A Nice Sunday Afternoon at the Lordship House, Open House, Meeting Community Members of Stratford, & Loving the Sound

Michael Todd Cohen and Adrien Dallas Frankle (sounds like Crandall) opened their home to the community for a late August day to appreciate the view of the sound, their gardens, and a pool. Wonderful to meet with local artists, politicians, teachers, and writer, and to help them carry forward their mission of community, including the local bookstore, Obodo Serendipity books on the green. It was nice to share the experience with Dr. Laura Schall-Leckrone, who will be replacing Dr. Anne Campbell to lead our TESOL program at Fairfield University. 

I spent most of the day working on today's afternoon workshop with undergrads leading th First Year Experience course for freshman students, a fourth year of such work at Fairfield University.

I came home and grilled for Bev, Leo, Pam, and Sharon: corn on the cob, chicken, Hoffman's hotdogs to be matched by potatoes, broccoli, and an incredible beat salad. We watched the Little League World Series championship and sat outside to enjoy the overcast, and somewhat cooling, evening skies of southern Connecticut.  

I love the Lordship House property and the artwork they've collected, including the wandering canoeist that faces east on their property. They have a blessed space, indeed. 

There was a drizzle driving home and now we have a week of humidity, potential showers, and the other grasping of summer days to not turn into Fall.

Our evening meal was delicious, and the sauces I soaked the chicken in were superb. Now it's Monday and time to get back into the routines of days stolen by others in the name of occupations and career. 

Okay, time to get Zen with it all (after I finish this coffee). Here's to the September ahead (and HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DYLAN. 27! Really?)

Dog Days of Summer Duty (Limited Time Only) on a Beautiful Day in Saturday...an Excuse to Take Two Walks, But to Stay Home & Work.

Pam had to stay with Patrick & Stephanie's kids starting at 2, so she asked if Rico could stay with me so she didn't have to crate him for the day. I'm fine with that, although he doesn't get comfortable in the house because he wants his own routine. The dog shits more than any other dog I've ever known. Even though he didn't eat until late, he must have taken 7 full shits in my backyard and on the walk. It's probably the result of having open space to play in. 

Pam also said he wouldn't go for a walk and there was no way we'd go alongside Karal. Wrong. Karal actually corralled him into a nice walk (besides the numerous shits). He's such a beautiful creature but at the sound of one bark from my neighbor's lil' Maltese, he ran into the house with his tail behind his leg.

Rico was reluctant to eat at first, which I found strange, because he's one of those aggressive eaters. Karal got her food outside (which we call McDonald's because it's not an in-home meal), but Rico bypassed his indoor one. It wasn't until later when Karal was outside without him that he decided it was safe enough to eat. Rico was reluctant to settle down and nap, too, which I'm sure exhausted him, as he came to my house from his canine-time at Dogtopia, where Pam takes him to socialize. 

Last time I had him, he'd at least come to the porch to check on Karal and I, but this time he went from door to window awaiting Pam. She was out to about 10 pm, so I brought him home so she wouldn't have to drive all the way to Stratford after a day of sitting on grandkids. 

More progress on the work front, and I treated myself to a ribeye on the grill with some peppers and mushrooms. Also weed-whacked more, but the new batteries I have don't have much of a lifespan. Then again, I used it to take down more than grass as I trimmed my gardens in anticipation of Fall. 

Caught up with Abu and learned of Dad's seasoning of his bedsheet with a pepper shaker. Talked to Uncle Milford worrying in Amagansett, and texted with Tunga as he traveled with Lys's family to the Yankees game in the Bronx. He'll be in Louisville next week to see Sue and Dave. 

There's an agenda today of open house at Lordship House for writers and we'll barbecue at night. I kick off my season on Monday and, regrettably, haven't prepared for that first workshop because I'm still trying to put a bow on summer work. 

Alas, it's here. I can't hide. So I will enjoy another humid-less day of August before the week of rain settles in. 

Humph! I'd Be Grumpy Too If Some Middle-Aged Man's Ass Came Up Each Night During the Down Time & Daily Unwinding.

Such is the way of anthropomorphism and and anthropomorphic mind. I'm always seeing faces in places I probably should not (might have inherited this trait from Grannie Annie, too). Last night, I caught the couch throw-pillow looking at me with a frustrated mug and I couldn't help but think our pillow have a right to such facial expressions. I once had a similar conversation with students when we stopped an an all-you-can-eat KFC buffer after working the district's Homework Hotline. There were plenty of KY delights...the last people you would think might benefit from a KFC buffet, wheeling around in their motor scooter with ankles the size of mailboxes.

"Imagine what the KFC toilet seat must think while doing the job?" I told them as if I was Colonel Sanders. "Or any breakfast diner, for that matter."

Hence, I understand. I get why a pillow would grimace at me.

Yesterday was extremely productive working on summer stuff. Karal and I had a great walk, and I took teachers out to dinner in honor of their first two-days. I had fish-n-chips, which was exactly that...hard to screw it up. Temperatures were warm, although the clouds were mostly gray. 

I'm dog-sitting Rico today, so will likely get more time to catch-up on the computer....editing, so brainless work like putting stickers on notebooks.

All quiet on the parental Homefront yesterday, but prayers west for Uncle Dick, Bobbie, and Patrick. The full circle of life is surrounding my generation in a way we could never imagine. 

I Believe It Was John Muir Who Said That a Weed is a Wildflower that is Unidentified. I Believe He Was 100% Correct.

 

Chitunga reported to me in Syracuse that when he and Lyssa stayed for the night on Mt. Pleasant, there was a giant weed growing from the front step into the breezeway of the garage. I recognized the leaf patterns and knew it was cosmos, and a seed probably wandered into a crack from last year's bloom. I've been harvesting and distributing the seeds for years. Sure enough, when I drove home Wednesday night, the plant had flowered and a few lonesome flowers were facing up and outward to welcome the sunlight. Is it the mostly sightly location for greenery? Probably not, but it's under a drainage pipe and I'm excited that something grew from the concrete (and no, Tupac, it wasn't a rose). It's a keeper, though, and I'm glad he and Alyssa didn't pull it out.

Cosmos, morning glories, black-eyed Susans, 4 o-clocks, echinacea, and marigolds are living their big life around my lawn right now, as they come back every year and I spread them in the Spring. In a dream-land, I'd have the backyard of Amy Parton's English friends who let us stay with them. North of London, working class, and near several running parks, I was amazed by the great care people had for their backyard gardens for sipping tea, drinking coffee, and gathering for crisps. What I loved most about their gardens are the fox pups that often came out to play in front of us without fear of our humanity. The warm sun and cool temperatures of England also made it joyful to be outdoors in the summer. I'd love to recreate such space at my home, including the fox. They're welcome to burrow under my backyard shed.

Stratford was one GIANT thunderstorm warning yesterday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.. No matter what time I checked, there was a warning that a storm would arrive within minutes with heavy downpours. Yet, as these storms approached Bridgeport, they simply disappeared or split north or south. We never got one. I kept dealing Karals's walk believing the skies would open up at any second. They never did, so we finally got out after I ran to campus to get items, file things away, and bring home others I needed to move forward. 

Casey and dad had an adventure on another emergency room run, this time with his legs and imbalance. The thought was he might have a blood clot or a UTI, which both proved negative. They sat for five hours before being seen. I just don't have the patience for that. The one time I was rushed to the hospital (the great bathtub wipeout of 2021), I was one of two people in the lobby. I was seen right away. I know that rarely happens and I'm thankful that my ER trip turned out to be pleasant. 

I'm now hearing that there will be no more ER trips for mom or dad, because they are a waste of time. We shall see. I'm not one to ever say never. 

It's already another Friday...a weekend...although weekends before starting back up are usually miserable times of keeping up of all needing to be done. I'm going to pace myself, I hope, but the emails alone can take six or seven hours a day. Alas, I can hope. And I can also pray that the humidity will go away so the sinus pressure in my ears, nose, and eyes will dissipate, too. 

