Thanks for the affirmation, Norman Bates. (In an age of computer generated images enabling filmmakers to present a realistic show of ripping off people’s heads or running them over with trains, this scene is a refreshing reminder of the emotions real acting — no FX involved — can generate. If you are not at least a little creeped out by the pure psychosis Anthony Perkins exuded with just his facial expressions, you are not human.)

OK. I sense madness in the coming weeks. Too many uncertainties. One good thing, though — I’ve made some snail’s pace progress on the Backyard Reclamation Project. To clarify: we are reclaiming our back yard from the overgrowth, weeds, critters, and scary green things. Behold the initial evidence (sorry about the “after” shot lighting — I took it at dawn):

I hated that half dead wild rose bush anyway. It was like the Thing That Eats Worlds. But a few dianthus, petunias and marigolds, along with a Minuteman hosta plant on the far end spruced things up nicely. Oh, and don’t forget the garage paintover. I couldn’t move my arms for two days.

So what’s in store for you this weekend, my lovely fiends? Anything fun planned?