I imagine I will keep two shelves of CDs, or about 20 percent of the music recordings stashed in the basement. Brother-in-law No. 3 has already weeded out the ones he likes, filling several large shopping bags, and thus freed me of Edmund’s Dylan collection and the works of John Prine. (A little of those gentlemen goes a long way with me.) If only he liked Motown, and folk-rock played with thumping drums and little subtlety, much of my work would be done by now.

Brother No. 2 and wife are ensconced in the guest room. All going well …