June 23, 2026

by Dr. Plastic Picker

I’m feeling lonely right now. It doesn’t make much sense since there are a lot of people around me. My mother-in-law is sitting in the kitchen sipping coffee, and just commented that I’m up early this morning. I’m blogging in the kitchen again and I’m up on time these days, and not binge watching as much Netflix. Indeed I’m not watching much Netflix at all. The house is full but just one person is missing.

Our daughter is on a semi-tropical vacation with her best friend and their family, and I missed her. She called yesterday and we chatted for a long time. She sent some pictures and it was foreshadowing for what the autumn will spring – when she goes off to college.

And one of my long time climate and health colleagues is moving back to her home state of Ohio. She has two young boys now and their entire family is in Ohio (both sides) so for their children and their families, it makes sense to be together. She was one of the very first people who joined me in climate and health advocacy. We’ve been through a lot together. She’s been through a lot. And now she’s leaving San Diego and moving back home where it feels very right for her to be. Almost a decade I’ve know her. She’s done tremendous clinical and climate work. It seems very right this move of hers, but it makes me feel lonely.