Day 309 - Keynote Speaker

Thought of the day: I attended a YWCA luncheon today with some wonderful women from our neighborhood.  It was nice to catch up with old friends and meet up with some new ones.  We had an inspiring keynote speaker and two women served by YWCA telling touching stories of their personal journeys.  The speakers were all very frank, articulate and their speeches were thought-provoking.  It was an all-women event and I could feel a tangible, emotional connection among the audience and between the audience and the speakers. After spending years in a male dominated tech world, I have rediscovered and enjoyed the companionship of some amazing female friends in the past few years.  Our friendships are comforting, supportive and fun.  In a way, I think I'm trying to make up for what I have missed in the earlier part of my life. Today's lunch reminded me yet again of the power of our collective being. Together, we can overcome obstacles that life throws our way. Together, we can achieve what we can't achieve alone, namely, the finding of truth and the attainment of happiness.

Photo of the day:

Robyn O'Brien, our inspiring speaker and the author of "The Unhealthy Truth: How Our Food Is Making Us Sick and What We Can Do About It".  Reading her book had changed our family's diet in a fundamental way and we are all very appreciative of her efforts.

Day 226 - Lunch

Thought of the day: We took the train to visit a relative in a town in Canton Thurgau and had lunch with her today.  She came to meet us at the train station by bike and then we all walked over to her apartment which took a good 20 minutes.  That would be unfathomable in the US, however, it felt perfectly natural here.  Driving is more ingrained in the American culture than in the European.  The walk today was fun as we got to chat and see the town along the way.  It was definitely not a tourist destination but we did walk past quite a few charming streets and buildings.  The weather was pleasant, the flowers were blooming, everybody was happy - what else could one ask for?  I am glad that we won't sit behind a wheel for the next few weeks. So far we have been getting around fine by bus, tram, train and walking shoes.  Boat and bike will join the picture some time in the future. It may be a little inconvenient without a car at times, but I think the vacation will be much less relaxing with one.

Photo of the day:

Lunch at Thurgau.