Again, we have fog, although it's thinner now and I'm sitting here at the computer with the heat going full blast. The radio, however, is not on as they're starting one of their fund drives. Interesting to sit without listening to whatever dialogue is taking place in the background. I find I'm able to read with greater concentration, probably write with greater concentration and the thought occurs why not try a week without background noise? Without background conversation? Just me and my (empty) head? Why? Well because it would undoubtedly drive me over the edge. Silly thought. Silly question. Still....

Later. The urge to turn something on doesn't go away, not after an hour anyway. Interesting. I don't have the need or the urge to carry an iPod when I'm out walking, no need to hear anything other than to listen and observe my surroundings. Plenty going on if you just look when you're out on the street or in a bus. I drive with the radio on, just automatically turn it on, and sitting here at the apartment (sitting, then getting up to do some small task, nothing to strain the brain, most of it done on auto pilot) I'm feeling the urge to flip a switch, turn a dial, listen to something, anything, in place of silence. My, my. Your basic learning experience.

I have had concerns of what I might do should Ms. Emmy somehow escape from my care when I'm in Portland. She finds an open door, an open window, an open opportunity to flee this strange and new place. How would I find her? Since she's an indoor cat I don't have her wearing a collar with a name tag and I'm thinking of taking her to the vet and have one of those identification chips placed under her skin. Give her a chance, if she's picked up, to find her way back. Better do it later this afternoon or tomorrow. I have no doubt Ms. Emmy will love the experience, I know I would.