Today feels sort of retrograde, to be a day for reflection and regrouping. I may do a couple of errands (or not), feed the hummingbirds (every other day!), and for the rest of the day sit with my coffee and breakfast (cheese and raw unsalted nuts) and commune with the restorative energy of the universe.

There are lots of things clamoring for my attention. As I'm writing this entry describing my day of reflection, the mental retrieval systems are tossing up a whole list of "To Do" items.

The only way I know to satisfy and quiet those nagging ideas is to put them on the little pocket calendar that sits propped open next to my computer. I consult with it regularly, not only for appointments, but for items to be bought (Tylenol) but also errands to be run (dry cleaning) not to mention phone calls to be made (request tax documents). I know I won't forget them.

The irritating and distracting voice of "ought to" is thus mollified, and I can empty my mind and quiet my spirit.

With any luck, the neighbor won't start raging at the top of his voice; the other neighbor will not have the gardeners mowing and edging; it will remain quiet enough to hear the "clicks" of the hummingbirds as they visit the feeder.

It's a lovely day in the neighborhood.