Bucket, Not Rain

October 28, 2009

University of Illinois

A Novel Excerpt. From Chapter 1: October 28, 1980

Put on a cardigan, the President said. Button it up, and turn down the thermostat. He said this as all eyes focused on that number posted in the corner of each nightly news broadcast, that ever-growing number. Three hundred and fifty-eight days that the embassy employees had been held hostage in Iran. It’s going to be a cold winter, the President said.

Everyone was looking for rescue: from the hostage takers, from the skyrocketing gas prices, from the spiraling-down economy, from the teeth-gritting president. And then out of sunny California strolled that smiling governor who knew that it could be a fresh morning in America.

It’s evening now, evening in Portland, Oregon. Those two men are debating in Cleveland, and satellite rays bounce them around the country. Tonight in Portland the rain comes down steady in the early-autumn darkness. Down there, it’s domes of black umbrella, some raincoat hoods, some bare heads, rushing for a doorway or a bus.

Meanwhile, some Portlanders are inside already—with their radios tuned to the debate while they cook dinner, or watching the television from their easy chairs or bar stools, or not understanding why their grownups care about those two miniature men standing on a stage taking turns talking.

Most voting Portlanders already know whom they’ll vote for. Some watch the debate for the spectacle and possible blood. Some need to track the political process, because it’s the least they can do and they feel it’s all they can do. Some are looking for bits to back up their excitement or fear. Some hope they won’t get sweet-talked or scared into changing their votes into ones they’ll later regret. All this, knowing that their votes usually don’t matter anyway, in a state with such a small population and in the western time zone. And still they watch the debate and they will vote.

Beata will vote for Carter, and so will Gus. This older woman with long, black hair, sitting in her recliner, pulling the chain to switch on a toreador-shaped lamp on a side table next to her, and her tall friend who’s just driven in from his orchards—they are worth watching the debate with. They, and their supposed-to-arrive-soon friend, are the only people in the Willamette Valley who defied good President Roosevelt’s orders and the stamps on their passports that said, “Not valid for travel in Spain.” Yes, that was over forty years ago, but they still know what it means for a president, or a candidate, to say that anyone who disagrees with his foreign policy is unpatriotic. They volunteered to sneak over to Spain in 1937 and to join internationalists in fighting Franco’s fascists who eventually did rule the country. Beata and Gus might look like a tired old nurse and a quiet nut farmer, but they’re still a little dangerous and also just plain interesting.

The debate started fifteen minutes earlier and neither has turned on the television. Gus was being polite since they were at Beata’s house, but he started to tap his fingers on his knees. For a second, he thought she might have forgotten why he’d come over, but he knew that it was more likely that she had something else she wanted to tend to first. He didn’t mind missing a few minutes. But then again, he wanted to watch it with Beata so that he wouldn’t get lured into the cozy, national fog.

“Damn bucket!” Beata cursed the bucket, not the rain. The rain, streaming down from that brown spread on the ceiling, poured into the accumulation in the aluminum bucket. “Damn bucket!” she said again, squinting across her small living room to see how close the bucket was to needing dumping. All she wanted was to rest her feet after a long day of standing around old people at the nursing home.

“Your roof,” Gus began.

“One of my old boyfriends, the carpenter—“

“—the Marxist?”

“They’re all Marxists.” Beata rolled her eyes, laughing. “He said that I need a new roof. And that while I’m at it, I should really put in solar panels, blah blah blah. I can’t afford all that change. A bucket, yes.”

“Every time it rains?” Gus would have predicted that Beata would keep her house
more ship-shape, that she would conquer small challenges and not waste her time with temporary, and ultimately destructive, fixes.

“Only in big storms. Would you be a love and empty it into the toilet?” Beata gestured vaguely behind her.

Gus didn’t move. He didn’t mind helping his friend, understood the physical exhaustion of a day, but first he had to understand something. “You could move into an apartment, a smaller place. I hear it can be pretty nice to have a landlord. You just call and they make repairs.”

