An update for all of my friends (truly: friends) on the Magic Café:

I started doing some consulting work for a former coworker: he has started his own investment management firm and I'm helping him by doing some database construction.

My wife and I planned two camping trips to the Eastern Sierra Nevada: late July and early August.

The former was (slightly) scuppered when she ended up in the emergency room the day before our planned departure with a kidney stone. We ended up leaving two days late, but everything after that was OK. (Of course, that presupposes that having 10 times the normal number of mosquitoes is "OK".)

The latter was wonderful. No mosquitoes. (Or, at least, precious few.) Side trips to Convict Lake, and the Law's Railroad Museum.

The revelation that I'm the defendant in a breach-of-contract and fraud lawsuit. (From a "gentleman" who still owes me over USD10.000.)

New work with an old friend on teaching materials for the Level III Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exams. This will be fun!

That's about it.

So far.

This summer has been like the clear blue eyes and the sudden tears of my new granddaughter.

Congratulations, Tommy!

When was she born?

April the 2nd Bill. She is always smiling and laughing but when she cries its like thunder. You would like her mum: she works in banking, has just passed some financial examination has some letters after her name now and she is an animal lover. They live out in the sticks and we love going over there in the summer to get away from the dirty old city.

Bill, you touched on a subject that's close to my....ear.
Mosquitoes(!).
Phfuueeeee.

Traveling, half of the year,
in an old wooden wagon;
the 'air-conditioner' consists of...an open window.
I generally look for as much shade, as I can afford.
(City Parks have, generally, higher parking fees.)

Two years ago, I was tipped: "Basilikum oil keeps mosqitoes away."
Basil, in English.
The next day, I grabbed a Basil plant,
,..still potted,
from a local grocery store.
...the vegetable and herb department.

I sleep with it, right above my pillow.
Wonders of wonders(!).
Yes. It works.

I actually bought TWO, to begin with(!).
One for the bottom of the bed,
..one for my head.
But, one seems to do the job.

In real 'buzzy spots', I sometimes pick a leaf or two;
crush it,
and smear the scent around my neck, ears, and temples.

Making pizzas and spaghetti,
...the fresh basil is also super!

...i'm not sure, if there is a plant,
to help one retrieve money... 😕
Still,
have a good day. 🙂

I forgot to mention that we have lots of tomatoes, chilies, and herbs in our garden this year, including lots of fresh basil.

I agree completely!


I appreciate it.

Thanks!