A Saturday that has gone to waste, I am doubly glad of Wednesday night's fun. A sinus headache has claimed me, rendering me bed-ridden for most of the day.

Julia was a bright spot in my day. When the library lacked the particular Rice book I was seeking, she went out to Barnes and Noble, and came back not only with ''The Vampire Lestat'', but also a picture book of ''Sacred Celtic Places'' and a book of Rumi's poetry called ''The Soul Of Rumi''.

Before succumbing to bed, this morning I did capture the red blooms of the lovely tree we see out our windows. On this gray day, its vivid hue seemed more so by contrast.