This stuff is gorgeous to the ear, or at least to mine. Some may think it sentimental and they might be right.

My friend Joe Henderson, he of many books said to me when I answered his phone call that I sounded happier than I had in a long while. I said I had just met with Richard. “That explains it” said he. All I could say in response was to smile.

My internet was down. I used the opportunity to restock the bathroom with TP, just in case, and thence to clean the floor. I went to the storage closet to get the TP and two large rolls of paper towels – recycled to be sure.

I had nothin for ya yesterday. Got nothin for ya today. Got no sense that tomorrow will be any better. What can I say, I got them old time empty mailbox blues, Ya mon.

Them guys are fine companions on a grey day when work needs doin’ and the rain and wind is blowin’ in across the Western Ridge.

One time the waitress brought me coffee and a muffin and inquired after my well being. As she walked away, the shadows of her long hair played on the wall behind her and for a moment I felt like I might live forever.

I said goodbye to a friend I had hoped would be in my life for a long time to come. It didn’t work out. I wish for everyone the best of everything goin’ forward in the new year: as I hope that we can do our level best to get out of our own way and find the best of each other in one another.

Broke down a little: “He will not see me standing here to watch the valley filled with snow. I have promises to keep”, said I to no one in particular. With Apologies to Mr. Frost. And Godspeed, Mr. Mandela.