Howdy y'all. I know it's been a long time since I rapped at ya, but I've been busier than a dung beetle in Washington D.C. They say absinthe makes the heart grow fonder, but I can't afford the expensive stuff these days; as far as I'm concerned it's better just to take the money and rum.

Last week was High Strangeness on the Ark-La-Tex border. It snowed eighteen inches and they shut the whole city down, which felt wrong to me because I'm originally from New England and I've seen it snow in July for goodness sakes. But on the Texas border that constitutes an end of the world scenario... I can only imagine how many babies will be born around November 15. Oh well, it's supposed to be 70* tomorrow and today it's 65 and all the birds are back on their perches— and I was finally able to buy some food at the grocery store, so now I have a legitimate reason to chime in on this excellent thread.



I would like to take a moment and thank a few people for their kindness to me over the past few weeks: Louis, for his dogged determination in pursuit of Justice and also for going above and beyond the bounds of common decency — which is meant as a compliment, by the way; to rewind for taking the time to correspond with me and share some of the secret wisdom of the ages; and to drinking buddy, for db's support and enthusiasm as I grasp for the brass ring during my Year O' Writing.

Oh yes! Thanks also to Lance for his superlative and inspiring thread about chess. One of the few indulgences I have been allowing myself recently — besides NCAA women's basketball — has been playing chess online. It is nice to have another outlet besides GLP to remind me that I have no idea what I'm talking about and to call me an r-tard when I deserve it. Love is a many splendored thing...



Anyway, today I biked to the Walmart and bought 5 lbs of chicken drumsticks and sour cream and mushrooms — and orange sauce — and I'm baking all those 'sticks in the oven at 325*. This gives me time to decide between an Asian-style rice dish later or some of my patent-pending chicken Stroganoff. Not much else to report except that I'm working on a sci-fi novella at the moment and it occurs to me, once again, that I have no business being behind the keyboard.

On the plus side I restocked the fridge with beer and still have rent money for next month. Life isn't so bad, all things considered.

Thanks again to paranoiaaaaaaa for this fine thread, and blessings to all who post within these hallowed grounds. Coffee joke pending...

Peace and Love to all
~Wharf