We here in AZ (the state where they used to send folks for the curing of various breathing problems to) are in the fifth week of a high-polution advisiory. Folks with breathing problems are urged to stay inside, which has led to a veritable epidemic of cabin fever. On Sunday, Phoenix will host the New Times Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon. The over/under on casualties (as quoted by the Las Vegas Sports Book) is 200.

The major problem here is particulates, mostly dust from construction sites (the desert gets smaller by an acre a day here, with solid civilization from Apache Junction to Sun City and new suburbs going up in New River–30 miles north of PHX–and west of the White Tank Mountains–which is 30 miles west of PHX) and automobiles (average one-way commute is over an hour for 15 miles). The commute here is so bad that a local woman tried to use her unborn son as an excuse to use the carpool lane. (The lad has since left the wamrth of the womb and seems to be perfectly normal–unlike his ma.) I’ve tried using my multiple personalities for carpool eligibility at work (drawings for cash and prizes). Neither idea worked.

Make sure the Baron gets his rest–even if you have to tie him down to the bed to do it. (You know that come planting time, he’ll want to get at it.)

Sheba & that stange guy (we’ve moved up in rank–to “majjr”)