The sky is an eerie color, but the storm has long passed. Once again, we were fortunate, very little damage in our area despite howling winds, blowing rain, and a tornado warning. Tally and Fosse were obviously glad it was over, as I collected three full bags on this morning’s outing. They spent some time with us as we took shelter in the master closet. My wife thought the power went off, but it was only the motion detector doing its job. Once she moved, the lights came back on. 

I did get to the fitness center early in the day, but mostly we just sat around watching TV and working our devices. She got restless and started decorating for Halloween, so I hauled out the storage boxes, and put batteries in dancing Snoopy, dressed in an orange mask and skeleton costume. He’s been with us for about 25-years, a treasure we picked up at the Hallmark Store. One hand holds a fortune-telling globe that lights up, but if you grab the other hand, he begins to dance, playing his popular theme song. 

I guess Snoopy is a lot like me this year. Even with fresh batteries, he doesn’t dance any more. I tried to play surgeon to see if there was a wire loose, but to no avail. We’re now two of a kind, struggling to move. I hope he isn’t in pain. The theme still plays, but there seems to be a problem where the battery pack wires run up his spine. I can easily empathize. As we get older, parts begin to malfunction. I’ve certainly had my share of that this year.

Because of the storm, my doctor’s appointment has again been delayed, but the MRI report suggests a more thorough examination into the spine. Hopefully, they can get working on an appointment since it takes several weeks to get insurance approval. In the meantime, Advil continues to ease my soreness, even the discomfort from my recent cystoscopy that revealed a need for prostate surgery. Scheduling that procedure has also been delayed because of the storm. 

Dancing Snoopy only sits like I do, waiting to perform again naturally. I may need to get a replacement for him, as I continue to evolve into the bionic man. Then, maybe we can both dance again?