This and that

[vaneramos]

I worked three days this week, organ work, which combined with some help from Dad will pay the bills for another few weeks. We did service calls in Bolton, Toronto, Dundas and Burlington.

My grandfather was Silvanus "Van" Bolton Waffle. His mother, who died probably of cancer in about 1914, came from the town. It is nearby, but I had never had cause to visit it until this week. She wouldn't have recognized it. Les said the last time he worked on this organ about 15 years ago the place was drying to dust and blowing away. Now it is a neat little bedroom community to Toronto.

Between October 27 and November 6 we will renovate the pipe organ at St. Paul's Basilica in Toronto. It is a venerable old instrument, sensitive and demanding of attention. Next year it will be used for the Royal Canadian College of Organists national convention, so it's good that we get to give it some TLC. St. Paul's is an awesome pace, with elaborate paintings across the ceiling. On fall and winter afternoons, soft golden lights bathes the floor and great columns.

So I can look forward to a few days of work at the end of the month. That should cover the November rent. Until then I have three weeks of nothing for sure. Danny left this morning for two weeks of vacation, and I miss him already.

But Dad has invited me to travel with him to Florida in November. He is going to visit friends who retired down there some years ago. Their daughter Sue was a childhood friend of mine; I would probably get to see her, too. I'd provide company for Dad and the trip wouldn't cost me anything. I can hardly refuse. It is a crucial time of year for me, and a few days in a sunny, warm place would be beneficial. I never get to do that.

Autumn has set in here. Unlike last year the weather has been frequently gloomy and my mind has begun to crinkle around the edges. Yesterday was the first time since April I didn't want to go for a walk. This had nothing to do with weather; it was a change in mood and energy. I went anyway, of course.

In helping Danny pack last night I stepped on a scale and was startled, pleasantly, to discover my weight was 195 pounds. Since starting on a wheat-free diet in March I have lost 15 pounds without trying—at least I was trying to accomplish something else. It's the first time in four years I've weighed less than 200.

I don't know whether wheat-free is necessary, but low-carb has definitely been beneficial. On Monday I meet my new doctor, finally! Then, perhaps, we can begin to get to the bottom of this question.

Comments

[missprune.livejournal.com]

Fabulous photo! I hope the financial stress eases up soon.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Thanks E. I hope so, too. There are several organ-building opportunities in the works. It's just hard not having any control, not knowing when they might start. It is a relief, though, getting my bills covered for several more weeks.