Every so often I have bits of thoughts that need to come out, but I can’t flesh them out into a full posting.  You might say it was a late summer cleaning.

I have to give props to native Mainer Ray Lamontagne.  This past week, I visited the library downtown (not the one I usually haunt), where they have an awesome music collection.  I had heard Ray’s music on radio and liked what I heard.  Not having bought any CDs in awhile, I took a chance and borrowed his first album, Til The Sun Turns Black.   I am so glad that I did.  His voice has a rough and smokey quality, full of pain and lament.  The music could be described as a fusion of  acoustic blues and R&B,  but don’t be quick to label it.  Lamontgne has two other albums and is getting radio play in the UK.

I had a chat with The Ex- yesterday.  It’s the first talk we’ve had in a couple months.  There were issues that needed clarifying and resolution.  You may have read my rant on how she drives me nuts sometimes.  I explained to her that, in my mind, this was water under the bridge and I didn’t hold a grudge.  We haven’t had many opportunities to talk and confrontation is not her strong suit.  I told her that she should ask for what she needs.  It would make our lives so much easier.  The issue was I was low on cash and needed to do some laundry.  I asked her if I could use her machine, and the response was delayed in coming.  Did I strike a chord?  She agreed, but later I discovered that she would’ve preferred if I had waited until Sunday.  I understood, but I made a gentle suggestion that she could’ve said, “yes, but could you wait until Sunday.  I need some space.”  I would’ve honored that request.  I grateful she allows me to use the washer at all.  Long story short, we both need to improve our communication skills with each other.  But the end result was very positive and that’s encouraging.

I have come to the conclusion that, although I am trying not to be a slob, my apartment continues to be a mess.  In  other words, my Hole In The Ground looks like a hole in the ground.  It is a challenge for me to get up the energy to clean.  It’s easy to be complacent because I am the only one who lives there and I don’t expect company in the near future.  My biggest challenge is the dishes.  I dislike washing dishes.  Alot.

My car is finally paid off!!  I had been adding extra money in with the payment every two weeks.  The last time I checked with the credit union, I was told that the final payment was due in February 2010.  But when I made the electronic transfer, I got a prompt that informed me I needed to pay less than what I intended to pay.  After I closed the transaction, I called the credit union, and the teller confirmed that I had a zero balance.   YEAH!!

I had a nice visit with my daughter yesterday.  When I came over to do laundry, she offered to buy me a sandwich and drink.  I walked with her to the sandwich shop.  Along the way we had a nice chat, laughed and enjoyed each other’s company.  It’s how I want my relationship with my daughter to be.

I have 7 new movies for my collection.  A co-worker had offered to record some full length classics for me.  All I needed to do was provide the blanks.  Yesterday, I got a phone call, and was told I could pick up the movies that night.  Yeah!  I have waiting for me:  Orson Welles’ “Citizen Kane” & “The Magnificent Ambersons”, “Gilda” with Glenn Ford and Rita Heyworth, “The Guns of Navarone” with Anthony Quinn and Gregory Peck;  James Stewart in “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington”,  another HItchcock classic “Notorious” with Ingrid Bergman, and …ooops, I forgot the last movie.  Forgive me.

To My Love:  How are you?  Have you been able to find the balance that’s been difficult to find?  Please be gentle with yourself.  I hope that you have been out and about, enjoying the summer and all there is to do.  I think of you often.  I still love you truly, madly, deeply.