1987-08 (August)

Tuesday, August 11th

Up at 6:30; breakfast, then read Hades + Mülker on Homer—especially The Illiad, which glows more wonderful for me with every passing decade. Air conditioning failed: spent a hot night sleeping naked under a single sheet. Avery here again for the day + tonight.

Dinner –Deans,Bronson, Christianberry

Wednesday, August 12th

Called Shelton about air conditioning. They pronounced the unit dead, recommended a brand new one—cost $1002.94 I absorbed the shock, + then agreed. XXXXXXX they called back to say the regular two-ton model (at that price) was unavailable; recommended a “deluxe” model which cost $200 more. Having no choice, I agreed. Installation tomorrow. Got my Chopard back from Clure’s, cleaned. Dinner at Fred + Louise Deans’ ; other guests, Bill Christianberry + wife, Billy + Mary Reed, rug merchant + wife. Enjoyable talk about photography + art. Home by midnight. Room so hot I slept up front.

Thursday, August 13th

New air-conditioner delivered in morning for installation in afternoon; old dead one carted off. I hated to see it go, after 21+ years’ service. Installation finished by 5 oclock, but with some strictly electrical problems still pending. Central Roofinghead Charles Geno came by to examine leaks + tile trouble. Original estimate, $3500. I said, no way, he went down at once to $2000. I said I’d let him know by phone. Did so, about 7; he’ll start work tomorrow. Huger’s new girl, Pam, came with him here around 7:30 to practice on the Baldwin. She played very well indeed, mostly Chopin. Sanford gore brought a giant round-the-world pizza for their supper. Merino wool mattress pad arrived from Country Store in Wisconsin. Will put it on tomorrow, when Sarah gets here to make it up.

Friday, August 14th

Roofers arrived + began work; $2000, well spent, I hope—not only for sealing leaks but also for preventing future ones. Sarah + I put the new mattress pad on my workroom bed. Will test it tonight.Gwyn drove out with Allan to look at a 1986 Cadallac “Cimmeron” which she might be able to buy for $11,000---minus whatever she may be able to get for her two 1972 mercedeses. Roofers knocked off at noon; didn’t return. In evening (minus gwyn, who backed out) Hugs + I drove out to Joel + Charlotte Berussn’s for a buffet supper along with about fifty other guests. got there by 8; left shortly after 10. Pleasant enough evening. In afternoon, Hugs mowed courtyard. gwyn didn’t like the Cadalac; prefers a Pugeaux L?) but still wasn’t r4eally decided. Will continue exhausting search. Call Chris at RLR; vintage royalties held up by contract confusion, + no word yet on Cybill’s option renewal. Hm.

Saturday, August 15th

Isaiah didn’t show, as promised, though I got up earlier than I wanted to let him in XXXXX.At 10:30, avoiding late afternoon heat, walked 2.5 miles in 40.5 mins. Played Beethoven trio 6.Good news. I called Keith Ritz at Terminix, + he at last approved coverage of Bob Ungren’s $1381.00 estimate for repair of termite damage. Roofers didn’t show either. Hugs brought house a horror sci-fi VCR, “Re-Animated”—a gory mess.