What I most like about flying is being above the clouds. When the flight is smooth, and the skies are clear, the clouds, in varying shapes and configurations, inspire a sense of awe in me. A few hundred years ago, there were few planes, so no one saw the topmost cloud layer. To see it now, a hundred years later, is in and of itself an impressive sight.

No wonder some think that this cloud bank is where heaven resides.

Someone once told me that a cloud is an event. It is a weather-related phenomena, one that dissipates and reforms, dissipates and reforms. I am told that clouds are made up of moisture and are not at all as they appear to be – solid, soft masses. This may be so. I have climbed mountains and been surrounded by mist. But it may be different at 30,000 feet. It’s a whole different world up there.

This is why I go for the window seat. If it gets bumpy, and I’m looking out the window, at the horizon, I am less afraid.

Now (and I have written about this before) the world is flat. We all know this. If it was round, we’d see a curved surface.

This is, thus far, a rather inane dispatch. I am practicing writing subject related avoidance. This is because I fear that I might leave out the salient details related to this day. This is because, as usual, my head is in the clouds.

It was a very, very good day. The Butte Elementary preschool event went as planned. I had not fully prepared for this – thank dog volunteers appeared at the near last minute and gave me a hand setting up. The teacher, the parents, and the children were all appreciative of our efforts. It seemed a bit different than our other field trip – yes, the level of appreciation was as high.

After, volunteers came and went – there were seven total. It was a full house.

Then, as planned, at 2:30, the Channel 2 news reporter showed up. Justin, who recently moved here from Twin Falls, Idaho, pulled forth his video equipment from the Channel 2 car, brought it inside the former banquet room of the historic Eagle Hotel, then set it up in front of the Alaska map. He was right – we need to mark the places that books have gone, with pins.

Justin first interviewed Pete, then interviewed Elana in front of our banner, then interviewed me in front of our quilt. Justin asked what our plans were now, since King Trump had rescinded cuts to federal expenditures. Pete and I said that we’d keep working on and sending out books. I said that we are like a freight train, we just keep going. Elena spoke highly of the project.

I’d say it was a fun day, with everyone getting along and working hard. It was also another one of those days in which I repeatedly pinched myself, because once again, I could not believe this project has become what it is – a cause célèbre.

Next: 32. 2/1/25: Be careful what you ask for