We have a Peregrine Falcon who has moved into our neighborhood. She calls and screams after crows. Peregrines were introduced here for repopulation after they almost went extinct. She must be young because she looks a little small to me. She might be a he. I tend to think of falcons as female.

We used to have Barred Owls, but I haven’t heard them this year. We also have foxes and many, many deer. It’s weird living in the city with deer grazing in your front yard.

Yesterday Bob and I went to the thrift store for some new-to-him cotton flannel shirts. Then we went to see “It: Chapter 2” and out to Eden Burger for dinner. “It” was good. Scary and fun.

Eden Burger is a vegan burger joint, and they have some gluten free options. I ordered loaded fries and avoided the bun altogether. I think it’s funny how we try to eat organic and vegan, but end up eating organic and vegan versions of junk food. Still, I’m not one to be happy with salad for every meal.

I am hoping to spend some time at the studio today, although I’m developing a phobia about going there. I don’t understand why. This is a great segue into a quiz posted by compassionknit:

Q. Do you think of yourself as a worrier or as risk averse? 

A. As I have aged, I have become more risk averse. I worry more now. I have more to worry about. More responsibility.

Q. Do others call you a worry wart?

A. No, I don’t think anyone has called me that. But I was curious where this term originated and I found this:

“Wart” has been a colloquialism for someone obnoxious or objectionable since at least the late 19th century.”

I had no idea!

Q. Do you consider yourself brave in any particular circumstance?

A. I’m brave at work although I also worry about work. In business you have to be prepared to take calculated risks.

I have been brave (or stupid, depending on your perspective) most of my life. But age is tempering me and of course I have had my fair share of trauma, which makes me more cautious than I used to be.

Q. Do you fear: a)running out of yarn that is no longer available b)giving a gift and hearing it unraveled or c)having to confess how large your stash is?

A. A) Yes, I fear running out of yarn for a project. I try to buy an extra skein if I can.

B) No, I don’t worry about my hand knitting unraveling. Although, it has once or twice.

C) I don’t have much of a stash, so I don’t fear this question.

Q. Are you afraid of air travel? 

A. No, I love air travel. But I do have those momentary panics when there is turbulence.

Q. Do you fear a hand injury ? 

A. Hmm. I’ve never really thought about it. I guess that’s a no then.

Q. This one is quite personal, feel free to skip it: Did you ever fear you were pregnant? 

A. No. If I were pregnant, I would embrace it. But I had pleasant pregnancies and hard, though normal, labor and births. Back labor is not fun, but not dangerous either.

Q. Were you afraid of a something as a child?  (the dark, etc) 

A. Oh my. Can I skip this one? When I was a child, I was scared of demons.

Q. Do you fear having to get a shot? 

A. I don’t like shots or having my blood drawn. I take a deep breath and look away.

Q. Are you afraid of sharks, jellyfish or coral in the ocean? 

A. No, but I’m a little afraid of the ocean. When I lived in San Diego my surfer boyfriend took me way out in the Pacific (where the waves break), and I thought I was going to drown. I did make it back to shore myself, with him coaching me. That instilled a fear of drowning and a healthy respect for the ocean. I still love the water and will swim and body surf when I get the chance. But I’m cautious. I don’t go beyond what I perceive as my limit.

So why am I resisting going to my studio? Has anything bad happened there? No. Just not having enough fabric for a project. Am I afraid to be alone? I don’t think so. I think I ruined it when I turned it into my office temporarily. It feels like going to work.

Well, there’s nothing for it. I’ve just got to go and have fun. Maybe I need to rechristen it with a good day of crafting!