summer is an empty basket

For much of fall and winter thus far (and usually well into spring) I’ve carried, at least, a bag with wool gloves and hat and a rain/wind cape/slicker/jacket in my rear folding basket – attached to the right side of the rear rack. Why right side? I’m not sure. I had to pick that or left when I put it on (with zip ties, of course) about eight(?) years ago. Today, on the lunch/recycle ride I didn’t tote along any extra layers. Shorts and t-shirt were fine for this warm winter midday. It’s up to about 83 degrees. On the outgoing ride the basket was over filled with the recycling load and a library book to be returned. Once that was all dropped off, though, the basket was empty and I suddenly felt free. I folded it up and when spinning lightly along in the warm sunshine. Not that gloves and a hat and a cape weigh much of anything but there’s just one little extra notch of carefreedom when the basket’s empty and tucked away and nothing rattling.