In the meantime, I'll enjoy the blooms.

Thinking of Grannie Annie this Morning, her poem "The Leaving," and the Full-Circle Moments of Shaving Your Father's Face.

I left Syracuse yesterday afternoon. The aide had left, it was about to be nap time, and I needed to get back: work, the mail, the lawn, the house. I stuck around in case any new nurses were sent and had time in the morning to weed-wack the front yard...I ran out of battery the night before. Mom felt better, Michelle who is there this week is amazing, and the routine must got back to their own ways again. Caring for others is a beautiful thing.

Although I got my dad cut and shaved last week, he quickly got scruffy again, so I convinced him to let me give him another shave. He accepted, and in your late 80s, the hair grows in thick and quickly. He will look like a homeless man soon enough. Just a matter of time. I had to use razors, too, which is hard because he's on blood thinners and it hurts to have such hairs cut. But he accepts the offer and it's done with delicate care.

Melissa, the aide, told him he'd better change his clothes before she returned at 4 or she's beat him up in the driveway. Dad listened, but instead of wearing the clothes she laid out for him, he chose a pair of Oscar the Grouch pajama bottoms and a Syracuse sweatshirt. As it was International Pet Day yesterday, I wanted to get one more photo of him and the rascal. As much as a pain in the ass that Karal is, I love how Dad plays with her and keeps his brain stimulated. Melissa was told the blankets could come of the couch after Karal left, and now dad reports that sitting in his spot is cold. 

I finished Jim Carrey's Memoirs and Misinformation (2020) and it was as funny and stupid as one would expect it to be. With that noted, however, there's an honest core to the story of mortality, purpose, meaning, and reason for life. In the narration, I couldn't help but resonate with the mid-life questions Carrey asks that leads to his silly, yet reliable, "memoir." Two days after Dolly's departure, you think about how lucky it is to have experienced genius of others within the same lifetime. Icons are icons for reasons. I also started Theo of Golden, but only got through the first couple of chapters before arriving home.

The trip was quick and I made good time. The Birkshires are tricky with Sunday drivers on Wednesday country roads, but the rest was uneventful. Good blue skies with puffy clouds. I got home and definitely needed to mow. I also had to bring in and sort the ones already brought in: books, books, and books!

I was also saddened to learn that Libby, a labradoodle therapy-dog, died on Tuesday. She was famous in our school before Maryanne retired, as he was a therapy dog and did everything with her. For many years, she, Glamis, and Jake were the friends of GSEAP. So much has changed since those days. 

Glad I came home to a clean house, except the books and mail. I'm amazed, though, at how quickly I can clutter a space upon return.

I am never sure if Karal likes being back home, as she gets much more attention and vocal opportunity when at my parents. She barks on Mt. Pleasant, too, but she doesn't act like every movement outdoors is someone to visit her like she does there. She loves policing that upstairs. She did sleep the entire way home and has slept next to me in whatever space I've been in, since unpacking the car.

Alright. The emails. I must tackle the emails. Prayers up.

Dang, Dolly. I Guess We Will Never Marry After All, Despite My Boyhood Wishes & Desires (It Was 9 to 5 for Me). RIP.

Another childhood dream squashed. Of course, naming Dolly as a future wife was an elementary school desire, but as I grew older, began to teach, learn of her incredible investment in literacy, especially for all kids, my boyhood crush of Dolly simply transitioned to much admiration and respect.

And then I think of the song Jolene, and my love for her grows deeper. If only such leadership and respect for humanity exist once again in America.

I still don't know what is burning my eyes -- ragweed? -- and I ended up staying another night in Syracuse to be sure all would ride well medically. This decision also led to fixing the gate to the Amalfi Drive fence, as the lowest pipe rusted, and as it deformed the fence, it would open like it should. Once I learned Chitunga was going to stop by at 6 p.m., I decided it was a project he and I could tackle in a short time. I picked up the pipe, ran to Mike's so he could cut it down, unfastened bolts from the old fence, and awaited Chitunga's arrival for the four-hands part. We undid the frame and took of the links, then went to work at breaking the rusted parts and pulling the pipes out of the corner valves. The hardest part was finding the right bolt sizes for the socket wrench as every bolt differed. 

We broke two bolts in the process (well, they rusted apart), and as I was trying to find something in Dad's garage, Tom came over to talk about the cake again, but also said he had the bolts we needed. We used them when he noticed we put one of the bottom contraptions on upside down. He was right, because as he helped me to fix that (Chitunga had to go pick up Alyssa) the gate was easier to open and close. Upside down, it pushed some of the fencing into the dirt causing a part of the fence to catch and drag in the soil.

We accomplished the entire thing in about an hour, and as I waited for Chitunga, I had time to weed whack the backyard.

The crazy thing was that Karal and Tom's dog were playing in the backyard and then sat with us as we worked on the fence. We didn't notice when Tom's dog disappeared. She ran down the street while we were working and we didn't catch her take off.

I didn't get a meal in until 9:15 and I'm glad I made penne pasta for the leftover sauce. It made for a great dinner before I went to bed.

Fence is fixed. And I am so sad about what the world lost with Dolly Parton's passing. She is definitely an American hero to be upheld by all. 

Dear Diary. Despite My Better Judgement, I Chose to See a Barber in Cicero, NY. She Gave me the Burt to Kick-Off the New School Year

Once Lossine and Abu got me hooked on my Haitian barber in Stratford, I've never gone to anyone else. That is at least 14 years. I went to book him upon my return and he had no openings until two weeks from now, so I made an appointment with "City Barber" in Cicero. The website looked cool, but I knew when I had to park in the ol' bowling alley parking lot, I probably should have had more discretion. The lady was nice and all...showed her a picture of how it looks post-cut (because I always send to Abu and Lossine, because there's nothing better than a fresh cut)....well, that didn't happen. 

"Oh, I know what you get," and she basically did a military shave leaving a tuft of hair at the top. Stupid dumb. Welcome hat season. As Pam said, "It will grow back. It always does." 

I'm just so used to leaving the barber knowing that for a week I'll have the clean, pimped-out look that makes me happy to come across mirrors. NOPE. Not this. Beyond dork, which would be cool because I am a dork, but I've grown accustomed to the care and professionalism of Jerry, my barber. He treats my head as if every hair deserves his utmost concentration and craft. This Bitch just went derelict on the noggin. Buzzzz buzzzz snip snip snip. Buzz.

I had it coming. My fault.

I'm heading back to CT this morning (Bert-heading, I guess), so I can get on top of the year ahead. Part of me is holding my breath in planning too much, because if the TESOL grant comes in (that is a big IF), then the entire year, with four following, will take off in a totally different direction while I prioritize next steps in my last years of accomplishments. 

Chitunga and Lys made it back from Long Island, and we met at The Retreat, my favorite Liverpool romp. Would have liked to spend more time with them, but she's heading back to school, Chitunga is working from her parent's house, and the aides caring for my parents could probably use a break from Karal and me. 

So, it's a posting this morning, then a departure. Looking forward to finishing Jim Carey's memoir, and I have plenty of other books on deck (plus who knows how many arrived while doing parental care up north). Time will tell. 

Onward. Biting my lip and moving forward once again. 

In An Absolute Disruption of the World Order, Cynde Broke Mother/Daughter Tradition By Purchasing SudyRip a Pair of Green Pant Bottoms

Yes, the oxygen chord is accentuated, but the color is also popping the 2nd floor of Amalfi Drive, bringing out the green leaves in the pink floral wall paper trim. Miracles never cease to arrive to defy expectations. Wusah! A triumphant day in Cherry Heights.

Leftovers are slowly leaving the refrigerator as the house gets ready to return to Meals-on-Wheels. Mom wavered about ordering out last night instead of having spaghetti, but in the end I think the correct decision was made (as it will lessen the load in the fridge). 

