1986-08 (August)

Tuesday, August 26th[1986] Herbert Austein (correct spelling for head of Clendenin) came by to check me out on the operation of new furnaces—which will give little or no trouble on start-up but will have to be checked each Fall. I paid him the full agreed—on price, $4,433.00.Began Vol. II of Adams’ History—the negotiations with Napoleon for Louisiana.Walked 2.5; Elgar Violin Concerto.Call Rosen—Chris Tomasino; Summa contract, adjusted, is on the way.Once more, Shelton A/C didn’t show; but promised again to come tomorrow.Barbecue shrimp for dinner, along with another violent argument.

Wednesday, August 27th[1986] Wrote to Gordon Osing, English Dept. MSC, accepting the Oct 607 “River City Writers Series” engagement. Fee, $2000. He’ll be in china; my contact there will be Dr. Tom Russell.Buddy’s; case of Beefeater, four bottles of vermouth. Called Cablevision + cancelled HBO + Cinemax, saving $17.95 a month. Bill now, $11.64. French woman from the minister of culture, Catherine Berge, arrived from Oxford, en route to Atlanta, for aninterview requested by John Ferris. Got here 3:45; I drove her to airport at 6:15. Not much to it—except, when I offered her a drink, she asked for wine + I had to go down to the cellar + bring up a bottle.Hard wind--+ rain storm struck about 5 oclock. A real drencher.Skipped walk because of French interruption.

Thursday, August 28th[1986] Got up at 6; had cereal; then Gwyn fixed bacon + eggs. Yesterday’s hard rain has relieved the drouth to a considerable extent. Isaiah called;said he’d be here tomorrow.Billy Reed came by for drinks at 6 oclock. XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX(as usual where alcohol is involved) that resulted in our not going out to dinner. Instead, we (she) cooked a usually inedible “Omlette” + went our separate angry ways. Bad scene, all round, + I don’t know how much longer I can abide it. Back to room at9:30; brooding.

Friday, August 29th[1986] Railing continues, as much on my part as on Gwyn’s—this time about the Ochsner triple checkup. Decision is to go: by car, since the Delta round trip fare for two is $664, coach. Bank; cashed $400 check for current household wages (Sarah + Isaiah) + for trip. Gave gwyn $100 spending money.Isaiah here, trimming ivy all day, house + yard. He’s working hard + well, much better than in the old days when he loafed + stole.Walked 2.5 in 39 minutes—best time since sidewswipe. Played Beethoven’s string Trio 1.

Saturday, August 30th[1986] Slept till 7:30. Isaiah here again, mowing + edging lawn, front + rear. Received + returned, signed, the Summa contract for reprinting of Tournament; $500 advance “upon signature.” Dated 17 July 86, publication within twelve months of its receipt.Continued Adams, past p.400.Walked one mile—till Walkman broke down. Then came back + drove to Super D for batteries.