A couple of days away.

Happy solstice, all!

I'm writing this from lovely Brownville, Nebraska, in the very southeast corner of the state -- I can see the bridge over the Missouri River from where I sit. Just closing up a couple of days helping the Bookstore Maven at her satellite office. I'm not sure I was a very good sales surrogate -- three books in two days (though now that I'm ready to close up and hit the road, the shop is suddenly full for the first time).

But I've had a lovely, relaxing two days. I can see why Miz C loves it here. No cell reception, no errands to run ... nothing to do, really. Which suits me just fine after nearly a week of schlepping boxes one place or another.

After work last evening, I walked the little trail behind Brownville's historic homes. Peaceful.


But now I'm ready for civilization again. Stop in Auburn for a Diet Coke, blast some New Pornographers on the drive home, pick up my sis-in-law and finally go see the "Sex in the City" movie. I've heard it's really, really bad, but I don't care. I'm just in it for the fashion porn.

Does it snow in Africa?

On Kilimanjaro, sure, but I'm betting it doesn't wherever I'm going. Which is good. I've shoveled at least four times in the past two weeks -- and I lazily ignored a couple of other "opportunities." This morning it was a good four inches ... and still coming down steadily.

Finally had a couple of little meltdowns this past week over all the Peace Corps paperwork. It's been such a struggle to collect -- over the past two months I've been to eight clinics, averaging 1.75 visits per clinic, plus countless phone calls, cajoling, mistakes, wine spills, etc. Even I'm tired of hearing myself whine about it.

Last week I got a glimpse of what it's all gonna cost me, too. (Tip: No matter how healthy you are now, never, ever take the high-deductible insurance plan.) And this week, my pap smear did indeed come back with "atypical" cells. Nothing serious, more than likely, but hard not to worry. And all I can do is wait.

It's all brought my emotions pretty close to the surface lately. But there've been ups as well as downs. I discount neither. More of each to come, I'm sure. Hang in there with me.

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Still in a food coma from last night. We celebrated Miz Amy's birthday with sushi at the unfortunately named O'Yummy. It's better than it sounds, though of course you takes yer chances with sushi in landlocked Nebraska.

Sure wish I'd had my camera, not only to capture the glowing birthday girl, but to capture the neon signs out front: "Sushi bar" right next to "Tackle Shop." For real.

Now the Bookstore Maven, Miz Meleeska and I are off to brave the snow and have lunch at Sher-E-Punjab. At this rate, Santa will have to bring me new pants for Christmas!

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Quote of the day:

"Find your place on the planet, dig in, and take responsibility from there."

— Gary Snyder