January 31, 2005
Got up at 5:45 and ran Kathy down to Bell Road for another medical exam. While she went into twilight, I went over to Rolberto's for breakfast burrito takeout ($10 cash, includes tip). While I was waiting I read quite a bit of Seneca's philosophy, one of the other books on Dauten's list of must reads. Seneca is quite profound to me (especially since he was writing in about 49 A.D.). Many of his concepts ring true today. For example he hates this blog. Thinks it's dumb; dangerous to do; predicts sorrow and tragedy if I continue. The bad news is, he predicts the same thing, if I continue the blog. And then he beats me (and you) up for even worrying about the impending sorrow and tragedy, which he predicts with some certainty. In spite of this, he seems like an upbeat guy, even though he had to commit suicide. The emperor Nero (who Seneca tutored to be a ruler!) sent him a letter: "Hey, don’t like what you’re saying, Man. I need you to commit suicide." And, being the citizen Seneca was, he complied! Before he voluntarily checked out he wrote down most of the things he had learned. He's quite against trying to impress “the mob,” and especially the incessant “hankering for more.”

I plead guilty, you honor. In the first degree.

Got Kathy home at about nine, took the dogs for a bike ride. Beautiful out. High clouds, nice and cool, not cold. Birds singing like crazy (surely a sign of impending sorrow).

We've got a new poll up and I really want to know the answer to this one: Are your children or grandchildren interested in the Old West? Vote here.

Got into the office at around 9:30, took shots of artwork up to Foothills Photo at ten, got the one hour turnaround ($11.38 biz account).

Went home for lunch and had the burritos with Kathy. My neighbor JD showed up around one with his John Deere front-end loader and proceeded to grade down the remaining dirt for the Spanish driveway project. He did a great job and I tried to pay him ("JD take some money for gas.") but he got mad—literally. "I don’t do that. I just do this for my neighbors," he said, waving me off. I persisted: "I’ve got to get you something, J.D. What do you like?" He looked at me sternly, "I don't like anything in this world."

Okay.

Perhaps he was concerned he came on too strong, because as he left he told me he really appreciates the True West subscription Kathy gave him last Christmas. I don't know if it's because I'm reading Seneca or drawing Jesus, but as he drove away, bouncing along on his mini-John Deere, I suddenly felt quite blessed to have a neighbor like him.

And speaking of Jesus Out West, I'll post a drawing or two tomorrow.

"If you ever find happiness by hunting for it, you will find it, as the old woman did her lost spectacles, safe on her nose all the time."
—Josh Billings