I wonder what it says about me that driving through an automated car wash was the most exciting thing that’s happened to me in a while.

Afterwards, we got gas. Picked up a bunch of scripts for my brother. Bought a jar of replacement peanut butter and a couple of magazines. Who knew a run of the mill magazine cost $12.99 now?

Here are two ways you know you’re in Southern California:

1) You see two VW Beetles (in good shape!), one with a “USC Dad” sticker;

2) The cashier complains that it’s overcast, even though the sun has come out every day for the last two weeks (and it’s out again now).

We saw the boys again. Whow-zer is traffic a thing around here. I know you know, but whew!

It was a low key visit, which was nice because it felt ordinary. We played a fun board game then drove D to the airport. We don’t know when we’ll see them again, but this time that’s actually “normal.”

It’s our last full day here. These two weeks have been daunting and at times sad, full of a strange mix of defeat and determination. Much too much to write about here.

I hope to return before the next lockdown which I’m predicting will occur this fall. What’s your sense?

I changed the rosemary bouquet of last week to bougainvillea. Today was the day I discovered that the riotous, generous, gorgeous shrub has thorns, vicious thorns!

The manuscript has mostly languished during my stay here. “No none standard” work habit. It’s hard to focus when you’ve become porous to another’s discomfort.

This is the “revealed” garden. K managed to move the giant potted jade and I cut back the rosemary and succulents that were hiding the cacti and rock. I hope when Billy’s feeling better, he’ll enjoy the view from his bathroom.