Playing Outside on a Fall Afternoon

 

Saturday, November 17, 2012 – Playing Outside on a Fall Afternoon

It’s reassuring that some things never change.  Every year, when fall arrives, I can count on the leaves turning beautiful colors.  And it’s a given that the days turn chillier, the wind whips through the trees, and the leaves fall to the ground.  So it shouldn’t be a surprise that on the cusp of his half-birthday (on the 25^th of November, he’ll be 100 and ½ years old), Elliott was out in the front yard today, busy at work with our leaf blower. It’s an annual ritual.  Never mind the fact that we pay someone to keep our yard maintained year-round.  On this bright and sunny afternoon, Elliott wouldn’t miss an opportunity to play outside with power toys.  Notice the nearly leafless lawn in the photo.  By the way, I raked alongside him, just to make sure he stayed out of trouble. And fortunately, he knows better than to attempt the gutter-cleaning himself.  

 

Now for an ET (Elliott Thompson) fashion report:  Within the past week, Elliott has updated his wardrobe not just once but twice!  And no, it’s not another pair of khakis.  First of all, he bought a pair of crocs.  This came about because he’s experimenting with an ankle brace, recommended by his doctor, to give his left foot some extra support.  Crocs were the only shoes that would accommodate the brace.  He chose a neutral tone (chocolate brown) that should coordinate with any outfit and should be appropriate for any occasion.  The second new item in his wardrobe is a stylish black wool pea coat.  It goes nicely with his Greek fisherman’s cap, doesn’t it?  I can picture him standing on the deck of a yacht.  Now all I have to do is trade the car for a boat, and he’ll be all set.  

We’re also having a weekend of culture, catching up on movies (Argo this morning), and attending a performance by the Edgeworks Dance Theater at the Northern Virginia JCC this evening.  As long as Elliott gets his afternoon nap, he has the energy of a forty-year-old.  That’s another thing that doesn’t seem to change.