Watching 'Hallmark Hall of Fame' is like a companionable visit with a sweet, familiar, and predictable old friend. Nothing fancy. Just nice.

Sunny Sunday. House to self, I'm blasting Incubus and writing holiday cards. If you think I don't have your address, I don't. Send it now!

Walked to yoga in cool morning air. Took off shoes, went in. Leaving, discovered shoes in sun. Slipping on sun-warmed shoes is delicious.

My 85-year-old friend Joe, at table for his first veggie Thanksgiving: "I like this Tofuckey, but I sure have to be careful how I say it."

Yoga and brunch with Jolie this a.m. Sweet! Now, it's Nat Cole on the boom box, Raiders on the tube, and Tofurkey in the oven. We do it all.

Lake Merritt is mine again.

Windows washed. (Check.) Lawn mowed. (Check.) Room partly cleaned. (Partial check.) Heck, it's not even noon...

Today, I mostly want someone to clean my room. It's messy. And my windows are dirty from the rain. Also, I want to touch my nose to my knee.

Ever have those days where you are in synch with no one? And either you are pissing everyone off or they are pissing you off? Well then.

I was just now shopping for a card for a 90th birthday boy. They stop doing those decade cards at 80, it seems. Dunno about that.

This is an amazing way to hear symphonic music - up close, basses rattling windows. I was in tears from bar four onward. Sublime.

DirecTV picture is better than Comcast. The channels are organized in groups - movies, sports, culture, etc. This is really gratifying.

New Moon, the movie, is excruciating. It really takes "The book was so much better!" to a new level of heartfelt sadness.

My birthday week starts now and extends through the next twenty days or so. (Math has never been my strong suit.)

Showing Mom new DirecTV remote, which is simpler. Then, with horror, she said, "You mean they changed the numbers?" (Of the channels. Sigh.)

A great thing about cold weather is that when you discover your fridge is sans vino, your garage stash is chilled to freakin' perfection!

After today's five hours with DirecTV and Verizon, I have satellite TV and a functional Internet connection. Too exhausted to celebrate.

Off to Berkeley to play final softball game, weather permitting. It's been a long time since we were the team waiting for the last contest.

One beauty of skywatching is the camaraderie, knowing there are kindred spirits watching the same skies, invisible, next to you...

Some people are like Slinkies - not good for anything, but bring a smile to your face when you think about pushing them down the stairs.

So, who is staying up late to watch the Leonid meteor shower tonight? http://ping.fm/ZLZ9H

What a day for college football upsets. Meanwhile, I can't get Verizon DSL to work with router. Now, "Please Don't Eat the Daisies" on DVD.

College football - damn interesting today. Unranked Stanford beating USC 21-7 at halftime. OSU over Iowa by 7 at half, Big 10 title on line.

It's time for a Costco excursion with Mom. She's starting her holiday baking. We need all sorts of good stuff - in large quantities!

It's time for Saturday morning yoga. Yay!

I am writing about something which will create an intimate customer experience on demand. And suddenly, it seems so *hot* in my office.

You know how expensive aluminum water bottles can be? I just got two at Grocery Outlet - for $2.99 each!

My favorite status update today: Choose war or peace, but know that you cannot choose both. (Thanks, Callum!)

Nancy & Sluggo is undefeated and ready for the final game next week. For those of you who know our team - seriously, yes, I am not kidding.

Thanks, Ben and Candy, for such a good time this morning! Hear you again soon. http://ping.fm/ahUkz

My friend Kathryn Blume is an amazing performer. She's also a damn fine writer: http://ping.fm/3WTrn

Time to get in 'The Box' with Bill. Sure, he's not my first choice, and I'm not his. Somehow, we'll make do! Ready for us, Cam?

Gonna cook the Saturday night meal. Bill will be coming over. Mom will be hungry after church-going. What to cook? Where's that ramen...

So, what was Tom Hulce doing at the Berkeley Rep last night? Is he a Bay Area guy? Inquiring minds want to know. Well, my mind, anyway.

My friend Kent got married today. First time for him - at 65! Which is actually young nowadays, right? Yay Kent!

House-sit ends. Washing sheets. Blasting punk rock. Other participles. Nice to sleep at home later, but I'll miss the sound of purring.

I've decided that MacArthur 'geniuses' are actually geniuses. They say all this smart stuff and connect things in ways that astound me. Duh.

Indian Summer. Temperature bout eighty. Contemplating work.

End of the weekend. One hour back - but not really. Tired just the same.

City life: I briefly encroached on driveway of vacant house. When I went to move car, someone yelled, 'Don't block the driveway, asshole!'