One of the nicest aspects of having formally departed the job market is being able to sleep when I want, and as long as I want -- that is, unless and until the cat wants me to get up. It's hard to argue with fifteen pounds of claws and determination when it's standing on your sternum.

Himself is on his way to bail court, so I shall make a solo appearance at the dump today. Fortunately, the sun is shining mightily in Perth County, so I will get to see the vultures soaring against a bright blue sky.

We went out for supper last night, on foot so we could have beer. (When your're a criminal lawyer, or married to one, you take the drunk-driving law *very* seriously.) On the way, I counted four magnolia trees in less than a mile, all of them in full bloom. I'm always surprised by magnolias in Ontario, but they grow even as far north as Ottawa if they are planted in a sunny, sheltered spot. In Stratford, they don't seem to need any help, and they sure add pizzazz to our lovely little town.