The rest of Saturday

Began the cleanup of Newt's home. Newt himself has been banished to a glass bowl with an inch of water and a saucer on top, sitting on the fridge. He keeps peering at me with a rather quizzical look whenever I walk by.

Used a razor scraper on the glass to get off the crud/stuff that accumulated on the inside glass. Cleaned out the filter, replaced all the guts (charcoal, bio-bag, etc.) Emptied the old water and gunk (had to bail it out, as I cut off the official Newt water suction hose for Jake to use on Carla's departing scooter). Washed off the plastic plants with a baking soda/salt mixture. Reassembled, added water and checked the clock: 3:00 PM (so, it took about two hours). Took a picture for the Photo section. Ran the filter for an hour to make sure the water was okay, then introduced Newt to his remodeled digs...

Used the old Newt water to water the hanging plants, BTW. I think they like the gunk!

Started to accumulate recipes. Earlier today, I emailed Jake and Carla, reminding them that summer was fleeting, (fast!) and invited them to a barbecue Sunday. They agreed, so I took out a rack of baby back ribs to smoke. It's the sides that are giving me grief.

Watched "We were soldiers, once" on DVD (I bought it a while ago) and came apart at the usual spot (not sure why I do that to myself, but I really like the movie).

Broke the bathroom glass while taking my night-time med. Swept the pieces up, but was scared to go in there with bare feet the rest of the night, so I used the other bathroom.