The school year has started here in Texas. The summer lack of routine has been replaced by rigorous new routines. I’m not 100 percent sure of what my role will be this year, but I assume it will include some pick-ups and drop-offs. I’m ready to be busy with it. Meanwhile, some things going on:

• One major project done is replacing our tub with a walk in shower. That perhaps should have been the first thing we contracted to do, but it’s done, and we are enjoying the greater safety it give us.
• One book read (review coming next week), one new read started. It’s 602 pages—a tome, but it promises to be good. I anticipate two months to finish it.
• Had our first automobile servicing in Texas. Not a pleasant experience, as it took 4 hours for an oil change and multipoint inspection. Now weighing my options for where to go next time.
• My echo cardiogram and follow-up are this week. Routine, I think, as the new cardiologist is getting to know my surgically altered heart.
• We still need to get our Texas driving licenses. I’m thinking next week or the week following.
• We registered to vote in Texas, but never received anything in the mail acknowledging that. Will follow up this week.
• The same with the IRS and their new requirement that they don’t send out checks for refunds. I don’t want to give the IRS my banking information. Is that wrong of me—or paranoid?
• The mass of photos we’ve been dealing with are slightly reduced, as I’ve returned some to family and friends. I wish I could see the end of it, but I can’t.
• But I have improved the labels on a lot of boxes, so that when I look in the closet, I can more easily tell where loose photos are to go.

I think that’s enough for this post. I think I have a letter to write. Or maybe it’s a book to work on.