Orwell

Aristocracy can only exist while aristocratic poverty is thinkable. Hence the phrase “no nor poor knight” in that strangely accurate prophecy in “King Lear.” Once it is taken for granted that a knight must have at least L1000 a year or stop being a knight, aristocracy gives way to plutocracy.

-- George Orwell, “Review of The Fate of the Middle Classes by Alec Brown" (April 30, 1936)

The Natural World

Kissing Fish

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Vacuum Cleaner

Pop bought a new vacuum cleaner. The act was a bit excessive. We only needed to replace the belt on the one we had. It wasn’t sucking up the mess. Although we had the old vacuum cleaner for close to four years, in truth, it was not used that much. I think I might have changed bags, what, maybe three times - four at the outside. It’s the same sort of vacuum cleaner, same brand and style, maybe a little more powerful, maybe.

At least it is nice to know that Pop is still not running too tight on money, not to mention what a gift it is that he can still run around at all. I despair over my life too often, as though I would be happy to throw it away like a used condom, but I know that I do not really want it to end. I would like to see my Three Journal break a thousand entries at the very least. Three thousand entries would be almost ideal. Then I would like to reread it a few times over a few years. Though, I don’t think Santa Claus will be able to deliver. Hey, I got that bike for Christmas some forty years ago, right? I got to stop being greedy and appreciate what I have.