Uncooked rice grown outside the U.S. is restricted

“Marianne” survived her island trip with only one wickedly bad storm (65 mph winds) that knocked us around like a bug hanging on for dear life on the wiper. It was like the “Perfect Storm.” Aside from Stinker being scared shitless, the German was pretty calm and put us both at ease.

The only tragedy was our “wo/man over board” drill that we practiced. I played the role of the rescuer, the German was the coach, and the 1972 yellow-piss colored raggedy floatation cushion was the W/MOB. Let’s just say that even in the most perfect weather conditions, anyone that depends on me for rescue has maybe a 10% chance of survival. Add a bit of wind or caps in the water – you’re a gonner. I’ll just to have to break out the scotch.

My reading list was a bit ambitious. I only read the following:

"The Time Traveler's WIfe" by Audrey Niffenegger
"The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" by Mark Haddon
"Travels with Charley" by John Steinbeck
"A Devil's Chaplain" by Richard Dawkins
"Dry" by Augusten Burroughs
“Sellevision” by Augusten Burroughs
"The House of Mirth" by Edith Wharton (only made it to page 67)

Enjoyed all, but I was really disappointed that I could not get into House of Mirth. I tried (really tried), but after pg.67 I just had to give it up. I typically love Wharton’s novels, but this one was just not cutting it for me. Maybe it was my mood or the setting I was in, but I couldn’t take the high society life and Lucy Bart’s quest for whatever she was looking for. Bummer.

Aside from the Gaza Strip, Jennings dying, and the “Era of Diddy,” it doesn’t seem like I missed too much.

My friend A from Chicago got married in a quiet ceremony in Door County. Sounded romantic. He’s a bit worried about how he will manage to live with someone else when he’s had “the best roommate ever imaginable…himself.” Oh brother!

My friend H and her husband just had a little baby “Tortuga” with the wackiest and coolest name I’ve ever heard outside of People Magazine. That’s kid’s going to rock! I wonder if she’ll rebel against them as a teenager and become an accountant in preppy clothing?

Students report to classes soon. Isn’t it time to retire?