The last cinnamon cake was baked, as well, and will be left to cater to Papi Butch's need. Chitunga and Lys are expected in Syracuse around six and the three of us are supposed to get dinner...I'll be leaving Tuesday morning to continue dealing with email and collegial drama as everyone returns to kick off a new semester. I was thinking yesterday, while working on a Sunday at the same time I'm caring for the folks in an attempt at a mini-vacation from the University, that it is rather ironic that others get the summers off and I never get a second to think (hence the sickness last week when my body collapsed). 

Clay never got the rain that was called for, and Amagansett finally saw the sun they were predicted. I believe I will be returning to Connecticut with more Autumn-like temperatures. We'll see. I know my lawn must be obnoxious and it will be cut (like the hairs on my head that are overdue). 

Here's a Monday wish for safe travel and productive on the syllabus front. One can hope, eh?

He Likes It! He Likes It! Mikey Actually Likes It! Well, I Knew That Already. It Was Our Annual Plank Road Ice Cream While I Am Home in the Summer

That, and I owed him for fixing my mom and dad's dryer in the ways that Cynde and I weren't successful. The two of them went to Albany yesterday to help Nikki and Adamo with house repairs and the only meal he had was the sundae from Plank Road. I should have brought him meatballs and sauce, as that is what I spent the large part of the afternoon preparing. Mom gave the option of ordering in, but I figure home-cooked meals are better than any meals that require wheels. Usually the first night the taste is okay, because the flavors haven't settled, but last night tasted really good. There's plenty for the next couple of days. 

I opted to stick around Syracuse a couple more days, as Alyssa and Chitunga were getting lousy weather. I wanted them to have one good day by the water in Amagansett, so they're driving this way on Monday afternoon and I will high five them here before driving back to Connecticut. 

Mike ordered the hot fudge sundae and I went with a scoop of Panda Paws (because we don't get that in Connecticut...only Moose Tracks...which is close). When I can get Panda Paws I get it, because of love vanilla, peanut butter, and chocolate. 

Both bathrooms were cleaned. Karal was walked. Laundry was done. Dishes, upon dishes, upon dishes were washed and put away. Got a call late last night from the English Department folks to prepare me for more crazy coming to us this Fall. At this point I don't have any words...I just shake my head and focus on CWP and the National Writing Project work that I'm hired to do (he writes, laughing, as he spent today helping a junior college with her dossier and grading an independent study for a student because there aren't any courses offered in the summer that she needs for her Masters (are you ready for this?) in another colleague's program. 

Weather is calling for rain today, so syllabi are on the radar. Looking forward to teaching the research course over an extended period of time instead of during the holiday break. 

And the Brother-in-Law Wants to Know What We Learned from Our Day as Washing Machine Technicians.

I did read several articles online about possibly what might be wrong with my parent's washing machine. It definitely wasn't spinning, and there wasn't enough material in the washer to trigger the shut-down. I was busy preparing cake for a funeral (Dad asks, What do I say to them? Thank You?), prepping lunch and dinner, and trying to stay on top of the CWP summer work. Cynde took my father out for banking and upon return, she did what I admire most about her. She convinced herself she was going to fix the machine and, by the way she was taking action with her AI phone expertise, I followed along. She named the model, the issues, and slowly she coached me in taking the machine apart.

I was impressed by our work, especially how we hobbled parts from several kits to get functional wrenches to twist the correct bolts. When we took the drum rotator off, I saw the glare in her eye that she wanted to call Tim Allan from Tool Time. (rah rah rah, woot woot woot). 

Yet, as we flipped the machine on its head, and she started reading about rewiring the motor, I got a little skeptical her AI advice was helping. It says we have to push the play button three times, count the lights to see if it blinks four times, and walk around the drum two times while holding your tongue to the tip of your nose."

By then, I realized we were defeated. I took the drenched clothes and hung them on the line. We went back to turning dials thinking one setting might run a complete cycle, which only resulted in the drum filling up. Not smart on our part, so I went with her to some stores so she could by more black tops to go with the others. I got cherries for the dessert and a bag of Boulder Chips, which are now my favorite chips. 

We came home, Mike got out of work, and we went at it again...this time with someone who has a clue what he is doing. Long story short, it was the belt which none of us could find until Mike rolled over the casing and it fell out. It was the belt after all. Adjustments made, parts returned, and more test runs began. Mike, tiring of us trying to help, asked, "What's the lesson we're learning today, kids?"

He liked my, "Don't listen to Cynde when she's searching for AI support from her phone." That's good. That's good. What else did you learn? "Well, I'm done coming to help out on Amalfi Drive," and, and, and, "We should always wait for Mike, because Mike knows what he's doing."

We should have waited for Mike, but I followed Cynde's lead on this one. The wet stuff is now in the dryer, as the belt was the culprit. Mom and Dad were fed, and Karal and I went for a hike. I'm pretty sure Cynde took photos of me on the floor, so she could blame me for the entire fiasco in the first place. 

I want the world to know, though, that my father has six socket sets and they were all mixed and matched. Twice, yesterday, I rearranged all the sockets: sizes, extensions, and bars, and put correct parts with correct parts. I even wiped all the materials down as I did. For now, those sets are organized and ready to go the next time something dysfunctions at the parents house. I know if I'm following Cynde, I'll likely jump in to help, even if it is all wrong. We mean well.

And Mike is the best. Always has been and always will be. Thankful for him. 

Looking Down the Road from My Parent's Front Porch, I Can See the Trees Have Grown. Love Noticing Such Changes

Growing up, behind me was many trees...tall ones, too, but they bulldozed them down to build more and more neighborhoods. To see taller trees, you have to Fortuna and Spruce Hill, but also many on Bam Hollow, as I believe those homes came first. Looking down the road to the right, you used to be able to see past Duncowing and the homes in Skylark Circle. That is no more, however, as the trees in the front lawns have begun to grow tall, so much that the view down the road can no longer be seen. 

The same is true for the trees behind the homes from across the street. Fascinating to me, as I began running these streets in high school and walking them today, I still like to notice what is new...what's the same...who cares for their homes, and who has let them go. For a while, I was worried about the area, but it seems those who keep up their homes are back on the rise and taking care of business. Still, there are those locations that you know need some tender love and care. Of course, it's also interesting to see that my father's obsessed green lawn (although still mowed way more than it should be) is dandelions and crab grass now...not the lush green he always used to compete with.

The Cynde/Mike bush, too, has formed into an odd block by the wooden fence that will one day completely fall over or be taken by earthworms and bugs. I believe it's been replaced once, just like the Vera tree out front. The replacement is still getting its roots settled. 

And I wish I knew what was causing my eyes to water and burn, and my nose to sneeze excessively. It could be dust, but that seems very odd, as I'm not seeing excessive dust. I'm getting the same burn I used to get when visiting my Grannie Annie's in Hamilton. I can't get enough eyedrops into them.

Made progress yesterday with CWP work...getting there. Crock potted chicken and walked the dog. Better than the previous days bed-ridden exhaustion. Onward, Friday. Here's to the day ahead. 

Meanwhile, I hope Chitunga and Alyssa have a nice stay on Mount Pleasant in Stratford. It's only for a night before they head to Amagansett, but I'm sure Karal would like to greet them! Ha!

I'm Channeling the Exhaustion from Yesterday: Nausea, Headache, Fever, Shakes, & Misery. Reminded Me of Being in Elementary School

I used to get severe migraines in elementary school. The overachiever in me wanted to master everything in my learning, and at times I'd get overwhelmed, I'd crash. Mom would have to come get me and I'd come home to vomit, turn & toss in bed, and eventually sleep. That is what happened yesterday. When I woke up, I thought it was barometric pressure and a sinus thing, but as the morning went forward, I realized I was nauseous and my brain wouldn't work. Then the heat hit. I went to my ol' bedroom to lay down and it got worse and worse...to the point I needed to vomit, which only came out yellow bile. All I ate was a piece of toast. I had a cup of coffee, too. I did the routine of feeding the parents and making sure all was well....took dad's sneakers outside to dry as I scrubbed them the night before because they were caked in dirt and grass, and started the laundry. Sadly, the tub wouldn't drain so I ran it again. Same thing.

