We've passed another milestone on the way to wherever. This weekend, I requested services for us from AARP. I've been a member for a while and have read their publications, but this is a first. As Mel Brooks observed, we mock the thing we are to become.

The 'rents continue to improve. MRM was able to climb the stairs to the second floor on Sunday. The physical therapist came to the house over the weekend and will return tomorrow. The goal is to increase the walking distance, first around the yard and then around the neighborhood. The doctor prescribed a gadget that's supposed to strengthen the bones. Marian is handling all of this attention and hullabaloo with grace and good humor.

Huck went grocery shopping on his own last Monday, the first time in a couple of months. He got his Jeep back from the repair shop and is tickled with the quality of the work on the steering and plow hydraulics. He arranged to have a new top made for the Jeep. The plow is hitched up and he's ready for winter.

We visited with Adam, Jennie, and Lily on Saturday. They've remodeled their kitchen and it looks wonderful. They're a fun family. They were very happy.

Lynn will have her baby during the first week of November. The excitement now centers on names for the baby. We don't know if it will be a boy or a girl.

Yesterday was a holiday for which, as a contractor, I didn't get paid. There are a missing benefits, such as paid holidays, vacation time, insurances, and 401-Ks, that are starting to become more significant. I am grateful that the checks clear. It may be time, however, to start looking again for a permanent position (as permanent as anything can be).

The Red Sox and Yankees start their playoff series tonight. The Red Sox have the edge in pitching. Both teams can put up a lot of runs at any time. It's going to be fun.