C utterly humiliated himself to get me the Return of the King Extended Edition. About 15 irate customers were standing with their arms crossed in front of an empty bin at Target. C led the charge by going through 2 employees and a manager. He pleaded- he really needed to get the DVD for his "step daughter".



While walking about Oakland with Clay the UI guy, we heard a few squeals coming out of the back of a pickup. 3 piglets oinking away- poor things. Pigs have a remarkably similar end. Clay tried thrice to get a cuter image but was stalled by bad UI on his cellphone.

Start of the Rains



Every week I listen to bbc Radio 4's GTQ- Gardener's Question Time. My favorite part is when the show ends and just before they cut off the webcast, a female british voice quips in with the U.K. weather report. It is seemingly always terrible in Cumbria, foggy, cold and drizzly; it makes me think of teapots full of fragrant tea kept piping hot by a ridulously floral quilted tea cozy.

Winter Draught



All summer I was slugging carrot juice halfed with almond milk. This month, I am all about eggnog lassi, just the store bought egg nog swished with dollops of the fattiest yogurt one can find. Must have it every night while I cozy about the fire. If you think back to all the foods you ate with such enthusiasm in past, perhaps a pork rice with stewed eggs or cinnamon dusted snickerdoodles, you may marvel how one's taste could change.



This morning I felt like a used tea bag, all slumped over. Year end blues, not uncommon. All this cold and shivering. I try to side with Wallace Shawn in my Dinner with Andre. Electric blanket is a marvelous thing to lift one's spirits.