Still Hanging Out in California

I’m halfway through Sleuth of the Ming Dynasty but my history reading is only up to the Tang. I’m on the verge of selling the last of my film cameras. I’m going through a period of Why do I bother? (It happens from time to time. )
Fall is a time of expectations. I feel it’s more the beginning of the year than January 1. There are practical questions like, will we get enough rain this year and is the Covid epidemic finally over? We also have midterm elections and the horrible mess of our political system. Whatever happens, at least the weather will be nice.
Since I haven’t been getting out much, I have to take my opportunities where I find them. Like the produce department at the grocery store.