I'm glad she's back at the hospital. My mom was running ragged, and now the hydration can happen via IV rather than Mom trying to coax liquids down Gram's throat.

Mom is pretty upbeat now that Gram's back to the ER. She feels like this will allow the fever to break, and I suspect she's right. Her older brother is coming down from NH tomorrow, so she'll have some sibling support. Assuming nothing gets drastically worse, I think we'll be okay. Continued Buffista ~ma is always helpful, though.

Poor gram. I'm so sorry, Kristin. I'm glad your mom is getting some relief, though.

How about Dreft? Is Dreft still good for baby clothes.

In theory, but my hippie stuff is actually cheaper.

What's the hippie stuff called?

I use Country Save: [link]

I use the liquid, which is very, very lightly scented, but has never caused me any issues or headaches.

I can only use anything scented during those few idyllic weeks when none of us have any allergies, and the only scented brand that hasn't bothered us is that Arm & Hammer powder. I'll have to check out this Country Save. Oh look. Elmer's Glue Elmer.

I swear by Tide Free, but it's getting harder to find. All the space is taken up by New! Better! Tides. Mountain Fresh. Spring Morning. Fresh Spring. Mountain Morning. Ultra Ultra White White. I can't do any fragrance.

The bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, and living room are straightened as much as they're going to be, but I have no idea what to do with the study/tv room from hell. I've been purging stuff lately but hadn't gotten around to reorganzing it and it is a disaster.

Man, that just sucks that she didn't tell you that she was trying to sell the place before you moved in, sj.

Emily, how's this:

Dear ______________

I am writing to recommend Emily ________ for the position of ___________. I have known her for __________ in my capacity as ___________ (perhaps less awkward here, kind of depends on how you want to describe her role in your life/career), and she is a great candidate for the position.

I first met Emily ______. I have noticed that she has grown tremendously as a teacher over the past year, particularly in the her lesson design and classroom management. She has been working with a particularly difficult population in terms of language and achievement with great effectiveness. I was surprised that she was assigned low-performing, high-English Language Learner (ELL)-percentage classes as a new teacher, but she has done wonders. She has also developed curriculum management skills in adapting her instruction to make it accessible for her ELL students.

I have found Emily to be very innovative in her lesson planning. She uses several different theories and techniques, adapting, combining and evolving them so that they are effective with each student and the class as a whole. Her students respond to her lesson plans and have improved significantly.

Emily would be a wonderful addition to __________ and I recommend her without reservation.