General Wesley Clark. Domestic animals in an outrage (not because of the New Patriotism). Sore fingers from a pool cover. And the cost of a whole city block in Bessemer, Michigan.

Can patriotism be new? It might have to be to become appealing within the democratic circles surrounding the campaign. The very idea of being patriotic has been hijacked by wigged-out Bushies to mean unflagging support for Don Rumsfeld's war games. Does Don have blood on his hands. I look closely when he speaks--watching his hands when he gestures--but all I can catch a glimpse of is fishbelly fingertips and a hair tonic sheen. Maybe the shine is from the gasoline he has to use to scrub the blood off. What a way to greet each morning, with news reports from NPR telling us of the latest bombing that killed/injured a soldier/civilian. Like being pushed out of bed by ghostly hands reaching from Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos right into my bedroom.

The cat is bi-polar. I may be witnessing the possession of an animal or at the very least the first stages of a neurotic collapse. Indoors equals food. Food is good. Outdoors equals cold +/- freedom -food. This a.m. it is like 30 degrees. Maybe colder. The cat begins the yowl at 4:00 a.m. With each breath the same antagonistic pitch is reached from this small animal no bigger than two loaves of bread. I wonder how I would manage this situation if I were alone. Probably not have a cat in the first place. For the last week the cat has been misery. Like auditory water torture. Soon enough, I keep thinking, it will not be able to go out because it will be too cold. I do not know if this will actually be true or if it just a comforting rationale. Needless to say, the problem ceases with my move. If a tree falls. . .

Managed to winterize the pool in a fairly reasonable amount of time last eve. Rushing against the clock and the impending sunset. Figured I would freeze my hands, soak my clothes, and curse everything in sight. Success. Just froze my hands. Even my good wife was spared from my typically impatient outbursts of anger/hatred/instability emanating from the most mundane things. Why must everything go quickly? Achieved new meditative patience in threading the cable, stretching the cover, and staying dry. So, slow down. Fingertips are aching from stretching the cable over the edge. Next year I will not have this joy. Put the date on your calendar--I will substitute for the process by just smashing my finger with a hammer--and you are invited to take part!

If Bessemer, Michigan were not Bessemer, Michigan I might consider this a boon. A city block--with several aged buildings that are in apparently habitable condition--for sale for $40,000. Brady bought a building for $20,000 (and two adjacent lots). Walk-in cooler, store front, two kitchens, redwood paneling. . .Madness. More places for kids, beer bottles, and potatoes. He looks healthy for the first time in years. Must be the left-over vitamins. See him again in a few years.

Saturday is moving day.