“I need a spare room for fucking,” Beata said matter-of-factly, looking straight at Gus.

Gus tried to ignore Beata’s attempt to shock him. He was shocked. “No, I mean about the bucket, your roof. It’s so inefficient.” That wasn’t exactly what he meant. He meant complacent, but he’d never thought of Beata that way before.

“If Reagan gets elected, he’ll push the button and I’ll be glad to have spent my money on concerts.”

“Don’t you get mad every time you hear another drip?”

“Are you going to dump the thing or are you going to force a woman to get up
from the one time she sat down all day?”

Hearing her griping, Gus was relieved, and he picked up the bucket and went to find the bathroom. As soon as he came back and dropped the bucket onto the splattered floor, he turned on the local station televising the debates. Beata got up and headed to a room behind them.

These two haven’t known each other as long as they act like they have, but they had each been young in the same war. Gus was lucky enough to have never needed Beata’s, or anyone else’s, nursing. They didn’t share memories of the same shellings. But that didn’t matter; it turned out that they got along, so their overlapping history was just another drop of glue. Of course, if they had turned out to be disgusted by each other, their related memories would have channeled their disappointment into even more disgust. Plenty of examples of that amongst their fellow veterans, too.

yeti

November 11

oakley sunglasses is one of the leading sports performance brands in the world. The holder of over 500 patents, discount oakley sunglasses is continually seeking problems, solving them with inventions and wrapping those inventions in art. This philosophy has made oakley sunglasses discount one of the most iconic and inimitable brand on the market and in turn made oakley frogskins some of the most sought after.welcome to our oakley sunglasses outlet. with big discount ,all oakley holbrook in lowest price.

reply >

coachhand

November 23

take the ghd lisseur as example, this line of styler ghd that mainly aim for these women who attend parties, and also such as the lisser ghd that can be take daily. The sexy design in appearance and suitable design in details all make the ghd hair straighteners . Do you love to own one, then just come to our ghd france .

reply >

coachhand

November 23

reply >

louis vuitton

November 28

Coach Outlet Online and Coach Outlet Online Store offer you chance to purchase your ideal articles. Here login Coach Outlet Online or Coach Outlet to purchase your favourites, such as Coach Cristin Bags, Coach Crossbody bags.They are renowned for exquisite workmanship, skillful knitting and elegant design and sell very well both at home and abroad. In order to convenient our customers, we also offer you other platforms. They are Coach Outlet Online,Coach Outlet Online Store and Coach Factory Outlet. We not only provide you the superior goods but offer you the best after-sales serives. So, please login Coach Outlet Online.

reply >

louis vuitton

November 28

The beautiful winter is comming now,have you fashion in this amazing season,maybe answer is yes,but you must to know who is the fashion leader of this winter,that is Belstaff Uk.In Uk everyone knows Belstaff Jackets is the most popular in winter,you should know the reason,Belstaff Jackets is established in 1924,it's a long enough time to make clothes,so the quality,the design,for Belstaff Jackets Uk is expert level,especially Belstaff Leather Jacekt,it all are made up with top layer cow leather.Maybe in UK,every motobike rider want one.That's incredible popular right.And now,you can find a so convenient way to get a perfect Belstaff Jackets,that is our onlien shop,we are official site of Belstaff Jackets Uk,why not choose one for your beartiful family and yourself now.so Click here to join us:Bestaff Uk.com.Get your Belstaff Jacket with biggest discount in this world.

