I found a staff - well, a walking stick - and sharpened it today. I've heard things go bump in the night that weren't animals that I want to have something to defend myself.

I never took woodworking in high school, but I do have some idea what tools to use. I think the owner of the store a nabbed the staff from is dead, and I feel sad taking the walking stick and stealing the tools I need to give it a fine point.

I also picked up another t-shirt today, so I'd remember what I'd done.

I'd love to make Boston - hopefully, I'll make it there before August and the place won't be too hot, or underwater. I want Boston not to be underwater period. I remember the trip I took in April of 2001, touring around Boston, and I don't want to see all that history go away.

Ahem. Babbling a lot today, apparently.

I also picked up some food. I thought about looking up how to hotwire a car, but the bicycle doesn't need gas. Than goodness. I'd have liked more space to haul food and other supplies, but best to stick with the trailer. Evidently, at least for a little while, I'll have some cookables - I stopped at a McDonald's and actually cooked myself a hamburger a day or two back.

I feel like I'm in Oregon Trail, except for no wagon, no oxen, and nobody. Nobody but corpses. I wonder if anybody's alive in Boston?

Just in case someone other than me is reading this, hi. Good morning, or afternoon, or evening.

My name is Marie Brown; I'm a second-generation bureaucrat and proud of it. As I write in this journal, I hope that I let you know a little bit more about me and the world as it's changed.

Right now, I'm biking across country. I've got some food, clothes, toiletries, books, and gadgets, along with a sleeping bag. All packed into a bicycle trailer that makes biking with all that stuff easier. Thank goodness for our local Target and my travel plans.

I'm writing this in a journal; figure it'll last longer than my Palm or my laptop. Got plenty of blank journals if I need them.

I wish I could have brought more, even one of the antique pitchers. But glassware has no place here. I've brought one of my mom's favorite books, and a book my grandfather wrote. Those should keep me company.

Oh, and a stuffed animal. I couldn't leave without that.

Anyway, I'll be updating as I get across country. Who knows where future generations will find this. I haven't gotten Fate's Handmaiden yet, but you never know....