Tomorrow we’ll head to Walmart for COVID testing. We were able to schedule appointments in the morning. I am doing rather well, and her brother is also on the mend. She is experiencing some labored breathing and is getting bedrest. I wish I could take her symptoms from her. She is well, but unaccustomed to breathing issues. My history with asthma gives me some sense of what is manageable. She is drinking plenty of fluids and binging on Netflix. I shall take good care of her.

The planets are in motion. Last night we observed Jupiter, Saturn, and the Moon hanging over the desert through sparse cloud formations which appeared like film negatives. The evenings, even in July, are comfortable. Today is all wind. We raced to secure items from blowing away. It would be impossible to use a typewriter outside (hence the digital writing).

I’ve taken up kitchen duties throughout the days. I am no master chef, but I’ve been able to cobble together some palatable meals. Today we took a short drive to the college, my first visit there. We drove around the small campus nestled into a hill looming over the dry yet fertile landscape. It was six miles from the RV park. A small, smooth backroad winds to the college. I might consider buying a bike. The campus features five or six buildings. It’s quite cozy, as all community colleges should be. The architecture complements the colors of the landscape. I didn’t take any photos, so here’s a couple of images from the Internet:

Then we drove to my storage unit, a two-minute drive from the RV park (a seven minute walk). I rented a 10×10, which should suffice. I am getting rid of most of my furniture, but keeping three bookcases, a Yamaha stand-up electric piano, a TV/stereo unit, and some small bedside tables. All else will consist of paintings, typewriters, some lamps, dishes, clothes, and media—oh, and two typewriter tables, naturally.

This RV park is a stopover for most people—right on historic Route 66–although I’m sure it fills up for the annual powwow (canceled this year). Neighbors will come and go—some pleasant, some annoying. I imagine that the winter will be quiet. I’m already investigating ways to winterize the RV. I’ll add some skirting to keep in the heat. I’d like to use a space heater rather than gas in the days, and then just use blankets for sleep. We’ll see if my fingers can stay warm for typing and playing the guitar. My guess is that New Mexico is all about wearing layers, with temperature rising and falling forty or so degrees between day and night. I’m quite happy with that. I never let go of my winter clothes from up North. I have some good wool sweaters from Ireland and Scotland.

Right now, however, it is hot, which is not very hot for a Floridian. The sun is quite strong, but the dryness makes everything comfortable. Goodbye to humidity and hurricanes.