General ruminations

Well, this morning I’m off to the doctor, where we shall see what we shall see.

I don’t expect to learn much today, but I’ll request that the clinic’s most discerning vampires taste my blood for anomalies. Then we shall see.

The trouble will probably lie somewhere between, “It’s all in your head, dimwit” and worst-case. I’m not worried; just glad to be getting this done at last.

Have I mentioned I hate doctors? (No offense, Dr. Jim. You’re different.)

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After the appointment, The Wandering Monk will wander by to work with me on a materials list for the summer projects. The summer projects are basically one project: Finish the outside of the house.

This means everything from soffits, fascia boards, and gutters to a small deck, smaller porch, and possibly replacing another 12 feet of foundation beam. The latter won’t be anything approaching last year’s house jacking, when we found ourselves with no intact house to jack. But it’s not trivial.

We did luck out on one big thing. Last year we ordered as many pressure-treated/ground-contact 2x8s and 6x6s as we thought we’d need for the foundation work. When our plan had to change, I was left with a heap of pricey lumber — that became more valuable yet by the end of last year (thank you, Trump trade wars) and still moreso this spring. I’m glad I kept it instead of returning it for a credit; it will provide most of what we need for the deck and porch.

Otherwise the job is more labor- than material-intensive, and thank heaven The Monk still works at his unbelievable rates. This will be vastly easier than anything we did last year. But there’s a lot. Skirting and an access door. Earthquake strapping. Breaking up an old concrete walk and leveling ground. A lot o lot o lot.

I’m looking forward to it, and even more to having it done. Thank you for making it possible.

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In the meantime I’ve been making an extra effort to live deliberately (if not quite ala Thoreau). I’ve spent an hour or two a day at the art table, goallessly noodling as my mind explores. I’ve made a rule about eating: no being on the computer, watching DVDs, or even reading books during meals. Just savor the food and Be There.

I’m paying more attention on walks. The world is many shades of green right now. The rhododendrons — almost supernatural in this corner of the world — are only now losing their blooms, after starting slightly earlier than usual in late April. The mudflats reek of shellfish, which isn’t pretty, but high tide brings pleasant salt-tanged and wet grass aromas.

It’s a good life. Important to remember that.

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I also tried to read a book about silence. It was very noisy. Many desperate metaphors flapping around, trying to escape.

I thought instead of this:

A poem should be palpable and mute
As a globed fruit,

Dumb
As old medallions to the thumb,

Silent as the sleeve-worn stone
Of casement ledges where the moss has grown—

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Oh, and to bring us down from such airy places, have an eagle battling a mountain goat:

Unbelievable.

Source (H/T BD)

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Finally, if you want that signed politically incorrect Grandpa tee-shirt, be sure to put your name in the hat by this evening.