Thurs., Oct. 14, 2004
10:20 p.m.

You're welcome, dear readers! Yes, I spared you the sight of my puffy eyes and blotchy skin this time, and you appreciated it as I knew you would.

Instead, lucky girls out there, I offer you a glimpse of my sweetheart checking the electric fence on my last night at home. See that soft sunset glow over the field? Is it not lovely? I tell you, it was a treat to be there at harvest time. I wangled out of the Thanksgiving-dinner dishes in order to go along with Scott and drive the truck so that he wouldn't have to re-walk the fenceline after he moved posts, so I felt a little guilty.

I didn't feel that guilty; after all, for dessert we'd brought three pumpkin pies and an apple pie and a gallon of vanilla ice cream, and I'd helped prepare spuds for the pot. It's not like I didn't help with anything. Although I felt like I'd cheated a bit, it was worth it.

I didn't eat the pie or ice cream, either. Heck no. Scott's sister-in-law made her should-be-famous cheesecake. I had two pieces of that instead.

***

Today I worked at my desk, then trotted off to meet the bus, send some faxes from Joan's, and join Karen to work at the arena before going to my singing class. Joan, bless her heart, offered to keep my boys and give them supper, which saved me some panic and rush. The arena gig didn't pan out so Karen and I went for a burger at Dairy Queen instead.

When I got home Scott had left a message to call. His friend Herb died last night; "took a bad turn" and that was it. He'd been in the hospital several months already and this was not unexpected, but still ... we both feel badly that we didn't manage to stop and see him on Saturday before we left town. We were running late to Grandma's for supper and didn't have time, but now it seems even more of a shame. Especially for Scott, as they've been buddies for a long time. Herb was 87 and full of fun and stories.

And now, as my eyes are trying to squeeze shut mid-sentence, I must haul my ass to bed. It seems too early. While I was on the phone with Scott, Karen left a message that she was going back down to the rink to work till midnight if need be and I could join her or not, as I pleased. I should go -- it would be safer for her, as I don't know if she's there alone or if someone else is around -- but I am too tired for some reason. Really, I think it's just my eyes. If it weren't for them I'd probably be full of piss 'n' vinegar, wouldn't I?

And I hate to leave the boys alone at this time of night, too. Not that I couldn't. My neighbours are home upstairs, they would answer an emergency call if need be.

But I can't keep my eyes open.

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