It's nice to have lived in the same town for more than 30 years.

I went to the local lawnmower/etc. repair place to check out my powerless weed whacker, and got a hug from the man in charge.

I don't think I've ever been in the store, but this guy is a neighbor. He's the one who came over to take my antenna down before Katrina. He lives about two blocks away, and back when I could ride a bicycle his place was on my "route." At one point in his life he was a cop.

Anyway, he told me what I expected--that my best bet is just getting a new one, and (unfortunately) he doesn't carry them. So, at some point I shall take myself to Home Despot and get one. (At least they now have electric carts.)

On the down side, in getting to the place I went through a part of old Slidell that had been hit hard by Katrina. And the majority of the places are still closed.

When we first moved here in 1963 that was about the only place to shop for anything. There was a fabric store, a couple of clothing stores, a five and ten, etc. Over the years it became the center of young adult "night life" for a while, then sort of just deteriorated.

The lawnmower place is just past the oldest school building in Slidell. The school got badly flooded and is not currently in use. I think they might be planning a total renovation, but I'm not sure.

After my errands I rented AC for the rest of the afternoon and started on the second of my birthday books. This one is about werewolves. It's really well-written, and is the second shortest of the gift books at "only" 436 pages. I don't think I'll finish it this evening.

Lady took her sweet time coming in for supper this evening, and paid the price. Tom let himself in as soon as I was out of sight and was happily scarfing down the wet food when Her Majesty decided to dine. There were no growls or other negative sounds. The girls don't seem to mind sharing with him. (I wonder if they share HIS food next door?)

And the raccoons made off with one of the heavy-duty plastic food dishes that I keep by the patio. They have moved them down the steps in the past, but I cannot find one at all. It isn't going to get refilled if I can't find it.

Let's see--my to-do notes for today include take ww to repair shop, (done) clean fans (I did two), bills etc. (I'm up to date there) and CLEAN!!! Okay--three out of four isn't too bad. I'd have (possibly) done more if I hadn't read so much. But time spent reading is NEVER time wasted.