nice day

Yesterday started a little slowly, with us reading in front of the fireplace and sipping coffee. We went on a walk to our little downtown to run some errands -- our errands were so local that we were able to do them all on foot.

After getting trash stickers and yet another storm door closer, we headed to our local frame shop, where they've just mounted a show of oil paintings. We went to see the paintings but we ended up hanging out there for a while chatting with the owner and another customer. We eventually saw our friend Eric out walking with his black pug, Baskerville. He and pugsley came into the frame shop and we chatted for a bit.

Then, Eric, Robert, and I decided to go next door to the new coffee shop and have a cuppa. It was almost warm enough to sit outside, which was good because with dog in tow, we couldn't very well sit inside.

We talked to Eric about his new son -- all of five weeks old -- and he insisted we come meet Alex. So the three of us walked home, met the new baby, talked to Eric's wonderful wife, and headed back to our own house.

From there, we headed west about an hour and a quarter to a contra dance. There are always plenty of friends from dance camp, so even though we don't live near by, we alway know at least half the other dancers there. And now we're getting to know the regulars who don't go to dance camp. People who were beginners not so long ago are catching the groove and coming back, always gratifying.

The caller was *fine*, very nice, very patient, and he made lots of mistakes. That works for experienced people, but is much harder on the beginners. Somehow, we muddled through. The musicians were loads of fun. It's such a privilege to dance to live music.

Robert drove home. I snoozed a little in the car. And because we sprung forward and always take a little time to settle in anyways, lights out were at 1:30. Fortunately, we got to sleep in this morning -- no kerfuffles on or around the bed. And all is well.