I just woke up from what was, I think, my most hellish night as a parent. Frisco had a 102 fever and horrible cough and was exhausted but unable to sleep due to his cough. The whole family was up from about 1-3am. Frisco and I were up from about 11. (Ellie almost certainly has an ear infection). I finally got Frisco to sleep by driving him around the neighborhood for about 6 minutes. (Why didn't I think of that earlier?)

He's still asleep and I am exhausted. Ellie is busy arbitrating what the dogs may eat for breakfast and Joe is out surfing.

If my husband went out surfing after a night like that, he'd have a huge dope-slap waiting when he got home.

I know! Although I talked to him and he actually went running, not that it matters. I think I'm just too tired to be mad, you know? Plus, he's almost always gone in the morning when we get up so it's not unusual at all. I hope to get a nap out of it later.

The gronk, she is mighty. I went to feed the cats, and managed to completely miss Sammie's dish when I spooned out her portion. Ick.

Oh, Stephanie! What a night! Nap! Definitely!

Stephanie, I hope those kids get better and you can get some sleep.

I just had wayyyyyyyyy too much trouble lighting the stove to make some hot cocoa. It's a darned good thing this is a gas stove with electronic ignition. If it were a wood stove, there probably would not be a happy ending to the story. The happy ending is, the house is still standing, and I have my cocoa, which probably has a modicum of caffeine.

Vortex all of our thoughts are with you and your family. We are so sorry for your loss. Late to post because of connectivity only.

After I went to bed, in that dark hour where I review everything I've ever done wrong, I felt bad about bitching about my mother, whom I do love and who is still with us. I had just talked to her earlier, and I was still both sad and annoyed at her ability to make herself miserable. I'm pretty good at making myself unhappy, but she's taken it to a fine art. She probably doesn't have too many years left, and I wish she could enjoy them. Selfishly, I also wish I could enjoy them with, but she's depressing to be around. The election doesn't help, because even without the internets or talk radio, she's managed to put together a bunch of half-truths about Obama.

vortex .... I have no words. I love you and so much peace to you and your mom. Oh goddamn.