In many respects, today was a wonderful day. It was warm, sunny, and entirely pleasant. I had to take the Hyundai in for service this morning, and to combat the feeling that I've spent all my time lately dealing with broken cars rather than getting on with my summer, I put the Bianchi in the back of the car and pedaled home from the dealership. (The dealership is in an awkward spot, for those of you who know Lansing: On Cedar, between 96 and Edgewood Blvd, right down there by Meijers, etc. . . . Not far, really - but awkward.)

I took my time coming home, making a small detour to see Hawk Island County Park (Wonderful! Some of the views are gorgeous, and there's even a swimming beach), and then wound from there through Scott Park and up to the neighborhood just south of Potter Park (where we looked at many houses). I caught the River Trail in Potter Park and followed it up to Frandor and then went home through the neighborhoods just west of 127. It was a very satisfying ride; the southern reaches of the city are very reachable by bike, which opens up a whole host of ride possibilities.

Then, I strapped my pool chair onto my rear rack, loaded up a towel and hat and beach novel, and went off to the MSU pool. I was able to buy my season pass this afternoon, and I spent a pleasant few hours basking in the sun and paddling in the water. (I couldn't do laps because my goggles are still at work - and with all the bike riding, I didn't really need any more exercise, actually.)

And then my lazy reverie was interrupted by a phone call from Emil . . . who has been laid off again . . . Thursday will be his last day of work. So money is going to be interestingly nonexistent around here very soon - but on the other hand, the two hours of driving each day was beating him up, and he didn't much like the job. He's been going off to work stoically every day, but it's clear he's been unhappy.

I think I'd feel a lot worse about this if I didn't already have my pool pass, and if I hadn't already paid for my weaving class. As it is, though, my summer recreation is set . . . we might starve, but at least I'll be able to cool off! Also, happily enough, we just got a new realtor, so we've been feeling optimistic about selling the house. Too soon to tell if the optimism is well-founded, but at least it feels like there's some movement, here; if we sold the house we'd be okay financially, albeit not elegantly well-off . . .

So we'll see what happens next . . . (And really, I hope it's something good this time!)