approaching endings

A . . . slightly mixed day. No, it wasn't bad, it's just . . .

. . . seeing several teammates for what's probably going to be the last time, because they leave at the end of next month (since they're not going along with the Big Move) and I'll be up at Leeds by the end of next week. And so that's it. Emails for a while longer, then goodbye. Two of them gave me cards. One of them gave me a white porcelain bowl and some pot-pourri, because new flats always smell strange.

. . . meeting three good friends for supper tonight at a local Chinese restaurant, and being given a book, a toaster, and some cash for an indulgent treat. Again, saying goodbye. I'll be seeing them again, and they're all planning to come up and visit at some point, but, goodbye.

Got round to booking a hotel room in Leeds for Tuesday night. Really should have remembered to do this earlier. But lastminute.com came through and found somewhere acceptable.

Some powdery snow throughout the day at random moments, but generally light, nothing heavy. The weather forecasters promise us worse tomorrow. We shall see.

Of course, heavy snow might mess up my planned trip to Birmingham on Friday. Of course, this might not be an entirely bad thing, as I would then have a good reason for not going, other than just the, "I don't wanna." Wishes, wishes . . .

---

Acquainted With The Night

I have been one acquainted with the night.
I have walked out in rain - and back in rain.
I have outwalked the furthest city light.

I have looked down the saddest city lane.
I have passed by the watchman on his beat
And dropped my eyes, unwilling to explain.

I have stood still and stopped the sound of feet
When far away an interrupted cry
Came over houses from another street,

But not to call me back or say good-bye;
And further still at an unearthly height,
O luminary clock against the sky

Proclaimed the time was neither wrong nor right.
I have been one acquainted with the night.

-- Robert Frost