Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 50* 0726 Drizzle
Rain shines the leaves, paints the railing, washes pollen from fence rails and solar lights; rinses the three. Dark inside the house, too dark to find my way through the maze of things removed from the guest room to unpack. Walking with 3 legs requires a wider path (and light). At least the cane can stand by itself when I remain in one place making coffee, listening to it drip, drying dogs, giving out morning biscuits, lots of pets, kisses, encouragement. The free-standing cane is no match for a happy tail whack. Metal hitting the floor scatters the three who timidly return to investigate.
Living in a house I’m familiar with still requires strategy to get me from here to there. Falling face down on the deck many days ago, the screen door did not provide cushioning. I didn’t feel broken but since yesterday the right hip, the one with the pin in it, has imposed limitations I’ve reckoned with before. The left hand operates the extra foot; I put the custard dish of pills in my right pocket; the coffee cup sits nicely in the top of my half-filled water cup.
Getting old is an adventure alone.
Photo: LJ Austin
