Not that cold

A coworker appeared at my door this morning. "Hey, I heard the office is going to be closed tomorrow because of the cold." It is going to be cold tomorrow. High of 4 degrees and a windchill well below that. But it's winter and this kind of cold snap happens every year. Sounding overly hopeful, he asked, "Is it true?" I'm always amazed by the information people think I am privy to. "No idea, but I'm...

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Cliff diving

On Wednesday it took most of the morning to sort out who was going to the conference. What became clear was the other two lost interest in making an effort to go for the three days once they realized that Eve and I had already made our arrangements. We didn’t fight it but we’re tired of being the people who pick up the slack. We drove out that afternoon--a couple of hours on the road--and set up the...

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Ice, snow, cold

View from my porch this afternoon. I knew freezing rain was supposed to start falling during morning rush hour so I got out of bed as soon as my alarm went off and rushed through the getting ready routine. I was starting my car with the remote when I heard my cell phone ring. I didn't recognize the number but since it was unusually early for a phone call I answered anyway. It was my boss. He...

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Winter ennui

The only reason I have for not posting last week is lack of gumption. It's been cold and occasionally snowy or icy here. It's weather that keeps me inside watching Netflix and being unproductive. I did finish sorting Charles' letters. I'm guessing only one-third (or slightly more) were written by or to Charles. Most were sent or received by his younger brother Earl. There are a fair number written...

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Seeking loophole

Monday I was on the iPad looking up the history of Troutdale in the Pines because Charles sent a bunch of letters on its letterhead. Blaine was on his iPad reading a book. Or that’s what I thought he was doing until he said, “We’re celebrating Valentine’s Day.” I couldn’t tell if it was a statement or question. “You would like to.” I matched his tone to make it sound like a statement or a question....

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Winter nothings

By the end of the day Friday, Eve was feeling cooped up and stir crazy. She invited Blaine and me over for drinks and snacks. As so often happens with the four of us, time flew and we stayed through dinner and well after. Eve received mixed news about her knee. The first thing that has to happen is a sprain needs to heal. She'll wear a brace for a couple of weeks to help that happen. The brace helps...

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Pet names

Thursday I call the little white dog many affectionate names and do it without thinking. Doodle bug, love bug, baby dog and honey bun/ny are my favorites. Regrettably, the one that automatically rolled off my tongue tonight when addressing Blaine was baby dog. Could be a while before he tires of trying out different pet names for ...

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If I'd had a hammer and nails

Wednesday  I went to work today. Eve didn’t, however, because she tore the meniscus in one of her knees and needed an MRI. Since there wasn’t going to be any fun on the agenda, it seemed like an appropriate time to tackle an assignment I’ve had for a month or so. THE boss was given two portraits, lithographs from the the turn of the 19th century. They’re of two men, eminent in their field and...

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Prunes

Looking through a church cookbook today (published in 1985), I came across this little gem. Prunes? &nb...

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New week, new virus

SundayMy vacation ended and I returned to work last Wednesday. It was a quiet day. Eve was out recovering from the stomach flu that she came down with on New Year’s Day. A lot of other people were still out, some using vacation and others sick. I stayed close to my office with the headphones on working on the closed captioning for Henry’s videos. Eve was back at work on Thursday, and we had lunch...

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