Here is Don putting on his shoes to go out and catch the bus on school days. You may note the formed fibreglass braces, or splints, on his feet. And the ever-overflowing divided bin for collecting recyclables, on his left.

To My Grown-Up Son

My hands were busy through the day;
I didn’t have much time to play
The little games you asked me to.
I didn’t have much time for you.

I washed your clothes, I’d sew and cook,
But when you’d bring your picture book
And ask me please to share your fun,
I’d say “A little later, son.”

For life is short, the years rush past,
A little boy grows up so fast.
The picture books are put away,
There are no longer games to play.

No goodnight kiss, no prayers to hear;
That all belongs to yesteryear.
My hands, once busy, now are still.
The days are long and hard to fill.
I wish I could go back and do
The little things you asked me to.

- author unknown

This is a photo of the living/dining room of the house we lived in last year. That’s Barney sprawled out in the chair.

***

I wanted to go to Grandma's and needed to get groceries today, and have been unable to do either.
C'est la vie.

Speaking of French, a lady from Quebec was here the other day and both of us were thrilled that I could still speak it after 24 years.