A very satisfying day of working with writers, in my morning critique group, and in my afternoon play lab. It’s exciting in the play lab to see the writers who have felt challenged by writing monologues for the stage––often for the first time––begin to really craft a monologue that works. Between workshops, I ate a quick lunch with Frank. The sun baked us on the deck. We had to put the umbrella up. I took a bike ride to the post office in Medfield and got very hot as well, but I like the summer heat and I’m glad to have it back. At least for now. After my play lab I went downstairs, the house had children playing and I made dinner with the doors open. After dinner, some delicious rough housing with my grandson. Day started in the pool, and in the woods with Charlie. I am grateful for the bustle and activity and vitality around me in this busy house. I am also grateful for applesauce cake, made with home-made applesauce, by my youngest. My mother always made applesauce cake with frosting in the fall.