reply >

louis vuitton

November 28

Louis Vuitton On Sale with the Fashion and classical styles have been the the first choose in Oscar for the fashion stars.In Louis Vuitton Handbags Store many selected classical fashion bags have been displayed in Louis Vuitton Outlet Store for a big show by the fashion world.Louis Vuitton Outlet is famous for selected material material,novel design,delightful colors and exquisite workmanship.At the same time,the Louis Vuitton Bags from Louis Vuitton On Sale with the only hand made have become the token of status by Louis Vuitton Handbags Store,which attract the first-class society to be the fans of Louis Vuitton Handbags to pursuit the latest fahion bags.Counterparts, Louis Vuitton Outlet Online have been the stars for all kinds of bags.In the fashion world,Louis Vuitton bags in Louis Vuitton Outlet beyond doublt that many people are crazing about the bags from Louis Vuitton On Sale.In order to meet the market's demands and thanks for the public,Louis Vuitton Handbags Store would give public a big surprise to give your needs.At first,Louis Vuitton Outlet Online will have a big discount for the newly iaunched bags which have the best quality lowest price.Second,Louis Vuitton Outlet Online will open the biggest fashion show to the public for the most classical style on display.If you are interested in the Louis Vuitton bags in Louis Vuitton Handbags,pls take this chance to be the lucky person for the fashion.Don't miss this chance.Louis Vuitton On Sale sincerely service for you.

Moncler è il marchio più famoso d'inverno in questo mondo, Piumini Moncler nel mondo della moda è più popolare di altri marchi, e rende possibile per ogni uomo e donna di guardare a caldo su un weather.In molto freddo il nostro sito possiamo permetterci tutti i tipi di Moncler Donna e Uomo Moncler, credo fermamente che si può prendere agli occhi degli altri con la giacca Moncler state portando alla moment.Creativity e innovazione è il motivo per questo marchio è molto attractive.And il materiale di Moncler è tutto all'acqua calda, così che tipo di freddo in questo inverno, non abbiate paura, perché si ha un perfetto Moncler Piumini, che è il point.And nostro sito sono Moncler sito Ufficiale, e lo prendiamo dalla fabbrica, quindi il prezzo è incredibile a buon mercato, in modo da visita Piumini Moncler online, acquistare il necessario in inverno.

Fulfilling our needs for fast fashion means increased production and competition in clothing manufactured in countries with fashion trend.In order to meet the market's demands,Coach Outlet Store Online pay more attention on the fashion style with the latest material.In terms of luxury consumption, consumers in Western countries prefer traditional brands while consumers are wilder about the fashionable fad.In Coach Outlet there are many famous bags of the Coach Outlet Online.In USA,at least,each of the person have a Coach bags on the average.So,in the Amercian market,Coach bags get the people favourate.On that basic,manufacture take the chance to make the price very on the high side.Today,Coach Handbags Outlet USA do atmost to drop the price,with the same quality.In order to thanks for the public,Coach give a biggest discount to Forengn for the fastival.If U bag bags over $99,Coach Outlet Store Online can send the goods to Ur home without the fright.At the same time,the goods of coach bags can have a discount at 82% to meet the market's needs.So don't worry,Coach Outlet Online Store can give U the chance to owned your remembered bags with very lowest price.At the same time,Coach Outlet Store Online newly iaunched the latest fad bags which canused a ensation in the fashion world for U to make up in the winter.Is your heat moving very fast,quick, first come first get.More and More chance are waiting for U.

reply >

hpowter1

December 7

until you come and sit a while with,you raise me up so i can see the mountain
UGGS For cheap UK
UGGS Sheepskin Gloves
UGG Nightfall Fox
Moncler Jackets Online Shop
,Moncler Jackets Outlet
moncler jackets 2011
Moncler Jackets Women
Moncler Men Jackets
Moncler Jackets Online Shop
Moncler Jackets Outlet
Authentic Austin Collie Jersey Sale
Authentic Peyton Manning Jersey Sale
NFL Jersey US
Authentic Johnny Unitas Jersey Sale
Authentic Arizona Cardinals Jersey Sale
Authentic Todd Heap Jersey Sale
Authentic Larry Fitzgerald Jersey Sale
you rasie up, to more than i can be!