Annoying. My brain started scrambling. Sick. 

The fever broke around 5 p.m. and I got the chills lying in bed. I quickly got up to take a warm, warm shower, and began to reheat food to feed the parents in their chairs. The smells, however, upset my stomach even more and I ended up taking one of mom's anti-nausea pills (there's a pill for everything and my mom has them). 

I was reminded, too, of the one time they served raviolis in school. It was the last time I EVER ate one...I got that sick from them. Can't even look at them without getting those awful pangs.

Yesterday was a bust. I simply wanted the rest of daylight to pass so I could go to bed and hopefully sleep more of whatever it is off. The sounds of Days of Our Lives blaring from an iPad & yelling at my father to use the buttons on his new chair to go up and down scrambled my brain.

In my attempt to sleep, I realized I'm simply exhausted. Period. The rat race finally caught up with me. 

Because I Have No Permission of Sharing a Photo of Mommy & Daddy Actually Sitting Together, I Will Go with the Blank Space Instead

Oh, snap. That is the photo I don' have permission to post. 

The new electric seating is in the house. To be true to form, however, the whole drop-off was a fiasco. Rhiannon was here in the morning to share love and catch up...the delivery truck said they'd be about 12:45, so I told mom, "You'll be in your chair napping by 1:30." 

NOPE. First, they didn't get an order to take the older couch outside onto their truck, and that sucker needed to be divided into several pieces in order to get it down the stairs. It was also a warm day in Syracuse, especially in the home of my parents. They attempted to bring the new couch in, but it spawned a fight between all three of the workers, which resulted in much arguing in Spanish (or was it Portuguese), cuss-words, each bad-mouthing the other to me, and a drive refusing to get out of his truck. He refused to get out until their boss/boss came in his fancy Mercedes (stoned out of his mind). He got all three outside the truck and they attempted, and achieved, the couch delivery. 

The number of tweezers found under the old couch? 5. The number of nail clippers? 2. Coins? $4.28. Whole Fritos? 14. Crushed up Fritos? Infinity. 

Slowly, the living room stated to retake shape and Cynde lent her spacial intelligence, swapping a table from downstairs. 

I celebrated by getting them Tully's: a fish sandwich and a Philly cheese one. I went with a chicken rice salad which was very good, actually....probably because the chicken was their famous tenders. 

Dad and I each at half of ours...mom devoured most of hers and left the pickle.

There is no anticipated drama fro today, which could mean trouble, I suppose. 

I did have opportunity to play Operation behind the fridge because I accidentally knocked mom's butterscotch behind it. I retrieved the bottle of syrup, another of chocolate origin, two place holders, a food processor blade, and a couple packages of ketchup. I felt heroic, actually, in accomplishing this. 

Okay, humpday...hump it away. 

Big Day for Papi Butch...Not Only Has He Been Shaved for the First Time in Months, But Today His Electric Chair Arrives to Help Him Stand Up

I've been shaving my father's head for two decades now. It's been trickier as he's aged, as his skin is more sensitive and he doesn't like the feeling of being shaved. He complied last night after eating more pot roast and before I fed him blueberry crunch dessert. It's always an odd, life-filled peculiarity cutting his hair now, with the dementia, and his inability to shave himself (although plucking nostril and ear hairs hasn't gone to the wayside).

I spent most of the day editing POW! (the Cultivated Writer's Collective part) and getting students registered for courses because the class is already full. That, and summer bills are hitting with invoices.

Walking the neighborhood, I saw Bob Ryan out front, but he no longer recognizes most people. Cathy came outside and filled me in on the Bamm Hollow crew. Phew. Later, after I forgot my glasses at Cynde's, I ran into Judy and John Marley who were out for a walk. Sent love to Michelle and Jim, and told her much joy I got from seeing Jimmy giving Stephanie Caroli a ride on his new motorcycle. Also ran into Kirsten while dropping off a dessert for her mom...that was unexpected. Wild ride, it all is. 

But now it is time to ready for the new furniture while causing the least amount of stress on the routines of childhood home. More to come on that. 

Home-Front Sunday: Cooking, Laundry, Light Cleaning, Light Groceries, a Walk with Karal, and Allowing Dad to Help Me to Put Dishes Away

Hey, Monday. How are you? We have leftovers, so I don't need to start meal prep at 8 a.m. in the morning. We should be good for another night, they they are getting cereal. I will say that the pot roast, baked potatoes, and carrots were a success because both of them ate more than they've been eating. 

Of course, as I write this, my father has also had two slices of banana bread with butter, blueberry cobbler with ice cream, and a bag of Fritos. Actually, he's lining them all up on the arm of the chair and eating one at a time while Mom snores through an episode of Big Brother that she's "watching" on her I-Pad. I told dad that when his new chair arrives, he's only allowed to eat at the kitchen table. He said, "Bullshit." 

Interesting trivia for the day from a comedian-friend who works in Nashville (and grew up in Sherburne). How did I not know that?  Interesting trivia, especially since he wrote that Brigham Young (one of the father's of Mormonism) is from Smyrna, NY. I had no idea all those Books of Mormon had roots in what would become Chenango Country. Interesting knowledge for geeky minds like mine (and my father, who became obsessed with the news, although I don't think he has a clue what Mormonism is or who Brigham Young was. 

There was plenty of dishes that accompanied a day of cooking and baking, and at one point dad came out to help me put things away. I told him not to, but he insisted. I late found coffee mugs and water cups in the cabinets for canned food. He's a trip and quick. Didn't even see him do it.

Lights are out early on Amalfi Drive these days, and both are usually out by 9 p.m. - Karal was out even sooner, even thought she acted like she had a dull, uneventful day towards night and wanted more play time. This was not true. She was exhausted. 

Rain is supposed to arrive this morning and we shall see what that will do with a day. Only time will tell....but I am glad I won't have to cook all day again. The semester begins in a few, after all.

The Future of Amalfi Drive, I Suppose. Accompanied Lil' Sis Casey to Offer My Dad the Opportunity to Upgrade His Home Lounging Experience.

And we found a selection. After trying every chair, love seat, and couch in the Raymor & Flanagan Clearance Outlet in Mattydale, we knew the right one was found when Dad pulled his feet up and didn't move for some time. Casey joined him, and although it was darker than anticipated and leather...well, it was marked way down and is very, very comfortable. Enough for good sleeping, too.

You can count on one hand the number of times my father has been brought out of the house to make a purchase for himself. The issue for him has been getting the legs down on the non-electronic, self-propelled lounge chair that has been central to his life since moving next door to my mom on the 2nd floor (much to her chagrin). We shall how well he does with his new toy before, perhaps, talking mom into a better seat for herself (which should happen, because she sleeps there over night, too).

Groceries have been bought for more elaborate meals this week, although the fish & pirogies weren't horrendous. We also had chicken and Mac&Cheese from Connecticut that I brought to finish up.

Loved the highlight real of Jimmy Marley taking Stephanie Caroli on a motorcycle bucket list that Peter Boy posted on Facebook. Who'd of ever guessed that from childhood? Maybe Mimi Sue will be next.

The furniture will arrive on Tuesday and I'm prepared for the chaos that will likely ensue. Hoping it is successful, and a transition that doesn't cause too many high blood pressure readings. 

And just in case you're wondering....Tuesday's garbage pick-up was put out last night in case they decide to come three days early. 

May the Lord be with you. 

Am I the Only One Who Chooses to Clean the House Before Departing, in Hopes that Upon Return, I Be a Smooth Transition?

