House empty, all in the outbuilding at the inlawn; pet-odor neutralizing powder + vacuuming round one million. Day off tomorrow, then final bits and key drop-off to the lawyer on Tuesday. Still very weird having the place empty and yes I did cram all the vacuums in Huey’ passenger seat because it was raining on the way home and those are good vacuum cleaners.
RIP Tom Wilkinson, one of the greatest actors of all time. Easily one of his best scenes:
After more fun with a reciprocating saw, the house stands empty. Sitting in the emptiness was tougher than I thought: I miss both of my grandparents terribly; today was the first time I let myself feel it since he died.
Haven't read the first Otash book, WIDESPREAD PANIC (heard I'm not missing much) but I far prefer THE ENCHANTERS to his current LA Quartet (or is it Quintet? the "also by" here says Quintet now): the characters (many fever dream versions of actual people) the early-60s milleux, the smaller, less epic scope. It's Ellroy as if he appeared in Black Mask magazine – or at least his interpretation of it. That being said, I can't tell you what his fictional postulation of Marilyn Monroe's death amounts to (now that I think of it, the narrative reminds me quite a bit of THE BLACK DAHLIA – still, along with AMERICAN TABLOID, my favorite Ellroy novel) but, like the plot itself, I'm not certain that it matters: these are fascinating characters in a depraved, fascinating world. Definitely recommended for those who, like me, were disappointed by both PERFIDIA and THIS STORM: while Ellroy may be missing a step there, here he proves there's still an angry, fuck-you-all spring to it. More please.
All rooms, save front room, are clear. Mattresses and sawed up / scrapped entertainment centers go out tomorrow. Shed work and garage finishing also this weekend. Oh, right, final vacuuming and cleaning also this weekend; I reek of Oxi-Clean: it pervades my pores and my person.
Downstairs done: all shit (figuratively and literally) removed, all final bits and bobs ready for transport to outbuilding this weekend. Deep clean vac doing its thing, though I'll have to do another round to vanquish the litterboxing of the carpeting. Attic also done, bowling balls and such, as are all the bedrooms, and, thanks to titular fun with reciprocating saw, his office. Should be able to finish up shed and garage this weekend, then toss the keys at the lawyer's office on my way the hell out of town.
