I’m familiar with Western Exterminator’s ominous, hammer-wielding undertaker dude but I hadn’t really taken a good look at the rodent he’s about to smash.

Why the jaunty little fedora, and (more importantly) why the knife and fork? He’s kind of cute, and I’m starting to feel sad for him.

I’m feeling a little less sorry for myself; the lake of muck has receded somewhat, and, though I’m a walking definition of rheumy, I’m continuing on with my plans for the weekend, a weekend that involves northern California friends, camping and a river, even.

Renting a car definitely got me in the mood to move forward. A car with power windows, A/C, cruise control! I would’ve rented this car this weekend even if I wasn’t well enough to go anywhere.

Okay, goodbye and good luck to me.