Hee. And I still recommend it, beth!

lcat, email incoming!!

meara, re: your comment about the whitewashing, isn't it GREAT? I was so, so, so happy. There's just so much about the cover that immediately speaks to the story and gives a good indication about what lies beyond the cover.

Yeah, we have our share of finance related stress these days. I know me trying to open a practice is the right thing but the lack of mine in the mean time freaks me out and adds a lot of stress to life.

Thanks! It's beautiful, intriguing, elegant, not whitewashed, all kinds of excellent.

And, askye, forgot to say that in addition to SIL being an incredible photographer, your nephew is quite the red-wagon-riding cutie.

Newsflash: Matilda doesn't like having her picture taken.

She has such pretty hair!

askye, that's a great picture! Very cool. Hee--it makes me want to start a Buffista's version of Angie's list, using only buffistas and their relatives and friends.

OK, I think I must go walk around the library and find books to read on my flight tomorrow. I am not going to be home during library hours for my next three trips, which are all long (SEA-HNL-SEA, SEA-BWI-SEA, and then SEA-OAK-SEA). Much time, must find reading material!

This is cool. It's 14 sights you should see from the air. [link]

I think I've seen about half of them hanging out with you all.

That was really cool, Trudy-- I was sort of surprised to not see Las Vegas on the list since it's such an interesting sight during nighttime flights.

IOW, hello, Erin! I'll be in KC in April!

Hey, Sparky, that's great. We can haz gimlets! Let me know about when you'll be around.

Guys, I feel ya about the income stress. I've been unemployed since 10/1, moved in with Dan and got engaged, all without bringing in any income past November. It's been incredibly hard for me: just an uncomfortable LEECHING feeling. I have felt so off-balance and so not me. It's been really hard.

HOWEVER...I have an adjunct gig ( 1 course)firmly in the bag -- starts 2/17, AND I have a presentation to give on Wednesday for another adjunct gig. All English courses, one on-line and the other (it's not nailed down, but it's dependent on the presentation, which I am 99% confident on, so I feel really positive about it) in a classroom setting. And that would be two courses at that school. So I should have income coming in on 3/5. Not much, but I'm jazzed.

I can work partly at home, and I figure the more experience I add to my res, the more gigs I can get. I can work from home a lot, and be flexible this July, when my soon-to-be stepson is here for 5 weeks. This means he can be at day camp for 1/2 days instead of whole, which means more bonding time, and less $$ spent on day camps.

SO. Relieved, And happy, career-wise, because I will be much happier with a flex schedule and teaching college courses. I've been wanting to do this for a LONG time, but the lack of health bene's has really been an issue, especially with my surgeries. But when D and I get married, I can get health through his company, do the work I like to do, and the possibility of working on my Ph.D in the near future is a real possibility. If I should so decide.

Dogs just enjoy stuff so well. Muddy floors are a pain, but watching the glee must mitigate the mud at least a little.

Maybe a tetherball for the Sass? Advantage--in one place, so no need for a walk or a run. Possible disadvantage--need a place to hang it.

Askye, that photo is amazing--it reminds me of the Gotta Dance nmber in Singin' in the Rain, with Cyd Charise and a green scarf, and of course the trio of couples in Kiss Me Kate, where two of the boys were Bob Fosse and Gower Champion--they used scarves much the same way. I think there's another great 50s musical that had a bride and a white scarf--I just can't place it.

But it's a fantastic effect--all the more wonderful for being outdoors, rather than on a soundstage!

Your kitcats are very cute and snuggly.

ETA--Matilda is such a big girl. And yes, she does look like her mom--both of you just beautiful.

And Erin, all of that sounds beautifully dovetailed and serendipitous. I'm so happy for you!

Brrrr. Cold outside*! Day off. So I crank the heat inside. But chores has me needing to take out a huge pile of recycles. I bundle up, and head out, expecting it to be a 5 min walk. But run into neighbor/co-worker, and it turns into 30 minutes. In freezing cold weather!

*cold for Dallas. Technically it is freezing, at 30f. Yes, my blood is still Californianized.