i remain incredibly lucky in so many ways even for an old man. i recorded that in my mind once again this evening.

After Maureen served another incredible meal, this one with her recipe for pork chops, mashed potatoes, asparagus, and fresh tomatoes, i cleaned the dishes and retreated to the chiminea seating area in the southeast corner of our backyard.

It was one of places for being thankful, a retreat where in the cool evenings, i light off the chiminea, put on some soothing music, and let the Southwest Corner take me where it wishes. Sometimes, i write. Sometimes, i read. Sometimes, i just sit back and listen to my music, not, mind you, the music Apple and all of those other electronic wizards think i want to hear, but mine, scratches in the grooves and all.

Tonight, it was a bit warm early for a fire in the chiminea. As it became cooler, i opted against a fire and found a throw to keep me comfortable. A chiminea fire would require me to be here until the fire burned down to embers. You see, this is high desert; it is dry, and i am a disciple of Smokey Bear. i do not wish to even remotely be the cause of a wildfire, however unlikely.

i sat down with my bluetooth soothing me with the intention of working on a piece of fiction. i think it will eventually be a novella, not long enough to be a novel, but we will see.

But the reason, i’m writing this was caused by my several walks to and from the house. i was barefoot. i chose to walk around the flagstone walk to the chiminea. Instead, i walked through the grass.

The walk took me back to… oh, about 75 years ago. Back then from late May until September, i wore, except for church and Sunday school, of course, underwear and shorts. Period. Now, you shall not catch me in that get-up. But walking barefoot in the grass tonight took me back. After supper, we would go out into our yard, chase lightning bugs, run, laugh, and be free, unencumbered by the weights we have on us today. It was freedom. That very brief walk tonight took me back to serenity.

You know when you are my age, memories, precious connections to my worth, are an essential part of what remains.

May you, too, take a walk in the grass in the cool of the evening and remember.