He cried in a whisper at some image, at some vision–he cried out twice, a cry that was no more than a breath: `The horror! The horror!’  (Joseph Conrad, The Heart of Darkness, via Link) My wife will not read my books or stories.  She says they are too dark. …

This weekend, instead of joining in the traditional American July 4th rituals of barbeque, beer, and shopping, I have undertaken to replace the toilet and floor in our guest bathroom.  This is, of course, only the beginning.  Replacing the mirror and light fixtures, regrouting the shower, and painting the bathroom…