Morning all. I was listening to CNN this morning and I heard (more than once) the words "Hurrican force winds", in reference to the winter storms out east.

I don't know if the story translates

I need to grocery shop too. Maybe I can send the cats... Of course then I will end up with kibble and other randomness.

I love that, AmyLiz. My kids all did this. Ben still reflexively pats me during most hugs. My mother says I did the same thing. It's most deadly when they're the ones in need of consolation.

Cass, I prefer cats, but would send a dog shopping before I sent a cat shopping (as if cats would be "sent" anywhere--I mean, clearly that's the fantasy part of it all).

Is Ginger around? Did you get anything from me in the mail? Just checking...

We went grocery shopping last night and did laundry early. Now we can curl up and watch the snow come down.

Money is certainly a control issue in my parental dynamic. But while it makes things tougher, financially, for me it's way better to be on the side of not taking any money and doing your own thing, because it cleans up a lot of issues. You're responsible for your self, and ultimately, only to yourself (in the big picture).

I am also in my bathrobe surfing the internets while Tom makes butternut squash soup for lunch. Mmmm.

My kids all did this.

I don't remember the boys doing it at all. But yes, when she's hiccup-sobbing at whatever indignation a 14-month-old has suffered, and she's patting *my* shoulder, I melt into a puddle.

"Hurrican force winds"

Our weather guy was saying something about "thunder snow" last night, which sounded very wrong, but also kind of cool.

Thunder snow is the coolest. I've only seen it a handful of times, but the lightning up in the clouds combined with the thunder is incredible.

Could a dog read the list?

I could borrow the neighbor's dog I suppose. "What was that Lassie? (not her name but I don't remember her name so Lassie it is) Cassie needs milk? And some of that butternut squash tortellini? Will that be credit or debit, girl?"

What's that girl? Timmy's trapped in the burning barn? Paper or plastic?

If I sent my dogs to the store, they would not bring anything home. They would eat it on the way, including the dixie cups. Not big on self-restraint, my dogs.

The cats would get about halfway up the driveway before deciding that they would much rather chase something furry or possibly take a nap.