The sky has darkened. Thunder is crackling. It looks like the heat wave is about to be broken. I probably should log off and pull the plug from the laptop, but I'll wait a few more minutes to see if the lightning is a serious threat.
I went with Plan B today. Returning from my morning walk, knowing the storm was predicted for late afternoon, I moved my car from beneath a tree and to an open spot on the opposite side of the street more than a block away from where I usually park. This meant I wouldn't be able to display as many books as usual at the floating shop. I took about 20 from my apartment, 12 of them in Russian. I left a little earlier than usual, 10:30, hoping to take full advantage of the shade. It paid off, as I sold four books to graduates of the eastern bloc. Several people called me by my first name. I expect they read the article about me in the Bay News. One joker I see every day, who resembles a homeless person, addressed me in Italian. The only disappointment was that Lev, one of my best customers, found nothing to his liking. Just after one PM, the sunlight began to encroach on the space. I packed up, went home and splashed my head and face with cold water, then went to the library, where I spent an hour fighting to concentrate on reading while others engaged in normal conversational tones. Even though the discussion was about old movies, I was pissed. I don't remember people talking so loudly in the library while I was growing up.
My friend's regular doctor was on a sudden vacation yesterday, so she saw the guy's partner. Boy, was she sorry. She recently had swelling in her ankle and foot, as she had several years ago. The doctor said she was retaining water, although she hasn't had any problem peeing. He suggested she get her heart checked out. She scheduled a visit to a specialist for tomorrow morning, so I don't know if I will be able to set up shop. By the time we get home, all the favorable parking spots will likely be taken. I will be paid for my time, so I won't complain. The woman refuses to use a wheelchair, which would be a great help to her. It would make her feel handicapped. She would rather inch around with her walker. She is pushing 70. Things will only get harder from here. She's taken offense to anyone who has mentioned a wheelchair. I dared to do it once, feeling I had to say it. I won't ever say it again.
The rain just started.
Visit Vic’s sites:
Vic’s Third Novel (Print or Kindle): http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic’s Website: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/
Vic’s Short Story Collection (Print or Kindle): http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic’s 2nd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/6b86st6
Vic’s 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/94t5h
Vic’s Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3f
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