Q: Have you ever heard it said that one definition of insanity is expecting something that has always resulted in a no to do a right-about-face and result in a yes.

A: I've heard that. In AA.

Q: But you don't believe it.

A: I test it.

I go and see for myself, report back what I find.

Q: You didn't write much yesterady.

A: I double-spaced and printed out MUSICMAKERS: POEMS ABOUT FLORIDA.

I kind of had a post-book letdown.

I was going to proofread it, but decided to wait.

Q: Why?

A: Well, if I didn't like it, that would be a bummer.

Q: I can see that.

A: But if I liked it, that would be a bummer, too, because I don't know where to send it.

Q: No, you might as well wait until this one gets going.

A: Yes.

I was not sure what to do with this one.

I couldn't get motivated.

Brenda stayed home from work with a sore throat. I took the day off.

Watched television with her.

Just kind of marked time. Watched The Weather Channel. Much ado about not much.

Q: There isn't any hurry.

A: No.

Q: Maybe the Restored Edition of A Moveable Feast will inspire you.

A: Maybe.

Q: Did you have any storm damage?

A: I lost some trim.

Q: What are you going to do?

A: Pull it down. Or nail it back up. Screw it back up. I have some washerhead screws.

Hatefulest-driving things you ever saw.

Q: What's that white stuff in the yard?

A: Paper.

They shred paper at Brenda's work. She brings home plastic bags of it and composts it.

She brings home coffee grinds and puts them on her citrus bushes.

Q: Your house needs painting.

And you need a roof.

A: Yes. But we're catching rainwater in a barrel.

Q: Living Poor is the Best Revenge.

What can they do--reject you?

A: Notes From Underground: Will Write for Food, Will Write for Free, Will Pay to Write.

Q: I like that.

You put your money where your mouth is.

A: Thank you.