Potato(e) Chips and Cheers...

So... y'all aren't being talkative tonight. How is a guy supposed to have an excuse for not packing anything? Well, I did manage to do change of address on a couple things. So that counts, yes? OK, time to pack up the games. I think I can fit them all in my gunny sack, and the built in cabinet is built in, so it's all ready there.

I can't sleep. My mattress here is covered with some sort of water-proof cover, which is really slippery, and I can't get the sheets to stay on it. It doesn't really help that the sheets are too small for the bed, so I can only tuck in an inch or so on each side. Also, it's way too saggy -- I definitely need a bed board, but I don't know where to get one.

sj, may you be surrounded by comfort and love, and by people who understand when to keep you company and when to leave you alone. And may her memory be a blessing for you and your family.

Hil, can you put the mattress on the floor?

Hil, can you put the mattress on the floor?

I hadn't thought of that. That may be a much simpler solution than anything I was coming up with.

Just tried it. Doesn't solve the sheet problem, but it does solve the sagging problem. Thanks for the idea, omnis!

It's been a good weekend. Some highlights:

1. On Saturday the family Tea went shopping at Box Hill. (There's a large Chinese population around there, so they have a lot of Asian grocers and such like.) We travelled by train, which Ryan loves. The wattle is coming into full bloom, and there are many wattle trees along the train line. (I love the golden wattle in bloom, no other flowering cheers me the way this one does.)

2. Over lunch, Ryan said something about growing tummies. I asked him if his tummy was growing. He said, "No, yours is!" t pat, pat Thanks, Ryan.

3. On the way back to the train station, Biyi was still talking about what Ryan said about my tummy. There may have been mockery involved. And then in the elevator down to the platform, she gets a thoughtful look and says:

"See, the thing about your tummy is............... You know Hitler..."
t hysterical laughter "Did -- Did you just Godwin my tummy?"

4. Today, Ryan's cousin had a birthday party. She's three now, about two months younger than Ryan. Her party was at a sedate establishment called "Monkey Mania". After he got over his shyness (he is so very much like me), Ryan had a lovely time and ate all sorts of rubbish, and the room full of dancing three-year olds was pretty hilarious. (IMO, Ryan's miniature freakout over the prancing staff member in the monkey suit was an entirely appropriate reaction.)

Ryan's cousin is being sent back to China next month. She's going to live with her grandparents and go to school there, at least until she finishes primary school. I confess this is a decision that is quite alien to me.

5. Saving the best for last. I've continued Ryan's introduction to the world of David Attenborough (I will be seeing him live in one month's time!). Tonight he wanted to watch a Richard Scarry DVD, but I told him that first I had a special treat for him - that being the first segment of episode 1 of The Life of Mammals - the echidna. He was rapt. (And then, after watching the platypus too, got his Richard Scarry.)

I'm now sitting in bed, watching TV and eating a slice of lemon cake that Biyi baked. Good weekend.

billytea, that does sound like a most excellent weekend. And the monkey would have scared me, too!

JenP, glad I could inspire! Now, if someone could inspire me, today. It's already 76 degrees here before 8, with a predicted high of 97. I am so tired of this weather and what it's going to do to my electric bill. If I wanted to live in Arizona, I'd move there. And considering I left that state in 1982 vowing never to go back (except to visit my son), I may have to put Wisconsin on my list of places that are hell to live in. PNW for me when I retire!

Tonight he wanted to watch a Richard Scarry DVD, but I told him that first I had a special treat for him

Richard-Scarry-hostage-holder.

I love Richard Scarry. I remember being in the 2nd grade and hiding in corners in the school lunch room with the big Scarry books. I was too well-supervised in the 1st grade to get away with it.

I'm at my cousin's baby shower(opposite side of the family) and I'm really trying to keep t together but i really want to curl up in a ball and cry.