Well, Karal Asked, "Are You Going to Turn the Heat On or What?" As We Spent Most of the Day Writing From the Front Porch

I knew I wanted to get ahead for the week, and this included grading, writing, resolving, and fixing, which is what happened for most of the day. I didn't think it was that cold, even when I took a long walk. But by 5 pm, my fingers were cramping on the keyboard piano and I thought, "It must be getting colder." Karal, too, started moving closer and eventually ended up on my shoulders to stay warm. I was wearing a cap and coat inside and my brother-in-law Dave said, "Jesus, Crandall, just turn on your heat." 

I did around 8 p.m. - to get the chill out. It will be a little over 32 degrees tonight, so I imagine this is a good decision, even if it is way before November 1st.

Also had a long talk with Chitunga before he landed at the Drake football game. He'll be heading this way next month and I'll see him in December, too. Actually, he'll be in Boston soon, too (maybe it will spark him to say, I wonder if). Hanging up the phone, it became easy to say, "he is one of the greatest things that ever happened to my life and world. I love his intellect, humor, philosophy, intrigue, and independence." We're very different, but at times I think we operate the same way...just that I'm more zany and creative, and he's more a pragmatist. I can talk with him for hours. 

I did the pharmacy, used little of 40% Kohl's coupon to get sheets on clearance (if I'm not getting things for next to nothing, I don't need them), and I grocery shopped. I told Pam that grocery shopping stresses me out and on days I do it, I simply want to go out to eat so I don't have to think about what to cook. I actually reheated soup, but today I will definitely have to cook. 

Meeting a teacher this afternoon to help her with a conference presentation; otherwise, it's full speed preparation for the week ahead. We're 2nd week of Write Out in October, and I'm still tying loose ends up from summer. I told Chitunga, "I didn't get to enjoy much of the warmer days this year." 

I really do need to fix that. I have an illness that needs attention.