At 8 o’clock Gracie and I were out and about as I had an errand. People were walking dogs, running or walking the bike path, pushing baby carriages, eating breakfast out or going who knows where given the number of cars on the road. I never imagined a world so busy so early on a Saturday. Usually I’m on the deck with my papers and coffee or more likely still in bed at that hour of the morning. I went to the harbor to try and catch up with the cafe owner, but he wasn’t there. I didn’t wait around. Gracie and I went for gas then to Dunkin’ Donuts. The line of cars for the drive-up window was as long as I’ve ever seen it so I decided to go inside where the line was as long as I’ve ever seen it. I finally got my coffee, and Gracie and I drove home to the deck and the newspapers.

The day is sunny and dry. The breeze is leaf stirring. It’s a perfect deck day, but my dance card is full for later. I’m wishing it wasn’t. I yearn to stay home, comfy and lazy. I have come to realize that I am less of a social animal than I once was. I don’t like going out often. I don’t like crowds. I don’t like having to be dressy. I’m not even sure I have any dressy clothes left. I hate small talk. If I haven’t seen the people in years, I see no reason to chit chat. We probably only have the human condition in common, but I don’t want to be impolite so I’ll walk around and give some hugs, smile a lot, wave across the room and answer those who ask what’s been keeping me busy since retirement. I’ll tell them the truth: very little is keeping me busy, but I am living the best of lives.