Big decision tonight: Should I watch the vice-presidential debate, the first Yankee game of the American League playoffs, or finish reading Clifford D. Simak’s classic science fiction novel Way Station? Hmm, easy choice there. 2004 is the 100th anniversary of the birth of Clifford D. Simak, who was my favorite sf writer in the early 1960s when I was a teenager and I discovered him in the pages of Galaxy Magazine. He was a wonderful writer, steeped in traditional rural values and writing stories which invariably spurred philosophical thoughts. I am reading Way Station as sort of a birthday celebration for him, and I plan to follow it with one of his collections. Then I will write a tribute article with reviews for the next issue of Visions of Paradise. So forget the Yankees and those power-hungry politicians... ☺

Anybody who does not believe teaching is very stressful should know that my back goes out at least once a year. Sometimes it has been so bad I could barely walk and missed several days of school. Other times it was not so bad but I was in pain for a week or so, able to function at a slightly-slower speed. I am in the second condition right now after my back went out this morning. This is the earliest in the school year it has ever happened, which is fitting since this is probably the most stressful year I have had for a variety of reasons. I visited my local friendly chiropractor today, and she wants me back again Friday. Somehow between now and then I need to find a way to relax a bit.