The heat is on, in more ways than one. John is here, ready to start working on tomorrow’s feast; the furnace was installed this morning sometime, and seems to be fully functional just as we are headed into our first brushes with zero celsius weather out here. the new car went through inspection with flying colors, and I’ve already gotten word that kids are collecting for the purpose of descending upon us. I even got to the store to buy the extra dinner plates I knew I would need.

However, I am already tired, and there are still multiple tasks ahead. I might have gotten an hour of fitful sleep before rousting the youngest for school this morning, and then maybe two more hours before the banging of workmen in the basement (admitted by John, who rarely sleeps and drinks coffee abundantly) moved me to the living room, where I think I slept again for another hour before beginning a very disrupted routine. The boy missed the bus going in and coming back, and I couldn’t find him when I went to get him. The home hostess has planned to make pies when she gets home from work tonight, and needs me to pick up a few things not previously mentioned. My neck is sore and my eyes heavy, but I’ve got work to do if things are going to work tonight.

In the midst of this, I’m still working on the regular work. It’s not really too late, all things considered.

In case I do not get back here tomorrow, and also for all those Americans who do not, Happy Thanksgiving.

–M. J. Young