Guess who is (coming to) dinner
Context. At one point in my life, I used to explain problematic vocabulary to ESL (English as a Second Language) students. So many words, so little time. Often the explanation for a given word proved worthless, but it did send us off in interesting directions for discussion.
A fond memory of trying to explain “midnight” to a group that took context from their social life. The word “midnight” was one that puzzled, given that it was simply an early warning buzzer for “last call”. With many years of life behind me, I now realize that artificial lighting was at fault. It’s so clear, now. Between the time the sun goes down (in Decmber) and the time the sun rises again, we have “midnight”. With that, I could have easily tackled “afternoon”.
A small power bump, after midnight last night. Woke up genny for a few minutes. And now I get to reset the kitchen clocks. I may never know why the grid failed.
Just now, below the house: visitors. A couple, easily identified as coyotes. No stray dogs to confuse things. There are, si I have been told, photos. And for the record, soeaking to them evolked flight rather tnr)a fight. Good to know. I do live in a wonderful place (full of wonder). Like, I wonder what would happen if I left supper on the table. Keep in mind that this is still early afternoon. What goes on around here late at night? Where are the hares? Would my dog be invited to dinner? Please, don’t answer that last question.
