It wasn't on but that hardly mattered since he wouldn't really be able to pay attention to it anyway.

The pills were starting to take effect.

It wasn't much, just enough to make him feel just a little drowsy and woozy.

The world had taken on a bit of a glowing haze.

He had just began to realize he wasn't able to really focus on anything.

The realization that he had passed the point of no return hit him slowly.

He was past the point where, if he called the police right now they would never arrive in time.

The thought was pleasing, but he didn't smile.

He had read somewhere that people who left notes were simply crying out for help, but he had left one anyway, not wanting his family and friends to live in doubt and wonder.

He wanted them to know why.

Wanted them to know he had simply reached the point where he couldn't deal with anything anymore.

Wanted them to know he had simply given up.

He wasn't sure how they would take or deal with it, but it wasn't something he would have to worry about.

So he had the note.

He had purchased and taken 2 bottles of the pills. It hadn't been easy, especially the last half of the second bottle, it had hurt badly, his throat being raw from all the swallowing.

The room was rented through the end of the month, but he was sure someone would look for him in a day or two.

If nothing else, to find out why he hadn't been to work.

The feel of the room changed again.

It had gotten darker but the light hadn't changed, almost like the sun had passed behind a cloud.

Slowly he realized there were only minutes left before he wouldn't be able to keep his eyes open any longer.

Not much longer after that and all his worries and problems would cease.

He leaned his head back in the chair, partially surprised he still had that ability and closed his eyes.

The world swan for just a second and settled in around him.

He took a deep breath.

And let go.

He walked steadily down the sidewalk.

He patted his coat pocket to make sure he hadn't left anything behind. The timing had to be precise but it helped that he knew exactly where he was going and exactly what to do, after all he had been here and done it before.

Well, HE hadn't actually done it, but it had been done and he had done it.

The circumstances ran circles in his mind, threatening to confuse him again even though he had a firm grasp on what will and had happened. As he approached the door he reached into his back pocket and removed the room key.

He slipped the plastic card into the slot and waited for the door to click.

Carefully he turned the knob and stopped, glanced at his watch and he waited.

He counted to himself and when he reached a number that satisfied him, he pushed into the room.

The room wasn't dark, but it wasn't exactly light either.

It reminded him of a sunny day when the sun was behind a cloud.

He again smiled.

Glancing around the room he saw the other sitting in the chair by the window just as he remembered, the empty pill bottles on the nightstand next to him.

Again he patted his coat pocket then, satisfied that everything was in place, he reached in and pulled out a syringe.

He removed the cap and held the needle straight up in the air and pushed the plunger, removing all the excess air, just as he had seen in the movies.

Again the smile.

Slowly he walked over to the figure in the chair, pulled up his right sleeve and plunged the needle into his arm.

When it was empty he replaced the cap and stuffed the syringe back into his pocket and waited.

He wasn't impatient or nervous, he knew what would happen.

It had happened already so there really was very little mystery.

Slowly the other's eyelids fluttered and he woke slowly.

"Wha… where am I?

"Still in the hotel room."

He smiled as the other started at him and squinted trying to focus.

"Don't worry," he told the other "everything will be fine. "

"I don't want to live!"

"Yes, you do.

You just don't know it yet."

"What happened?"

He laughed to himself, "I saved you. "

"Who… who are you?"

"No one."

"I'm confused."

"Yes, you would be. You won't remember this conversation for a while, but you will live. Things will change and they will get better. " he said watching the other struggle to grasp hold of reality and as the medication began to take effect.

"You can't know that. No one can."

"I do. I know it for a fact."

"How?"

"I can't tell you that." he said as he turned his back to the figure in the chair and smiled again.

"I can tell you that Ray will be here in about 10 minutes and that the drug I gave you will never show up on any toxicology reports.

It will appear to others as though he arrived in time to save you.

"Ray left this morning for New York."

"No, I cancelled his flight and set it up so that he can't leave until tomorrow. The details are unimportant right now."

He walked over to the door, opened it and started out.

"I don't understand!" cried the chair bound figure.

Pausing he looked back at him still in the grip of the medication he had given him.

"You'll receive a letter in about 15 years explaining everything. It will take you another 5 years to accomplish your goal."

"How do you know that!"

He reached into his other back pocket and pulled out a worn looking envelop, "Because you did."

© 2009 - 2011, anthony. All rights reserved.

 

Mint	$3.69	 	Parsnips	$1.59
Basil	$3.69	 	Carrots	$0.97
Cilantro	$3.69	 	Squash	$1.69
Jalapeno Pepper	$3.69	 	Zucchini	$1.69
Thyme	$3.69	 	Cucumber	$1.69
Oregano	$3.69	 	Green Onion	$1.89
Parsley	$3.69	 	Corn	$2.87
Dill	$4.69	 	Bush Bean	$0.99
 	 	 	Shell Peas	$1.69
 	 	 	Lettuce 1	$1.69
 	 	 	LIttle Gem Lettuce	$2.19
 	 	 	Spinach	$2.99
 	 	 	Beets	$1.69
 	 	 	Bell Pepper	$1.69
 	 	 	Edamame	$2.99
 	 	 	Radish	$1.89
Total	$26.21	 	 	$28.51

 

 

So for the plants and seed alone we are at  $54.72.  Add the pellet tray I bought for $9.99 to start the seed inside we come to a total of $64.71.  Consider that we've spent close to $100 for vegetables and herbs so far this year.  The biggest problem with the experiment this year is I'm so far behind.  It's already mid-june and I still don't have everything in the ground.  I'm beginning to wonder if the entire effort is worth it so far for the year.  

 

Anyway, to sum up for now:

 

Total spent to date: $64.71

Time spent: ~4 hours

Saving to date: $0

 

 

© 2009, anthony. All rights reserved.

The economy has hit hard and close to home. In fact it’s hit dead center. Which makes it a perfect time to bring an idea I’ve been having for a little while. It starts with a personal dream and a desire to get back to my roots a little. Now before I get too sentamental and goopy let me explain. The experiment originally was going to be to see if we could go the summer without buying ANY vegetables of herbs. Now the plan was to plant at the first opportunity, however I ended up getting sick in the middle of April with the flu and then an ear infection so I got behind. Then the weather and trying to find work put me farther behind.

ANYWAY, I have managed to get some traction on the project and have begun the process of curbing our spending. However to try to get a little caught up, I cheated a little. I bought herb plants from Home Depot. I know, I know. It’s about 4 times more expensive than planting BUT, it turns out they are about the same price as buying a package of herbs from the grocery. SO! With that in mind, and considering that the plants will continue giving for months (hopefully year round if I bring them in in the fall) I think the cost is worth it get gain some ground.

Here are a few photos of the herbs on the front porch:

   German Thyme	   Arugula!
       Giant Mint	       Jalapeno Pepper
       Tomatoes!	       The Porch

In addition I’ve planted the seeds for the vegetable garden into one of those pellet greenhouses. As of last week they looked like this:

 

 

  

Seedlings.

I’ll also tally up the expenditure thus far, including all seeds and supplies as well as a running tally of the vegetables bought to this point this year. I’m hoping that within the next month that cost will slowly shrink.

© 2009, anthony. All rights reserved.