It has been a little humid and cloudy where I am but not bad at all. There’s even been rain in some places, just not by me. The clouds make for a spectacular sunset though.
How have you been? I opened up my work inbox this week to a “return to work” memo. I was offered hybrid flexibility but it’s the week that I am moving my daughter to Missouri, which I guess they forgot about so I will ponder that scenario and try to figure out a schedule that works best all around. I have so many feelings about it. They announced the other day that the state of California will require state workers to be vaccinated and since I work for a State university that means us. As you know, I got the jab so I am good but I would say about 25% of staff have not. I have no idea about the students. It would be nice to see people but the commute is such a nightmare. Since the shutdown, they put in an Amazon fulfillment center along my route home so there is even more traffic now. I will start queuing up my podcasts in preparation.
Reading has been going really well. Count The Ways, which I will have reviewed by this Friday was just too good. I know I keep talking about it but it was THE book of the summer for me. It’s not even what I would call a summer read. It’s just really good storytelling and I want everyone to read it. I am now reading The Paper Palace which is the current Reese pick. It’s pulling me in but it started off a little on the crude side. Not a big deal but I actually checked my Kindle copy to make sure I was in fact reading the right book.
My son is still living between two locations in Kansas because the house he is supposed to be in, still needs some work but it’s coming along. His apartment is about a 1/4 of a mile away, so not far. He picks up a rental car today. He’s been without a rental because we had to wait for the dealer to officially submit his repair claim and that has finally been done.
Want to see the space he will be transforming into a community arts center? This is in St. John, Kansas. This is their “downtown”.
There will be contractors to manage the actual renovation but he is there to re-imagine how the space will be used and come up with ideas for community gatherings. As you can imagine, he has plenty to do.
You all had such good suggestions for my daughter’s room sorting. She wanted to do it on her own and for the most part, did. She didn’t tackle her closet filled with dolls and tea sets but I suppose I can do that later. I do like a good organization project.
I’ve not been watching anything besides the Olympics here and there. Instead, I hole up on my living room couch, under a blanket with the AC cranked, tucked into whatever book I am reading at the moment. Before the pandemic I never spent any time there but it’s become my little reading nest. The Pup joins me there too.
I hope you are all doing well and reading something great. If so, let me know.
Book Chatter 
That is such a lovely picture. The sky here this week have been hazy and air ever so slightly smoky from the fires out west – hard to believe but true.
I love that you have also enjoyed Count the Ways, my favorite book of 2021 thus far. What a story!
You son will obviously have his work cut out for him and, I didn’t realize he didn’t get his car back yet. Hope that is resolved soon.
Hope you can work out a hybrid work situation that works for all.
Have a good week.
The engine in his car has to be completely replaced. It might be about a month so we will use his rental for my daughter’s move. Thank God it’s covered.
Count The Ways was an amazing book. I need a print copy now.
Love the photos, beautiful sky!
Wow! That building isn’t much to start with but I’m sure your son will do a great job!
I’ve read a few reviews for Count The Ways and passed on it because many thought it was full of too much tragedy. But, after reading your thoughts and Diane’s comment I’m thinking I’ll give it a try.
Oh!! Count The Ways is a very realistic depiction of life. There’s tragedy and heartache but ultimately it is a story about love and family. I found it to be very hopeful. I did not want to turn that last page.
So many possibilities with that space. I can see an outdoor patio as an event space…with poetry readings…ooo.
I am glad that your daughter sorted her stuff and left you only the closet.
Sorry to hear about the return-to-work memo…that’s a bummer…let’s just hope that the current rise in Delta doesn’t interfere with that.
As you can imagine my daughter and I have been watching the Olympics — swimming, diving, some gymnastics.
An outdoor patio and he secured an abandoned vehicle as a mobile art/book mobile. Readings, music, mixers, etc.
Your son’s project looks fun! So much potential
Am looking forward to your review of The Paper Palace. I really enjoyed it . Its a subject just not really written about
The fun of vaccines. Here in Illinois the talk is even if youre vaccinated wear a mask. Yet Lallopalooza is still happening 🙄
I hope to have my review of The Paper Palace written up soon for next week.
Yes, we have been advised to wear masks indoors again. I really never stopped as long as there were people around me but in LA County each day they report 3K+ new cases and that is just LA County which accounts for such a small part of California as a whole.
That’s a great project for your son, very exciting! We did get a little rain on Monday, which is so strange for July. And, only 10% of our staff has refused vaccinations. It will be interesting to see the % of students who are once school begins.
What a neat project for your son! I am reading Machinehood by SB Divya, and it’s enjoyable though it’s not 100% grabbing me (I think it’s my fault, not the book’s — I’m having a very distracted, anxious week).
I hope the anxious/distracted part of your week settles down before the weekend. I can unfortunately relate to that exact feeling these days.
That’s cool to see what will be the Arts center in St. Johns, Kansas. What’s the population there? Isn’t it good that Calif is requiring vaccination to go to work …. I’m glad. People need to get vaccinated. I wish it were a requirement for other things too. Don’t get me started! Have a great week …
The population in St. John, Kansas is 1200.
Yes, vaccination is required for state workers and I got an email about my Hamilton tix in December saying vaccination is required. Some restaurants here require it too. Again, we had more than 3200 positive cases just yesterday in LA County.
I love that building in St. John’s! It looks perfect for a future community arts center.