The first day of fall? It feels like mid-summer here, with the high temperature today playing footsie with 95 degrees (the weatherbug said 97). Still putting on tank top and shorts when I go home (have to wear longs at work).

Little by little I've started cleaning out my office. Just 10 minutes a day, one drawer at a time, one shelf at a time. Saying good-bye, remembering the past for a bit, then turning back to the current day's tasks.

Yesterday I found a wooden easel brought here from Soto Street, via Birmingham. On the back, Ivey had printed "Planning Room #22 Please Return" in that distinctive hand lettering of his. The easel is at least 25 years old.

There aren't many people around any more who would even know where that was and what we did there. Just as well. Memories can be heavy, a drag on the spirit.

I woke up today at 4 a.m., thinking of all the unfinished items on my To Do list. At work an hour early, hoping I can either complete each item, or do my part of it and send it on its way to the next person in line.

It's quiet now. I can concentrate (unlike yesterday, with all the doins, hoo-rah, and shuckin and jivin--very distracting). So...back to work.

Drat. S just came in from doing a check ride. So much for peace and quiet. Let the narcissistic bellowing begin! Talks about partner, boxer, etc., etc. Ad nauseum.

Some things I'm not going to miss at all, at all.