We shall see how this one goes. There are week of guests staying on Mt. Pleasant while I'm in central New York looking after my parents. It took me a couple of days, but the house was left ready for my return (and I know the cleaning ladies come Monday morning, too...so extra clean). Perhaps it's just nervous energy, but I can never leave unless I know I'm returning to a hotel-ready return back home.

Traffic was rather heavy, especially on the thruway, but I listened to Jim Carey's memoir Memoirs & Misinformation and it is as odd, peculiar, funny, and oddly profound as one would expect it to be. I'm entertained and I hated that I arrived to Syracuse before finishing. I'll get to it on the way home.

Amber, one of the helpers, was at the house caring for mom and dad, making for something new while settling in, including a battle for stepping up to help out She knows it is light, but when help is needed, it is needed...most importantly for my father getting out of where he sits. He can't do it any more...and with the ADHD/mania I inherited from him, he is constantly up and down. I watched how she lifted him up with ease and now learned to be there for him, as well. When I walked Karal, mom said he almost fell over tying to get up and face-planted. I said, "Maybe that is what needs to happen in order to face next steps in his care." 

A broken hip will do him enormously. 

I drove through rain showers, and although the skies were sunny in Syracuse, with 85 degrees, there was no humidity, so it was quite nice. 

I also realize that on driving days I'm coming in tired. I almost stopped to get a cup of coffee in the afternoon, and I never do that. My head was heavy during the last hour.

And on a Katniss-Never-Green-No-More Subaru upgrade, I have a complaint. The other model had a gas cap that you opened from a button inside the car. This one has the ol' push and pop-out version. The problem is, on numerous occasions the push doesn't result in the pop out so I can gas. With a line piling up behind me, I had to pull off to the side and try all the voodoo dances I knew how to do before it finally clicked open. Annoying, especially when the tank is close to "E."

But now for Saturday. Since I'm cooking three meals a day all week, I need to figure out a game plan that will work...it's preparation, feeding, and clean up for all those meals. One of the perks of meals-on-wheels and aides in the house is it deters the parental units from going into the kitchen, piling dishes, and making messes. I was shocked at how clean it was walking up the stairs this trip home. Big difference, indeed, but now I will be causing the disaster. Good times. And with that, off to the store I should go. 

Okay. Heading to CNY for Parental Care & Attempting a Separation from the Daily Grind of Connecticut. Hoping I Accomplished What I Set Out to Do.

First of all, yay for Xfinity. All is up and running and it turned out to be a faulty outlet in my basement that was the culprit. I am 54 and just learning that sockets can go back after time. Who would have known? Also, who would have known that the cable company had a little apparatus plugged into the basement walls. I would not have known this, because I didn't realize they went downstairs. I am glad, however, that they arrived with 32 hours as opposed to the week-long wait they first proposed. The guy who came was kind and efficient. Not much English, but I've learned to interpret Penglish over the years....Poland and English. I understand quite well.

My goal today is to wake up, run errands, organize, and then head to Syracuse for parental care. I have a lot of digital work to accomplish but will multi-task to give Cynde a break for a short while. I need to download a good book for the trip, as I've caught up with all in my waiting line (via Audible).  I have to choose this book wisely, as it sort of needs to be an anthem for the 2026-2027 school year.

Yesterday I received a notice from the University President that I've completed 15 years of service at Fairfield University. That's five more years than I lasted at the Brown School. I'm guessing it's good that I sat in one place for this long, but I also know that the coastal Connecticut reality is not a bad way to live. Waters is healing so seeing it on the daily provides much of the mental therapy I've always craved. 

I delivered the writer's notebook to the Women's Volleyball team and also did dinner with Leo & Bev (thanks for the treat) at Lazy Lobsters. We haven't been there since it expanded & updated its menu. They had mussels, which were okay but I'm all about the broth. They have a long way to go with them in order to make them a location that people talk about. 

Also was thrilled to get bloodwork back today, with updates from last year. Let's just say that categories, like Glucose, did a nose-diver, so I'm hoping they notice. The last round of bloodwork did me in. They were scary (and I'm wondering now, too, that nothing has really changed in my lifestyle...I was not intentional on bringing it down and I didn't change my diet, daily exercise, or vitamins at all). Maybe the prescriptions did their thing, the ones for heart and cholesterol. Definitely feels good to see results of green instead of threatening red. Last year was shocking.

Now to do my rounds so I can head to Syracuse at a decent hour. Wishing myself safe travels.

And Another Day of Total Frustration Wishing the Xfinity Treated Their Service-Areas with More Respect & Professionally.

I interrupt my absolute and total frustration with Xfinity as a trusted Internet provider to briefly celebrate another year with Fairfield University athletics and collaboration: the Women’s Volleyball team! This will be the third year I’m faculty liaison and I’m always happy to invest in student athletes, especially in a sport I love. Should out to SEHD’s Linnea who was the only one in the office (imagine that) who also came by to help me get the notebooks in order. It was a good time, too, as we reminisced about all the insanity all of us who are still left have lived over the years. In some ways, it was therapy.

Actually, peeling stickers and putting them on notebooks is therapy.

Alas, after numerous calls and total anger, the best I could get from the Xfinity is there’s replacement equipment needed outside of my home, but they won’t get to it until next week. Well, truth is, I kept calling and calling and calling, until I got them to at least commit to today around noon. We don’t have any service people in your area at this time. Well, corporate greed executives, perhaps you should invest in service people in the areas you service. A week is inexcusable.

I suppose I haven’t stopped to think about how much the daily life relies on internet connection and fluidity. Working online and having access to digital spaces is pretty much 95% of what I do. Being chopped at the knees from doing this is insane. I’m thankful to my office on campus, which helped me for the morning, but in the afternoon when I returned home (they wait listed me for a potential afternoon appointment that never happened) I grew more agitated. My wi-fi is fine. It’s the internet connection from outside. I packaged them for cable, internet, and phone (which was not bad until this incident, when I learned they can’t service their customers properly, which make me really question if I should continue with them. 

There are million and one items that come through my email a day and I’m usually on top of them all. I can’t be, though, when the total way we communicate is unavailable to me. The real kicker is when their agents kept sending me links for troubleshooting. How am I supposed to read a link when I can’t access the internet…the source of the problem?

Of course, cable is out, too, and although I watch very little television, I’ve grown into the habit to ease my mind into relaxation for an hour each night. Nope. Not even Ted Lasso to offer me nightly therapy and healing. 

But the stickers were a win. I’m hoping by afternoon Xfinity will do their job. The nerve they have in sending me surveys about how they did servicing my call, with a link that I can’t access because their service has been extremely sub-par through this incident. When these things happen, I always wonder how these places have any business at all. 

Onward. And hopefully better times today.

And yes, I drove myself to a hotel lobby last night to upload the daily post, since their lack of professionality kept me from doing it from home as a paying customer.

Ready to be over it, already.

Internet & Cable Down. Xfinity's Issue. They Say It Will Take a Week to Get a Technician to the House. Give Me a Break. But Onward I Go.

At the dermatologist in the wee hours of morning, only remember to vote because of signs near the middle school by my home. Interesting conundrum in CT, as the Governor has been the same for years, and the man running against him is running on a teacher platform, but the teacher’s union backed more of the same. Not sure what any of that is about, but I am starting to realize how massive group think is, and how hard change is to make happen. I’m lucky…I’m in a State that pays better than most and who, at least on their outfacing platforms, like to side with K-12 public education.

I took Mateo Planas out for lunch, as he’s moving into Cornell Law School tomorrow. It’s interesting to hear an overthinking, highly successful, top-notch brain discuss his east and west coast experiences, the state of higher education, and his hopes & dreams with making change happen in courts. Always wonderful to hear a fresher brain than my own processing the craziness of it all, agreeing that higher education, upper-middle classes, zip-code apartheid, and the two Americas has been in a pressure cooker for a long time. With 16 years approach in my own academic job, I have a book of reforms and changes that need to be made. I just don’t think they ever will come, because it begins with the insanity of tuition and who can AFFORD a degree. 

