Last night we had a terrific storm. It started with thunder then came a bolt or two of lightning. The rain was last. The three of us, the dogs and I, listened to the thunder. They got bored and went back to sleep. I listened until the end. It didn’t rain long. Today is in the high 50’s and sunny.

Things disappear. Sometimes we notice. Sometimes they disappear with little fanfare. When I was a kid, corner stores were everywhere. They were the go to for bread or milk. We had two of them a short bike ride away. I don’t know their real names. They were the white store and the red store. I usually went to the white store. Inside the door to the right was the glass case of penny candy. My mother always made sure I had a few pennies for my trouble. Uptown was filled. I remember the spa because my aunt took me there a few times. It is strange what we save in our memory drawers. On the walls of the spa were little posters. I remember one with a drawing of a lime rickey. I remember sitting in a wooden booth with tall sides. The only restaurant in the square faced the police box. It was long and narrow. My mother used to buy me a sandwich there when we got home from the orthodontist in Boston. I ate it as we walked to school. The restaurant was beside the men’s clothing store. They are all gone now.

I remember Story Land in Hyannis. It was on the field which eventually became the home of the mall. We never went there. I just remember seeing some of the wooden houses and figures as we drove by the field. Downtown Hyannis had wonderful stores. I bought my first Roy Orbison album there. I used to buy paperbacks off the outside rack at the store near the movie theater. I spent countless hours at Lorania’s Bookstore. Buttner’s was across the street, sort of, from the bookstore. I remember there were mannequins in the windows wearing what we thought of as old lady clothes. Zayre’s, Grants and Woolworth’s were all on Main Street. I remember Main Street was one way in the summer and two way the rest of the year. I loved window shopping and strolling up and down Main Street. I don’t remember the last time I did that.

My dance card is filled. I have a concert today and another tomorrow. I’m going to buy a few plants for the front garden. I also need dry dog food, a few cans of cat food, bread and something chocolate for my trouble. I’m thinking a cupcake.

The morning is absolutely beautiful. If I looked in the dictionary for the definition of spring, it would describe today. The so very bright sun sits in a deep blue sky. It will get to 65°. The dogs stay out longer. Nala lies on the only patch of grass in the backyard and sunbathes. Henry sniffs the ground and wanders.

When I was a kid, I used to check the moon to see if the man in the moon was smiling. He usually was. I wished on the first star, “I wish I may. I wish I might.” I loved to watch fireflies flit around the field. When I was really little, I figured they were Tinker Bell’s friends and relatives. Magic was all around. You just had to look. You just had to believe.

I always love the first fireflies I see in my backyard. On warm nights I sit outside on the deck to watch the fireflies and listen to the night birds and crickets and cicadas. Each has its own song. I sometimes light my chiminea. I have piñon wood. Its aroma sweetens the air. The night still has a bit of magic about it.

My language instructor Lawal used to tell us Ghanaian folk tales and stories. He told us why mosquitos buzz ears. It seems mosquitos were enamored with ear, but ear did not return the affection and refused mosquito. Since that time, mosquitos buzz ears to let them know he is still around, and his feelings haven’t changed. The moon chases the sun in the hope that sun will return moon’s ardor. An eclipse is as close as he gets.

I have entered into a sort of madness. Yesterday I deep cleaned the living room. It took nearly two hours. Today I tackle the dining room. I need to be saved.

My dance card is ukulele heavy. I have my usual practice and lesson as well as two concerts. We’re practicing The Beach Boys and playing the second 70’s book at the concerts. It’s a busy week.