A sudden burst of winter
Megan's pot of chili
I am not a happy camper nowthat the temperature is in the low forties. I have been shivering in my bootsall day, despite extra layers of clothing and a fleece jacket I refuse to beparted from. Sophie on the other hand is delighted by the weather and begs—uh,demands!—to go outside every minute.
In the proper spirit ofHalloween and the arrival of cold weather, Christian made a large pot of chilitonight—does indeed warm the bones. My day was also brightened by talking byphone with my two sons and by text with Megan, who was also making a big pot ofchili. In her house, Brandon is the king of chili, but he was out of town, andMegan explained they would need chili tomorrow when the high in Austin is to bein the low forties. Brandon will no doubt have something to say about her usurpinghis role.
Jamie gave me a Facetime tourof his new apartment in Denver—all glass and modern, in downtown Denver withthe South Platte River right outside his window—well, a few stories down. Todayit had the added beauty of brand new snow covering everything. I honestly thinksometimes that kind of cold feels better than what we are having. Jame says heenjoyed running in it yesterday. Today he too cooked for the weather—not chilibut a big pot of soup.
Busy weekend around here.Yesterday Christian went to a watch party for the Baylor game—oops, I haven’teven asked who won. Jordan went to a John Mayer concert in Dallas last night.When I asked Christian this morning if she enjoyed it, he said “Jordan couldlisten to John Mayer burp for two hours and be happy.” I replied she is one ofthousands of women in their forties and fifties. Jordan and Megan have beenknown to go as far as Chicago for one of his concerts—or was that an excuse togo to Chicago?
I first heard of Mayer severalyears ago when I was editing a novel by the late Holly Gilliatt. I think thetitle was ‘Til St. Patrick’s Day, and it was built around a Mayer songby that title. The gist of it was that you don’t want to break up with yoursignificant other in October or November because the holiday season is rightahead and nobody wants to be alone for Thanksgiving or Christmas. And then ofcourse there’s New Year’s Eve, for which it’s essential to have a sweetie, andnobody wants a lonely Valentine’s Day. But St. Patrick’s Day? It’s okay.Nothing special. That’s the time to reassess. Holly tried hard to getpermission to quote the lyrics but learned a stiff lesson in the ways of musiccopyright. I think Mayer agreed but his producers did not. Holly must have beenin the early wave of John Mayer fans. I’ve heard a song or two and he’s okay,nice, soft music, but I wouldn’t go to Dallas on a cold night for one of hisconcerts, let alone Chicago.
Covid has me in its grip still—orthe aftereffects do. I cough and sneeze and blow my nose a lot, and I still don’thave much ambition. I did absolutely nothing worthwhile yesterday but didmanage to go to church virtually and do some editing today. I am hoping to getback to a real schedule and routine tomorrow. The trick, I keep telling myself,is to stop thinking I’m sick. Today I began to wonder if it might not be betterto admit I don’t feel a hundred percent and just take to my bed. But then, ofcourse, I’d be itchy about the things I’m not getting down.
Stay warm and safe everyone. I’mabout to go try to convince Soph it’s time to come in for the evening.
