For all of your amusement, I present a series of five shots from Disneyland that say oh so much about Drew, Jilli, Pete, Sean, and me

Heh. I had completely forgotten about those. I see I am applicably chirpy in my image.

My sister got me a pair of the Adidas by Stella McCartney sneakers. I think these are quite possibly the most uncomfortable shoes I've ever worn. They're ridiculously narrow, there's an elastic across the instep that is so tight it forces my arch to flatten completely, and the heels are designed so weirdly that the only way I can walk in them is to let my ankles turn all the way in. They're so wrong, I can't believe the person who engineered these things has ever actually seen feet.

They're really cute shoes, though, and I keep looking at them and thinking, "They're not so bad, maybe they just need to be broken in a bit," and then I put then on and remember why I just took them off.

Though not the same shoes, I did the same thing with today's shoes. I've had them on a shoe form, stretching for forever. I figured if I wore them with nice sheer trouser-socks, I'd be good.

And they were good...all the way in to the office. But when I put them back on (what? you take your shoes off under your desk too, don't you?) at lunch time they were not comfy.

So I came home and put my Doc M boots instead. Totally inappropriate for LA in July, but they do boost the spirit.

But, damn, I love those shoes that will not fit. They're patent leather loafers, but without the seams (I'm anti- those everted seams). Grr.

MM, I just sent you an insane amount of feedback for your intro and first essay. Just making sure you got it since my email has been sketchy out here in CT-land.

Also, it should be relatively easy to take the pads out for reupholstering (when I get around to it)

yeah, I really like that chair. I may get it, and match the pads to whaterver I reupholster/slipcover my chair and a half to.

Doc M boots instead. Totally inappropriate for LA in July

But what else am I supposed to wear with my cocktail dress?

the market at Camden is really cool to browse and wander around in.

Cool! I am here through Monday morning, so perhaps I'll check this out tomorrow. Also doing the Tate Modern tomorrow.

I didn't do the Tower of London because it's very expensive. I know it's interesting culturally and all, but £16 at the current exchange rate is a lot of cash, and I'm a bit overloaded on culture anyway. I'll see it next time. We did wander around the outside and look at the pretty castle walls.

Nora, all your Edinburgh suggestions sound awesome! I like wandering around too, and we've got plenty of museuming done already. One of the things on our Edinburgh list is to buy the new HP and read it - we're there on the 21st. Midnight party with excited Scottish (Scotch? Scots? Scottic? Scotty? Scotful?) kidlets! I love Harry Potter parties.

Jars, insent.

I should get somebody to come clean my apartment. I keep thinking that then not doing it. Ah well.

Happy Birthday, Zenkitty!

Happy Birthday to Zenkitty! I hope it is a most excellent day for you.

About to get my fat butt out of bed and take a walk. I promised myself I would walk every day once I got to the mountains, and here it is 10 days later and no walky. I did finally get my clothes out of the suitcase and arrange and vacuum my bedroom. It looks better.

One of the kitchen cabinets Fell Off The Wall a couple days ago. Years ago a tree had crashed through the roof and water damage happened. It has been fixed, but not all of the interior damage has been repaired. Apparently the nails in the cabinet were wet at one point and rusted and it just took a while before it gave way. It was the cabinet above the stove and I only had measuring cups in it so no real problem. This weekend I might tear out the ceiling and put up new stuff then go about re-securing the cabinets in that area.

Did I mention rustic cabin in the Adirondacks? Fair warning to anyone that might want to visit, you may be turned into carpenter's helper.

My neighbors from Florida came to fetch their son that visited with us the first week. The dad has a huge amount of stress in his business. We were discussing how the stress just melts away here. I still work as hard for crazy numbers of hours a day, with the added work of house repair. And yet, just feel relaxed. I'll walk through the woods to my mom's house next door for a quick cup of tea. Watch a deer wander by. Sit on my sister's dock and watch the boys kayak while I work on my computer.

My customers keep apologizing for bothering me while I am on vacation. I'm not on vacation; I'm just relaxed.

LAURA!

Where is everyone else? Come on people, I have a big trip to prepare for. I need help procrastinating!