Waiting for a break in the weather

And grateful for the day off where I don't actually have to do anything.  Was thinking that when I woke up only to jump out of bed moments later after remembering it was garbage day.  At any rate, got the fridge cleaned out, been meaning to do that for months, and got the recycling out.  Turned out to be very wet out, got so soaked, I might as well have taken a shower.  Then walked up the street to see if anything was open; one coffee shop was, so went in and wrote.  Now I'm home again, and finally closed my window, when I realized the wind had changed direction and now the rain was coming in.  It's not too cold out, but suddenly the forecast says there's a chance of snow tomorrow, so I guess it will be getting cold.  All I can hear is the rain.  Over half an inch so far, and no sign of letting up: maps showing a solid band of yellow and red stretching back toward the Pacific and crossing over.

I want to go for a walk.  And I want pie.  I didn't make one this year.  Made stuffed baked squash, watched movies, and cleaned up after the washing machine flooded the basement from someone's unbalanced load.  I had an invitation, just didn't feel like being social.  (I appreciate it, though.)

Anyway, back to Charles/David.  Uh, finally made it past the Dora obsession, actually it wasn't really that long.  David decides to go visit Traddles and looks him up.  He lives in a run-down neighborhood where people throw their old umbrellas and cabbages out into the street.  When David arrives, there is a confrontation between a servant and the milkman over the non-payment for the milk, but the door is open, and David is able to enter.  Traddles lives upstairs in a single room.  He is good-natured in spite of having been dealt harshly in life.  He is frugal, and has been saving up the funds to take the bar to be a lawyer.  He is engaged, as well, though, saving for the day when he can marry his beloved, even if he has to wait until they are old.

While David and he are talking, the landlord comes up the stairs; it is none other than Mr. Micawber, who doesn't recognize David.  He's come up to question why there is a guest in the room, but upon the realization that it is his old friend David, he changes his demeanor.  Eventually, David invites Traddles (Tommy), and Mr. and Mrs. Micawber to his home for dinner at a future date, and he departs.  When the day arrives, he buys food for the dinner and gets into it with Mrs. Crupp (his landlady) over the preparations (she is supposed to prepare his food as part of the rental fees, but also seems put out to do so, he doesn't really have the facilities to do it himself).  When the food arrives, it is barely edible.  The party makes the best of it and finds a way to cook it over the fire, and is generally in a state of chaotic enjoyment over this arrangement, when a presence is felt that someone has entered.  It is Littimer.  He says he is looking for Steerforth.  Says he has been at Oxford and is due back.  (Not sure why he expects him at David's.)

Littimer proceeds to take over the food preparation, and the joy of the evening is sucked away.  He has a way of making everyone feel inferior.  The evening ends with Mrs. Micawber discussing what Mr. Micawber can possibly do to make money, as they have none, and owe more.  She suggests he should take up an ad offering his services.  David points out that this is expensive.  Unclear where the money should come from.  They depart.  As they do, David holds Traddles back and warns him not to loan them money for this scheme, it seems Traddles has already made a loan for another scheme.

When they are departed, and David is alone, footsteps are heard on the stairs.  It is Steerforth.  He asks David for food, and proceeds to consume what remains from the earlier party.  When David mentions that Traddles was part of the earlier dinner party, Steerforth dismisses the latter, David tries to talk him up, as he genuinely likes Traddles.  S is in an odd state.  He has not been to Oxford as Littimer suggested, but to Yarmouth.  Said he was sailing in the boat.  Brought back a letter from Peggotty regarding the downturn of health of Mr. Barkis.  David decides to go visit, asks if Steerforth would join him.  Steerforth convinces David to come visit at Highgate first, to stay between himself and Miss Dartle.  David sees Steerforth off.

In his pocket he finds a letter from Micawber, and opens to read it.  Micawber (as is usual) who had seemed to be in such high spirits at dinner, had in fact known that he was once again destitute and needing a way out.  He will probably run again.  David doesn't worry for the Micawbers, they always seem to get out of things, but for Traddles who will lose everything in the bargain, and who did nothing to deserve that outcome, being careful and diligent with his money and life.

There have been sirens going over and over again for the past hour.  Must be the rain, and traffic.  Very few people out and about on foot here.  Perhaps I will put on the rain gear and make the best of it, otherwise I'll just go a little stir crazy from being home all day...another siren.