The Urban Pantheist

Breakheart Reservation Saugus, yet another amazingly beautiful pieces of public land in the Boston Metro area. There were lots of beautiful (but mostly to me, unidentifiable) mushrooms to be found.

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This morning my father in law and I went for a walk up the hill. I didn't identify the flowering plant breaking through the pavement. Can you?

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Rebecca just went to go see her high school's musical. They're doing RENT.

My jury (the one I'm on) is still deliberating, so I can't talk about the case at all. Here's some other items of interest (or not):

The Norfolk county court staff, without exception so far, is courteous, cheerful, and patient. A bit of a change from Suffolk County (Boston).

The juror's instruction video is narrated by a judge in a high position in the state (I forget which). She is clearly an articulate and intelligent woman who happens to have an Elmer Fudd speech impediment. Being in a room with 160 other people all keeping a straight face while thinking of "Mawwiage," or "Welease Bwian!" was weirdly entertaining.

The large courtroom where they winnowed down the potential jurors (based on criteria such as "Do you already believe that the defendant is guilty?" and "Do you have any appointments that can't be rescheduled?") happened to be the room in which the Sacco and Vanzetti trial took place.

The judge presiding on 'my' case keeps drinking from a tiki mug. It's probably just water or coffee, but it's fun to imagine that she's drinking a Mai Tai or a Bahama mama during testimony. God knows I wish I was.

There are several good options for lunch and breakfast in Dedham Square, including the High Street Grill, and Giuseppe's (which, despite its name and Italian decor appears to be run by Brazilians). Stop by if you happen to be impaneled, arraigned, indicted, or subpoenaed.

I've spent the enormous amounts of downtime reading "World War Z," which my brother (brush_rat) sent me, and which I refused to take into my house (on account of the clutter). It's pretty awesome, if you're into zombies. Now Rebecca is reading it, and loving it.

I'll tell more about the case when it's over (which will hopefully be soon).

We made a quick trip up to Vermont this past weekend. We wanted to see Alexis' grandmother while she was down from Toronto, and it was a good opportunity to socialize Jim to babies, toddlers, and elderly folks. Also, it helped him get over his shyness about walking on snow: that's all there is, buddy, get used to it!
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