Tolkien:
[Frodo] found himself wondering at times, especially in the autumn, about the wild lands, and strange visions of mountains that he had never seen came into his dreams.
Especially in the autumn. What is it about autumn that stirs up that wanderlust? I also feel it every year.
We’re in the dog days of summer around here. Hot and humid. But also, the corn is tall and the melons are ripening and the cicadas are sawing. There’s a certain late-imperial decadence in the air. Last year I quoted the Old Farmer’s Almanac definition of “dog days of summer”. I thought about that definition again yesterday because I think they’re wrong about the dates, i.e., July 3 through August 11.
“Join Ice” by Jesse Welles 🎵
New job starts tomorrow. Feels like the night before the first day of school, right down to getting my backpack ready.
Lots of feelings today. Like everyone, I had plenty of half-assed and “good enough” days. And (as a co-worker would say) it’s accounting work; we’re not saving lives here. But, on the whole, I’m glad I can say I did the work with integrity.
Today is my last day after 24 years. I said some goodbyes yesterday and there will be a few more today. Still having a hard time believing it. And, dangit, there’s a $3,500 variance between the balance sheet and income statement that has me stumped and I may have to leave with it unresolved!
Good episode of The Emerald podcast: “Reimagining our Ancestors.
Adam Kotsko on how the post-literate AI world will kill God
Reminder to myself in the low light of winter: strong sun on a patch of brown eyed Susans. Also: remember that it’s been hot as hell for weeks now and maybe winter would be a welcome break.
We’ll see how committed to the truth the Democrats are when Bill Clinton gets implicated in the Epstein affair.