It should be that if you meet the qualifications, you should continue learning, and the cost of this learning should be minimal to the students, themselves. We should be investing in intelligence and potential, but instead I think higher education is more interested in their own sustainability and ‘self-care.’ Instead of the ‘we’re all in this together’ mindset (Ubuntu), we have every institution competing for the students and what they are willing to pay...well, not them, but their families. 

I was telling Mateo that I made it through undergraduate classes without a loan because it was doable to pay tuition at the time (working part-time year-round in various jobs). All the Masters degrees and doctorate were also free to me…I only had to pay for books. and I know how privileged that is. 

And I also feel for people who continue education at $$$ only to go in more debt to realize it is unlikely to be paid back. I can’t believe the number of colleagues in my field are still paying back loans they took out to earn their doctorate. I could never do that, especially knowing what they charge for doctoral credits. I would be okay with the tuition costs if I knew that the money was being used wisely. I’m not sure that it is….with few tenure-track faculty being hired nation-wide, and the horrendous hypocrisy of using adjunct, visiting faculty, with low compensation, knowing that senior faculty members are spewing nonsense while working for institutions that are socially unjust by design. 

Ah, morning rant, still not knowing if the cable/internet service was restored. Amazing how interrupted a routine becomes when all your ways of connecting no longer are possible. I had to type this post offline in hopes it’d be restored by morning.

 

 

I'm a Failure at Shopping. Rarely Do It. Could Care Less. But Every Once In a While I Get a Wild Hair in My System.

I've had the same set of glasses since the late 90s....purchased at Pier One, when that was a thing, and with me through many transitions. Half of them went to Iowa with Chitunga I have learned, and those left behind have slowly cracked and disappeared. I'm down to two blue and one green. It's no big deal, because it's just me who needs to use them (for the most part), but was thinking that they do come in handy when people are visiting and I'm cooking for others. I know I've seen variations of them from place to place and set out to a local Home Goods to see if they were the ones.

NOPE.

It was okay, because I also like to hunt down CLEARANCE items. They had shit. 

So I drove home in the rain. That was my big break for the day, too...to prove to myself that I can do things besides write and work. Also walked dog, mowed lawn, and weed-whacked again, with some of the laundry put away, but I was focused on replacing my glasses. 

I was in a glass kind of mood, I guess, because I also took out one of the sliding glass panes that has a cracked seal, and hence fogs ups and I can't see out of it. I was into replacing it last year but the guy from Anderson windows wanted $2,800. Yeah, right. It took me a year, but I finally took it out myself and took it to a local window establishment. They were great. They took measurements and said give us a couple of weeks. You can take it home and put it back in so it doesn't rain in your house. We'll call you when the new one was in. I may be wrong, but I think it was just over a hundred dollars or so. I will be glad, too, because it's one of the spots Karal and I look out and I've hated that it's been damaged.

Of course, it should also be under warranty, but at the guy at the glass shop said, "Many of those companies go out of business as soon as they install the products. They likely wouldn't grant you a new window anyways.

Well, I guess I never thought of the underbelly of the porch window beast. The more you learn. Of course, I'm all up in their business when they're measuring, asking them questions about their business and how often people like me come in. "Oh, about six or seven a week." I think it is a side hustle for them, because they install commercial windows. 

But it was less than a mile away. Bonus. So, two weeks from now we shall see. 

Played a Little 'How Does She Do It' in Trying to Replicate Pam's Mac-n-Cheese. I Wanted to Try My Hands and Got a 'Not Bad' for My First Try

There's always the Mac-n-Cheese in the south, but in the north you have to be careful. Kraft Macaroni & Cheese done ruined an entire population in the United States. When the boys and I first tried Pam's, however, we knew we had a favorite. She hasn't been willing to share her secret, except she buys the cheese ends in the store to combine multiple styles of cheese. The ends were on sale at Big Y, so I came home, looked up a few recipes, and improvised. It was enough to get me Pam's secrets, which I came pretty close at guessing. I didn't think to add a mustard, though, just for the right tang. I will next time. 

I also took liberty to make hamburger patties for grilled burgers with mushrooms, tomato, lettuce, and a pickle. It, too, was delicious, as was the cut watermelon and local blueberries I mixed in a bowl. Perfect dinner for a Sunday evening before another work week. 

I watched the DCI finals Saturday night and stick with my gut....Phantom Regiment was also a crowd favorite, even though they scored back in the pack. I was surprised the Blue Knights captured color guard and drums, too. General Effect, definitely, but the precision came with other cores, too. Conceptually it was the best show and two of their songs are two of my ongoing favorites: God Only Knows and YES's All Good People.

I'm setting work goals to achieve much these next couple of days (and I can't believe the heat extension is coming with the plan of action). Later in the week the temperatures will cool, but for now we will sweat (and my lawn needs to be mown) (and my barber is on vacation)....not that they have anything to do with one another.

The gas for the grill has been changed out, so I've got the better foods on my mind. Everything tastes better with all the good summer flavors. Wishing our salad options were better, but greed is greed and we probably should be growing our own lettuce anyways.

Taking a Mood & Turning It Into a Saturday, Thankful that a T-Storm Launched a Reading Frenzy and Couch Time

I suppose the one moment of the day was when I returned to Pam's with a fresh tomato, new package of bacon, and the idea that we MUST do a 2nd BLT, which we did and it was just as good as the first. The billowing clouds from the Friday storms (still feeling that one clap of thunder shaking the house) created a mood for porch reading, which I continued into Saturday. Although I have writing projects I should be working on, I was distracted by the latest set of soon-to-be released books, including the lates from E. Lockhart, the Pools. I met her at Penguin in NY last year and read a few of her books to impress Joanna, but it wasn't cause for addiction. The competition, however, of reading a soon-to-be-released book so I could gift it to Joanna was the only cause I needed. 

First, the voice and craft of the Pools are remarkable. I can't say I quite got all of what the poetically narrative text was trying to accomplish, but I did pick up on the vibe of fables, history of bird stories, the normal male/female interlocked storytelling, and of course the notion of love. I liked the water as both healing and deadly, and of course feathering outcomes for the missing is always intriguing. There was enough mental health storytelling that made the artsy-ness more intriguing and I suppose the only part I could have done without is the fact that the narrator was once a childhood "lark" that sang to finance the family with some pop group. It was the before-story that is hinted at throughout, but not necessarily the arc that was needed. It does add to the craft of the text, but I didn't need that as a reader. 

I also appreciated that at the end of the book, there's a few paragraphs about poetry, attempts not to be a poet, allusion to poems, and attempts, stylistically, to accomplish what was accomplished. From the second I started until I finished in the afternoon, I kept thinking of the artfulness crafted by Lockhart and although it is a YA text, I could see it taught in so many courses: especially around women, damsels 'in distress,' fairy tales, and even pairing with Shakespeare plays. 

I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait for Joanna to read, so I will have some to discuss it with. Also, kudos to the jacket designer, as the coloring was perfect for the story (although those look like barn swallows over the pool, and I don't think they were one of the birds." 

It interested me that the main male protagonist ends up the swan, which made me feel there's a lot more going on in the story that I'm too male to understand, especially the story of Leda and the Swan which I had to reread.

Like Helen, I think Lockhart produced beauty. I like it and will be thinking about her craft for some time. I hope it is well received in the literary community. 

It Wasn't That I Was Looking Ahead to Fall, It's That I'm a Clearance Guy, and Fall Seemed to Make an Appearance on Me. Hiking Boots, Well, Sneakers. Yup. Saucony

Look. I'm not buying cars. I'm not impressing expensive women behind my family's back. I'm not signed up for a marathon. I know my limits. But I do like keeping my feet comfortable and I've had a Saucony fetish since my teen-years when I first started running for mental health. Nope, I don't run any more, but I do walk daily and when I can I go hiking on trails. So, when the Kermit shoes came across my screen and they were more than 1/2 off, I made the purchase. They going to do a nice job in my household.

