Glum

Monday and Tuesday were both very short days, still left exhausted. Disturbed sleep will do that to me. I keep thinking of Aunt Evelyn complaining of waking drenched, having to change sheets and pillowcases, as well as nightgown. She was well past what would have been her menopause (but for hysterectomy), her night sweats were likely from her other health problems. I merely wake up generally sweaty, and sympathize with her. Finding that a half benedryl and a melatonin at least means I get sufficient sleep, despite interruptions.

This too shall pass. Like kidney stones on roller coasters. (No, thankfully I don't have that, but I love this bit of science.)

Cats were happy about it at 0330, since I had to get up anyway, I also filled their dishes. First Moby, as I set it down, Eleanor appeared, staring at me expectantly. Ok, fine. Sounds of both cats chowing down. Dylan got to sleep a bit more.

Talking with Mike next door, we think we have an airbnb place on the half street, new people walking dogs, visiting. He says it's "like San Francisco!" We agree, and mention that we like SF. As an older gay man, he says he does too. At Trader Joe's yesterday, a young man in very tight jeans and a belly shirt poses in the line, Dylan and I agree, yes, it is becoming more and more like SF. Odd to see in SLC, but what the hell.

We chat about how people who dress provocatively, seem not to really get how they appear. Young women showing a bit of cleavage or shorter skirts, often tug at their clothes to cover themselves pointlessly. There has to be a moment when they are looking at themselves in the mirror, thinking "this looks cute!" and later feel vulnerable and exposed. Others, like our TJ dude, really OWN it, and we hope he attracts what he intends to attract, even if it is clearly not US. Maybe not flattering, but perhaps effective? What would we know?

Pulled out the remainder of the sunflowers. Left a pile for the birds to feast upon. Nice to see the shape of the garden reappear. I like the sunflowers, they keep the house cooler, the dog shit elsewhere, keep weeds down, attract birds and bumblebees,and they are cheerful. They do get to be a bit much, though. I'm glad of the end of their season. There will be fewer next year, as I remove them mercilessly. Prickly Pear, grapes and roses are the plan.

Our ACE Hardware store (in the same strip as the TJs, three blocks away) has been closed for the past two months. The renovation was supposed to be a couple of weeks. No idea what went awry with that plan, but it must've been a doozie. We've put off a number of small jobs because we couldn't walk over to get necessary tools/supplies. Glad to have them back. They kept their employees working and earning, but they are relieved to be back to their normal duties again. We know them all rather well. They know us. It'll be five years in January that we moved in to House, and we started spending quality time at the hardware store.

Spent a big part of today clearing out the Porch. Our plumber is coming by next Wednesday to draw a bead on the Project, and help us coordinate with a general contractor and electrician. There will be concrete. No more wood touching dirt and rotting away, which is a big part of the problem. We knew this from the initial inspection when we bought the place, we're just delighted we can take care of this within the coming year. Every time Dylan and I have had to hit the bathroom at the same time the last few weeks, we say "Yup, we need another bathroom."

My parents' small house originally had two bathrooms, no doubt useful with two sons. When I came along, they converted the large, upstairs one into my bedroom... which seemed to make sense at the time, I'm guessing? With just the two of us here, we often want a spare toilet. In a strangely trivial way, this feels karmically correct, to restore the balance of toilets.

Finished watching Stranger Things, amazed and a bit haunted. Best kid actors I think I've ever seen. Solid story, effective atmosphere, strong cast. Damn eerie. I highly recommend it. At one point, Dylan says that Steve "thought he was in a John Hughes movie, finds out he's actually in a John Carpenter."

Also watching Travel Man with Richard Ayoade, so deadpan and funny. I think he has a slight crush on Jo Brand. Watching several in a row seems to heap up the humor, which is dry beyond dry.

Liked Richard Ayoade in The IT Crowd, and respect his ability and desire to only present a persona to the media, for the sake of his privacy. Brilliant humor, so twisty and glum.

Oh, yes, and something meme-ish! After many long years without.

Describe yourself in three fictional characters.

Anne Elliot.

Granny Weatherwax.

Alice, of Wonderland.


I leave the why of these up to you.