reply >

SinoerDs

December 27

reply >

SinoerDs

December 27

reply >

SinoerDs

December 28

We had a few days of practicing at bottles and marks on trees. So she kissed him on the forehead and walked to the sink. They were riffing on how American newscasters reported every night that Franco was dying. The other thing you have to know is that the food was terrible. You can imagine the consequences. We just kept them on day and night so we were ready to go. But we had the best dinner ever. Fish jumped right out of the river onto its banks. And then he would vomit and the visitors would leave. Rocky set down his spoon and leaned a little toward Gus. We were all just kind of looking around. It was the grave of a fascist officer and they had good boots. My friend gets up on his knees and pulls on that leg. Up comes the other leg with another beautiful boot. Things no one will ever talk about. We all stayed exactly who we were. And then out of sunny California strolled that smiling governor who knew that it could be a fresh morning in America. Some watch the debate for the spectacle and possible blood. Some are looking for bits to back up their excitement or fear. And still they watch the debate and they will vote. All she wanted was to rest her feet after a long day of standing around old people at the nursing home. I hear it can be pretty nice to have a landlord. You just call and they make repairs. Beata got up and headed to a room behind them. ambien Online asd
levitra asd
Buy ativan asd
ambien online asd
Buy levitra asd
Buy ativan asd

reply >

SinoerDs

December 28

She started shoving dirty socks and blouses into her washing machine. You might have to hold it in place for a minute. He was curious about how other people worked the same way he was interested in how someone in Georgia grew peanuts. People were scared that Reagan was actually correct about the Russians being evil and that he would push the button. Beata twisted and untwisted her hair. And then out of sunny California strolled that smiling governor who knew that it could be a fresh morning in America. Some watch the debate for the spectacle and possible blood. Some are looking for bits to back up their excitement or fear. And still they watch the debate and they will vote. All she wanted was to rest her feet after a long day of standing around old people at the nursing home. I hear it can be pretty nice to have a landlord. You just call and they make repairs. Beata got up and headed to a room behind them. Buy klonopin asd
Adipex Without Prescription asd
Buy klonopin asd
Xanax Without Prescription asd
clonazepam asd
levitra asd

reply >

SinoerDs

December 28

reply >

luhaifeng

December 28

louis vuitton outlet
lv bags
lv outlet
Louis Vuitton Outlet
Louis Vuitton USA
Louis Vuitton Online
Louis Vuitton Outlet Online
LV Outlet Online
Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton Outlet
Louis Vuitton Cheap
Louis Vuitton For Cheap
Louis Vuitton Outlet Store
louis vuitton outlet
Louis Vuitton Outlet

reply >

SinoerDs

December 28

She started shoving dirty socks and blouses into her washing machine. You might have to hold it in place for a minute. He was curious about how other people worked the same way he was interested in how someone in Georgia grew peanuts. People were scared that Reagan was actually correct about the Russians being evil and that he would push the button. Beata twisted and untwisted her hair. And then out of sunny California strolled that smiling governor who knew that it could be a fresh morning in America. Some watch the debate for the spectacle and possible blood. Some are looking for bits to back up their excitement or fear. And still they watch the debate and they will vote. All she wanted was to rest her feet after a long day of standing around old people at the nursing home. I hear it can be pretty nice to have a landlord. You just call and they make repairs. Beata got up and headed to a room behind them. Buy valium asd
Buy xanax online asd
xanax Online asd
levitra asd
Buy ambien asd
Klonopin online asd

