I just had an experience I was nervous about, and it turned out fine. This happens a lot. It was like a textbook example of anticipatory anxiety that ends up being overblown and, in retrospect, seemed totally unnecessary. …

I’ve become obsessed with the OpenAI ChatGPT. Have you tried it yet? It’s very easy to use — you just ask a question or provide a prompt — and it gives you access to an Artificial Intelligence program that is so smart it’s scary. It’s especially good at responding to…

50 days until inauguration — My internet/cable TV/landline phone service was down for 21 hours starting early yesterday afternoon. That was hard. I’m such an addict!

The sun is just a ball of gas. It doesn’t care about viruses, elections, lies, hate, and fear, doesn’t know I am thankful I am still here to watch it put on a new show every evening precisely when it should, as if beauty and order were no big deal.

#1 —

The first half of the first night of the 2020 Republican Convention — My plan was to watch the Republican Convention every night and then do snarky (but reasonably accurate) recaps. But last night, I only got as far as watching the first hour and a half, and then I couldn’t bear any more. I was going to take a break and get…

Journal — Thursday, August 6, 2020 — day (whatever) after NYC reopening — I’ve lost track — one day is the same as the next — I think it’s day 60-something — I haven’t been out in a few days. Finally got out this evening and saw that the damage from Tuesday’s storm still hasn’t been all cleaned up. A tree crashed right on top of a car on Austin Street, and it was still there this evening. Across the street were…

Journal — Tuesday, June 30, 2020 — Day 23 of NYC reopening — I’m taking shorter walks now that it’s gotten hotter and more humid. I didn’t go outside at all yesterday (except to pace on the terrace), so I was overdue today. The sunset was spectacular again: The painted stone in this pretty garden says “Be Kind”:

Journal, Monday, June 29, 2020 — NYC reopening day 22 — The sky was dramatic after the late afternoon thunderstorm: