Household chores and keeping an eye on the boys takes up most of my morning. I record some music off vinyl but later discover that the left speaker is not working. It works then the radio is on, but that's all. I check the dart tape, some of which was recorded as recently as a week ago and hear stereo. The last time this happened the full sound came back on its own.
During the afternoon, I take the boys out to run a few errands. Barb's not feeling well, but I wouldn't have invited her along anyway. We stop at Going Places Book and Map Store in Shorewood where I purchase some wall maps. Having promised Andy ice cream, I then drive to West Towne, where parking is at a premium. The food court is mobbed but luckily we find a table right away. Andy wants to visit Seats to romp around on a piece of kid furniture set up there. I pretend to shop. Walking back and forth along the mall promenade, I don't mind the crowd. Dad is proud to be seen with two such handsome boys.
Back home I put Eddie to put and think about raking leaves. I sweep the leaves on the patio into a big pile and then transfer them by the snow-shovelful to the compost pile. Otherwise I don't make much of a dent.
Barb is too sick to eat a meal so I don't worry about a sit-down supper. I fix a meat loaf, putting into the fridge, uncooked, and then I prepare chicken wings, using the Bisquick coating.
By the time Andy and I go to bed, my desk is still a mess. I've had to time to myself today, no time to be studious or contemplative or not plugged into my surroundings.