My other kicks are like my others and aren't as funky cool as the hiker kicks. .

I awaited the storms all day and got excited when Pam had cancelled plans and wanted to know if I wanted a turkey BLT, minus the L. She didn't want to risk the stomach virus. She said I'd need to bring rolls, and I said only if I could bring lettuce, too...for me. I went with a Big Y Tuscan bread (which they cut much thicker than Wegmans and Price Chopper) and she went with a fresh onion roll. There is NOTHING as DELICIOUS as a BLT in the summer. I hate making bacon, but she has an air fryer. We ate in slow motion to enjoy every bite and then spent the afternoon in the pool. It's been a few years since I've in a pool. Love doing somersaults and getting that wonderful feeling in the stomach.

It was refreshing. 

Penguin Random House sent me another box of books, so I laid low last night and read a few on the porch couch as the storms came in. Last night, I stayed up last night watching the DCI pre-lims on Flo-Marching, so I knew I'd lay low for the most part. I enjoyed watching, I suppose, but I go in and out of why the competition even exists, but also with intrigue for its rituals and histories. I wish I knew how they scored, because my favorite group was Phantom Regiment, but they were in the middle of the pack. The group that one Pre-Lims, the Bluecoats from Canton, Ohio, are definitely the best in terms of entertainment, but for the ol' DCI drum & bugle feel, it was Phantom Regiment for me. I will say that the 'coats God Only Knows (Beach Boys) and I've Seen All Good People (Yes) melodies really are great on the ears and heart. I imagine they will be untouchable. Zei should just plop to the ground and the Boston Crusaders blurred lines were a blur. Can't remember anything good about the show but the human wave (which was cool). Music. Whomp whomp whomp. 

I haven't watched in decades, but for some reason tuned in last night...probably because the algorithms on social media are plaguing my feeds. 

Leo is out of town a jazz festival, and the ladies are having a cards night...no men invited. It's the normal hen clucking that goes on over this, but without Leo or me. So, the Friday night was dull and uneventful, except for the books and glass of Diet Coke (which I read yesterday instantly turns into stomach fat for middle age men...can't win with anything anymore). 

But now it's Saturday morning and I told Pam, we'd better have a replay of that BLT sandwich. We shall see. I left all the ingredients in her condo. 

Took Me A Week, But I Finally Dealt with the Receipt Collection Stored in the Trunk of My Subaru. All is Accounted for Now

I'm like one of those parents who have their credit cards out for the kids all the time....as soon as it comes back it, it goes back out. Summer is about maintaining all my programs: supplies, snacks, books, special requests, and prizes, so I'm always at BJs or Michaels or Big Y or (bleck) Walmart. As soon as I think I'm done purchasing for a week, there's another text with more requests. I'm always thankful when August rolls around and I can deal with them all. 

Of course, I take photos of them as soon as I get the receipt, because they have to be uploaded to Workday. I never trust that I got them all, so keep them wadded in the trunk of my car. Occasionally, I have to go through them to find the one I forgot to photograph. Most people have friends, selfies, and pets on their iPhone. Nope. Me? Yep, receipt porn. You'd think I have an addiction. 

I spent most of the excessively hot Thursday working on writing projects and gathering thoughts for meetings and possibilities. I made a lot of progress, too, before walking Karal and drenching myself. The last meetings ended around 5 and I was invited to Pam's for sesame pasta and some Asian dish she bought at Aldi's. Wait! I don't have to cook? I'm in.

It was good, but it was one of those days that it was too hot to enjoy anything. We thought about sitting in the pool, but I could tells it would not be refreshing. That kind of gross humidity. The Louisiana pea-soup sort. 

Sadly, I think today is supposed to be more of the same, but with much more chance for thunderstorms. Saturday will be the same. Sunday, too. Joy. 

It simply makes me want to nap...or watch Ted Lasso...or do both. I feel guilty about that, so don't...but wish I could. Dog days of summer. A little too warm for my liking. 

And Someone Finds My Reoccurring Nightmare and Turns It Into a NY Times Comic (I Did Edit the "I" to a "Y" for Authenticity, However)

Other day of unwinding, which means sitting on my behind getting on top of writing projects, editing POW (14th edition), organizing books for Fall courses, walking the dog, baking a cake for the neighbor who lost is sister-n-law, after losing his brother, after losing his mother (that's his 3), and paying car taxes. I also talked to Dr. Farrell who said, "You need a week or two away from everyone, in total silence, and no connection to the job." I agree....but how? When? As soon as one thing ends, another round begins.

I ran into the cartoon online and immediately laughed.  Ever since I began teaching, I've had dreams where I'm buried alive while trying to keep up with all the work needing to be accomplished. It's usually a cause to leap out of sleep, panic a little, and then say, "Things have to change." They don't, of course, but I can at least pretend they will

"No, no, not the lid! 'banging muffled cries."

I also grilled some chicken for the week, but now have to get more gas to grill the next time. I made it just in time, which was good, because I was slowly talking myself in grabbing some food out (which I hate doing, but if I'm hungry enough, I'm quite convincing).

The 100% rain for the day turned out to be 100% sunny with occasional clouds. I suppose like most of the news we get today that seems inane and impossible, so becomes weather predictions. We're getting the whole package at once.

Okay, Thursday morning. Trash went out last night...time to bring the bin in, drink some coffee, and begin another day. 

Not a Bad Half-Year Rental for a Colleague Joining My Department This Semester. In My Words, "Phew. You Got Lucky."

Renting in Fairfield and New Haven Counties is insane. Home prices are even more bonkers, and so when  a new colleague agreed to move to a new University after building a home for 15 years outside Boston, the first warnings were about finding temporary housing. She quickly learned what we met, but then made contact with a family in Lordship and got a really sweet deal on a rental in a home I've walked by for years, envying the view they have of the Sound and beaches. This is the view of their balcony on the 2nd floor. You can see all the way to Milford. Better yet, you have the trails and views I can only treat myself occasionally -- always taking Karal to walk there when I have extra time.

That's what I did yesterday, before meeting Bev and Leo at Walnut Beach. I hike with Karal and my new colleague for about an hour and half. We were soaked, too...not from the humidity but because the sun was August-warm. Yes, I treated my Tuesday like a vacation day. Of course I worked on a few writing projects, but mostly I spent the day outdoors perspiring. I wanted (and needed) a day of vitamin D, which was highly abundant yesterday.

Checked on Mom and all seemed well, except Dad is dressing as if he lives in Alaska and refused to shave...the good garbage dumpster approach to life....like he's about to sing the Chim-Chimaree song with Mary Poppins. I'm always glad he lets me shave him when I come home.

The thing about the yellow jackets that fell from his ceiling fan, is they had very little life left.

I thought of that line when Pam yelled out, "Can I pluck a long white hair that is growing off your shoulder? It's shimmering in the sun." I let her, but then pointed to how much my forearms are graying. I'm wondering if I'm about to soon create a station where I sit so I can begin grooming random hairs on my body with piles of chewed fingernails and ear wax pyramids. He's maintained such a workstation for years. And, yes. It's gross. 

I didn't get to the garage yesterday because I didn't want get stuck working on a beautiful day. We have 4 upcoming days of 100% rain, so I took advantage of a good one when it arrive. 

Today it clouds up and the humidity returns. It is what it is, because it's summer.

