Day three of an injured ankle. The colors are spreading across the side of my foot to my toes and getting darker; the swelling has gone down by half. I’ve been staying booted during the day, which allows me to walk without crutches or use a knee scooter. No pain, except for a few twinges after the boot comes off and I put a little weight on my toes with the crutches for support. Not yet ready for full body weight. I’m trying to not walk, so stay seated most of the day. As much as this annoys me, I know it’s for my foot’s own good. I went for another, shorter, scoot today along the bike trail. I had to drop a book off at someone’s house, so I bunged my scooter in the car and accessed the trail from near where she lives, about 12 miles west from our house. I know the entire 45 miles of this trail well, but I’m used to seeing it from the seat of a bike at anywhere from 8 to 14 miles an hour. It was nice going at a snail’s pace but not so easy to scoot myself. I think I prefer the bike. I had to go down a steep and winding trail from the parking lot to get to the main trial—which meant I had to go back up it again. I figured it was good exercise, although I suspect my left leg will have something to say about that tomorrow.

This afternoon I attended a memorial service online for the male half of dear friends of my parents. Bob died last week and will be remembered for his big heart, kindness, humor, and musical talents. When my dad died, he and his wife took such good care of Mamacita. The service was a great tribute to this dear man, who will be missed. It’s National Decency Day, and Bob was the epitome of decency. It’s also National Dance Like a Chicken Day (who knew?), and Bob would have appreciated that as well—and taken part.

The workmen spent the entire day building forms for the concrete stairs, which get poured tomorrow. After watching these guys work for two weeks, and seeing all the little details that go into putting in egress windows and a walkout, I now understand why it’s so expensive. Here’s to hoping it also pays for itself in home value.