The kid came back for the accordion - just like he said. His face was gleaming when he walked out. Sure glad that tonight I'm not living in the apartment next door to him.

Having perfect pitch isn't always a blessing. Perhaps I should be glad that it comes and goes. I had it today for quite a few hours. My piano is off. Way off. Don't even need an electronic tuner to collaborate. Oh joy. I hate tuning pianos. But rest assured that it will only happen on a perfect pitch day. And I'll have to buy the wrench. I've gotten along with a crescent wrench and pliers in worse times than this - but I think I can spring for a piano wrench this time. It's only like a buck...

So I'll buy a dozen of them. Probably sell one a year. And for every one I sell I'll size up the guy/gal on the other end. So you're gonna' tune a piano. You're either really good or you're totally crazy. Or both. I gotta' know...

It's about a month away. Bella's ballet recital. I must attend. No, you don't understand. I've gotta' be there. I will be there. This is where the rubber meets the road. Am I really my own boss? Can I really just close the store because there is something personally important happening? You're damn right. That's what I intend to do.

I find myself thankful that even in this age of politicalcorrectness and all that - snailicide is still legal. Found what was eating up my lawn... And yes I know all about the urban legend that beer will attract and kill them. I refuse to waste a good beer on any number of shelled creatures. Or even a bad beer. If worst comes to worst I'll concede the lawn in a fair fight - but I ain't givin' up my beer to the infernal things.

Rudi's off in Jerusalem for a special the last few weeks. On the one hand it will make her a better journalist, eventually perhaps of legendary status. On the other - it is the sparkly eyes that define her. The sparkle will dim. Watch the next time she does headline news. The sparkle will be gone. Reality sets in.