It's hard each night to capture the breadth of all that might transpire in a single day. Some days are focused, others chaotic, but ultimately all start, conclude and lead into the next, which is a gift. I've spent the day trying to be conscious about the day. The concept is that I'm a witness to what happens around me, but not 'to' me. And being present and conscious of the small moments is as significant as the big ones. Linda's passing, my aging body ailments, and struggles with my son for dominance and control all take the limelight. At the same time, the success of a standard set of squats, the smell of a rose on a routine morning walk, the chance encounter and evening spent with wonderful friends and finding a long sought LP have just as much importance. I started the day by seeing the flowers in the vase by the kitchen window mysteriously broken. Most of them seem bent and broken. Creepy, given nobody knows why. Jen speculated it's due to the weight of the flowers and a guess that's perhaps reasonable but undoubtedly unusual. I'm not one to imagine anything otherworldly, but it was still just odd. The work day was full, and a mid-day break to scour a local used record store surfaced several desired titles as well as overlooked ones and even a gift for Jennifer that ultimately shows my love for her over my disgust for the musical carnage that was a favorite of hers. I also found 1/2 of a double LP set I've been seeking, orphaned in a bin, and the clerk would not sell it solo as if I'd tried to pull a fast one. Bummed but happy with what I did find. Our evening at the LG "Promenade" included time having a spur-of-the-moment dinner with Velma and Kelly at Andale's. We enjoy them so much, and it was a joy to have a chance to share a meal and so much laughter. We 'closed the place' and will return again next week or the week after as timing allows. We returned to Lauren's affection along with the dogs excitement and Tommy arrived shortly after. Today was a good day to be alive. The older I get, the more I appreciated being able to say that, and the more I stay consious of that gift, the more rewarding each day can be.