Dana, ginger and/or the galangal (?) I always see mentioned in the menu at the awesome Thai restaurant. I think it is limey/gingery.

Java, we are hoping to only check two bags, one is the aerobed that mac and I will be sleeping on until the movers get there, so the other one will most likely be clothes, toilitries and movies/games.

Oh, that makes sense. I thought you were trying to skip a $25 checked luggage fee or something and I was gonna tell you to give yourself a break! :) You're doing awesome!

sara, no doubt they were nigh impressed.

So I am at home, safe. The verdict has come in and so far so calm. Wait until dark, though - that's when trouble, if it's going to happen, will.

I spent the day playing bocce ball at our company event and actually thought it was most enjoyable! Usually I hate day time company events - the whole notion of forced frivolity doesn't sit well with me; however, today we had lots of food and alcohol and mild weather and so it was terrific.

I'm not sure the tiny Asian markets around here carry galangal, but yeah, ginger would be yummy too.

OMG you guys. Darby is hanging in the living room tonight. This is a big step. There might have been some smoked trout involved. But the trout is gone and she's still wandering about. Also, the rawhide chew I gave her (and she had no interest in) has moved from the spare room into the middle of the living room floor some time today. That is huge.

She's so incredibly sweet. But this whole adult dog with issues thing is so different than bringing in a puppy. She's not scared, exactly. But serious and tentative and, I don't know. Things that Kaylee no doubt did on her first day are huge milestones for Darb.

When she lies down and curls up, she is just the exact right size to wrap your arms around and pick up and squeeze. And it would be the worst thing I could do. It just breaks my heart. Oh, sweet girl.

From googling, sounds like ginger, lime and something dry peppery would stand in for galangal. But god, there are slices of it in the soup I get and I love them. Hrm, maybe my belated 35th dinner (don't see it happening tomorrow) will be from Thai Restaurant.

I'm kinda too tired to think about bday tomorrow. I've already opened my presents from my parents and Dominic when I was in NM, so. I had tentatively thought about doing Something, but I don't think that will happen now.

brenda, bless you for taking her into your home and having such generosity of spirit. I know you want doggie kisses and snuggles and it hurts to not get them right away. But all great things in life are earned, and one day you WILL be cuddlebugs together.

ita, will it ease up after the go live?

In theory. Except...we have shenanigans, because strictly speaking, go live isn't until sometime in August. And then we redo it at the end of August. What's happening now is a shakedown pre-go live back end thing. That we may do again next weekend too.

Oy.

msbelle, I wish she would, but I don't think she's going to travel.

When she lies down and curls up, she is just the exact right size to wrap your arms around and pick up and squeeze. And it would be the worst thing I could do. It just breaks my heart. Oh, sweet girl.

Brenda, you are the best. And Darby is such a lucky girl.

You are totally right, primates are all about ventral to ventral contact (hugging) but dogs would not be into it at ALL by choice. Some dogs can be trained to accept, if not entirely enjoy it but definitely not all.

Bartleby is okay with my poking and prodding...which is endless, but my hugging him is, I think, a necessary evil. In exchange, I have learned to ignore his lickity licking of the feet and legs...which is a LOT.

We, too, are the perfect pair.

My SIL is very funny tipsy on fb.

I want this dress and somewhere to wear it. So much.