I watched from the sidelines as my soccer team concluded our season with a 0-0 tie, good enough to earn us a fourth-place finish in our Division 1 league. Even though my calf muscle is feeling quite strong now, I did not want to risk re-injuring it this close to my Nepal trek. After the game, we joined the Concord O-30 and O-40 squads for a cookout during which we recruited players who will turn fifty this year to move up to our team. We will be getting at least one lightning-fast forward who will make us much more competitive next season. Our backyard Japanese Maple produces some of the most beautiful fall leaves and this may be the final weekend before their season comes to an end as well.