A hint of autumn

We slept with the windows open last night, with a light, refreshing breeze breathing over us.  There is a good chance of rain tomorrow, although I'll believe that when I see it.  I awoke to a temperature of 66 degrees; it felt a little chilly outside when I took the dog out.

Gabe asked to go out again a while ago at 6:15; daylight was approaching, so I went out to watch him.  It turns out all he wanted to do was track something through the dewy grass, probably a rabbit or opossum, so I called him back.  While out, I happened to glance up and see the moon, which looked exactly like the grin of a cheshire cat when he's almost disappeared, so I grinned back.  While looking up, I was proceeding toward the front porch on the sidewalk, glanced downward, and realized I was just about to step on three slugs heading toward their sleeping space under the porch for the day.  I squirmed at the thought of stepping barefoot on three slugs.  I've done it enough times to know how creepy a smashed slug feels.

I have been eating watermelon and cantaloupe almost every day lately, knowing they'll be out of season after this weekend.  Then they'll cost more and be less tasty, and I won't have any more until next summer.  Ah, but apple season approaches, and orchards around here are plentiful.  I used to look forward to oranges and grapefruits in winter, but because they are so acidic, I probably won't be eating them much from now on.  It's the same with tomatoes, although I have cheated somewhat and eaten some without suffering for it, so far.

I have been sleeping a lot better lately, in spite of the fact that my bladder awakens me four or five times nightly.  I've been going right back to sleep each time, and getting up at 4:30 A.M. instead of 3 o'clock in the morning.  I am so thankful for that, and I'm feeling better when I awake.  I had been in the doldrums for months, but now I am myself again... which may not be the best thing to be, but it's all I know.   So I celebrate myself and sing myself, as Walt Whitman wrote.

We have nothing planned for the weekend.  I do know we will have noodles, because I have a huge amount of chicken in its own broth that I intended to use for noodles in July when our son was here, but never got around to it.  I put pan and all, covered, in the deep freeze and I'm tired of it taking up room there.  Besides, we haven't had noodles for a long time.  My oldest granddaughter will gladly take some home with her if she comes out; it's one of her favorite foods. 

Today I plan to make stuffed peppers, since I've brought quite a few in from the garden.

I just heard my washing machine singing its song, so I have clothes to hang out on the line.  That will have to wait until I get my husband up, though, and fortify him with coffee and breakfast.

Peace.