Today was one of those days when I seemed to spend almost the entire day on the road.
By the time I finally returned home this evening, I was ready to sit down and relax.
The day started with Julie and me going to the eye clinic. Julie had a follow-up appointment with her eye specialist, and we waited for her turn. While waiting, I had some time to think about how quickly our days seem to fill up with appointments and errands.
After that, we continued with our day outside. There was lunch at Deer Garden, where I enjoyed a big bowl of noodles with slices of beef, beef tendon and pig liver. It was delicious. Sometimes, after moving around all morning, a simple bowl of noodles can taste like a feast.
While I was at Hillcrest Mall, I had another unexpected little encounter. I met Clayton Crawford, a writer who was sitting at one of the mall's side tables with his laptop and books.
We started talking, and he showed me two of his books, Greenie Beanie Jeanie and Street Surgeons. I took a photo of him holding the books.
I always enjoy meeting people who write. Perhaps that is because I have become a writer myself, even though I never planned on becoming one when I was younger.
It was one of those small, unexpected moments that can make an ordinary day memorable.
Then came another important stop—the dentist.
A few days ago, I had an old denture that no longer fitted properly. My dentist made a new one, and this afternoon Julie and I went back for the final checking.
The dentist carefully checked the new denture to make sure it fitted properly and matched my mouth comfortably. It may sound like a small thing, but anyone who wears a denture knows how important a good fit is. Something that doesn't fit properly can make eating and speaking uncomfortable.
Fortunately, we were at the final stage today. I was pleased to have the new denture checked and adjusted so that it should work properly.
By the time I left the dentist, I realized just how busy the day had been.
Eye clinic. Mall. Lunch. More errands. Dentist. And plenty of driving in between.
At my age, I have learned that an ordinary day can sometimes become a very busy day without any special plans.
There was no big adventure today. No airplane, no cruise ship and no long-distance trip.
Just Julie and me taking care of the things that need to be taken care of.
Now I am finally home.
The car is parked. The appointments are finished. The new denture has been checked.
And I think the best plan for tonight is very simple:
Stay home, put my feet up, and enjoy a quiet evening.
That sounds pretty good to this 80-year-old grandpa.