Walked outside this morning to clouds and a little drizzle. But it’s only a hint of rain, nature’s way of flirting. We’ll see what comes of it. Of course, moisture in the air is moisture and plants make do as do humans. My dry, itchy winter skin is a thing of the past now that humidity is back. I just wish we’d get a day or two of a good soaking rain, the sort of rain that makes the ground soft deep down to the bedrock. But I think those days are past for us. We’re on the wrong side of the dryline now, it’s moved east, and our rainfall is going to decrease over time.

The cats were hungry this morning as only cats can be hungry, they crowded around the dish as if they’d had no food for a month, and now I’m pretty sure they’re lounging about while the food bowl remains full. Maybe they think of the food dish as a giant kill where they eat a bit, sleep, eat a bit, sleep, and try to keep the hyenas away. Although, the only hyenas we have are the neighbor’s cats and I haven’t seen much of them lately. Maybe it’s just the thought of food that keeps them happy. They rush the bowl to make sure it’s there, then go on about their business.

Later this morning, I depart for Waco to watch the granddaughter run and jump in her final regional track meet. She’s a senior. There’s an outside chance she’ll qualify for state. One of her relays is really fast, and you never know what could happen in the long jump. They’re kids, after all. No matter how it goes, she’ll have fun, because she enjoys the competition and she’s confident in her skills. I think that bodes well for the young lady’s future, and I hope I’m around to see it come to fruition.

John W. Wilson is the author of The Long Goodbye: A Caregiver's Tale