As I begin writing this morning’s blog entry, the sky is beginning to spit some rain that was not due to arrive until a few hours from now, around 10:30 AM; thus, my deck time will prematurely end. Drafts.

But, we need the rain to maintain the gorgeous spring adventure. I hope this narrow band moves through quickly as not to rain on my Instacart delivery person.

The five sets of wind chimes are having a dance off, a small hum of cicadas can be heard, and the waste management truck is squeaking its way through the neighborhood. For the services we lost in the contract bid with our former company, Waste Management, to this damned Rumpke which offers much less, I’d think they could attend to their noisy trucks.

Erma rests by my side. The others are scattered about the deck in their typical morning routine of relaxing to the morning Haasienda backyard happenings.

Last night’s deck time was cut short with some discomfort and I retired to my bedroom, immediately off the deck, earlier than usual. I was stretched out on my bed, Harrigan at my side, by 11:30 PM. For the past several weeks, the nighttime pain in my legs and feet have been unbearable. I steadied myself last night, ready for another round; however, it was so mild it was barely noticeable.

The band of darker clouds has moved on, leaving brighter skies to take the lead for a bit. In the distance, the southwestern sky offers a different picture. The choruses of birds have returned, accompanied by a light cicada drone. I’ve barely noticed the cicada buzz but their shell remnants are everywhere.

The wisteria blooms are beginning to carpet the deck, a reminder that their beauty is short lived.

Tonight’s last lessons will springboard me into ten non-teaching days before the summer teaching schedule rolls out June 6. The summer schedule is more compact, offering some morning and earlier afternoons to accommodate camps and swim time. In the meantime, writing and attending to some household tidying are my primary goals.

On with my day. Make it a great day!