Thoughts on the aerodynamics of flying squirrels

Oddly enough, it was a day of about 60% rest. I was at No. 3, but spent part of the time screwing off, reading and so forth. Meant to do laundry, but I'll get that tomorrow. People are coming in tomorrow afternoon, so it'll be up to full steam.

Something is happening in my mind - I don't understand it. I'm getting more and more willing to share somewhat nosey opinions. In the trick or treat block party this week, as I saw a couple of grim-faced dads out with their little kids, I told them, "Enjoy it now, Dad, they grow up sooooo quick." (I know, it should be "quickly," but that's not in the local patois.) It's like I'm claiming to have some "wisdom," whatever that is, and the thought of making that claim is daunting.

LaElu, SonTim and I went to B&N tonight. Hell, I'm a cheap date. I bought a little bound edition of John Stuart Mill's On Liberty. I haven't read that since college, and I remember enjoying it, and I couldn't find my copy of it if my life depended on it. Let's see, 3 or 4 other books, too, including Scott Adam's collection of essays. Damn, I wish I could write that well. Tim and I talked EMS all the way, and it was a nice discussion. LaElu has the uncanny ability to sleep anywhere very quickly, and she slept through it. I shop pretty quickly, so I spent a good bit of time waiting for them in the coffee shop, sitting in a comfortable arm chair (hell, I fit in them now) and practicing some Masonic memory work. My "coach" insists that I be "letter perfect."

Permit me to share a reading tip with you. B&N, etc., sell fancy bookmarkers. However, if you keep lots of books going at the same time (I do to match my particular mood at the time I want to read), the cost of bookmarkers can be scandalous. I use business cards sometimes, but they just don't have the umph to do the job. So, when I go to WalMart, etc., and pass the paint department, I often get 3 or 4 "paint chips," the long strips of thin cardboard with several shades of the same color on them. They work admirably. Hell, I'll even buy paint there someday. I also love bright colors. My private office at No. 3 is painted in WVU Mountaineer gold. That wasn't intended to honor the Mounties at first, it was just a bright color that didn't remind me of past offices. For some reason, I'm really responsive to colors. Odors, too.

I'm still trying in vain for the avant garde label for my post titles. I don't think I've ever seen a flying squirrel, at least not in flight.

Deer season is coming up. I think I'm going to the farm with Tim, just to enjoy the woods on opening day. I will not carry a long arm, because I don't hunt. I didn't get outside enough over the summer. What a dumbass I am. I live in this beautiful rural place, and I don't enjoy what it has to offer.

Closing in on 130, the process is totally nominal right now. I think the folks at the University wish that I were more involved in the process, thinking about it more. But what I need to do to make this a long-term success is learn to lead a somewhat ascetic life without having to constantly think about it. I'm actually wearing shorts these days, because they do not look totally gross on me. Or so I'm told. I'll never be a can-can dancer or a leg model, though - owing to lots of knocks and spills over the years, my legs are scarred and ugly.

Pippa passes.

Mizpah.

R