1st Year Teacher Package Arrived to Honolulu & I'm Super Excited for Nohea's Wonderful Success Ahead...A Different Breed, Indeed

I remember when Nohea came to my office and asked, "Do you think I can be an English teacher?" - I said, "Of course." Dr. Boquet planted the seed and then she was a Humanities Scholar while I was guiding Max's Corrigan. We all ended up bonding and helping one another achieve to the next level. I'll never forget the luau party her family through for us at the end of her senior year. Hard to believe she already returned home and finished her Master's Degree, too. Loved teacher her, because she was street smart, sassy, and also slick. She kept that to herself but then brought it out with perfect timing. Total joy to teach and mentor. Unlikely we'll ever have another like her. 

I sent her 150 notebook stickers for her students, with a little branding. Da Sistah Marys is her company name, as they doo-dads popular amongst high school kids. The flowers are simply to match her personality. 

I spent the early part of the day cleaning and working on a sabbatical application before heading to campus to do another glance of cleanup in DSB and moving materials to my office. It was as dead as always, but I did run into Michelle and Beth on separate occasions. 

Karal and I got a long, hot walk in before I couldn't take it any longer and Googled When Is THIS Humidity Going to Break? Turns out that it is breaking tonight, thankfully. It's always weird when it's in the 70s but you are drenched from walking around the block.

In the evening, we took Anne Campbell out for another dinner, this time with Deena, so the celebration for her retirement continues. Word is that all is well on the Homefront, although mom is readjusting to two aides a day, instead of one, and I guess Casey has been spending the night, too. I imagine mom is tired from the stay at the hospital and will likely need a few days rest.

I'm actually looking forward to a humid-less day with blue skies, as rain is the forecast for several days, but not today. I want finish yard work and to tackle the garage, too. 

I'm shaking my head thinking that Nohea is on day two of her teaching career. I'm already exhausted for her.

Yay For Getting Just the Right Gift & Learning It Does Exactly As It Said It Would Do Online....Lights Up a Backyard with Dragonflies

Shirley and I both decided Leo and Bev needed a new kitchen clock. We went with a dragonfly one, and I also added a solar light because it said it radiated dragonflies in all directions. I was supper happy Saturday night when Bev sent me a photo of the lantern on their back table. The lights are actually white, but the table cloth makes it seem more iridescent. 

The best part is it is solar powered. No on or off switch needed.

I got the lawn mowed and weed-whacked, bathed both Karal and Rico (who was incredibly well-behaved while getting a bath), dogs walked, Fall sneakers ordered, an Ubuntu Academy montage made, and house cleaned up. I barbecued cauliflower and headed to Pam who enticed me with sausage and lemon-Alfredo linguini. She also made sweet potatoes, so the whole meal was tasty. All the flavors blended in wonderfully.

I also got a piece of Bev's birthday cake, which I missed yesterday at the party. The layer of raspberry is what make the cake.

Apparently today begins a ten day rain fest, where flash floods are expected on the daily. Joy. Hoping they are just a little flamboyant with their predications, as I'd rather things cooled off and the waterworks subsided. I am still in CT, instead of heading to CNY, so I'm not quite sure how I'll spend today. I do want to stay away from the University, but also don't want turn my home into an off-campus work place...I'd like to chisel spaces between, since I have the opportunity to do so. 

And I'm applauding the dragonfly lights...every home should have them. 

A 50/50 Day. Spent Half Celebrating the Incredible Bev Nichols Robinson's 7th Birthday & the Other Half Unpacking Materials from the Labs

I tried hard to NOT work on anything CWP yesterday, but failed, after spending the morning organizing photos and the evening typing notes from the materials collected and a big portion taking everything out of boxes, organizing it, labeling it, and putting it away so I know where it is. The spare bedroom is now loaded with CWP goods. I did a few hours going up and down stairs as if it was part of a gym routine. 

The afternoon was spent in celebration of Bev's 70th, her family and friends, good sandwiches, and a lot of memories shared. It's always good to see their boys stop by, and it's crazy because they were in high school/college when I got here and now are in their 30s. Nuts.

Leo called everyone and said he forgot to get balloons and flowers so, lo and behold, that is what everyone brought. The house was a celebration of color, which actually was a nifty plan put together by him. There was join everywhere we looked.

New neighbors re-landscaped the front yard by taking everything green down. Not sure if they have a different plan or they're just not into bushes and flowers. I always liked looking outside at their blooms. Only time will tell. 

I've returned to another round of Ted Lasso to be my mind-unwind...I think because it is funny, reliable, hopeful, friendly, and believing in hope....everything this nation has not been for several years now. Ted anxiousness is also relatable, especially as changes come with age and some of them you can't be prepared for. Plus, they come in 30-minute doses, which are perfect for figuring out 'just enough' before heading to bed. 

Not sure what the weather is supposed to be. I thought I was heading to Syracuse, but I've been told it would be better to help out in the 2nd half of the month. Now I'm a wee bit perplexed by having more time to get ahead for the semester. Not sure where I will begin or IF I will begin. I really am tired. 

But the lawn needs mowing. The yard needs trimming. There's still more CWP work to put away before moving on to what comes next. So, we will see about the day.

Wrapping Up a Sea of Lemon Trees and Celebrating the Summer Lemonade when Live Sent such Joy Our Ways. 2026 Summer Programs! A Success!

Well, the bus failed to come on the last day at the last hour to pick up the same kids it had been dropping off and picking up for weeks. They sent a new guy and he got lost. When I found him, I suggested he follow me, but he didn't. He got lost again. Dufus. So the 3 p.m. pick-up was more like 4 p.m. Of course, because it was the last day and I was exhausted. The kids were wound up and hyped. It made for an energetic afternoon...an emotional one.

I'm not sure what it is we do over two weeks, but it definitely resonates with kids, as the afternoon ended up in speeches and many tears. The kids share the lack of support at their schools, the lousy instruction, and the uncaring adults at their locations. I hate to believe that is true, but I know enough about systems to guess that it is likely worse than they report. We gave them two weeks of reading one verse novel, The Sea of Lemon Trees, and several days of writing assignments and workshops. They got to talk, to laugh, to break bread together, to take risks. I guess that is somewhat emotional, after all. 

We made it through all 4 weeks, 200+ kids, 17 teachers, & 140 hours of instruction with minimal incident. I hope to keep it that way, and am always knocking wood at the end of a summer. Yes, there are hiccups in the routine, but I imagine they could get much worse. I am thankful, too, to Dean Li in Dolan School of Business, as he's always gracious with the space...one shared with only a couple of faculty who come by in the summer....they could be counted on one hand.

Our collaborative art project this year was to create a mini-sea of lemon trees, where the kids wrote about their roots, stems, crown, and fruits as language learners. We allowed multilingual writing and asked difficult questions of the thinkers from time to time. I don't think we've had a wider spectrum of abilities, either, as there were a few with only weeks of English instruction and several who are on the brink of cracking the collegiate writing summit. The best point is, however, how they all feel safe. They come because they want to improve and they know there are many there to invest in them. I know I couldn't do half the things we have them doing if I had to perform in another language. 

We are also amazed by how much Sea of Lemon Trees initiated tremendous instructional opportunities. We know it taught a piece of U.S. history that is not shared in schools, especially because it deals with the true diversity of our nation, but the intentionality of keeping non-White minds out of learning spaces. It is all part of our colonial heritage, and reckoning with the is...well...what the last decade has been all about. There's truth to history, and then there's the truth of history taught in schools. When the majority of a populations reaches a moment in history where they don't see their stories being told, well that launches the white-replacement hysteria as Kendi describes. 

Anyways...it's Saturday. I don't have an alarm clock and I don't have the intensity of CWP summer programs any more. I seriously just want to walk and walk and walk and walk, only to be followed by sleep and mindlessness, only to do it all over again. 

I am tired. I've been tired for some time now, but I really, really am over-tired. I'm self-aware enough to know that the responsibilities and pace of my work needs support. It's to the point of cruelty, how much I have to do without assistance, especially after 15+ years. 

Ah, but I don't want to think about that until September. For August, I just want o hide.