My day will start off going down to Dartmouth for another Botox treatment, I can tell the past treatment has worn off because I’ve had more frequent headaches. While the shots aren’t pleasant, the results seem to be mostly worth it. After my appointment, I need to go to Target for a few things, and then maybe an early lunch before heading home.
This afternoon, I’m going to see another apartment. The one I saw yesterday was a nice enough apartment with a beautiful view, but the view came with having to drive up a mountain with a dirt road. The the warmer weather and rain, the drive was horrible. I’m not sure I could do that on a regular basis. If the apartment had been really spectacular, maybe I could have, but it was not. Nice, but not spectacular.
After seeing the apartment, I am meeting some friends for dinner and a movie. We are going to see Death on the Nile. I’ve been looking forward to seeing it since I saw the Kenneth Branagh version of Murder on the Orient Express. The movie is at 6 pm, so the plan is to go somewhere for appetizers, then see the movie, and have dinner afterwards so that we aren’t pressed for time.
It’s a lot going on, but I hope it will be a good day.
Joe
The Closet Professor 
February 18th, 2022 at 3:55 pm
Dear Joe,
I have meant to comment on your site for some time now. It seems we moved in opposite directions. I came south, mainly to teach at the university level, having moved from Boston in 1992. I grew up in Claremont, NH not far from where you are now employed. Your mentions of taking a ride to White River Junction and Mary Hitchcock Clinic (Hanover) bring back many childhood memories.
I ended up teaching at a major South Carolina university. I enjoyed the collegiality and atmosphere of academia, but once off campus it was like gay people didn’t even exist due to religious bigotry and that so many were closeted. I came out in the heyday of the Gay Rights movement just after grad school in Boston. When I first moved South it was like time had turned backward at least forty years. It was not uncommon to read letters to the editor in the local press that condemned all of us to the lowest levels of hell. Things have improved marginally although there still are no gay groups or public acknowledgement of our existence. I have one gay friend who, like me, is an import from the Northeast.
I hope your life in Vermont ( a truly beautiful place) is gratifying despite an occasional trial, like recently forced to vacate from your apartment. I hope that you’re not finding the winters too daunting. I enjoy your posts and the day to day commentaries on your life. I wish you improved health.
February 18th, 2022 at 4:15 pm
Thank you, Michael. I’m glad you enjoy my posts. I have come to love Vermont. It can be a bit of an odd place at times, but in many ways, it has helped improve my mental and physical well-being. It was rocky those first few years, but I think I’ve gotten through most of that. As for my apartment, it was time to move on. I’ve always felt like I was constantly being watched as I come and go. It was never very comfortable in this apartment. I just hope I can find a new one that is suit.
I kind of like the winters here. If I had to choose between winters in Vermont or summers in Alabama, I’d choose Vermont every time. The slipping on ice or the shoveling of snow are not pleasant, but for the most part, I don’t mind it. I certainly don’t fine it daunting.
Funny story: yesterday, I was checking out at the grocery store and the cashier asked me for my phone number for their discount program, so I told her. She told me she almost asked me to repeat it because she could listen to my southern accent all day long. 😂 I get that a lot up here. It’s either that or, “You’re not from around here are you?” I either respond with, “How could you ever guess?” or more simply, “No, I’m from Alabama.”
Unlike in the South, where “yankees” are often met with disdain, people seem to be charmed by me and my other southern transplants.
All my best,
Joe