All the old swallow nests are down. Seven. I spent more time on a tall ladder than my doctor would approve. But I was careful. And isn’t that what everyone says after they fall off a ladder. I was being careful. But I was and I came to realize my expandable aluminum ladder is really heavy when fully extended and I should probably look into getting a nice fiberglass ladder suitable for an old man to handle while working on his porch.

Speaking of old men. My brother and I were laughing at that just the other day as we found ourselves griping about old men driving, when we both had to admit we were now old. And I tend to always do the speed limit these days which probably makes me a curseable driver to someone younger and in a hurry. I don’t really care, though. It’s pleasant to set the cruise control at the posted limit and cruise along. It’s just one less thing to worry about because I no longer care who’s parked along the side of the road up ahead.

I actually wish I realized sooner how little being in a hurry helped with anything. I remember when it dawned on me, but I also remember how hard it was to put it into practice. But I’m glad I did because eventually it freed me from the beast that stalked my youth, anger. I’d get in a hurry, get flustered, and get angry. That was a bad, bad cycle. It still pops up from time to time, but usually I see it coming and can head it off at the pass. And it even it fails to extend my time on this earth at least that time will be pleasant.