6111

More festival adventures today after L's water heater was repaired. Last night, while we were watching this ditzy movie (The Mexican), her hot water heater expired itself. It had made it about 20 years past the warranty date. Fortunately, she was home when it rusted through. She caught most of the water that was released.

But, she had to be ready at 8 a.m. this morning for the repair people to arrive. They have a 24/7 service that will swap out the hardware, replumb any needed connections, safety strap the unit, and set it up for inspection and code adherence, all in one handy-dandy visit. The miracles of home ownership and repairs.

After she cleaned up things, we walked downtown to see the rest of the festival booths, exhibits and musicians. Was a really beautiful day on the weather front. Bright sunshine and just enough breeze to cool things off in the shade. One band did a Zydeco tune and couldn't help but think of the Big Easy sliding underwater tonight. Looks grim there in Louisiana.

Don't remember any dreams from last night. Got home late (after the crazy movie) and fell into a deep sleep. Awoke early to grab some croissants before they were bought up by the festival crowds. All in all, a good day/weekend. Been a little slow today, but otherwise feeling OK.

Volunteered to be available at L's place tomorrow afternoon. Her son has called in the Super Nerds to fix his big screen TV system. It's not working and it's not easy to figure out what's wrong. They'll have their computer diagnostics and will be able to chase down the problems. But they need a warm body there to let them in and sign the work order. I registered a fleeting sensation of panic when I was initially asked if I would help. It was a momentary resurgence of the stress-related reactions I've been experiencing. Surprised me that it came up with such an innocuous request--but there it was. Good that I could recognize how it came up like it did.

Before heading to the festival today, I managed to put in a good Qigong practice. Makes the difference in my overall state of being. I still drifted in and out throughout the day, but I could catch myself when going out and pull myself back in.

Read past the opening interview in the Studs Terkel book, Hope Dies Last. I was not impressed by the opening interview and almost stopped reading the material. But, I pressed on and am completely engaged now. He's interviewing people, older people mostly (so far), and distilling their wisdom. Really powerful. Love the interview where Studs is sitting with an 84 year old man, looking like two old geezers having breakfast. The subject they discussed--the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima by Terkel's companion. Anyway, he's now got my attention.

Just about finished with Heat, the book of stories by Oates. Powerful writing and powerful stories. I'm going to have to try one of her novels--so far I've read mostly her short fiction. Should try a longer work and see how she handles that type of material.

Just got a phone call from RS. He talked with M at the shop, and M said he had seen me recently and wondered if I had been ill. With my weight loss and really thinning hair (loss), I look like death resurrected. It's no wonder that M would have that concern.

RS and B have settled onto an 8-acre ranch in the wine country. That had to be a punishing relocation, but they sound like they've made it. Good to hear his voice--and concern. I think I'm on a track back to health and wholeness. I'm feeling so, not instantaneously, but gradually. I'm on my way.