My granddaughter asked if we could have dinner together on a night she wasn't staying over. I immediately checked whether she needed a ride afterwards, and she said no, she just wanted to come. That made me happy, then a little embarrassed that I had gone looking for the obligation before hearing the invitation. I told her what I was planning to cook. She offered to bring something, which I nearly refused out of habit. We settled on fruit. There is a difference between feeding someone because their schedule requires it and knowing they have made room in that schedule for you. I have been looking forward to it all afternoon.

Walked the extra stop after work because the bus was crowded and I wanted to move without somebody else's bag pressed against my knee. The first block was slow, then my legs felt easier than they had beside the lower shelves. I stopped outside a bakery without buying anything, just long enough to take the weight off my left side. At home I changed shoes before putting the kettle on. My husband had left a chair pulled out for me, and I used it instead of eating a cracker over the sink. Six hours on the floor is enough standing. My feet were still warm when I finally stretched them out under the table.

I'm comparing two train trips and keep adding expenses that are not actually part of either plan. A missed connection, an extra meal, a taxi if it rains. Sensible to allow some room, but eventually my imaginary trip costs twice as much as the one on the screen. My husband asked which place I wanted to see. I gave him the fares instead. I have written the full known cost on one sheet and the possible extras below it, so I can see what is a price and what is a worry. We have not booked. I would like to be able to talk about what we'll do there before explaining every reason we might not go.