Woolf at the Door

July 24
Tuesday

Couldn't sleep last night. To bed at 2AM, back out at three and awake 'til four. Got up at eight to get to store and ready the meal for Dave and Kathy.

While I was working on the meal and Duke was working to sneak pieces of onion/onion skin out of the trash. He loves onion. I let a slice fall to the floor so he could "discover" it.

The meal plan was fish tacos (tilapia) and a skewer of mixed fruit & vegetables with a Kroger lemon roll for desert. The skewer held pineapple, red bell pepper, mushrooms, Roma tomatoes, zucchini, onion and yellow squash, all brushed with olive oil and seasoned with Tajin, a condiment I learned to enjoy on my last trip to Mexico.

I called Dave to remind him that lunch was at noon and then finished Pennant Race. Kerry called--he was in Florida for jury duty--and we talked about my impending move while I waited for Dave and Kathy. It is always good to talk with Kerry. He has been a trusted friend since 1985 and I love him like a brother.

Dave and Kathy were late. They drove by the house twice before they found it. Mystifying since Dave was just here last Tuesday. He wasn't going to tell me but Kathy ratted him out.

They seemed to enjoy the meal. We sat and talked 'til about 2:30. Kathy played tug and fetch with Duke. That made her one of his favorites.

I napped as soon as they left. Afterword Duke and I took a ride; it was too hot to walk. Home, I began reading Virginia Woolf's Mrs Dalloway. I managed about 15 pages before giving up. It may be considered a classic by some but it is a classic waste of time to me. I feel the same way about James Joyce and Thomas Pynchon. If that makes me a cretin, all I can say is, "Ooga booga, ugh, grrrrr."

I read the first of the essays in Wallace Steven's The Necessary Angel. Much more satisfying.

The fellow from work called about Mexico again. I think he wants me to offer to share a house with him. It's not happening. I'll go somewhere else first. I need the time on my own.

I decided to give Woolf another chance--but not Mrs. Dalloway! I began A Room of One's Own and like it much better. I'll finish this one by reading a bit at a time. I don't think I can swallow it in one gulp. No, don't think I could do that. Not at all.

Leaving the city
hustle and bustle behind me--
a flower is company!