And they were using brushes today, not compressors and sprayers, because the paint was going onto existing trim and not onto any part of the large blank-walled gigantic addition that overpowers the tiny bit that’s left of the original house. And there weren’t many painters. And the chainsaw was being used down the block, not practically next door, for a change. This is what passes for peaceful, even on weekends, these days. So, except for a quick trip to the South Austin Farmers Market for some of the beyond wonderful organic spinach that’s very much in season these days, this has been a day at home. Potted plants sojourning indoors briefly to avoid predicted frosts have gone back outdoors. Leaves from the ornamental pear tree have been raked. English peas have been planted. We didn’t need to wear hearing-preserving earmuffs even once all day, inside the house or outdoors. I could really use a lot more weekend days even this peaceful. One of these days I’ll post some of the pictures taken of “remodels” that are really demolitions in all but name followed by construction of gigantic replacements. In the meantime, just for today, just because it’s rare to be able to, I’m enjoying what tranquility there is, and I’m enjoying it in the fresh air, right here at El Mirador, domestic headquarters.