2 1/2 hours is a damned long time.

I finished reading Alice Sebold's book Almost Moon. I'd like those hours back please.

Beverly, thanks for the batten info. I love the collective wisdom around here! And now I see the total inaccuracy of equating storm windows to avoid heat with battening hatches.

Must find another analogy.

And, if I haven't said so before now, Happy Anniversary to you and your DH. Felicitations!

My last ever opportunity to view the 4th of July pyrotechnics from my friend's penthouse deck was absolutely lovely tonight.

Gorgeous breeze and a 360 view of at least 20 different municipalities' shows. Nearly 3 hours of sparkly fabulosity. Some just a few hundred feet away. Beautiful.

Is there such a thing as a "coldhouse flower"? Because that would be me.

Me, too. I have written hundreds of articles urging people to set their thermostats at 78 in summer to save energy. Mine is set at 72 and occasionally I stand in front of the thermostat and stare wistfully at 68. (Don't do as I do. Do as I tell you to do.) I never liked the heat, but the medication I'm on now makes my life one long hot flash anyway.

I just got back from the Braves game, complete with an '80s cover band and very satisfying fireworks. The bad part was that the seats we were in are normally very comfortable, but games hardly ever start at 5 p.m., as today's did to allow for the fireworks. It turns out that between 5 and 7 the sun is at a blinding angle that causes instant headaches. Also, the Braves lost in a lackluster, not-with-a-bang-but-with-a-whimper way.

The Pearl River webpage doesn't have the items, but I got mac this and this. I got myself this and this . That time may give me nightmares - what the hell is that rabbit fur hat?!?! It's terrifyingly wonderful and I may need to look into getting more things from Dumpling Dynasty.

are people here aware of the "cute as hell" line from Blue Q? [link]

Blue Q is awesome!

msbelle, are you feeling prepared at all? Have you eaten through the pantry yet? Is your mom still there?

Full of questions (I skipped). Did the contract on your apartment get signed?

my mom is gone, the contract is NOT signed, there is not only still food in the pantry there is food in the freezer and fridge! I am working from home all week though, so hopefully I can make a dent in that stuff.

I feel fairly prepared. I know I can knock out 2-4 boxes a day without much effort, I am more worried about what mac and I want to take on the plane with us. I am making us both pack trial bags this week, so we have a sense of what will really fit.

ita [link]