I was taking time to readjust my circadian rhythm, and my feet needed to be covered in socks because the amount of peeling in the shower was grossing me out, and I didn’t want to have to clean the floor or bed more than usual. The internet says that repeated exposure to the ocean can help loosen dead skin. I might need pedicures just for the epidermis removal service so I don’t have to see that again.

I’m prolific with my posts, knowing that I’m returning to school soon and may write about that experience or be too busy doing homework and watching the sunset. Caleb finds out he’s still struggling to make knitted pant legs the same size, so he undoes them again. One morning he makes English-style muffins and a lemon hollandaise sauce (it does catch me off guard).

The neighbors say it’s been raining for a week, and it rains for another, which only helps my writing. I say hi to Elaine, Anita, Jim, Jill, Nancy, Deb Y., and Deb F., who just got back from Michigan a week after Caleb went up to spend a month with his brother in the Upper Peninsula. It’s only fair that since I missed his birthday this year, he wouldn’t be home for mine.

I hang out with Jen, walk a lap with Linda, and share some meals with Mary Jo and Roberto. I go out with Randy and Teresa, stroll with them through First Friday in Tarpon Springs, enjoy the sunset on the Dunedin Causeway, and then spend a few hours at their place. I get bitten by mosquitoes at Tina’s and brush kitties at Christine’s.

I submit my residency forms for school, take a two-hour nap since I don’t sleep as well when Caleb is gone. Kris now has two axolotls in addition to the rotten-mouthed dog that constantly accompanies guests. Sarah shares some food with me, and Fallon takes me for ice cream, then we get to watch Zeus try to keep his paw dry while also touching the pool for the lizard that already ran away.

I find out, only too late (for this last trip), that obviously GoPros come with camera settings that I didn’t bother to look into, so all my photos are low quality while the other divers share their GoPro captures with more clarity. Caleb video calls me to show me the project he is working on. It’s going well, but the more that’s done, the more seems to be needed. He’ll be home in time for his appointment either way.

When I’m not writing and doing other things, I pass the time by doing crosswords, reading, running, and eating ice cream. I find an afternoon to put a couple of miles on my bike and sweat through enough clothes each day to necessitate using the washing machine. I’ll spend hundreds of dollars on campus (my second visit) in preparation for starting classes on August 24th.