reply >

SinoerDs

December 28

Some watch the debate for the spectacle and possible blood. Some are looking for bits to back up their excitement or fear. And still they watch the debate and they will vote. All she wanted was to rest her feet after a long day of standing around old people at the nursing home. I hear it can be pretty nice to have a landlord. You just call and they make repairs. Beata got up and headed to a room behind them. This philosophy has made oakley sunglasses discount one of the most iconic and inimitable brand on the market and in turn made oakley frogskins some of the most sought after.welcome to our oakley sunglasses outlet. The sexy design in appearance and suitable design in details all make the ghd hair straighteners .Get your Belstaff Jacket with biggest discount in this world.In Louis Vuitton Handbags Store many selected classical fashion bags have been displayed in Louis Vuitton Outlet Store for a big show by the fashion world.In Coach Outlet there are many famous bags of the Coach Outlet Online.More and More chance are waiting for U. So she kissed him on the forehead and walked to the sink. They were riffing on how American newscasters reported every night that Franco was dying. The other thing you have to know is that the food was terrible. You can imagine the consequences. We just kept them on day and night so we were ready to go. But we had the best dinner ever. Fish jumped right out of the river onto its banks. And then he would vomit and the visitors would leave. Rocky set down his spoon and leaned a little toward Gus. We were all just kind of looking around. It was the grave of a fascist officer and they had good boots. My friend gets up on his knees and pulls on that leg. Up comes the other leg with another beautiful boot. Things no one will ever talk about. We all stayed exactly who we were. You might have to hold it in place for a minute. He was curious about how other people worked the same way he was interested in how someone in Georgia grew peanuts. People were scared that Reagan was actually correct about the Russians being evil and that he would push the button. Beata twisted and untwisted her hair. And then out of sunny California strolled that smiling governor who knew that it could be a fresh morning in America. Buy ambien online asd
levitra asd
Buy ativan asd
ambien online asd
Buy levitra Online asd
Ativan online asd

reply >

SinoerDs

December 28

reply >

love939

December 29

discount designer bags

Look beautiful bag charm

designer inspired handbags

they can be used on as well

nike shox tl3

may most likely need

women puma shoes

bags might as well buy

air max tn

Many people can like

puma shoes

contemporary fashionable

puma shoes online

together with lifestyle

women timberland boots

well known great

wholesale gucci shoes

comfortable with it

louis vuitton handbags

Discounted Designer Handbags

reply >

bobpb

January 9

reply >

bobpb

January 9

reply >

sacslanceld

January 11

Les membres des familles des querelles peu de temps après décès

sacs lancel pas cher

.Fondée en Lancel, la bien connue du monde Lancel logo Wide Web personnalisée par des lignes et donc de métal est venu seul à droite dans la ventes privees lancel 2012 mode pendant les années 1950 suite avant l'homme a expiré à 1953. Malgré la possession d'une famille importante, c'est 3 fils achetés sur les rênes principal, mais il s'est avéré être l'enfant d'Aldo ce que les

lancel premier flirt

gens littéralement piloté ce fournisseur envers le monde entier par l'attrait que le premier spécialiste des derniers York. Malgré le fait que dans les luttes des êtres chers ne sont pas pas connu en raison d'actifs également des sac lancel ventes privées articles donnant, Lancel améliorée dans le monde entier. Mise en général des marchés boursiers d'Extrême-Orient à l'intérieur de années cinquante qui a un magasin spécialisé présents à Hong Kong, l'entreprise donnée est arrivé obtenue avec la coutume bien connue dont LANCEL rapidement capturé attaché à entre filles. En raison de 60s,

sac premier flirt lancel

utilisé montré jusqu'à non seulement comme une société différente sac dames, mais encore empilés complètement tandis que dans la sacs lancel soldés section privilège. Bientôt renowns raison de Grace Kelly, si vous voulez Jackie Kennedy étaient vêtus de sacs à main de la

soldes sac lancel

sécurisé.
http://www.lancel-boutique.com/

reply >

sengnn163

February 1

We at panache shoes make the UGG 5131 Dakota Flats Shoes available to you at your homes without any delivery charges. UGG Kids Boots you order, it is upon us to bring it you and get it hand delivered at your doorway. UK Ugg Sale has the most decent prices bringing it down and lighter on your pockets. Buying from us will get you a guaranteed bargain for we boast of some of the best UGG Classic Short like Lulu Guinness, Radley, Baibella, Cosettini, Cheap UGG and Bulaggi, all at attention-grabbing discounts. Ugg discount, you can view the sample ugg bags and choose your favourite among the best. Therefore, hesitate UGG Bailey Button Boots in thinking twice and order now!

reply >