She still has a hard time understanding the shelves of books. She asked me why certain volumes were dressed in archival plastic. I explained the books in question are first editions. Blank stare. So I changed direction and told her they were special and the plastic gave the books protection.
"Protection from what? They're just books."
"The elements, people's dirty hands, dust."
Blink, blink. Cow eyes.
"Are 'da expensive?"
I pointed towards one, said, "That book only had a first printing of two thousand copies. Half went to libraries. The others were sold from the trunk of the author's vehicle. Half of those were destroyed by misuse. I only know of two on the market. I own one. That book is worth two grand."
"Sweet Jesus Christ Almighty, a book be worth 'dat much money?"
"Yes." I said. She shakes her head and mumbled, "I done heard it all now."
Me too.
I'm several chapters behind on The Union Creek Journal, and with all this silence, I'll have a chance to jump back into the adventure. You can find the story, here.
If conditions warrant, I might just sneak outside and pop some squirrels from my garage. My trigger finger is itchy.
Later, it's time for another cup of coffee. Take care, my friends.
Stephen
Sounds like a nice, peaceful, restful day...just what the doctor ordered to speed your recovery.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to hear that you're so much better, Stephen. The world would be a poorer place without your observations.
HH, thank you for the compliment...speechless, I am.
DeleteAmen! And amen! We need you back to your original, ornery form, Stephen. Be good to yourself while you're waiting.
DeleteBTW, any chance there's an OPSEC problem here? Surely you trust your day nurse, but who knows what unsavory characters MIGHT be in her circle when word gets around about what's in your house? Be safe, friend.
Christy
You sound like you're feeling better - that's good news :)
ReplyDeleteDani, yes, I do feel better. Still limited in movement, but I walk as much as possible. Sweet Wife said I'm pushing too hard but dammit I need to get the heck out of this house...
DeleteThe creature ate its words-- it seemed to me
ReplyDeletestrangely weird when I heard this wonder:
that it had devoured human speech.
A thief in the darkness gloriously mouthed
the source of knowledge-- but thee thief was not
the least bit wiser for the words in his mouth.
Your post brought this very old riddle to mind. I'll provide the answer if nobody gets it.
Thanks for the riddle my friend...ignorance is bliss, is it not.
DeleteAnswer: Bookworm or Moth.
DeleteSweet Jesus! Maybe she can give you a sponge bath later.. : )
ReplyDeleteOh hell no....
DeleteAt least she is asking questions. All new knowledge is good in my eyes!!!
ReplyDeleteOh and I gave you a blog award! http://tslbf.blogspot.com/2012/02/we-gots-awarded-lot.html
Aw, shucks, thank you, Dear Lady...I'll make an attempt to play later today. I'm honored...
DeleteTaking your frustrations out on tree rats from the comfort of your garage. Your version of home therapy? LOL
ReplyDeleteGlad you're on the mend, Stephen. I know you are GLAD to be home.
: )
Yes, indeed. It sure is fun and those little boogers are tasty too. Thank you, My Sweet Friend.
DeleteEnjoy the down time you will have to get to work sooner or later.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait...chomping at the bit. Thanks, Bubba.
ReplyDeleteToo trusting! You should have said - nah, they're junk, worth just pennies. Even if her meth-head thug baby-daddy wouldn't know where to hock a book, why risk it? (You aren't feeling up to cleaning up his blood after you shoot him in the middle of the night breaking in.) Did I just stereotype? Sorry. I trust nobody.
ReplyDeleteI know Mermaid, I am too trusting at times...and yet, my trigger finger is itchy.
DeleteStephen...you are home! I haven't read any blogs in a few days. I did read your post when you were in the hospital but I did not comment because you have promised to comment to everyone and I did not want to tire you. Just wanted to let you know you are still in my thoughts and prayers and hope you are getting better by the minute.
ReplyDeleteToo funny and sad about the nurse and your books. Goes to show you more dumb downed people that know absolutely nothing about rare and first edition books. Unless someone paid for her (your nurse) education, she should know about the expense of some books. Nursing books for class are very expensive, my daughter is in nursing school so believe me I know!
So glad to see you well enough to post!
Good point. I believe her an intelligent woman, just doesn't read for fun, and the collecting of first editions is beyond her comprehension. No sweat on the comments. Thank you, very much, for this one.
Deletemy son does not quite understand my thousands of books. "you can find anything you want to online now mom"
ReplyDeleteI know I raised that boy better than that! Not sure what happened to him....
It's understandable of the young these days. Computers are their lives. You raised him just fine. Thank you, Kellie.
Deleteand I hit the publish button before telling you that I'm very glad to see you doing better! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kellie.
Delete"Me too"
ReplyDeleteIndeed. :)
Nurture the curious mind, my friend. You could be the light of education on a dark mind.
dear friend, i believe that i, too, done heard it all now - bahahahahah!
ReplyDeleteoh goodness - give her a freakin book will ya?
your friend,
kymber