Aamused in Austin, TX

In spite of feeling total crap I got my ass in gear, not long after I posted this morning. When the going gets tough the tough go


SHOPPING!.

Nothing like our first 'heatwave' of summer to remind me that I do not have summer weight pants and only a few summery tops (...that I still fit into, er ack...).

And so I grabbed BART into the city and hit both Ross and Old Navy. I came home with 4 pairs of cropped pants and 4 pairs of summer tops. This will certainly last me this year. It's about time.

En route I rang up Dr Strangelove and said "Hello! I'm calling to seduce you with an offer to buy you brunch tomorrow at the breakfast nook of your choice and then kidnap you and your car to OSH. There's a Japanese Maple there that's calling my name!"

He laughed and agreed--we'd talked about this on Wednesday night so I knew he wasn't surprised. I also offered, given this heat, a shady patio with a huge, icy pitcher of MOJITOS and mexican food noshes for a cool dinner tonight. So I think he'll take me up on that one.

I staggered home with my purchases and opened all the windows and doors. It's not suffocatingly hot but it's certainly the most warm day so far this year. I think it hit 92 yesterday afternoon and its definitely in the high 80s/low 90s here today. I'm sure Livermore and Pleasanton will see 100 degrees today. This is when I sometimes wish I did have A/C. But, truly, tonight will be in the low 60s and that's quite comfortable for sleeping in.

Dottie dog has been quite the princess of the neighborhood today. I walked her about 7am and then went back to bed. I got up again around 11am and once again we went out for a stroll. As we were heading home a man and his son were riding their bikes across the street. I stopped to let them by, but they stopped also. The dad wanted to see Dottie and asked what breed she is. I told him a cocker spaniel and he and his son made a fuss over her--from their bikes. She sat by me being a good girl and eventually they cycled on while we followed slowly behind. Just before the house came a couple with a young girl. They also stopped to see her. She allowed the mom to pet her; actually it was a ruse to see if she could get her nose into the bag the woman was carrying. Turns out her father had a black cocker spaniel. We talked for a few moments and then they continued and we went home so I could water Dot and head out shopping.

School is out, the weather is warm and the neighbors are friendly. It's nice to watch the world come alive around me. This afternoon even, after I got home; out again I go with dork doggie. This time it was the two girls who live next door and the little girl who lives in front of me. They followed us around the corner and we all sat on a grassy slope while the girls pet Dottie and bombarded me with tales and questions. The sisters are six and eight years old. The young girl who lives in front of me is also eight years old. For months I've smiled and said 'Hi!' as I see them on the street and they've stared at me as if I had green hair. Now, suddenly, me and the dog are cool and we spent a half hour with Dottie sneaking kisses from the girls and wiggling in delight under all the attention.

I realize all over again how much I love my new place, my new space, my surroundings. Even with a cold life does not suck.

Now, if you'll excuse me, it's time for some medicinal Mojitos. All that vitamin C (fresh squeezed limes) and rum should cure what ails me tonight! And if not, I'm sure after a glass or two I won't care!!!


Ciao