Need. More. Coffee.

Morning session ran out.

Well, do you want the dog, or do the kids?

Both. The boys are very good about walking and jogging, but poor Brandy can't go far any more. She is getting very old, deaf, and the joints ain't what they used to be. New doggy would need to get along with her. Brandy gets along well with animals, but she is not too fond of overly active youngsters. She will have to go with me when/if we go to meet the potential sister.

Well, at least the author is aware of the creepy pseudo-incestuous relationship she's created between Elsie and her father. This is Elsie's father's youngest sister, who's a few years younger than Elsie. Elsie's about 18 here:

"Oh, here you are!" cried a girlish voice as they turned into a shaded walk leading to the house. "I've been looking everywhere and am glad to have found you at last. Really, if a body didn't know your relationship, he or she might almost imagine you a pair of lovers."

OK, so Christians of the Elsie strain do not go to balls, operas, or the theatre. I guess I can understand the part about dancing, but what's the objection to theatre?

In that case, Laura, go for it. Assuming the other dog is also on board.

I hate this economy. I hate the world.

My brother just texted. The bank he works at (the third largest failed bank...you can look it up) was just sold, and his call center is being closed. His job ends today.

but what's the objection to theatre?

More licentiousness--don't forget that the Puritans of Cromwell's England shut down the theatres between the two Charleses.

What part of the world is your brother in, VW?

He's in Kansas.

ETA: His call center is in KC.

I'm sorry to hear that, vw. I hope all the money hasn't gone to bonuses and that there is some left over for severance.