Something out of nothing

I'm back home from today's brief shopping trip--done to make the most out of the van we hired--with a new automatic voltage regulator (can't hurt to have one more in the house), a keyring, a can of make-it-yourself air freshener, a one-hole puncher, four ID cases, one of those handy new double-sided tape dispensers, and a 1000 piece puzzle (which proves how bored I am this summer). And what was on my shopping list? Nothing. Not one item. Nada. Zip. Zilch. Truly a dangerous way to shop! Tsk tsk.

Air, air everywhere ...

During my trip today to Manila--my first in several months, by the way--I was reminded once again why I'm lucky not to be living in that city: instead of a clear blue sky all I see is the dull gray smog enveloping the city. Plus the haze is so thick that skyscrapers less than a mile away can barely be seen. Ugh! I can't imagine what it's like living in one of those condominiums and not being able to open the windows to let in fresh air.