Reality checks are the pits. Every time I have one (that I recognize – haha), I feel that “pit” in bottom of my stomach. Yesterday, as I was working on this post, the “Thoughtful Mind Inspiring Quote for April 28th, 2018” (that I receive each day by email) was the following, “All things are subject to interpretation. Whichever interpretation prevails at a given time is a function of power and not truth.” ― Friedrich Nietzsche. (sigh)
With Nietzsche’s word’s in mind, I started this writing, asking myself – how do I interpret this week’s reality check? Maybe you have a good idea. This is what happened. This past Thursday was the fourth Thursday in April. The Wisdom Cafe was having its monthly meeting. Usually, we meet at a restaurant in Valbonne. But, this month, Olga – a member – had invited the group to her yacht, anchored in the “Gare Maritime”, in Cannes’ Port. YES!! I accepted immediately. I was given a choice – I could bring food or wine, attend morning (10-12) or afternoon (2-4). I chose wine and afternoon. That would give me time to find the “Interparking Palais” and the “Gare Maritime” and still have time to get lost. Haha. I wanted to drive. I don’t know that much about getting around in Cannes. It’s time I learn, especially since I am going to an ACR (American Club of the Riviera) luncheon there on May 12, during the Film Festival.
This was my plan. (As Steve would say, “You have a plan for everything. OK, what’s the plan?” Drove him crazy, Mr. Spontaneous, himself!) I would take Uber to my parking place (on Mont Boron), get my car, drive to Cannes, find Interparking Palais, have a light lunch in time to meet people at the Gare Maritime entrance at 1:55 pm. Walk to the yacht and hang out all afternoon. Yes! After that, I would drive myself back home – I knew how to get there (sort of). Hmmm. PLUS, I must be careful with wine, especially since Waze and I keep challenging each other, e.g. the right exit off a round-about and knowing when to “turn right” or “bear right”. Ugh. Waze does a lot of “recalculating”. (sigh)
This is what happened. Hang in there! I am just getting started. Being as I don’t have any yachting gear (yet), this is what I took. Haha, not exactly “maritime”. And, a bottle of Côtes du Rhône Les Pierrasques (red).
This is my “Watch-Cat”! I gave her instructions of what to do if I had a problem. But, I would call to keep her informed of my whereabouts.
After taking Uber to Mont Boron, getting my car, driving to Cannes, getting lost several times, and finally finding Interparking Palais, I began the day’s “Shoot”. I planned to take a lots of photographs, starting with the Maritime gear and Missy and the parking rates sign (Cy’s photo) and a picture of my parked car (haha).
Once I found my way out of the convoluted garage with lack of sufficient signage (ugh), I saw a restaurant – Caffe Roma – across the street that looked acceptable with the necessary “toilette”. I ordered my usual – Caesar Salad, and found the toilette, not necessarily in that order. So far, so good.
At 1:55 p.m., I was at the Entrance to Gare Maritime. The group was gathering. At some point, everyone started walking along the quay (sp?) to the end, to bear right on “Jetee Albert Edouard”. I had to keep reminding myself to take photographs of the gorgeous yachts, one after another, because the group kept moving. I needed to keep up. No one was waiting for me to get my camera working.
At some point, my photography took a back seat to my survival instinct. I saw “our” yacht. What??? Where is the gangplank? I must step over two feet of water to that narrow thing? With my knee? That’s when I really needed the photographs. But, noooo. Plus, I didn’t want my iPhone, falling into the Sea. Terror replaced exultation and excitement.
Once I saw what I had to do to get on the yacht, I gave the bottle of wine to Sally (my friend) to give to Cy and Sara (our Wisdom Cafe leaders), and silently turned around (not wanting to make an issue of it) and slithered away. I was devastated and humiliated. I didn’t want anyone to see my “shock and awe”. On my way back to my car, I composed myself enough to take these pictures.
Somehow, I found my way back to Nice, trying “not to think” while Waze kept “recalculating”. (Needless to say, I got lost, thinking). Parked the car. Took the bus to Place Garibaldi. Got to my favorite cafe – Cafe Campo – for a glass of rose. Then, walked home, still trying not to think. I knew Cy and Sara needed an explanation, but I would “think about that tomorrow” (thank you, Scarlett). I hugged and kissed Missy a lot that night. Somehow, I ate supper before going to bed early. What a day! The good news was that I did it! I found everything on time! I had a good Caesar Salad! And, the car was, as always, reliable! (I love my Mini. Thank you, Slav and Andrea!)
The next day, I walked 3.9 miles to “interpret” what had happened. I did not like what I knew to be true – I can no longer do all that I think I can do. My spirit soars while my body has limits. Maybe I should get a knee replacement. Ugh.
Once I got back home from my walk, I emailed Cy and Sara: “Sorry I missed the festivities, yesterday. I had looked forward to an afternoon on the yacht since the March announcement. So, needless to say, I was disappointed. I owe all of you (and also myself) a word of explanation. First of all, I have knees that are problematic. Little to no cartilage. I walk four miles and most everywhere I go these days, but I have difficulty going up and down steps. I must hold on to something, even if it is to touch the wall. Haha, I often choose my restaurants according to how many stairs to the “toilette”. My right knee is worse that my left. Sometimes it buckles for no good reason. Not often, but without warning. I have a doctor (orthopaedic surgeon) who has given me shots in both knees in 2017 and 2018. Those have helped a lot. AND, I would rather not have knee replacement(s) if I don’t have to. Regarding the yacht, I assumed there would be a gang plank of some sort. I also assumed there would a rope of some sort to hold. In this case, the gang plank was narrow and did not touch the dock – approximately 1 1/2 to 2 feet of space to step over. There was a low rope. I saw Olga’s helping hand but did not think she would be able to steady me if I had trouble with balance. Now, if I plunged into the water, I would have probably pulled Olga in with me. That might have been fun since I can swim, and Olga is probably an expert. But there looked to be six feet or so down to the water. That would require strength climbing up and out. My arms are strong, but not sure how strong. I would have to swim to shore. Best to call it a day. I pouted all the way home and into the night, had about three glasses of wine, and tried to “get over it”. Haha. Today, I have resolved to find a good gym with machines to begin body building anew and walked 3.9 miles. Sorry, but at least I had lunch in Cannes and got to see the yacht. SO, there you have it. As Paul Harvey would say, “And, now you know the rest of the story.”
This is a picture of the morning group. I am still wondering how all those women got on that yacht. What do they know that I don’t? Of course, they are all younger with good knees. (sigh)
Needless to say, my watch-cat held down the fort. Glad to know that I can count on Missy to be there for me. Check my six (as Steve would say.)
Best, Jay
JAYSPEAK 
Thank you for the birthday wishes !! We are having a private party with family and later, we will all decorate our golf carts and celebrate Cinco de Maya. Our cul-de-sac celebrate everything and have great fun together.
No, I don’t choose to look or act old. HAHA. I dress young and exercise everyday. I know some of our old school mates that acted old at forty years. Isn’t it a blessing to have our “minds” and you are a great example to me and that’s why I enjoy your posts so much.
I might visit my friends in Paris because they will receive me when I arrive and they know I want to go to Limoges, France as we did every year. I have a tremendous collection of Limoges boxes and porcelain that my late husband bought many years ago and I’d like to add to it. It’s 24K gold and beautiful. Besides, this time of year, it will be bursting with flowers, plants and the MOST sun flowers you would ever want to see. You’d have to warm up your camera because that is THE place to take pictures.
Much love,
au revoir,
Marie
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Thank you, Marie. I don’t know how brave I was or am. There are more details that I am not sharing here. But, the attorney in me has questions. Neither one of us is old. On the contrary, I am just getting started. You, too, if you choose. New challenges. Lots to learn and do. Even with Missy. I need to get my act in gear. Again, thank you for your comments. They always matter to me. Sending love, and Happy Birthday and Cinco de Maya!!
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I liked your honest and humble post. I’m VERY proud of you and you are brave and I understand too well what’s it’s like to live alone, I will be 79 on May 5th.
I don’t act old, but I know and respect my limitations. I like your pictures, especially Missy as she is a great companion to you as Dolly is to me.
You did great !!
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Hi Dear Jay!! Remember our chat: I respect you TREMENDOUSLY, for your courage and fortitude to even COME to Cannes for this… especially knowing what I know now!! Don’t give up!!! You are a formidable woman!!! Cy xx
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Cy, you are the best! Thank you. Sending love, Jay.
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