Everybody's Gone for the Weekend

... and maybe longer. The depletion of humans has been going on for days now. I first noticed it two days ago when I quickly found a spot in the sun at Ellwood Thompsons to have my lunch. Now Richmond is practically a ghost town! This is great! The weather is lovely and I get all the hot spots to myself. No worry about dog crowding down at the river. Lots of space to roam in the parks. I can eat al fresco anywhere in all the best spots of any location. Few cars on the street (although the percentage of idiots seems to have mysteriously risen – guys on cell phones, old people asleep at the wheel, those who apparently live in their cars and don't feel the need to actually drive when on a road, etc.) Aside from that one little glitch it's great. I'm going to thoroughly enjoy my time alone in peace and quiet. No need to go anywhere. I have this lovely resort town all to myself in the fabulous Memorial Day Weekend weather. woo hoo! (Did I mention I'm happy to be alone here for a few days?)
Current Fads slacking
Listening. recently purchased tunes (unpublished); hedge trimmer and dogs barking (the hired help are doing a big number next door and she's not even there!)
Watching. Shrek (2001)
Activity. reading
Gadget. cell phone
News Source. Google News
Reading. The Haunted Abbot - Peter Tremayne; Real Energy - Phaedra and Isaac Bonewits; A Free Course in Making Your Own Talisman - Karl Hans Welz
Writing. not writing (except journaling and well, here)
Actually, it would be totally perfect if you were here, too.

Star Trek Free Episodes - The City on the Edge of Forever

I had one of those cassette tape players that Spock wears when I was in the 11th grade (about the time this episode was broadcast).

after a long absence she returns

sadder but wiser
back to the shadow

what was that about forgiveness?
could it be?

unless, of course, you're just a jerk who needs constant adoration

Those of you who follow my Twitter posts may wonder if I was just being dramatic or if I really was in a hostage situation Saturday night. I was not being dramatic.

I went to church with Mom that night. We were mystified by the huge crowd at church on a Saturday night and had to park the car on the lawn outside the school building. As we crossed Government Ave. a volunteer quickly met us and advised us to get out of the street as soon as possible. The nearby intersection with Granby St. was blocked with police cars. A young man had taken over a convenience store and was holding a hostage.

The high attendance mystery was solved easily by noting the number of children dressed up for First Communion. The church was packed. After the service we were told to exit only through the side doors. No one was allowed to cross Government Ave. to get their cars from the parking lot. The situation with the hostage had heated up and police were concern that the bad guy might shoot along Government Ave. One couple snuck across the street and drove off anyway.

Mom asked for the office building to be opened and we went inside and sat down. Lucky for everyone else that it was a pleasant night and not raining. A single phone call brought friends to meet us down the block (in the opposite direction from the hostage situation) and take us to dinner. By the time dinner was over, so was the situation. We were driven back to the church where we got into Mom's car and drove home.

Later it was discovered that there was no gun and no hostage and the desperate man was 17 years old. He just wanted to get some gifts at the neighboring jewelry store. Read the news story.
Current Fads
Listening. Rock Music in my iTunes library; ringing in ears
Watching. Dersu Uzala (1975)
Activity. not finishing the screenplay
Gadget. iPod Shuffle 2nd Gen
News Source. Google News
Reading. Smoke in the Wind - Peter Tremayne; A Wish Can Save Your Life - Gahl Sasson and Steve Weinstein; Romantic Religion - R. J. Reilly
Writing. morning pages