The storm passed by relatively harmless, leaving several inches of much needed rain in its path. Areas to the south of us were hit harder, but the first storm of the new season is behind us. We went about the reverse drill this morning, putting everything back in its place before the next threat of turbulence. It’s just another lazy Saturday with clouds in the sky and the chance of more showers. 

We had to turn down a dinner date with some neighbors next week because of the minor eye surgery that I will undergo that day. I’ll be put-under for only the third time in my life, including two colonoscopies, and am hoping that healing time will be quick. My sagging upper eyelids are apparently interfering with my vision capabilities, so the skin needs to be trimmed back. Next week, I’m back at the doctor for my third colonoscopy and another nap. These are the signs of aging.

I responded to a Facebook post this morning about my childhood grade school, Rice Elementary. I didn’t remember there being a morning and afternoon option, so I can’t remember which one I attended. All I can recall is the nap/cookie breaks, and getting my soft rug out of the cloakroom to spread on the linoleum floor of the classroom. I think it was Mrs. Ingram that was my teacher, probably just out of college. I went there through the fifth grade before transferring to Beardsley when we bought a new house and moved districts. Fortunately, I was reunited with most of my Rice friends the following year at North Side Junior High. 

My Rice years included Indian Guides, a brief stint in the Boy Scouts, touch football, track, and basketball. I could walk to school from the house, unlike Beardsley and North Side where I took the bus to and from school. My ambition of being on the Safety Patrol was never accomplished. It was also difficult to continue in sports after moving schools because there was no connection with the coaches, along with the unfamiliarity with the other players, so basketball in particular was no longer a big part of my childhood life. However, the move was undoubtedly helpful in expanding my circle of friends and the ability to make new ones. 

I’m making new friends again here in the neighborhood, just like at a new school. Most of my encounters are at parties and get-togethers since I’m not involved in organized activities like pickle ball, bocce, or the whiskey club, for example. Running in the morning is often a solitary experience, although I have connected with a few other like-minded exercisers. I’ve even participated in a couple of races where I’ve met some fellow runners. Most of the time, however, I hide in my office, content with being alone.