I spent a lot of time outdoors, so my moods (probably like those of many people) are weather dependent. The sky is now blue gray, a solid blanket. This, at 9:30 p.m.

It was a good day, even with it being overcast. I met up with Bill at Family Treasurers Thrift Store. He showed me his community garden plot. There were several there, the plots are small. I thought, I could get a little garden going there – I think that the problem with me and gardening is that I get overwhelmed by what we have here.

It was interesting – the climate is different in Palmer than it is here. The vegetable plants were quite large, and one person’s plot already has large heads of broccoli. I suspect that if I involve myself more in the planning here, I might stay involved. We don’t have any cabbage here this year. What gives?

Pete and Shadow and Tyra

Bill and I went inside the thrift store, and we sorted and categorized two full rooms of books. Someone had left a number of bags of VHS tapes. I thought these bags were full of books. I was wrong. Bill worked in the back room, and I worked in the front room. I put VHS tapes in place of children’s books and took the latter back to the hotel. There were more than enough children’s books left for the customers.

I enjoy working with Bill – he’s very calm and quiet. Working with him reminded me of the days when we dealt with the books at VCRS. And we did a great job, always leaving the place neater than when we found it. A loss, for us both. It’s too bad that our endeavor could not have continued – the problem was at their end. We did not, at the time know that there were other sources of books, but we know this now.

On to the hotel – a really good afternoon. I worked alongside a woman named Susan who has made it her job to label the boxes of books. We had a good time – now the children’s nonfiction section is looking really good.

We do not want to rent space forever. But we are doing well, being situated in the former banquet room of the historic Eagle Hotel.

I spent the remaining portion of my afternoon boxing up books that are going to villages. I have a system down and so the process is going to go fast. I was working in the main room, it didn’t go as well there. I will train volunteers to do what I am now doing.

I got home and took Shadow for a walk, first on Siggi’s Trail then on the loop. My lower back felt twingy. At dinner, it went out. Coincidently, Pete and I were talking about whether or not I should do the upcoming Competitive Trail Ride. The answer now is no. I will assist Pete in getting Tyra ready. Of course, I feel bad about this. There is no more to say.

Next: 201. 7/23/24: Pete’s Ride