Staying now with Ham And Gloria, saving capital for a first-of-December Hegira to the Ville de Lumie`re. Depending of course on the outcome of the Congressional elections, and the (unthinkable, really) repeal of the Military Commissions Act of 2006. I have to say this in order to satisfy the scruples of those (Kristen and Marianne notably) who view my flight as alarmist cowardice. Talking to Phil yesterday (who is still planning on visiting the States next summer--not really, I think, getting it)), he at least says, "Paris is overflowing with refugees from all over the world, who don't speak French and have no knowledge or appreciation of French history or culture: Surely there's a place for you with your degree in French and your deep knowledge of French art, history, literature, and culture." Surely. 'Tany rate I'm nearly almost entirely moved out of the Palace, entirely settled in at Ham's and Gloria's. I walk their sweet little cockapoo pup, cuddle their cats--and lie around reading all day long. As he went out the door this morning, Ham handed me a copy of 'Wicked,' and as night falls I'm nearly halfway through it. Wonderful read. Too much sex in it perhaps, but then the author is (or was) a young man.