I can't allow the disharmony in my home any more.

This is such a powerful stance. AND, as my specialty is 'what we say is what we see', I'd love to hear what you would prefer to invite and entertain in your home.

Me? I welcome warmth and ease of communication in my home. The result is, sometimes, people don't leave when I want them to!

{{{Laura}}}

And in a separate post: jacket of coveting is up to 82 Pounds Sterling, grrr. I haven't bid yet; I am waiting until the last day.

{{{{{Laura}}}}}} Stay strong. I know it hurts. But you are right to defend your home and protect your own property.

{{Laura}}

I just thought of something: Has your car insurance gone up as a result of your son's accidents? If so, you could see if your insurance company would lower your rates if you sign a form saying your son will not be allowed to drive your vehicles. That way you can save money and have a good excuse for not letting him borrow your van.

I didn't file any claims with insurance on the vehicles, and the cops didn't charge him with anything. Basically my position on the driving is that he has proven 3 times that he is a reckless driver by wrecking vehicles I purchased. Perhaps he will be more cautious with a vehicle he purchases. As a loving and responsible parent I can not justify giving the keys to a kid that has this driving record when I have every reason to believe he is going out partying with his friends. I honestly believe lives may be at stake and I won't change my mind no matter how pissed he gets.

We will probably meet with him this weekend and see if we can come up with a plan. Maybe living with one of his aunts or uncles. Near a bus route. I told him I would call him later after I talk to his father and brother.

I really do appreciate the support and positive vibes.

Thoughts and ~ma for the situation with B, Laura.

The filming went great! We loved the couple doing the road trip and interviewing, and the project is fantastic. They told us about the people they met in Northern Ireland from across religious communities, and the couple who live in the remote lighthouse in the north of Scotland, and the people from Liverpool who had an arranged marriage. Very cool. Plus, they liked us (even my story about how we met through a mutual interest in Buffy and then The Girl spurned me for eight months). If they make a webisode of us, or we end up in the final documentary, I'll link to it.

What a fun project, Seska. I would love to see the final product.

I saw an interview with an Irish gentleman years ago who was being asked what he attributed his successful marriage to. His wife had just passed and they had been married for something like 70 years.

His answer was beautifully elegant:

"Every day...we had a laugh."

I hope we get to see the interview, Seska!

Seriously, today was so great. W (the new social programs manager) took us all to lunch, she talked to them each one on one, we cleared the air this morning, I got to tell them that they're being extended for two months, and everyone worked together really well today. After W talked to each of them, she was like, OMG, I am going to go home and have a drink for each of them, just because of the shit they're going through. I was like, welcome to my world, girl. I'm glad they brought her on. She strikes me as highly effective and empathetic without being a softie, and she will go to bat for these kids. Hell yes. It's going to be hard to leave.

Later tonight, my roomie and I are taking Frankie to our local dog-friendly bar, which is of course owned by a New Orleanian. WHEE!

That interview sounds fun, Seska.

I'm going to be going to Florida with the family over spring break. Beach! Sun! Lack of snow! Warmth!