Spent most of my waking moments reading. Have a huge stash of books that have been awaiting my attention. Had a nice walk with Cecilia and Sarah through the streets of Camp Hill late this afternoon. Had forgotten how much I missed strolling the neighborhoods. Cannot do that in Harrisburg any more; the thugs have been attacking the elderly on our uptown streets. Would be nice if the mayor organized a march on our behalf . . .

Overcast and damp and not a pleasant day at all. I could not get warm despite heat, extra clothing and an occasional trip to the hot pad. A nice stream of traffic in the store all day, however, so I am not complaining . . . Have decided to explore the mysteries of Ngaio Marsh, a contemporary of Agatha Christie. Her first, A Man Lay Dead, is right up my alley--an isolated manor house with a murdered corpse and a lot of fashionable suspects . . . Just the thing to curl up with on a day like today . . .

A nicer day than predicted and better traffic in the store. Got a neat shipment from Amazon. Some books and a DVD for me, a couple of books for Bob and a game for The Kid; the last was intended for his Easter basket but I doubt that I will be able to wait that long . . . It has now been a year since my radical surgery. I have adjusted pretty well to that, but there is always a new pain on the horizon, it seems . . . We are going to squeak out a "better than last March" month this year but only by a few bucks . . . And here is some more of Steve Day's pottery . . .

Melissa Herman celebrated her birthday today and not yesterday as I had previously reported . . . Dr. Coldren wants his neighbors to know that he and Jack Barnett have become a one-car family and therefore there is now an extra parking space street-side in the 700 block of Green . . . A welcome visit from Lee Spitalny today . . . Given conditions in the city, it has been suggested that we could increase sales immensely if we just stocked MACE . . . The April issue of TheBurg is now available. Did not know that the Mantis Collective which was once on North Street and had moved uptown has now called it quits . . . Bob and I watched Gypsy on TCM last night. Bob had played the Karl Malden part in a local production several years ago and said the role was greatly enlarged for the movie. I find it surprising that this show has been so beloved over the years. The music is okay, but Momma Rose is one of the most obnoxious characters in modern theater. I don't remember my initial reaction when I saw this many years ago, but last night it seemed to be interminable . . . Made in Pennsylvania, Berks County to be exact. We processed the new shipment of Steve Day pottery this morning and it is now on the shelves. Add a few Hershey kisses or miniatures to these plates and you will have a nice Easter hostess gift . . .

Got to the hospital for the blood work and wrote a few checks before being felled by a severe headache and nausea. Bob had to come early to my rescue, but this turned out to be the third straight day without a customer. What is going on? However, that did give him the opportunity to unpack Steve Day's new Petrified Forest pottery--21 new pieces, some of which I plan to photograph and post here soon . . . Looking forward to seeing Dr. Coldren's new car; he was not yet back from the dealer when we closed for the day . . . Uptown neighbors are showing an increased concern for their safety since Bob's incident. Several have stopped to inquire about his health and to get a first-hand description of events. Even the dog walkers who once felt themselves safe are voicing worry . . .

Another sunny but chilly day. Street empty. Second day in a row without a sale. A few quick visits from neighbors. Off to the hospital in the morning for some blood work but we should be back in time to open at eleven. Please, someone, come on by . . .

Happy birthday to Lelia Simmons. Melissa Herman celebrates Wednesday (I think) . . . Spring took a step backward today and the weather should be seasonal (normal) for the next several days. We have been spoiled. The cold breeze was what we might have expected in March, but since we had been so much warmer these last few days today was downright chilly . . . Nothing in the way of business today but still lots of visitors and inquiries about Bob's health following the assault on him. Quite a few of you saw the CBS News21 interview. Bob says that the point of impact on his head is still sensitive but that he can tell it is healing . . . Our Easter cards await your approval . . .