Made my first move on the

 NYPL's  Grab and Go web site. It wasn't very difficult. Let's see how it plays out---maybe it will turn out more productive for me then I first T thought. And it should not be hard walking down to the library on 65th and Amsterdam, where hopefully, they will send the books. This happens at a time when financially I am a little stronger, because my state unemployment benefits for August finally kicked in. So I can buy a "greater than $1.00 book at the used book store, or, actually a fresh book at Barnes and Noble or Strand, a few blocks away. Still, getting the two books I ordered from the library is intriguing.  I wonder how long it will take until Iam notified that I can pick up one or both books.

The two books that I reserved actually have a lot in common--they both cover English history from about 1430 to 1620. The first is about a part of English history that I have read about before. It is called The Wars of the Roses---and it details the York-Lancaster feud  dominated English history between around 1420 until 1485, when Henry Tudor became king and unified the country. I have read at least one other non-fiction book about it, plus, the conflict was covered by Shakespeare in one his earliest trilogies---the Henry VI plays. These three plays, and their one play sequel---Richard III, have always fascinated me. I would love to read them now, but I actually feel that if I did, my mind would explode with possible productions in my head. Of course such productions, even on the most rudimentary level, are impossible now, but should the world of the theater return to its "pre pandemic normal", I still would be very conflicted about doing it. First of all, I "don't do theater anymore", that is, I only exist in the world of downtown and other theater as an observer. Would I be able to change that? And where would I do it?  Any open space would do---as far as getting actors, if the pre pandemic actor population still exists, it would not be difficult to find about twenty young actors who would want to take part in this. Something to think about, if nothing else. 

Oh yes, the second book on my reserve list is by a Shakespeare scbolar named Emma Smith, and in it she examines what must be about twenty of his plays. I am always interested in what Shakespeare scholars have to say about his various plays, known and not so well known---my favorite compilation of critiques of all the plays was written by a scholar named Tony Tanner---a really well thought out and sharp look at each of the 37 plays Shakespeare wrote. I would hope and expect Ms Smith's critiques to be just as interesting. Will they? We will see when the book arrives.

So my day continues, without much direction. I read yesterday on the web site of wqxr that for five days the station is immersing itself in the music of Beethoven, in honor of the 250th anniversary of his birth. Hopefully the programs will not shy away from the depth and profundity of much of his music, especially his chamber music work. I am still not sure how much I want to commit to following the programs, but it will be interesting to see what choices the station make. If they are strong ones, it should be a chance to hear some really profound music.