If the last 18 months had gone differently, this slice of everyday life would not have been possible. My mom would be dead and I wouldn't have been able to go for this walk along the St. Croix River with her.

Major lesson of this praxis: Remember to give thanks for the small things, which are actually quite large things.

Among other blessings large and small, I am thankful for: my mom's return to health after successfully fighting off cancer; my own good health; Sidekick the Wonder Dog (not his real name); my friends, and especially Carolin; the Minnesota woods in autumn; my husband (a critically important NPC who does not feature in this completion).

The details:
I did not go to work, and I did not go to school.

I spent the night at my parents' house as my husband is out of town.

I took my mom on her planned birthday adventure surprise.

We went for a walk along the St. Croix River in Wild River State Park. Sumac! 4.6 miles - a record for Mom.

Then I drove like a bat out of hell to get us into Wisconsin for the last quarter of the Packers-Buccs game. This was also part of her birthday wish - watch our beloved Packers in Wisconsin, where they are beloved, instead of in Minnesota, where they are tolerated. A very drunk man kissed us on our heads and wanted to be in the photo with us.

Then I dropped off a bowl of chili spontaneously at Carolin's house because she is my best friend and I was driving by her house and she was hungry and I like doing nice things for her.

Then some friends came over to eat more chili. One friend brought a homemade apple pie! Apple pie!

Then they went to hear Hoven Droven at the Nordic Roots Festival but I was tired so I stayed home and watched All Of Me.

Now to bed. I may worry about work a little bit (a frequent theme) but I did not go there and I did not do any of it at home or in any other location.

Oh, I also didn't smoke any cigarettes. Day Seven!