When I lose something, my irritation can be irritating.  Last week I picked up a copy of Boswell's London Journal, written in 1762 and 1763, when the biographer of Samuel Johnson was 22-years-old.  I've had trouble putting the book down.  The writing is brilliant.

Tonight I couldn't find it.  "Has anyone seen the blue book that was sitting by the fireplace," I said to a house still in heavy activity.  Henry (age 8) moved around the room, picking up one obvious piece of reading material after another asking "is this it?"  I looked some more.  Under chairs, in the kitchen, in the dining room.  No book.  Irritation grew and I began talking to myself.  People began to clear out in anticipation of interrogation.

"Where is the book?"  Nothing.  You get the idea.  I went through four of five children, making eye contact with each to ensure attention and asking the direct question:  "Have you seen a blue, hardback book?  It was here last night."  Crickets chirping.   My wife simply said, dismissively, "there are a bunch of books in the sun room," as though I could just pick up one of those.

Last shot.  I walked up to Libby's room where she was lying, having gone to bed 20 minutes earlier.  I almost felt silly.  "Honey, have you seen my blue book?"  Libby is four.  She paused briefly and said:  "Oh, I forgot.  I took it in the car and left it there.  It is still in the car, I think." 

Downstairs to the garage, open the back door and there sits "Boswell's London Journal."  Irritation replaced by laughter from everyone.

Then I found this entry written December 20, 1762.  It is appropriate to Libby's role in the family:

"I dined at Macfarlane's.  We were very hearty.  I indulged in it much.  Erskine and I walked down Haymarket together, throwing out sallies and laughing loud.  'Erskine,' said I, 'don't I make your existence pass more cleverly than anybody?'  'Yes, you do.'  'Don't I make you say more good things?'  'Yes.  You extract more out of me, you are more chemical to me, than anybody.'  We drank tea at Dempsters."