I apologize in advance for the lameosity of this post. My energy is still running low, and it’s bill-paying night (I should have mowed the lawn, too, but I opted to leave it hanging over my head until the weekend, because frankly I don’t give a Damocles), and I’ve got a string of e-mails from the publisher to respond to, regarding final details of the book design. Also they sent me the final page proofs for one last close reading, which will give me a hobby for the next few days. And I promised to post something for my Facebook group tonight.

About a minute ago, bright sunshine poured in through my window for about a minute. This was the first sun we’ve seen today. And probably the last.

It was a short summer, but you’ve got to be prepared for such things under a Democratic administration.

The Vice President warns us to avoid crowded places.

Soon Avoidants will be all that remains of humanity, the only survivors.

Unfortunately, we still won’t be able to reproduce.

I’m down tonight, and there’s no really good reason. Perhaps I’m getting the flu. Or maybe it’s the wet, cold weather (which I’d consider wonderfully atmospheric if I were in Bergen or London).

I was delighted and amazed at the number of people who immediately joined my new Facebook group (nearly 30 last time I looked). I honestly expected maybe a dozen, tops. So that felt very good.

It is in my nature, though, to respond to every positive experience in a Newtonian fashion, with an equal and opposite reaction.

I got a look at the map for the new book today, and it’s very handsome indeed. The artist approached the actual locations of places with more of an eye to composition than to strict geographical accuracy, though, and I figured we’d have to fight with him some more. But he seems more amenable to revision in this area, which is a comfort.

Anyway, thanks to all of you who joined the Facebook group, many of whom are readers of this blog. It does mean a lot to me, and I’ll try to make it worth regular visits.

I’ll bet I’m getting the flu. Or maybe Ebola.