well. hello.

so, that nasty habit of breathing persists--and a persistent hacking cough, as well. i am well enjoying an established life and routine; of course, this means it's about to be rudely interrupted.

Alex the Scott is no longer here, and that makes us sad. For a few short weeks, he graced our pantry (it makes a nice visitor's quarters, except for the stepping over bodies to get to the morning Cheerios) with good looks, good cheer, good music, and good conversation. it is fitting, i suppose, that on his last night here we were up to two-thirty a.m. tracing the evolution of American society, generation by generation, from the Great Depression to the present. 'twas most excellent.

i like being settled in finally. it gives me time and energy to diversify. and diversification is diversion most excellent! like spending a few hours in the pool with paddlesports last night. it's nice to know that not only do i still have my kayak roll, i somehow developed the ability to handroll my kayak in the several years since my last attempts. Charlie was impressed. my arms were angry. they had to weed-whack for six hours straight and then i told them it was time to shake, paddle and roll. silly arms. maybe i'll teach them what's what and go rock climbing tonight.

oh. and exciting news! i'm going to be an uncle again! hooray! and, my brother and sister-in-law might have the little (guy? girl?) in Tanzania...so I might get to visit Tanzania next summer and see the newest Holcomb!