Getting ready

. . . for a bit of everything.

Arnold was feeling distracted Thursday morning -- as were we all -- so Brantley and Nate took a load of debris to the dump, and Arnold and I waited for Shawn to check in at the house.

Shawn arrived, we discussed the fence (Arnold's Version 2.1 is a go), Shawn got ready for the next round of materials orders (insulation, paneling, flooring), and then we broke for lunch. Usually I'll head home, eat a bite and take a quick siesta. Sometimes I stop at St. Paul's for the lunch concert. Today I took a walk on the beach and talked with the breeze for a while.

Later, Ref's sister, her husband Al, Ref's daughter, Arnold, Shawn, Mr. B, Nate and Ref's friend Ken were on our porch, chatting and arranging plans, sitting on some old chairs or overturned buckets. It felt as if our house -- Ref's house -- had enjoyed its first family reunion.

- ■ -

Early in the week, before I knew there'd be visitation Friday night, I asked Shirley to pack up a good suit, shirt, cuff links, tie, shoes, socks and belt, and Robert to send it down by FedEx. The truck drove up Thursday while everyone was on the porch.

When I found out I'd need an extra tie and shirt. . . . Providence smiled. The nice haberdasher just over from Fausto's carries Carrot & Gibbs, and the new line came in this week.