Did I mention I started walking again? Finally? Baby steps, really, but at least it’s progress. One of my colleagues, who is also a friend, is helping to motivate me, along with herself. It’s only 15 minutes after lunch, but it’s better than the big fat nothing which it’s been for far, far too long. We actually started 2 weeks ago… we managed 2 days, and then I got sick. And then she got sick. But now, no excuses, every day, even if one of us isn’t there and even if it’s raining, which it was today. There are a...

We’ve had a week of those clear pale blue late summer days with scarce clouds, no breeze and the kind of warm temperatures that feel so good on your back and shoulders without making you break a sweat. Hot-air balloon weather. Apple cider weather. The leaves haven’t started turning yet, much less falling, so there are no piles to shuff through. The neighbor cat curls up on the sunny asphalt in the middle of our street where, thankfully, few cars come. It’s a lovely, long, alone evening for me: Anders still in Italy and both the kids away at overnight...