Hello!

Today I ran into five different people I know.  One in Target and four in Wegman's, which the best grocery in the world.  G, K, and Mrs. S work with me; C used to be my neighbor, and W is a friend of a close friend.  I actually met K and her sister over at Target, but when I met G in Wegman's, she told me K was also scouting in the bread department.  You think you're dizzy?  Every time I turned a corner, there was a familiar face. So many initials, if I had met a friend with a vowel name I could spell something.  Amy?

So I am good to go.  Ink cartridges and paper plates, Brussels sprouts and eggs.  The snow started just as I left the lot, and became ice pellets closer to home.  After putting things up and settling on the couch to read news, I remembered that library books were due.  I try very much not to borrow books, for they rarely get returned on time and paying fines irks me as a personal failure; there they were, right by the door so's I would think to take them back.  On time.

Well, even with snow coming fiercer, I bundled and went back out.  The juncos were glad to have another handful of thistle seed tossed their way, and it was early enough that I could drive out to a different branch to get an Indian cookbook that they own.  Steering was tricky on the expressway, the sign of the route being closed was still up from a serious early morning accident.  I got on further ahead, and took it slow.

Here is the trouble: being in the library is like visiting Fairyland for me.  So many good ideas,  obscure hobbies, and in-depth information in book form to be handled and perused.  I found the desired book and sat down at a table, mulling if I indeed wanted to be accountable for it's punctual return.  My dears,  I was being such a complainer; for goodness sake if people don't take books out of the library, well there's the end of something good for all of us.  Put your big girl pants on and get over it.  I went back to the stacks and found another cookbook from America's Test Kitchen.  I also signed up for a pin number, so they can be renewed online in case of imminent delay.

The car ride back was worse, for the slush and ice were thickening before the plows could push it away. There were two accidents on the opposite side of the expressway, both seemingly minor with minimal damage, but harrowing especially when you end up facing into traffic and disabled.  Most people were driving with caution, but as ever, the ego-fueled maniacs were barreling about as well, cutting off others with maneuvers and tricks.  In a hurry to get someplace where nobody wants to see them anyways.

Kai is next to me on the couch, we are both full of supper.  Tomorrow is Sunday and I hope to bake a cake.  The past two weeks I have taken one in to work, and it seems to be appreciated; baking is fun and something I haven't paid attention to in years.

Nighttime is now here, traffic is lessening, sky full of snow, birds huddled, crockpots maybe working on tomorrow's feast for during the Super Bowl.  Always good to see friendly faces, that first glance of happy recognition is warming to the bone.  I have seen eyes light up in humans, cats, dogs, and birds.  Harder to tell with fish since they don't have eyelids, but some will come to the top to have their noses rubbed.  When I volunteered at the pet hospital, a particular cat that I would massage would widen his green eyes if he saw me coming.  It was pleasing; he graduated to being well and went home.  Don't think they don't have hearts, the animals.  They are just as glad if not more so to love and be loved.

Ah, time to turn in and outen the lights.  Let that head hit the pillow in this mid-winter night, and let go, let go of time for the next few hours.  Eggs are ready, sugar is waiting, flour shall bind them in tomorrow's cake.  Tonight stirs of other things, of slumber and dreams, of Blynken and Nod; last thoughts before slipping away of loved ones here and there.  Sandman spin your stories, I listen.