“

People seem very anxious. The extent of Reagan’s victory – and the Republicans’ sweep of the Senate – has surprised even the conservatives; some liberals are still shell-shocked. People who never talk about politics are now talking about politics, and that seems to me the worst sign of all.

“

Seeing Woody Allen and Mia Farrow just a couple of feet away from us in the bookstore made me and Josh feel strange. It’s like they should exist in another dimension from ordinary people. But then, as Josh pointed out, they looked just like everyone else – only less happy.

“

On Tuesday, Pete’s reading with Tuli Kupferberg and others at the Mudd Club, but it starts too late for me to go. When I told Pete I was moving to Florida and giving up academia and the literary life, he said, “Oh, I suspect you’ll be writing there.” I guess he’s right. It’s in the blood and all that.

“

Josh said she was even more beautiful than before. He walked her to the car where her husband was waiting but didn’t want to meet the guy. “I felt like a fool, mostly because of the letters I sent her trying to get back after we broke up,” Josh said.

“

Gary and I went to one of those places that buy old coins and gold and silver jewelry, but the line there was too long. With 20% inflation, people are panicking and selling off rings, coin collections, bracelets and even silverware. The 1980s seem to be a time of panic, war hysteria, and senseless violence.

“

I told Ronna I liked Jordan. “He’s very young,” she said. “He’s earnest,” I said. “Arrogant,” she countered. “Hey, Ronna,” I said, “it’s obvious you’re crazy about him.” “I know, isn’t it awful?” “No, it’s not awful, it’s very nice.”