ION, I had a long conversation tonight with one of my closest college friends, Alison, and it was just great. Much cackling. And it helps that she's got teenagers too so we can compare notes.

She taught me one of the most valuable virtues of friendship: to hate anybody that hurts your friends.

I've just been having this conversation! My diet is moderation because no way in hell could I actually have the wherewithal to adhere to an actual plan of depravity. Though I guess I do, out of sheer laziness. But it is nummy! During the day, I munch on a couple pieces of fruit, a couple of fruit & nut granola bars, a snack pack of kettle corn from TJs or Pirate's Bootie, usually a single serve of fat free greek yogurt and honey and berries. Dinner is spinach, goat cheese, balsamic and berries ( will have to switch to apples soon, and goat cheese doesn't play as nice with those so it's out) and some sort of meat (currently, basil pesto chicken sausage works.)

But when I have the option of bleu cheese bacon burgers with sweet potato fries and several generous glasses of merlot at a nearby dive with friends? Yeah, whatever. It's not every day, it's not every week. I won't regret it.

I could handle a plan of gustatory depravity. Bring it on!

data point for ita: I drive stick, as does K. We aren't circumsised, though our son is, which is odd for a preemie, I learned.

I won a quilt in a raffle (yay!) and picked it up today. Noah and I spent time with Grandma and Pops (what Noah has decided to call my father which I adore) today but my parents vision of time is different than mine and my kids are wiped out by 5:30.

Smonster, we took to bed already on the theory it would be easier to do the whole pre-bed routine with lights. But I'm chilling here with the kindle. Literally chilling, as I put the A/C waaay down (to 70) to get the house as cold as possible before power cut.

Hec, I thought of you while watching Double Deuce. "This baby knows what I'm talking about."

I might be on a dietary plan of depravity, by some standards, anyway. All the souffles, custards and dumplings I can eat, basically.

I could handle a plan of gustatory depravity. Bring it on!

If my wacky gluten allergy really HAS gone away, I have an elaborate meal planned at the fancy FANCY Cajun/Creole restaurant.

(I can't remember: did I tell you people that I have stopped taking all the antibiotics I was on? There were some symptoms I was having that made me decide that ANYTHING was better than the abx. It's been about 6 weeks, and whoo, having energy again is nice. In 2 weeks I get to try a real bread product and see if my neck welts up.)

Who has suggestions of awesome places to see/shop at/eat at in Portland, OR? It has been decided upon as the last-minute replacement for New Orleans. Not quite as exciting, but easy to get to. And tax-free shopping!

Powells. World's greatest (well biggest) bookstore.

If you are there on a Saturday, take the Max and get off at the Saturday Market. If you like Elephant Ears, the Saturday Market has the best. Anyway, great fair food, lots of crafts, a fun downscale atmosphere.

Portland also has great food carts these days. Also, has some really good Pho places if you are in to to Pho though I can't be specific.

Wow, Jilli, hope that works out well for you!

Oh and a question for German speakers. Totentanz as I remember is German for "Dance of the Dead". Am I correct? So what would the German be for "Dance of the Free?"

Thanks

Gar