Welcome in, the tea is waiting.

Monday

It was one of those “it does what it says on the tin” kind of days. Labor Day came with lots of little tasks.

After a walk for myself, which has become unusual lately as I’m usually joined by at least one of the dogs, I passed out flyers around the neighborhood for our yearly block party. My friend and I plan it every year. We get the street closed, I put up a tent, and we invite the neighbors over for a little neighborhood gathering.

Usually we host it in September, but the month got away from us, so October will have to do. We can call it a harvest festival if need be.

I took Henry to the park for more training. Because he’s leash reactive, walking him around the neighborhood in the middle of the day can be difficult. The local park has a wide-open space where we can keep enough distance from everyone that he doesn’t freak out.

I won’t lie, his reactivity has been such a stress for me.

But despite that, it was lovely being in the park today. So many people were out and about. A couple flying kites. Kids on the playground. An older man with his fold-up chair and a blanket in the shade of the trees.

It was really nice.

The rest of the day was filled with all those necessary but mundane tasks: laundry, taking the bins out, helping with homework, packing the school snack bag...

Domestic labor.

Tuesday

Picking out a book to read next is probably as exciting, if not more, than actually reading it.

I love to read by the season so I can really feel the world I’m jumping into. I’m currently reading Women Who Run with the Wolves, but to be honest, I’m having a hard time really immersing myself in it. So, I think I need something a little lighter.

For my trip to Paris, I have The Gastronomical Me by M.F.K. Fisher packed. It’s a travel and food memoir, which feels perfect for reading while I’m having a glass of champagne en terrasse. I didn’t want to bring some cliché “Paris” book that says I’m a tourist.

Once I get back, I plan to start October, October by Katya Balen. I’m intrigued by how it will transport me into the natural world. Then, as we get closer to Halloween, Little Witch by Anna Elizabeth Bennett will be there to remind me that the ordinary world can be magical.

I don’t typically read fiction, but maybe these children’s stories will surprise me. Maybe they’ll touch something I didn’t know was there.

Wednesday

It was one of those up-at-3:00-AM nights.

I started thinking about how sleep is such a strange thing. We all need to lay down and sleep. As I pondered this, a question popped into my mind...

Do worms have to sleep too?

What? Where did that come from?

In case you’re now curious, yes, worms do sleep. Well, they rest. Not quite the same as humans, but good enough for me.

Back to bed.

Thursday

The garden called to me this morning.

I decided to join her for breakfast. I picked a few flowers and put them in a vase, gathered my yogurt and blueberries, and brought a book outside.

I sat peacefully for a few minutes, read a few pages of my book, and relaxed.

It was lovely to catch up with her.

Since I set her free, I feel like I’ve been avoiding her. But it’s nice that she’s welcomed me back in.

In the garden with a vase full of flowers, a book, and my bowl of yogurt and blueberries.

Friday

Does anyone else put Bake Off on for their dogs?

No?

Just me?

Saturday

Eye appointment today. I can’t remember the last time I had one. Some things get better with age. Vision is not one of them.

I come out with a prescription for reading glasses. I could get a pair at the pharmacy, but I use this opportunity to fulfil my dream of being a glasses wearer and head to Warby Parker.

I don’t pretend I haven’t been looking at all the options online for weeks, but now that I’m face to face with them, I must try them all.

I’m immediately drawn to these wacky, bold, raspberry-red ones.

No decisions made. We need to head back to pick up our son from a morning of fishing with his friends.

I come home still thinking about picking out my first pair of glasses and decide to head back out.

I can’t wait.

I’m greeted by the employees, and they are just so nice. One woman asks if my shoes are Rothy’s. I know exactly the ones she’s talking about. I say no, mine are the other ones that start with the “V.” I can’t remember the name exactly.

I wander around and go through all of the glasses at least three times, taking pictures and trying to decide. I keep getting pulled back to the raspberry-red ones.

I try them on for what feels like the hundredth time.

The employees gush over them.

But can I trust them?

I ask them to be honest, and they all confirm they are the ones.

After a few clicks of a button, my Raspberry-Red Drew Warby Parker glasses are ordered.

I think about how fun they’ll look with the outfits I’ve picked out for Paris.

I just hope they arrive in time.

Sunday

I’m trying this new thing where I keep my same sleep schedule even on weekends. This means bed around 8:00 PM and up at 5:45 AM.

Henry, of course, follows me downstairs and promptly falls asleep in his little bed.

It’s so beautifully peaceful this time of morning, both inside and outside.

To wake myself up a bit, I go outside. All I can hear are the buzzing bees and the birds.

I look inside an open squash blossom and see a bee rolling around in the pollen. It immediately reminds me of a kid playing in a ball pit.

I hope he’s having fun.

I suspect today’s dinner will be an easy one: spaghetti, garlic bread, and a well-dressed salad.

There’s homework to do and a week ahead to get ready for.

Until our next cup of tea,

Abby

Abby Power

This Week at Acorn Hill