Damn, Maria. Your email was highly tactful, considering, and I'm glad they responded in kind. Definitely not something anyone should have to deal with.

Frankie just got in a fight at the de facto dog park. The dog (a big 1 yo, not super trained) was after Frankie's ball (which he won't even fetch half the time). We separated them, no physical harm done to either dog, but sheesh. Frankie seems to be getting sassier as he matures, and I'm sure it's something I'm doing (or not doing), but I don't know exactly what.

How old is Frankie again?

About 3 1/2.

Damn, Maria. You really did handle that gracefully, which is not how I would react to such a damn gut punch.

I wish you peace and comfort from the funeral.

Thanks folks. It was perfect for him. He was a musician -- a drummer -- his whole life. He played in multiple bands his whole life, mostly rock, but also at his church. He had a duo with a friend, who played guitar and sang. His partner performed "Stormy Monday" a la the Allman Brothers during the service. And then after the various people spoke about G.'s life, the pastor announced there would be an unconventional tribute, and played "The End" from Abbey Road, because of Ringo's drum solo.

G. would have loved it.

Good.

And now go easy on yourself. Did you decide to take the day off or work? (I vote day off.)

And now go easy on yourself. Did you decide to take the day off or work? (I vote day off.)

I am at the office because I had a lunch here and needed to get food in my belly now. And I'm going to grab a manuscript to take home and work on tomorrow.

So once I eat my lunch, I'm going to head home, play with the dog, go lift a lot of weights, and take the mother of all naps.

Sounds like an excellent plan, Teppy!

Yikes, Maria, that's a gut punch indeed. I'm very glad it was corrected quickly, but so sorry you had to deal with that. I've been thinking about you and wondering how you're doing, so it's good to see you checking in.

Steph, a nap sounds like an excellent plan.

Oh Maria, I can't even imagine. Holy crap. I'm so glad it was resolved, but still, that's unbelievable.

Teppy, I'm glad the funeral was as good as it could have been, but do take care of yourself today. Nap sounds good.

sj, I love the energy and excitement of a new house! Please share pics as you work on it, if you're willing.

Maria, that is awful even if it was resolved.

Basic social skills question: (Happening shortly, so please excuse the timing for asking)

A acquaintance of mine is coming from out of town to give a presentation at a local government office during their lunch hour - an inhouse brown bag thing. I'm meeting him for a half hour at the office before the presentation cause we don't get much time to talk, and we have mutual professional interests. I'm definitely planning not to hint to stay, because crashing an inhouse event is bad manners and major negative PR. But what if I'm invited? At that point would it be better manners to stay or to go? If it happens, I'm leaning towards assuming that it is Pacific Northwest manners, and that the polite thing is still to stay no., But I'm worried that if it happens, is sincere, and I say no, that is bad manners. Yes I'm neurotic. Dammit if I lived in NY that would not be a problem; the odds would be I would not be asked, and if I was it would probably be because they wanted me to stay. Here I'm betting I get asked regardless.