Firsts

First days are always hard, no matter what, no matter who.

Have done them often enough to know, and they don't get easier, although I cope better after so many. Early, keen and smiling, willing and able, oh, yes. That kind of energy expenditure, half of it on not screwing up, the other half paying top price to be attentive. Showing my sense of humor without embarrassing anyone. Jumping into the dance, too much and I fall, too little and I get stepped on. Bruised if I do it about right.

My head aches, to match the feet and back. The heat is huge (97˚/ 36C) and nauseating, and I have not got the permit for the underground parking yet. No rain will make it down through that dry blanket.

D continues his search, and I am helpless.