That’s right.

Even though, technically, I had yesterday off, too, I had to head to town first thing, in order to get Bobby McGee and Freddie McFee their initial exams and blood tests (they each passed with flying colors!) in order to get their surgeries scheduled for next week.

They had some anxiety during their first road trip, but overall, it went pretty smoothly and I really liked the new vet a lot. (And yes it’s costing me, literally, ten times as much as the Animal Shelter would have charged, but at least I could, you know, get them an appointment…)

Okay!

I then spent almost all of yesterday, hanging out on my bed, just sort of drifting in and out of sleep, because I was so tired. But I did force myself to do yoga. And I got a chance to catch up over the phone with Valerie in Brooklyn.

And then 2 hours on the phone last evening with Dennis!

And then after he and I hung up, and I was getting ready to go to sleep yet again–

PING! A little text from my Q-following girlfriend in town: “Phil’s starting.”

Oh, shit. I’d forgotten!!

So I tried to tune in to Phil but fell asleep after 45 mins and had to listen to the rest this morning.

HOWEVER!

It was a really good one! If you missed it and you’ve got 2 hrs and 45 mins free today, you should listen!

He gives a fantastic update on the tariffs, the Federal Reserve, the upcoming new currency, precious metals, etc. He’s working from a new script about Obama, though, so that’s interesting. And then he took some questions from the Pham on the Phapp!

(Remember, if you click the link below and watch directly on rumble, you have more control over the ads.)

Trump, Tariffs, and Treason – August 18th, 2025 (2hrs 45 mins):

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This was a really great new one from James Tabor. Essentially comparing the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) with the Christian New Testament (Hellenistic/Greek), and why/how they are so different.

A Most Troubled Coupling: The Hebrew Bible (OT) and the New Testament (15 mins):

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And another happy update!

Yet another credit card wrote to me yesterday:

THEM: “We’ve increased your credit line!”

ME: “Fucking A!!”

So that was nice. (I’m sort of spotting a trend here.)

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So, today I have the whole day off. Meaning, I am not driving to town for any reason, even though I do need a few groceries. I’m just staying put. Doing a load of laundry, probably a little more vacuuming, and, of course, yoga…(and 723 more hours chatting with Dennis later)…

But other than that!!

I’ve got the day free & clear to sit at my desk and WORK ON MY NOVEL!

Although, Val and I discussed the very real possibility yesterday that my depression, tiredness, inability to process time flying as well as my dad’s death, has got a lot to do with me not making any progress yet on the memoir (or even on “Novitiate ’66” frankly). (A 4-page excerpt from “Novitiate ’66” on my substack page — from nearly 2 years ago!! Jesus.) (For adults only, please.)

Remember those not-so-long ago days, gang, when I could work on several different projects at once, every day??!! And actually get things done??

It’s the main reason why I have such a problem with the caregiving jobs. It’s (usually) not that many hours per week, but the hours are spread out all over the place, so I rarely get a chunk of time to just sit and write!!

However, as we get ever closer to Fall, it gets easier to deal with, because, if you recall, things will change for me in a huge way then.

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Okay!

Tonight, Nick Cave and Colin Greenwood take the stage in Bulgaria, for the first of 2 sold out shows!! In a venue called the Ancient Theater — I’m eager to see what that looks like!

And yesterday morning, Nick Cave sent out a new Red Hand File, wherein he discussed who he goes to, generally, for wisdom and advice (HINT: dead people). And also something about “women being annoying” because, I don’t know — we’re always right?? Not sure.

Anyway, he said, in part:

“…Now that I am older, many of these people – my father figures, my mother figures – are no longer with us (Bob Dylan, praise be, remains!), so I tend to look to the assembled dead, those who have withstood the test of time, for direction. I regard the accumulated wisdom of the ages with no small amount of reverence. The answer is invariably there….”

You can read it in full HERE, if you so choose!

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And I’m thinking that’s it for now! Gonna get this fantastic and beautiful day underway here!

Have a terrific Tuesday, wherever you are in the world!!

Thanks for visiting.

I love you guys. See ya!

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I leave you with this!

Breakfast-listening music these days! (Although not today, because I was listening to Phil!)

Curiously enough, also from 1966 (a la “Novitiate”). A huge hit for The Monkees when they were brand new. (And I still get chills listening to this song because it was about a guy getting drafted and heading to Vietnam.)

“Last Train to Clarksville,” 1966. From their debut album, The Monkees. Enjoy, gang.

“Last Train To Clarksville”

Take the last train to Clarksville
And I’ll meet you at the station
You can be here by four-thirty
‘Cause I made your reservation
Don’t be slow, oh, no, no, no!
Oh, no, no, no!

‘Cause I’m leavin’ in the morning
And I must see you again
We’ll have one more night together
‘Til the morning brings my train
And I must go, oh, no, no, no!
Oh, no, no, no!
And I don’t know if I’m ever coming home

Take the last train to Clarksville
I’ll be waiting at the station
We’ll have time for coffee-flavored kisses
And a bit of conversation
Oh… Oh, no, no, no!
Oh, no, no, no!

Take the last train to Clarksville
Now I must hang up the phone
I can’t hear you in this noisy
Railroad station all alone
I’m feelin’ low. Oh, no, no, no!
Oh, no, no, no!
And I don’t know if I’m ever coming home

Take the last train to Clarksville
And I’ll meet you at the station
You can be here by four-thirty
‘Cause I made your reservation
Don’t be slow, oh, no, no, no!
Oh, no, no, no!
And I don’t know if I’m ever coming home

Take the last train to Clarksville
Take the last train to Clarksville
Take the last train to Clarksville
Take the last train to Clarksville
Take the last train to Clarksville…

c – 1966 – Bobby Hart, Tommy Boyce