the world is a drawing-room, from which we must retire politely and honestly; that is, with a bow, and our debts of honor paid

What food items did you eat so far today? 

    Cheerios, tea; ham, baked potato, corn, homemade roll with butter, milk; blueberry bread pudding. (It's Easter Sunday and I'm just now home from my parents' place.)

 

At what age do you hope to retire? 

    62 was the dream, 67 was the more realistic idea. At this point, though, it looks like I'll need to work til I die. I am very lucky that what I do is accessible and appropriate for even aging workers.

 

Are you ever a high-maintenance person? 

If you think I'm high maintenance, you haven't met 99% of the population.

     ha! Never.
 

What is one of your favorite souvenirs brought back from your travels? Where do you keep it? 

    my scale model of the U.S. Supreme Court, pictured here and elsewhere. I keep it in the china cabinet in the dining room, with a tiny glass figurine in each of the open areas, called "light courts" (explained in this wonderful article about the architecture of the Court).

 

In what situations are you most uncomfortable? 

     physically: at the dentist (my mouth is small); at any temperature above 75º; or anyplace that is loud or bright or strong-smelling (because any or all of that can set off a migraine) 

    emotionally: needing to be nice to someone I dislike; being present for someone else's personal fighting; or being asked for legal advice that, once given, is either disputed or ignored

 

What tests the limits of your sense of balance?

    putting on long socks while standing up

 

Who's your favorite comedian? 

    lately, I've been watching clips of Zoltan Kaszas when I really need a laugh. This one is from the old days when he had silly hair, and features his cat Jessica.

 

 [from The Complete Book of Questions : 1001 Conversation Starters for Any Occasion; the title quotation is by Alexandre Dumas (père), from The Count of Monte Cristo]