What did I say about the snow, its defeat, its return? Right.

Okay, new mood. Or rather: the return of old new mood, the forward looking, HNP mood. The conviction that absolutely everything about the Hip New Place must be perfect. This is my chance to create a personal living space exactly as I want. We are talking personal decisions down to the design of the trivets. I’ve already ordered some items I had my eyes upon, and they’re going in the Day One Box. One of them arrived today: a toothbrush holder, grey, made from an absorbent stone.

The problem - and when is there not a problem these days - was that Amazon sent me two different codes for the locker where I picked up the items. The plan: get the items, go to the gym, then drop them off at the storage locker. This was derailed by dog spasms. But I did go to the locker, and get some boxes, only to find that the second code did not work. It locked me out: try again in 30 seconds! Buddy, I gave you a bar code, how can that not -

Didn’t work the second time, or the third. I called customer service, got a guy who was either Indian or in India but in either case was about as low-key as one might expect in the profession of dealing with people who are standing by a locker, frustrated. He could see on his screen that I picked up everything. But I have a second code and it’s not working. I understand sir can I put you on hold

Bottom line, no explanation for the second code, I had everything, why are we talking. Because I want to know! Why! Why the second code! Moses gets done with the burning bush, there’s another one off to the left a few yards, then it goes out: he’s going to have some quations. Nevermind. I have my absorbent stone toothbrush holder, we’re good.

I have ordered lots of Command adhesive strips to mount the pictures, whatever those will be. I have decided to put up a big bulletin board in the office and create a collage. I have decided on a different coffee-maker paradigm. I have decided on a brand-new different toaster oven. I have mapped out the tech for syncing sound in every room. I have committed to a sofa. I read with dismay the reviews of a desk I wanted: the surface is a printed veneer that bubbles and cracks if you so much as wave a moist toilette over it. I have decided to sell off nearly every old thing I own on eBay. I have vowed to create a schedule that makes every Wednesday, the lowest deadline day, a music creation day. I have considered, and accepted, the possibility of running a Creative Writing class at the Fred. I have considered, and rejected, all Meal Box subscriptions. I have begun to research eBikes, since the Fred abuts a long path that goes forever to distant lands.

I have set aside April for the transition. If the house sells promptly, mid- or late-April is the likely drop-dead get-out point, with May being the start of continuous occupation of the HNP. It will be an unrushed transition.

And so I find myself at Lundsenbyerly’s looking at kitchen towels, and what would look nice on the oven handle. Not that I would ever use it, of course. Just to have it there, looking nice and seasonal.

That's today! Next up: 180 degrees in the other direction! Maybe.

Today to lighten the mood even more: a very 1977 ad:

I'd ask what you think this was, but it's rather self-evident.

Still around today! But less Studio-54 in its vibe.