Partially Settled Vagabonds

"On the other hand..."

It's Friday. The sun is out (only for one more hour), there isn't a cloud in the visible sky. It's cold, but refreshingly so. I'm sitting only 20 feet from some of the most visually stunning architecture I've seen, and friendly tourists abound outside my window. Yet, I'm in here staring at a computer screen against a backdrop of books about or by Niebuhr. What is it about Fridays that makes one want to pack it in early? I'm tempted to head home right now, but I know I won't. I want to because tonight's activities include another camping trip to the living room in front of a fire with a pizza and a scary movie (Hide and Seek, starring DeNiro and Dakota Fanning).

Alas, I'll stay here. Nevertheless, the vagabond spirit sits on my shoulder, tempting me in one ear, asking me, "Does anyone really care whether or not the Morrill Act of 1862 provided an atmosphere in which Niebuhr was allowed to thrive?" And then on the other shoulder is that little devil of doubt asking, "Is that even a worthy argument, you hack?" But, I'll choose to invoke the spirit of Lady Macbeth here and say, "Out, out damned spots!!!"

Back to work. It's a joy, not a toil.

P.S.-A virtual cookie to the first person who gets the reference in this blog title. Sara, I'm not sure you should you play, since you were the one who calls upon this character and musical when weighing your moral obligations. ;-)

posted by John and Mag @ 9:03 AM