September 13, 2023, Exton, PA- The three of us had the theater to ourselves, this afternoon. We endured twenty minutes’ worth of promotional ads and previews of coming attractions, so that we could watch Denzel Washington dispatch two groups of villains, both of which were trying to cash in on the international drug trade. One of the bad guys shot Denzel’s character in the back, then ran away when he turned around and gave him the McCall Stare. The others, well, you’ll have to either see for yourself or read the Wikipedia cheat sheet. It’s enjoyable seeing Dakota Fanning playing grown women, having watched her from her earliest years as an actress. It’s also a guilty pleasure of mine, to see justice dispensed in clever, stealthy fashion.

We all have such rather vapid pleasures. I will miss the cop shows this Fall, just as others will miss the sitcoms and “reality” shows. It is more important to me, however, that the workers-actors, writers, show runners, gofers-all get the fair shake they have been due for a long time. I have plenty of stuff to read and there are always those streamed series that have been accumulating. Besides, I’ll be in the Philippines and thereabouts, for 3 weeks next month and at work for quite a few of the days that I am at Home Base, between now and trip #4.

There are plenty of innocent pleasures in this life, as well. We enjoyed a nice lunch at P.J. Whelihans’ Pub & Restaurant, in nearby Downingtown. It always helps when an engaging server is involved-as has been the case for both of our meals on this leg of the trip and in Massachusetts. As has been mentioned before, I return, time and again, to places where the server has been warm and congenial. Abbie was like that for us, this noon.

I also get comfort from fine service to my vehicle. The local Firestone shop took great care of Sportage, this morning, and I was able to replace two wearing tires, in a reasonable manner.

Finally, tomorrow, I will be “down home”, at Glick’s Greenhouse-definitely a pleasure that elicits anything but guilt. Blood family and extended family bring the same sense of well-being.