Today is sunny but chilly. My house was cold when I woke up so I snuggled under the covers hoping to stay cozy and Warm and maybe even to fall back to sleep, but that was not to be. Henry got up so I dragged myself downstairs after donning a sweatshirt and warm slippers, my late fall, early winter ensemble. Henry wanted out, and I needed coffee. After he came in, Henry sat beside me and watched me drink my coffee, something he does every morning. He likes his tablespoon of coffee with his biscuit. He sits beside waiting somewhat impatiently. I ignore him.

When I was a kid, our dog Duke sat under the table when we were eating. He was waiting for whatever dropped, and Duke was never disappointed when my sisters were young and less adept with utensils. He also knew we’d sneak food to him under the table, a NoNo we ignored. My sisters and Duke used to eat Oreos together outside on the steps. My sisters ate the cream and Duke ate the cookie. It was a win-win.

Saturdays in fall were always my favorite days. School was done for the week, and I could fill Saturdays with whatever I wanted. When the Saturday matinees started, I usually went. I remember walking outside after the movie and finding it getting dark at 4:00. I was always surprised, maybe even disappointed. The day was gone. In the winter, though, once it got cold, I liked the matinee. It was my sole reason for leaving the warm house. On other Saturdays I walked the tracks or window shopped up town. I was never bored, not even by repetition.

Today I’m venturing out. It is dump day, and I need a few groceries. I also need dog treats and cat food. I count three errands though the dump is iffy. I have to be in the mood to haul trash and recycles. I am currently not in the mood.