65 degrees, 10 mph zephyrs from the south, and brilliant sunshine. My tomatoes, having survived a very cold (but not freezing) night, are thrilled to the tips of their leaves.

The cats are busy checking the insides of their eyelids for light leaks.

And I've been to the VA and back, full of gratitude for the therapist who is insisting that Norm walk as much as possible. A large part of his problem is his inert couch potato lifestyle and they are reinforcing the message that he will be confined to a wheelchair if he doesn't exert himself.

Because, as you might have guessed, he won't listen to me (I've been preaching this theme for years). It almost seems as if he deliberately does the opposite of what I ask, while in the same breath asking what do I want. Drives me crazy--damned if I do, damned if I don't. If I say nothing, I acquiesce to his lifestyle (thereby being an enabler) and if I say anything, I'm being critical and controlling. It needs a disinterested third party.

The cat's don't bother with all that. They make it clear from the get-go that they will do as they please, and set that dish of food right here right now, thankyouverymuch.

The house is clean. Time to think about finishing the current book and choosing another. If this is what retirement is like, I just might be able to relax and enjoy it.