Thanks for the birthday wishes, everyone. I have eaten sushi and gone to see Frankenweenie, so the day's turned out pretty well so far.

did he hit a tree or something? sounds like someone may not have been wearing a seat belt.

Yeah, she hit a tree. And, yeah, I'm wondering if the girl who died, the passenger, wasn't wearing a seatbelt. It happened in a place that I think it would be hard to drive super fast. I guess.

I'm so sorry, lisah.

Mmmm, muffins.

man, how terrible lisah.

sorry I mixed up pronouns.

Dayumm. That's the first time I paid any attention to the lawyer sister in Blue Bloods handling a case in court, and she has zero presence. I get the impression that this is supposed to be a family that deserves its legacy--the two cops are certainly good at their jobs, but...yikes.

But, hey, she's pretty.

Okay, episode is over, I'm gonna send one text message, and then muffins (well, spice clean up first). I swear.

lisah, I'm so sorry.

I think this is a public link to the mathy sign (and other pix): [link]

I didn't see this guy (5K didn't pass us) but I did see one guy running with braces (sticks?) The volunteers handfed him gummy bears so he didn't have to free up his hands.

lisah, that's awful. I'm so sorry.

As for me, I spent all day with my folks, and was really good about not bringing up difficult things until after lunch, and then it got unpleasant. Among other things, my mother announced that she'd rather stay miserable than do anything to address the situation (psych, meds, moving, support). Basically, even misery is preferable to any sort of change at all.

I just can't fathom it.

That said, new psychiatrist this week, since the current one has her on six, count them, six psychotropic drugs. Woot.

As for me, I spent all day with my folks, and was really good about not bringing up difficult things until after lunch, and then it got unpleasant. Among other things, my mother announced that she'd rather stay miserable than do anything to address the situation (psych, meds, moving, support). Basically, even misery is preferable to any sort of change at all.

It can be terrifying to move from a hell you've known to something new. I am so sorry. I can even understand a little. Change can be just that scary. It's unknown.

I really hope you can find something that works for everyone. Or anyone. Because that's miserable for her and you.

I made the muffins! And cleaned up the kitchen!

They are not the same as the magic "morningstar" muffins I get from the place near work (I want to just ask them who their bakery is), but they are nice-stronger pineapple taste, for one, and that's all good. And the work ones are bigger--is the standard commercial muffin size bigger than the 12 count tray I'd grab in Ralph's? I've never really thought about it.

I've told those guys I was going to reverse engineer their bakery's recipe--I feel tempted to bring them when I'm satisfied.

So--notes on the muffins:

• work ones are browner--investigate bran, whole wheat flour, possibly also brown sugar, but that alone can't account for the difference
• too sweet--for me, anyway. I did reduce the sugar by 1/8 of a cup. Next time maybe by as much as 1/3
• pineapple chunks--they may use chunks as well as crushed
• could stand more carrot and raisins per unit

I need to not gorge on these. I do have leftover dinner food in the fridge. But...muffins!

I didn't notice how much time had passed and called home in a bit of a panic. I'd thought I might call when they were out to birthday dinner or something, but instead I got them just as they were leaving for the theatre. At least I got the timely wishes in, even if conversation needs to wait until tomorrow. And, distracted daughter that I am, I forgot an e-card. There's really no excuse for that. I could have fucking teed that up a year ago. In fact, I'm now tempted to tee up next...no, that's bad juju.

--serial:

Consuela, I can't begin to imagine what you're going through here. The degree of immovable object is...I feel for you, and I wish I had some suggestion from some family member or another. But the best I can do is be on your side. For all that's worth...