The emotional roller coaster is why they used to give a year for deep mourning in olden days, and even after a year some sign of mourning was worn. I think people were more allowed to be actively upset back then.

Oh, Maria. The sucker punches are the worst. I'm so sorry, hon. I've ended up keening on the kitchen floor from a This American Life episode that reminded me of a crisis several years past, when I just expected light choretime entertainment.

****

I just waddled back from the neighborfriend's. I supplied the salad (spinach, lettuce, strawberries, raw broccoli stems - she added some avocado) and vinaigrette, steamed broccoli, and fabulous whole local milk (it's pale yellow, for real); she supplied wine, itty bitty filets wrapped in bacon and grilled, and fresh baked oatmeal choc chip cookies from a mix. SO. GOOD. Who needs fancy shit with food this good?

I also introduced her to Animaniacs, so overall it was a fabulous night despite the insane thunderstorms we've been having for five hours straight. My rain boots may be the single best purchase I've made here. Every time it rains there's a puddle four feet by eight feet, several inches deep, right in front of my gate.

ION, StW is being adorable and kind of flirty (for him) over text. That is all.

Oh Maria, I'm so sorry. I wish there was some way for us to shoulder some of the burden for you.

ION, StW is being adorable and kind of flirty (for him) over text. That is all.

Fun!

Shir! I got the package! Thank you so much. Perfect timing because I will be seeing my mother this weekend for Easter. To share, I asked Shir to collect some small rocks or pebbles for my mom. Mom has always collected rocks from places she visits and I have always brought her back souvenir rocks when I travel. Mom is a devout Catholic and at 90 will never get to collect her own rocks from the holy lands, so I asked Shir for a helping hand. It isn't my religion, but this will bring joy to my mom, and likely tears, so I am most grateful.

Oh. that's lovely, Laura. Shir rocks--literally AND figuratively!

Laura, that's such a wonderful thought! And Shir rocks. In all meanings of the word. (I'd use and emoticon here, but I'm afraid of being stoned.)

t /end of puns

t who am I kidding, I'm a Buffista; that will never close

Aaaaaaw. I finally got a sofa (woo hoo!) and the kitties have been camped out on it since they recovered from the shock of strangers in the house delivering it. Currently, they are curled up adjacent to each other...but Mal has his head firmly nestled into Nico's backside. Nico looks strangely content. It's the wierdest feline configuration i have yet to see.

I heard something about there being an Elvis (Presley) themed tour of the Holy Land ... including a visit to the Elvis Diner outside Jerusalem.

Attn: Jilli

Today's teefury shirt is Beetlejuice themed:

[link]

That is all.

For now.

What a wonderful thing to do for your mom, Laura! And just when I thought I couldn't adore Shir more...