h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

...I will be on my way to the UK! In fact, one month from right now, I should be finishing up my first flight of the day, and preparing to wait around Sea-Tac for not-quite-long-enough-to-meet-any-of-the-many-people-I-know-in-Seattle. 16.5 hours later, I should be landing at Gatwick (after a flight to and wait at Vancouver).

Before that, though, there's fireworks selling season to get through, and a 14th birthday to have.

I need to finish up those articles for , to keep my promise

A layover in Vancouver sounds infinitely more enjoyable than the one I had in Atlanta.


Texas recently added at least three holidays for seasonal firework sales (Memorial day, San Jacinto Day and Texas Independence day). As the owner of an anxious dog , and as a generally crusty old fart I can't say I'm pleased. But good luck with the sales.

Fireworks sales provide 90+% of the ministry's operating expenses (including director's stipend) so it's a very important week (in California) or two (across the border in Oregon), even though we can only sell safe and sane ones (nothing that flies or shoots--basically fountains, noisemakers, and novelties).

Oh, those wouldn't bother my dog.

It's the mortar fire and aerial bombs that sends her to the bathtub.

I've already started hearing firecrackers.