This is August. It’s hot. Our granddaughter Haven is staying with us this month. The day starts by making a list of what we’ll do that day. Usually, we make it a high-structured day. That’s what helps those with autism, helps to lower their anxiety. That way, they know what’s next. Haven does not care for “free time” as much as she loves having a plan. But on this day, Haven and I had errands to run in town. We finished the shopping list. She finished an iced mocha. Drinking

It may only last for thirty minutes, but I could count on my parents’ coffee time as predictable and sweet. A nice memory. Today, the sun is rising in the sky, colors are coming alive, and my husband is becoming fully awake. He starts the coffee. Then, my nostrils catch a rising fragrance like none other. It’s strong. It’s coffee. It’s old in my memory. When I was young, my parents had an hour or so before my father left for work. I didn’t drink coffee, but I enjoyed the smel

This past week was parching. Is the whole world on fire? I wondered. Has every other August been like this? We have two dogs. I let them outside, and they’d be back at the door within five minutes with tongues hanging out. Maybe these are the Dog Days I’ve heard about. Our dogs are like most of us, not appreciating the white sun or the 99 degree days. Everyone seemed to be talking about it. The heat! The heat! Such hotness! I know talking is how people reveal their thoughts a

Stung five times this past week. They live in secret homes under ground. You do not know they are around, but if you run a mower or weed-eater nearby, the underground may vibrate. Probably like an earthquake to them. Hey, they come out ready to kill! My husband has been stung while weed-eating. I’m hearing other stories about mowing. I did not mow or weed-eat. Instead, I was watering an area with a water hose. Turns out yellow jackets don’t like my watering. I watered a littl

We had a simple meal tonight, but there was something about the order that was appealing to me. Peace in the orderliness? Maybe that’s it. It’s peaceful and orderly. We took our places at the table. We said, “Thank you” for what we were about to receive. It’s the little things that are the most important. Maybe I’m noticing because the world is so slowed down. This afternoon, I watched my granddaughter calmly help catch a dog in a parking lot for a woman. She walked slowly, t