Sometimes, momentous things happen before the day has really even begun. Pete and I aren’t morning people in the traditional sense of the word, most likely because we don’t (as he would say) “do” coffee. We generally get up around 9 a.m., except on days when I have online yoga class, which starts at 8 a.m.

Last night I told him a woman who lives on the far side of the Matanuska Moose Range was coming over to get compost. He asked when and I replied “9 a.m.”

“9 a.m!” he exclaimed. “Yes, 9 a.m.” I said, laughing. I didn’t say that I could have asked her to come by at 10 a.m., but I didn’t bother. I instead figured that

Pete turning compst last fall

I could get up at 8:45 a.m., dash out of the house, feed the horses and thus be ready at 9 a.m. for our visitor.

Robin arrived at the appointed time. I showed her our compost facility and explained how our manure management system worked. I could not tell whether or not she was impressed. She was rather noncommittal. I filled two of our buckets and she emptied them into her buckets and then placed the goods in her Subaru Forester. Why is it, I wondered, that most of the individuals wanting compost are older women who drive Subarus?

I then asked Robin about a quote that was at the bottom of her email message. It was about books and the power of imagination. She then told me that she’s the school district librarian.

I began asking her questions about the schoolbooks and where they go. She told me that the used and/or out of date books first go to teachers, then to parents, then are warehoused and sold.

This, to me, was a very insightful piece of information, which is one that enabled me to expand upon my vision for the Bright Lights Book Project. Perhaps, I am thinking, the school district and VCRS might work in concert with one another, and send textbooks south, to an organization or organizations that ship textbooks overseas. Pete said that this might possible because VCRS has an agreement with ALPAR and routinely sends recyclables down to America.

This exchange with Robin occurred before breakfast. I consequently had all day to ponder my conversation with Robin. Right now I am focusing on getting things done on the home front, this including incorporating Pete’s copy editing changes into If Wishes were Horses. My hope is that during my self-imposed hiatus that the recycling center powers that be will act upon my vision and work on getting funding, with the intent of building a re-use center.

As it is now, there is not enough space available down on the warehouse floor for incoming books. And I can’t move them out fast enough by myself. I’m told this is my project and they can’t give me any more space, which is nonsensical because these books are the property of the recycling center.

So, right now my nose is to the grindstone and I am having a wonderful time here on the home front as the days progress.

Next: 161. 6/10/20: A Conversation with Raudi, Tyra, and Hrimmi