forget. She is full of energy and life and dedication, with strong work ethics and values. When her son who was in his mid-thirties suddenly died last year, she rolled up her sleeves and started taking care of his two high-school-age children. In fact it is to provide a better life for them that she is moving to Sacramento . My heart is full of sadness, already missing this remarkable woman, but it is also full of pride in knowing her exemplary strength and courage. After giving a little speech about her (my boss gave the big speech), I led the group into singing Kay's and my favorite song together. We were a sight! Well, it's the idea that counts!

Walking into H’s Lordships brought back so many memories for me from a time when this was one of the fanciest restaurants in this area, and my college used to hold its annual Homecoming Dances there. I remembered myself as the bright-eyed young woman that I was, observing and loving my new environment, feeling brave to participate and to learn. Memories were threatening to flood me!

To keep up with the Christmas spirit and with the festive occasion of a fancy luncheon in the middle of the day, I had worn my red shoes to the event. My feet hurt all day, and it feels good to be home and free of them! You know, vanity might be a trait I'd like to ditch one of these days. I am, indeed, too many years past my bright-eyed young woman stage to bother with it anymore!