Weekend musings

Saturday night home alone. I seem to have a vibrant evening social life during the week, but Friday and Saturday nights find me home alone. Not really a problem, but there’s something psychological that says, “No work. It’s the weekend.” Tonight I made myself a good dinner that didn’t come off quite as wonderfully as I expected—a large tossed salad, with too much dressing; I used to tease Jordan about salad soup, and tonight I’m guilty. A quick pasta dish, but I got the proportions of butter and pasta water wrong—too much butter, I fear. There I go again with that faulty logic that if a little is good, a lot is better. I used spinach fettucine because I had it—but also for taste and eye appeal. And I find I like grated pecorino better than parmesan in most pasta dishes.

I rarely have the TV on in the evenings, and I would tell you I have no interest in watching horses run around a big oval—except that maybe I think it’s an abusive use of the horses. I went to the horse races once in Kentucky—and found that a race was over almost before it began—turn your head, and you’ve missed it. Did not interest me, and I hated the thought of losing money on a bet—first major argument of a marriage that was later to go really wrong. The derby didn’t seem quick though tonight—in fact, it seemed endless. I was holding my breath for the apparent winner and sad to hear he was disqualified. For the horse crowned winner, it seems a less than glorious way to gain that crown.

Jordan and Christian went to a derby party tonight—a cancer benefit at somebody’s mansion, and I know she wore a huge hat. But in an out-of-my-mind moment I pictured them in the rain at that terribly muddy track. I enjoy seeing everyone in their hats, think some of the picture hats are attractive; others are way overdone, and the fascinators are plain silly.

Election returns are another reason to watch TV tonight. I’m not sure if local elections are widespread or not, but we had them in Fort Worth. Jordan and I voted early this morning at the athletic building at the local high school. I usually vote by mail—didn’t register in time this year—and although I try to vote in every election, I don’t get too wrapped up in local politics. Until this year, when I decided change begins at the local level. I tried to study the candidates, asked a friend who is knowledge about local matters and also agrees with my thinking. So for once, I cast an informed ballot in a local election. Now to see what happens. Probably nothing. We didn’t get to vote on many elections in our precinct—mayor, council member (unopposed, but I like her), and the water board. I had hoped to vote for the school board and the local community college There’s a polling place in the school right across the street from us, but the precinct line goes down the middle of the street, and we have to go eight or ten blocks to vote.

Nothing else on my mind tonight. Time to read a book. Happy Saturday evening, everyone.