-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.)

-t - I'm so sorry for your loss.

I'm so sorry, -t. What a horrible loss and shock after a hard couple years.

Dennis Hopper did not get cheated on having an interesting life, I'll tell you what.

He had a bit role in Rebel Without a Cause and was close friends with James Dean. One night they took Natalie Wood off to a fancy Hollywood hotel and filled the tub with champagne. She lowered herself into it, all sexy like and leaped out yelping because all the alcohol stung her tender bits.

Hopper was deeply involved with Wallace Berman's circle of beat-era artists, poets, musicians and filmmakers. This is how David Lynch (art student) came in contact with him. Other famous actors in that circle included Russ Tamblyn (Amber's dad), which is how Tamblyn wound up on Twin Peaks.

Dennis Hopper also famously directed Easy Rider and was a great photographer with many shows over the course of his career.