This morning, as I was finishing up my breakfast, the phone rang. I noted that it was a Butte, Montana phone number. I figured it was a solicitor since I could not imagine anyone from there calling.

I handed the phone to Pete. It rang again. He answered it and handed it to me. I immediately recognized the voice. It belonged to my old friend Kriss Douglas, who still lives in Butte.

We talked a bit, did some ketchup. The other day when I was attending the Palmer Senior Club reading group meeting, Toni Truesdale, who is the reading group leader, said something I will always remember, which was that those who have a positive outlook tend to have a radiant look about them. Upon hearing this I thought, she’s right.

I was reminded of this when I talked to Kriss. She has always been upbeat and always has seen the positive side of everything.

Ryder at Butte Rodeo Grounds

Her husband Rick can be a grumpy guy, but it always rolls right over her. I suspected that it is now much the same, because of a few things she said. I have always hoped that he loves her as much as she loves him.

We had a lot to talk about – we hadn’t spoken in at least ten years. Her son and two grandkids are doing well and will soon visit again.

Kriss asked if I was doing any writing. I was taken aback by her question because no one, not even Pete, ever asks me if I’m writing. I have two books about done that I asked him to proofread and format – he never got to it. One is my book on working at the Alaska State Fair, in the recycling center booth, the other is my version of Raudi’s Story.

So I have ceased to see myself as a writer. I instead spoke at length with Kriss about the book project, circling back to it numerous times in our brief conversation.

Kriss’s kind words, which essentially indicated that I am a good writer, are a motivator. During our conversation and after, I thought, I should get back to work on Shelf Life. Maybe it isn’t as bad as I think.

We also talked about age – no surprise, she’s 78 now, and she says very fit. This I thought, goes along with what Toni was saying. I asked her if she was still doing triathlons and she said no, she was getting tired of coming in last. Rick (her husband) is still bicycling competitively.

I thought I might get to this dispatch this evening, but I worked very late, sorting out the fiction that came in yesterday. This has to be done because we are having an open house on Saturday. Pete and I had arranged it so that he would pick me up after class, which he did. This was at 8:30 p.m.

I am going to keep in touch with Kriss. I am so glad she called.

Next: 340. 12/12/23: Alaskans: One Tough Bunch