"In the land of the skunks he who has half a nose is king." - Chris Farley

For PNW readers, this is on Vashon Island.

"Learn something every day."
Today I learned that if you slice your thumb with a utility knife you should not then immerse that thumb in lacquer thinner.
OUCH!

Question for the day: What have you learned in the last year? I'm not talking about things like open wounds and lacquer thinner, or the number of left-handed people in Greasy, OK (pop. 372), but something that came from a combination of personal experience and thoughtful reflection. What have you learned about yourself or life that represents an advancement (vs. confirmation) on prior understanding.

I'm really, really close to having body work done on the truck. I quit at 8:30 this morning as temps were already nearing 90, but I think a final sanding on a few spots on the back of the cab will be the end of body filler/sanding. I've got some straightening to do on the passenger side step but that shouldn't take more than 15-30 minutes. Unless I find an area I've missed, or did inadequately, I should be prepping for spraying tomorrow morning. That will take a couple of my early morning sessions but we're on target to be spraying Saturday.

Pam had an interview this afternoon with the hospital's outpatient PT center. I won't know how it went until she gets home later tonight (she's working a 12-hour so it will be about 8:00), but from what she knew about the position this morning this one is at or near the top of the list of possibilities she'd like to turn into a job. That may change as she learns more about it at the interview.

Phil Mickelson has finished second in the U.S. Open six different times and it's the only major he's never won. I really hope he wins it this year.

Because this morning Pam was offered and accepted that 12-hour shift on a different floor (5C was again under census for a HUC) I was on my own for dinner. I went up the hill to Barrow's Pizza where they have a 12" gluten free version that's pretty good. It's just like any thin crust, near as my mouth can tell.
I read a book on my Kindle while I ate and that chapter made me think again how much I miss gardening. The growing season in MI is short, but with very little effort my raised beds produced broccoli, beets, squash, peppers, beans, and tomatoes. I gave up on corn; why use valuable growing space feeding the squirrels when fresh corn is so cheap in the store? And I wasn't as diligent about feeding and weeding as I should have been. Other chores and motorcycle rides too often nudged out gardening. But besides the superior taste and freshness there's something righteous about growing your own food. It's good for body and soul.

I wonder if we'll ever live in another place where a vegetable garden is a possibility. And if we do, will I be too old to dig in the dirt?