“We cannot choose our external circumstances, but we can always choose how we respond to them.” Epictetus –  The Art of Living  (interpretation by Sharon Lebell)

I’ve been traveling a bit lately, and I’ve developed a philosophy about packing. If you have forgotten to pack an utter necessity, buy it when you get there. The problem, of course, is that when you get home, you discover you now have four magnifying mirrors, ten boxes of band aids and twenty purse-size packet of tissues, all of which you either store in some “safe” place that you will forget by the next time you travel, or you become wasteful and throw them out.

During a recent trip, I walked a short distance to a local pharmacy to stock up on the “necessities”.  I discovered that in spite of the nice sidewalk that bordered both sides of the major thoroughfare, people are not expected to walk. In fact, the state law in this particular state gives cars, not pedestrians the right-of way. Drivers here also make frequent use of car horns as a commentary on things in general.

I entered the pharmacy and noted the usual signs over the aisles; lotions, cosmetics, hair-care, baby food, etc.  Over the last four aisles on the left was a larger sign reading “Adults.” There were subheadings indicating digestive remedies, joint issues, foot problems, sleeping aides and pain relief. It probably would have more accurately reflected the store’s attitude toward older people if they had changed “Adults” to “Old Codgers.”

My son and I went on a tour of Detroit. In spite of the troubles the city has had over the last forty years, there are some signs of revitalization. A tremendous amount of work is still needed, but it was good to see some positive signs. One characteristic is that some of the old art deco buildings still exist in Detroit. In other, more prosperous, areas these wonderful buildings were destroyed and replaced by more up to date buildings, and that is a shame.

In a recent trip to Rome, I tried to sort my photos between Ancient Rome and modern-day Rome. It was not possible. Ancient Rome impacts everyday life in Rome and it is a wonderful mix.

 

Peace