from: Jessica Murray <death.to.koalas@gmail.com>
To: grandmother's email address
yeah, it's not bad here, really. well, compared to what i'm used to. those minus thirty lows last week were record setting, here. that was really only a few days, though, and it's back to being pleasant. but, the locals aren't used to even -10 weather. so, for me it's actually a fairly mild winter....highs are around -5 on average...and the big snow storm we got a few days ago will likely be gone in a few days.
there's no plows on the streets, though. four days after the storm, cars were still getting stuck on the main roads. that's how not used to winter this place is.
i'm definitely working on the music. what i'm doing right now is slowly working through my old material, going back to the late 90s. it's taking a little longer than i wanted, but it's something i've been wanting to do for a while. and i'm just about through it. it's up over here if you want to take a listen to some of it:
http://jasonparent.bandcamp.com
i shouldn't have a problem cashing a check. i'm allowed to claim a certain amount as gifts. that's probably constructed mostly to allow christmas and birthday presents. it would be rather cruel to deny odsp people (many of whom are far more disabled than i, and far more attached to gift-giving than i) of the ability to receive gifts. i don't even think harper would be that cruel. it's income that they track.
...but don't feel obligated. i don't often celebrate holidays. i'd certainly appreciate anything you'd send, but don't feel like you need to.
besides that, things are actually fairly comfortable here. i'm actually pretty content. life is about reading and composing, like i feel it should be.
glad to hear leo's ok. and i hope willy is doing well, too.
j
