Weeknotes: April 15-19, 2024

Not a lot of time for writing this week. I’d intended to hit pause on Weeknotes, but rallied for a quick-take 50-word-limit edition.

Monday, April 15

Easement raking and driveway-side weeding tends to my ambient anxiety. Some days only work brings peace. In the evening I go visit K and we drink negronis on the back patio, listening to Roxy Music. I bring falafels. Islay sits queenly on the grass ruling over her former kingdom.

Tuesday, April 16

I trim back the fence-corner weeds where raspberry bushes grow around the metal cables supporting the overhead power lines. It's a windtrap for neighborhood trash and I make a note to install a lidded bin out back. I don't really care about tending the vegetable garden, but weed it reluctantly. I just want things to look nice out here.

Wednesday, April 17

The two old wood block prints I bought from an antique shop window turn out to be photocopies. I feel foolish for not noticing. My dad helps me trim the matboards from the cheap frames I bought and their edges come out ragged. Dismayed, I give up on the whole operation.

Thursday, April 18

Road trip to Cleveland. Serge wants to see the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, so we climb the great glass pyramid. I say hi to Colin Blunstone's fair isle sweater and Kelley Deal's sewing machine. Later we watch Alvvays kick off their spring tour at the Agora Ballroom. Molly Rankin's voice cuts flute-like through the room, warm and hypnotic.

Friday, April 19

Continental breakfast at the Embassy Suites. I slouch through the buffet in my wrinkled Rough Trade t-shirt. The lobby is abuzz with perky young businesswomen ordering omelets. I can see the conference they're attending on the other side of the atrium. It looks harmless and oddly comforting.