Today is the epitome of a fall day. It is sunny and 70°. The sky is a lovely blue. Every now and then the leaves blow, gently. Today is one of the reasons I love this time of year.

Yesterday I thought I’d turned a corner. My leg mostly hurt only when I sat down or got up. I walked the best I have of late. Last night, though, was pure misery. My feet were freezing. I couldn’t fall sleep so I got up to put on a pair of heavy duty socks, but my right leg hurt so much I could only get the sock on half way, but I figured that was enough. I got into bed but still couldn’t fall asleep. I twisted and turned so much both dogs got off. I don’t even know what time I fell asleep, but I know it was noon before I woke up. The dogs had returned.

When I was a kid, life was immediate. The most I thought ahead was the week-end. Sometimes I went to the movies. In the winter I ice skated. I went to the library as I always needed new books to read. I was never bored.

On school nights, we watched TV before bed. Those were the days of the westerns. I remember Sugarfoot, Cheyenne, Maverick, Have Gun Will Travel, Wyatt Earp and so many more. The kid shows I watched were The Lone Ranger, Roy Rogers, Rin Tin Tin and Zorro, a different sort of western. I seldom missed those shows.

When I was twelve or so we had pajama parties, usually for someone’s birthday. We’d arrive in pajamas, and each of us would bring a pillow and a blanket. Early in the evening we’d have the party. We’d play records and dance and eat. There was always plenty of food. At some point, we had to settle down. It took us a while. We’d laugh and giggle. Usually it was well after midnight before we all fell asleep. In the morning, we’d eat breakfast, usually cereal, then head home. I remember getting home and taking a nap.

I have no plans until Tuesday, my next uke practice. My friend Elaine just brought me clams for steaming and plenty of food. She makes the best food. I am in heaven.

Today is a delight. It is warm at 71° and sunny. Last night had a bit of a chill and was perfect for sleeping. Our morning routine is always the same so this morning was no different. The dogs ran out to the yard, did a bit of business then ran back in for biscuits. I readied my coffee. The dogs waited for their second treat then both ran back outside to the yard. Nala came back in while Henry cried for me to let him in. I did. I don’t know why Henry won’t come in the dog door. That drives me crazy.

I loved walking to school in the fall. It was a bit chilly as the morning sun was less warm, sharper as it dappled through he curved leaves. The walk kept me warm. My route was mostly on one long street leading to the front of my school. I always walked on the side of the street bordered by houses and trees. Half-way down the street were the tracks and a station house. I never saw a train. The tracks ended not too far away. My school was old, a brick building with a statue of an angel in front. On each side of the school was a walkway to the school yard, but we only walked on one side, the side next to the rectory. I don’t know why. We stood in groups talking until the bell. The nun used to stand on the outside steps to ring it. We all then moved in tandem into the building. School had officially begun.

My reentry into the world was on Tuesday night. I went to my ukulele practice. I didn’t last the whole time as I got tired, and my leg started to hurt. On Wednesday morning I went to my uke lesson. I lasted the whole time. The hardest part of my reemergence was getting dressed. My leg hurts when I lift it. Try getting into pants and a sock without raising one leg. It wasn’t easy, but I did figure it out.

I have an empty dance card until Tuesday. That gives me more time to heal, more time to be a sloth. I’m happy.