Meghan and the bambina are taking a camper van down to visit friends in Portland for the weekend.

Surprise dinner and beer and bookstore with William, in town for a few days.

Amy and Dave came over for a lovely dinner last night.

Had dinner with Susannah and her daughter last week while they were in town; great to see her.

Played Magic with Greg and his son last night; good time. Almost missed the last bus back.

This whole Biden thing since the first debate has been fractally infuriating: from the alt history fanfic disguised as journalism, to the opinions we’re expected to take seriously from Aaron Sorkin and Joe Manchin for God’s sake, to the constant news cycles funded by Taboola, to everybody ignoring the raving maniac who wants to take America back to the ’50s but as an autocracy.

I hope somebody has a fucking plan.

Went to Billie’s yesterday for lunch and new TV setup. Enjoyed the usual summer ferry chaos.

Finished reading On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder. Quick and bracing; nothing I didn’t already know, but a good refresher.

Met Mom for dinner in U Village.

Another thing that strikes me about Moonbound is its fundamental kindness and generosity.

Finished reading Moonbound by Robin Sloan. The book started with a banger of a prologue, eased off a fair bit, and brought it back up for the finale. Even though I didn’t quite fall in love with the book, I enjoyed it thoroughly, perhaps because it consistently surprised me.

Walking to the grocery store this morning, I took a bad step, and instead of twisting my ankle I banged my knees something fierce — good road rash, and I presume serious bruises coming. (I can still walk fine though, so it can’t be too bad.)

Tonight’s kitchen victory: salade Niçoise, always a delight, and always guaranteed to trash the kitchen.

Worked with Meghan in the front yard, neatening and trimming.

After Meghan pointed out the mille-feuille of rust in the old grill, along with other structural degradation, we went out to get a replacement that was less likely to catch fire and/or melt. Then we grilled sausages.