Sunfloweres are such improbable creatures. Most of the time, it seems, their stalks can't support the flower and yet they keep on trying, keep on growing.  We have a crop of sunflowers growing up around one of our bird feeders. They really make the back yard look like summer time.

Yesterday was my most productive day at work so far, completing a couple of small, but tricky tasks. Never underestimate the power of espresso.

Sandra's parents arrived in good order yesterday afternoon and joined us for dinner. They make the 650-mile trip in 12-13 hours. This was either their third or fourth trip this year.

My dog loves oranges. He also loves carrots, bananas, and just about any fruit or vegetable except lettuce or celery. When I was out of work, I'd have an orange as a mid-afternoon snack. Marley would sit at my feet and drool until I tossed a slice to him. I still have the mid-afternoon snack. It's a bit strange to have the orange all to myself.

Ain't it the way? Yesterday Apple announced new versions of the iPod with longer battery life and lower prices. They didn't increase the capacity, though, so I don't feel as bad as I might. I'm still very happy with mine. Yesterday I listened to Garnet Rogers, various pieces by Mozart, and the Paul Butterfield Blue Band.

Most mornings I'm one of the first people in the office. There are a couple of others who arrive early and like to leave the overhead lights off, using just the desk lights. Part of fitting in is not being the one to turn on the overhead lights.

In today's Peanuts comic strip, Snoopy observes that if you think about something at three in the morning and again at noon the next day, you get different answers.

At the start of Week Two, normality is starting to take hold. I've worn my new clothes at least once. It's like the second week of a new school year. I know pretty much what to expect, know where my classes are, and even have a few longer-term assignments. My manager mentioned briefly on Friday that this contract may run through late November. That is a good thing, for the most part, although it does complicate my search for permanent employment. December is a lousy time to be looking for work. I'll talk with my manager today to understand more of what he expects. I will also need some flexibility in my schedule to help my family from time to time.

On Saturday we learned that my father has been suffering with terrible back pain for a few days. The pain came on suddently and has been withering. He is 90 but has been in what his doctor described as vigorous good health. He has been looking forward to sailing again this season. The pain is draining the vitality from his face and body. Stubbornly, he will wait until this morning to call his doctor and will drive himself to his appointments. He is a strong man and it took this much pain for him to look his age.

Yesterday Sandra and I trimmed the hedges at my father's house. Sandra did most of the trimming and I cleaned up. I dumped the clippings into the woods behind the house, woods that I played in as a child. I remember climbing the big pine trees, getting the pine pitch on my hands and clothes. Unlike the house, which seems smaller now, the trees are bigger and taller. I was tempted to climb one, but then thought the better of it.

We were supposed to have company at the camp on Saturday night, but the company canceled. Sandra and I went to our favorite special restaurant and ate too much good food. As the saying goes, we were too stuffed to jump. On Sunday morning we went for a canoe ride around the south end of the quiet lake.

Sandra's parents are driving from Prince Edward Island tomorrow and will arrive at suppertime. Sandra's mother has a doctor's appointment here on Friday. They've talked about going back early next week. We'll see. They, too, are wonderful examples of living interesting and interested lives in their 80s.

By the timestamp on this entry, you can see that I woke early. Marley's had his breakfast and has gone back to sleep. The only sound is the ticking of the clock and his soft snoring.