Until today, the only components of his crutches that Nicolai has failed to break were the carbon fiber tubes. Now he can add that to his list. His soccer team came from a 0-2 deficit against Belmont, in the opening round of the DCL championships, to win 3-2 with a golden goal in overtime. In the exuberance of the ensuing celebration he collided with a teammate who fell on the crutch and snapped the carbon fiber tube just below the junction with the handle/cuff assembly. I was able to cut off the damaged portion and extend the foot adjustment to compensate for the shorter tube. Good as new.

The patio off iRobot’s in-facility cafe was empty when I decided to enjoy my lunch, a hot cup of beef stew, outdoors. Temperatures have dropped sufficiently to keep most employees inside the cafeteria. It did not take long, with no one to talk to, before I noticed the movement of several butterflies among the bushes. This Cabbage White rested long enough for me to get a closeup.