Like it has been January 4 for a few days now. Maybe because nothing of worth has happened and the cold weather has settled in. It got to me, finally. I just went out once, not so early this morning and took care of the animals. The horses were very lively, the goats and chickens less so. Dang, I just want it to be warm enough for some lengthy rides. And I’d like to be doing agility again.

Pete remarked that he needs to get in shape now or in ten years it will be too late. I’m in agreement with him and think that I should also resume exercising. Now if it snows 12 inches, the skiing will be pretty good. The horseback riding, well, not so good. So tomorrow, I will at the very least get a walk in.

I took care of administrative BLBP stuff today. And I cleaned the upstairs bedroom. Sometimes I look up at the ceiling and remember when it was a loft. I liked the openness, but we did need the room, and I needed the workspace. Yes, Pete’s constructed a second floor from the loft – I think he actually raised the roof, was a huge undertaking.

I worked on Shelf Life today. I worked on the chapter in which I realize that I’ve been taking Pete for granted. There was a major change in what has turned out to be a completely new chapter. I wrote about a board meeting in which I get pummeled, then with his help, rebounded. Turning the corner, going from Daliah to Alaskana Street – this is where and when I realize that Pete is no ordinary partner. This chapter has three settings, which gave me reason to pause but I think that it will fly, Orville. I’ll know tomorrow morning when I look at it anew.

It looks like my biographer, Christopher, and I will be commenting on drafts of one another’s memoirs. Now if someone had told me that we’d be doing this 51 years after our first meeting, I would not have believed them, but I would have been relieved because I’d have known that I’d still be writing. I could not then imagine that Christopher would be writing.

The administrative stuff – I wrote up my BLBP executive director’s report and added to the upcoming agenda. I also worked some with Pete on looking at grant sources for the Summer in the Park(s) program. So (did you just hear me sigh?), I do not like writing grants. But it’s either this or make sponsor calls for the upcoming fundraiser.

Today’s revelation was that it’s near impossible to stay organized when things are flying at you. We both have too much BLBP stuff to do. The answer is – staffing, staffing, staffing. Two more people in addition to Lawrence will be ideal.

The BLBP is a feel good project. We get donations in dribs and drabs – a huge chunk, enough to purchase the hotel, this would now be most welcome.

Next: 5. 1/5/26: Snow