Thursday morning found me enthusiastically eager to kick into the day with tons of research and writing but the sinus pressure/headache returned me to the second floor bed chamber with four enthusiastic dogs who were delighted to snuggle.

11 AM I returned to the first floor and combined all the ingredients I had prepped the night before into three large pans of delicious soup. It was based on a recipe Heidi Andersen shared, but I gave it my own twist.

I spent time researching and by 2 PM I was finally tackling the leaves in the front yard. It would be quite easy if not for the walnut tree’s tiny little stems that require the rake and not the lease blower. I also deposited a dead rabbit over the fence and into the easement, a courtesy from one of the dogs.

At 4:30 PM, my adorable neighbor lady, Kay, delivered some chicken noodle soup, and we got to chat for about 45 minutes.

At 5:30 PM, while waiting on the bus for downtown, I got to chat with my other neighbor lady across the street, Kate. At 94 years old, she was out front raking her own leaves and having a grand time.

I spent the remainder of the evening at a really neat seminar by the Next Chapter Collaborative. It was designed for folks over 50 who are possibly seeking a new career, a startup business, retirement, volunteering, etc. It was quite an adventure of exploring so many fantastic possibilities. I got to meet some super new folks and got to see Steve and Lorrie Makofka.

Now, I’m headed back home with thoughts and ideas abound, and a full schedule, tomorrow, ending with Centerville HS’s production, INTO THE WOODS. I’ve students playing the lead roles of Baker, Baker’s Wife, Cinderella’s Prince, and Cinderella’s Father. I’m so very proud of these students. I also have nine students performing and/or presenting for Fairmont HS’s A Cappella Festival, Friday and Saturday.

Photos: downtown Dayton; two of my students, sophomores Mitchell Goecke and Katie Kress as The Baker and Baker’s Wife in INTO THE WOODS.

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