Twenty Ninth Visit to Taft

Two weeks ago I talked about time, and how keeping myself busy helps time pass more quickly. Unfortunately for Ron, his activites are limited by his confinement and the heat, and time does not move quite so rapidly for him. I will give you an idea of his daily routine during the summer months. These activities all depend on how hot it is. If the temperature gets to 100 degrees, all outside activity ceases. Those in charge don't want anyone getting heat stroke, so everyone goes inside.
This summer has been cool so far, and the inmates are hoping the next few months will not be typical. (it's usually over 100 degrees in August and September)

A typical day begins at 5:30am, wake up, dress and get ready for breakfast. 6:00am, breakfast. Ron is on the Kosher plan, so he gets 1/2 grapefruit, cold cereal with milk, 2 slices of whole wheat bread or toast. After breakfast, Ron usually does one or two laps around the track, then it's back to bed for an hour. 8:00am, either work or class. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday Ron has his Toastmaster group or his horticulture classs. The rest of the mornings he works in the garden. At 10:30am the inmates come in and have count (mandatory several times a day). 11am is lunchtime, which consists of vegetables, apple, portion of protein (maybe peanut butter) and 2 slices of bread. At 1pm Taft has a 15 minute Torah reading, which Ron has started to attend. He likes the feeling of community that he gets from participating in this event. From noon-3pm Ron works in the garden. At 3:30pm, it's mail call. That's one of the highlights of the day. Everyone is always hoping to receive a card, letter or package. At 5pm dinner is served, which is similar to lunch. After dinner Ron does a few more laps around the track. After dinner Ron watches a little TV and goes to bed at 9pm. There's a little time during the day for reading, playing cribbage or gin, or just talking. That's about the extent of the day. The only variety is Friday night when they have religious services.

Whenever there is a new newsletter published or information about policies or procedures, everyone goes to the library and the camp is buzzing with information and misinformation. Just like any other large group, there are rumors all the time. Actually, rumors add a little excitement to the daily routine and that gives them all something to talk about, even if it's not true.

As you can see, the schedule is very routine, and if it's too hot, everyone has to come inside. Sleep is the other way that many inmates pass the summer months. If they're not readers or talkers, they probably spend their free time sleeping.

So Ron is counting the days. 300 days is the maximum number of days left and if he gets lucky it could be less. Sounds like a lot, but it will be over before we know it. My jelly bean jar is getting lower each week.