Here is where you can find a longer obituary for Randy Pausch, from Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburgh where he taught. Not sure if this will be an actual link because I don't know how to do that. Yet. http://www.cmu.edu/news/archive/2008/July/july25_pausch.shtml
Stoopid cat. Here we thought he would be generous on a Sunday, but no. 6:00 AM he is up and meowing in the bedroom. Not wanting him to wake Audrey, I get up and let him outside. It is before the Sunday paper is delivered. New definition of "too early."
There are squirrels chasing across the roof and onto the apricot tree. If Ketzl were inside, he still wouldn't hear them.
Saturday was pretty accomplishful. Breakfast with Jeremy and Daniel, a massive foray to Valley Fair which had a variety of successes, most important of which was the purchase of suitss for J&D for David and Julia's wedding in SEVEN WEEKS. which means we leave in six weeks. !!!!! Shoe shopping (maybe successful), return one jacket to REI, retrieve glasses left at Maxim's. Then on to the major focal point of the day, an open house at Jeff & Razmik's for Jamie McLeod, who is running for re-election to the Santa Clara City Council. She is very capable, intelligent, well-spoken, etc. Turns out that she grew up in Kenya, and her partner Vanessa was born there. Fortunately, Christine (www.yoursafariexpert.com) was there too to discover this wonderful piece of information and get new connections to the Kenyan community in the South Bay. Christine had brought copies of the brochure for her quickie September safari (two weeks) that is coming up soon. We got a recommendation to a Kenyan restaurant, the story of which will wait for another day. Or not.
On returning home, we found that "Under the Tuscan Sun" was on TV! Wonderful movie in our favorite genre: romantic comedy. Aud and I had discussed this earlier in the week (is it only a week?) because of Kate Walsh's small role as Sandra Oh's girlfriend. We did a bit of research at the end of the movie because it turns out the film is a variation on what actually happened to the author, Frances Mayes. Who coincindentally teaches writing at SF State. Check it out on IMDB.
There was a bit of wind here yesterday (what a relief!) and on the ride home we could actually see the eastern foothills without any smoke haze. What a relief. This morning's fog looks like plain fog, instead of enhanced with smoke particulate matter.
Daphne was right: blasting the hibiscus with strong water streams did get rid of most of the aphids. I'll have to try that again today. Ants continue to wander in to the house in various locations but nothing serious in the kitchen, thank goodness.
If we don't decide to go a movie, today will be the first day that Audrey and I spend around the house. (Just heard the newspaper arrive.) It's been a busy week.
We are all prepared (well, mostly) for tonight's outing to the Carrie Fisher show. I have the stickers ready (thanks, Christine) as "badges" with Linda's picture, and the purple PanCAN ribbon pins. I did send a fax (Marcy you are so smart!) to Carrie c/o the SJ Rep so she knows we will be there. I am remembering to bring tissues, not knowing at all how this will feel. Fortunately, I will be in the company of dear friends.
The squirrels are chittering in the tree and on the fence behind me as I sit on the floor of the family room typing. They must miss the pepper tree from out front. I know I do.
And of course, I miss Linda deeply.
