I've said it before, but praise be to the City gods who cut down my beloved 40' tree about 8 years ago.

Due to the extreme smallness of our yards (front and back), we have literally one tree, in the backyard, which is pretty tall and close to the house. Its branches were resting on our roof and into the next yard and on *their* roof (the houses are close together in this 'hood).

We had the tree-trimmer come out in May and lop off a TON of the branches that were on our roof and the neighbor's roof.

After yesterday's storm -- I think what you got in DC might be the same storm, or a similar system, that we got in Cincinnati -- a LOT of our friends have no power, and have had serious damage from trees. Us? Not a thing. Power stayed on, a few tiny branches -- more like kindling, really -- came off our tree, and the only thing that really freaked me out was the smell of smoke when the windstorm that preceded the rain came through (as it turned out, it was not a fire; just ashes from a neighbor's fire pit, thank god, because that freaked me out big time).

I grumbled about the expense of the tree-trimmer in May, but now I am SO GLAD we did it.

Oh my lord, bonny! I hadn't realized it was so bad. Glad you are okay.

Frankie and I are catching the last few minutes of Doggies and Donuts, and I hope they can trim his claws.

I'm losing weight again - I guess all the working in heat does it. I have a pair of size 10 shorts that were up at my waist just a couple of weeks ago, and now they're down on my hips. I don't think I've been an 8 ever. Odd.

Christ, bonny! I'm glad you're OK. Sounds very scary.

And you're an excellent neighbor.

Went to the local community farm/market. Man, there were a lot of people there. And tons of kids! However, we did get some figs (which was the primary reason for going- fig season is woefully short) and milk and fruits and veggies and things.

Should: go get cat litter, do menu planning, go shopping for niece's 18th birthday.

Am: lying on the couch.

Today we take the big rental truck and move everything out of my mother's apartment -- my aunt boxed everything up last week, and it should be a simple grab-and-load operation.

I have a lovely bunch of friends/chosen family who are helping me with the move. I can hear them laughing and joking in the next room as we prepare to make the 70-mile drive from our place up to the apartment.

And all I want to do is curl up in a ball and cry for about a week. I love them all, but I can't relate to them right now. I am overwhelmed and cranky and angry and sad.

Ah well, time to go put on a brave face and lead the charge. I'll check in tonight around 7pm board time and let you know how it went.

Thanks for listening/reading.

I'll be keeping you in my thoughts, Karl. I hope you can think of something nice/helpful to do for yourself in the coming days.

{{{Karl}}} I'm glad you have people to help you, and I'm sure they will understand if you aren't entirely with them today.

It's gonna suck, Karl...how could it not? But maybe your friends will help you get through it. we are waiting to find out about getting another van. I have a lot of feels about it.

Oh, Karl. Much love headed your way.

Good luck, erika!

I am hanging at my neighbor friend's house during her moving sale/ open house. The open house is going better than the sale part. I wish I could afford to buy her furniture!! She has a purple couch and a red chaise lounge.

Figs!! Did you go to HG or somewhere else? I must get some figs.