Day to day

After licking wounds about bad news about book this summer, put aside and (in July) start brand new book about a carrot growing family that gets into the processing of carrots and about the grinding of the carrots down into those repulsive little nubs (the carrots only a background to a murder investigation--a rival carrot grower is found dead in the fields.) This is just to say that have been typing away busily and now have over 400 pages--speed totally unprecedented and probably never to be experienced again, but am trying to appreciate it while it is here. This morning as am typing, up pops window that reads You have too many spelling mistakes and grammar problems for Microsoft Word to mark any longer. Do not at all care for the unnecessary scolding tone. Close computer in disgust (it is time to leave for work anyway) and as am going into Manhattan on train, compose sharply worded note to Microsoft (Question: perhaps better to send directly to Bill Gates?). When get into work, decide note is very silly, despite (or perhaps because of?) brief but pointed dissertation about the delicate relationship between the Computer and the Artist...then forget note entirely as find Oliver on hands and knees under desk. Susan explains that He is looking for a staple remover. Feel it best not to ask any follow up questions, but neither can I help self from lingering, waiting to see if Oliver is successful in his hunt. Oliver emerges from under desk looking a bit dusty and rumpled, and holding ruler. No mention is made of staple remover. We start conversation about the Biggest Loser, which Oliver and Susan profess to Love. I've never seen show, but am fascinated and horrified by their description of how show goes--seems to mostly consist of larger humans taking off their shirts and then standing on scales. Oliver says excitedly, Some of the men have three sets of breasts! Make mental note to see what he is talking about.