April 24

I had a pretty photo of my landlady's "miracle flowers," all lined up for the Photo of the Day today. Then, on my commute to work, this lady walked by.

Oh. My. God.

On the spot, I decided that today's POTD would be fauna, not flora. I drove by this woman and stopped at the red light, three or four cars back. Then I got my camera and waited, hoping for once that the light wouldn't change too soon.

Our fashion victim strutted past. Yes, strutted. From her attitude, it was obvious that she thought she was lookin' goooood in this outfit. It was fascinating to watch, really. I know a new outfit, a new hairstyle or even new accessories can make you feel good, but I've never seen an example quite so heinous as this ensemble have that effect.

My friend Sean describes this look as "the Great Wall of Panty Line," topped by "the Golden Gate Bra." I couldn't have said it better myself.

As for the Photoshop, I was playing around and liked the effect on the right side. While it didn't make her dress look better, per se, it at least made it less startling in context.

114/365 -

January 27

Two slightly-scuffed cordovan shoes. Unremarkable, until you find out that they're on my feet, and that I'm wearing two shoes instead of one shoe and an orthopedic boot for my foot injury. My healing process has been slower than I had hoped it would be. I can sum up all the technical information in one sentence: My right foot still hurts!

That having been said, it doesn't hurt nearly as much as it hurt a month ago.

I'm getting back into the swing of everyday activities that had been closed to me while my mobility was limited -- exciting stuff, like long trips to the grocery store and filling up a cart with stuff, or shoveling snow, or just taking Pogo for walks that go past the backyard gate and actually involve getting all the way around the block.

It just occurred to be that one of the reasons I've been feeling so stressed out of late is, that with one bum foot, I really have been as busy as a one-legged ass kicker.

27/365 -

January 26

It's been a snowy and chilly winter in Boston. Tomorrow's forecast, into Wednesday, is calling for snow and winds and other assorted nastiness. With the current temperature at 12 degrees Fahrenheit, it's long past time to quit wishing for warmer weather and get down to the business of staying warm. This means wearing coats, long johns, gloves, scarves, and a hat.

So here I am, modeling my new winter hat. It cost the princely sum of $12 at a booth in Back Bay Station. Considering its modest price, fake fur and polyester construction, it's surprisingly warm -- warm enough that I'm willing to go around looking like Nanook of the North wearing the thing.

I think I'm going to continue to wish for warmer weather, though. Spring arrives on March 21st, so it's only 53 days away. Only 53 ever-lengthening days.

26/365 -