i am not topless

I just looked at my site and my profile pic looks like I could be sitting there topless looking out at the online world. But I'd like to say that I'm wearing a black tank top, obviously hidden under my hair. I will change that photo when I get my Mac back from the shop, where it is being given a new battery and a fresh, more stain-resistant keyboard cover.

v-formation

I have a lifelong fascination with Canada geese -- not to mention a selfish connection to them as I claim the word "Canada." So when I heard some honking the other day I was so happy to look up and see about 7 geese flying low overhead, in v-formation. It's only October and they've already come to Arizona for the winter. True snowbirds? :-)

(photo credit Rune Werner Molnes)

cremation lottery!

My dad received a letter today with this enticement on the front of the envelope: “Win a pre-paid cremation!” I wonder if there is anywhere else in the world outside of this retirement community of Sun City, Arizona, where the inevitability of death is treated so lightly.



(I should note the disclaimer at the end of the sales letter: "Please accept our apologies if this letter has reached you at a time of seriuos illness or death in your family.")

While I shop and walk and go about business in Sun City, I am continually feeling my age — my young age, that is. A delivery person bringing flowers on the day I turned 36 (thanks Kev!) commented to me: “Aren’t you too young to live here?” Why yes, I am, and while that birthday seemed older than others to me, I was glad to know I am still very young to some people!

the world is my oyster

Why, then the world’s mine oyster,
Which I with sword will open.

— "The Merry Wives of Windsor," William Shakespeare


The last four months have flown. Packed up life in Singapore to move to a temporary home in Arizona; visited relatives in Kentucky; spent a month in Australia, where Kevin and I bought a house; and now I'm back in the Arizona desert to do some writing, do some packing, and make a few bucks before I join Kev in Adelaide.

I've neglected writing, and neglected keeping in touch with friends and family, so I'll try to keep everyone updated with my occasional musings on this site (don't want to pay for the .mac site anymore). Join me here when you have time!