yep, that's my mom, with the precious puppy Toby, the Havanese.

-t, in case you read here before Bitches, my deepest condolences.

Gorgeous colors, msbelle.

Frankie and I went to the dog park this morning for the first time. It was awesome! So many new friends to tire him out. Brought him home and gave him his first bath, and he was great. Totally hangdog but didn't try to escape. Now I need a shower, of course. Maybe I'll have a little home spa day...

-t, I am so, so sorry for your loss. Much peace and strength to you and your family. I wish I was closer, but I'll be with you in spirit.

Thanks guys. I am really happy with the colors. Just so impatient to get there already. 46.5 days!

mac is watching Voltron! I kinda love getting him these old cartoons. He is being a slug today. will not do anything active. I am going to start packing boxes soon and plan to blast some music to energize me, not sure how that will go over with him.

MNFlaw, I meant to say that my local statioion had a piece on this in their newscast. I think it was picked up from ABC, but it was a good piece.

Thanks Sue. He's busting his ass on this and I'm really proud of what he's been able to achieve.

Kat, I am so sorry that you're going through this. It shouldn't be an all or nothing proposition.

msbelle, those colors are beautiful. Once you've finished the decorating, your new home will be so cheerful.

I love the doggie in all of the Texas house photos.

I am having a surprisingly good time here in Kerrville. It's my third time here for HS graduation, and I'll be back next year and the year after! Then all of Ben's kids will be done. But the best part of the trip is just connecting with my cousin despite our being diametrically opposed on just about every political or religious topic. The really good thing about Ben is that he's very smart and has lived all over. He loves history, as does his mom (my Aunt Sharon the missionary), and he teaches me a lot. They do not like our president one bit, and we don't talk a lot about politics, but he's got amazing stories to tell about his times in Iraq and Afghanistan. Last night I asked him if this time around (he was also in Desert Storm), he felt differently about the Iraqi people, because he wasn't remote; he was right there, living amongst them, for nearly two years. And his answer was a definite yes.

And get this: Ben's wife Angela suggested that we go to "The Grape Juice" because I would like it. It's Kerrville's new little cute "wine bar". So my Aunt Sharon the Missionary had sangria (two glasses!!!!), Ben and Angela had beer, and I had a nice Willamette pinot. And we sat on the porch of the place until 1 AM having wonderful discussions about family, war, healthcare, you name it. Thoughtful, calm and intelligent debates and a lot of sharing. It was such a wonderful experience I can not tell you.

Just read that Dennis Hopper has died.

Apparently Dennis Hopper has died.

Apparently Dennis Hopper has died.

Wow.

"Ah, shit, let's drink to something else. Let's drink to fucking. Yeah, say, 'Here's to your fuck, Frank.' "

(Edited for a better quote.)