I seem to be the only one in the neighborhood losing branches. I also have one of two crabapple trees on my street. I didn't know they were such delicate trees.

OK! Fit my stuff, including computer, into my tiny roller bag, so I just need that and a regular purse, which is a good thing for a two-day trip. AND sorted through my sock drawer AND wiped down the sink.

There is something weirdly satisfying about wiping down an empty kitchen sink.

Happy birthday, Sheryl!

Dana, I hope you can get some relief for the migraine. I can't imagine two weeks of even bearable-level pain.

The "sparking joy" is supposed to be about things, yes; but I prefer William Blake's rule to Marie Kondo's.

If you want a golden rule that will fit everybody, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.

So much this. I mean, my toaster doesn't "spark joy" but I certainly like what it does for me.

I did my taxes for the first time all by myself! And it was not that hard! I'm more than a little ashamed this is the first time, but now I'm a pro, I guess.

This was actually the bathroom, although I did the kitchen this morning! I love doing the bathroom sink because it looks so clean after.

My son is 9 and goes to the bathroom by himself in public, but it hasn't been a super long time - 2 years, max. He's rather shy and does not like to go places by himself in general, though.

I have flowers! I may have overbought. And didn't get dirt, which might have been an error. We will see.

Sara, you have just reminded me that if I'm not going to get a pedicure I should really hit the farmers market. Except I'm trying not to walk much (the 7 mile run yesterday was fine on my muscles, not so fine on what I'm thinking is tendinitis in one foot??). Pedicure is a drive, farmers market is a walk. Hmm.

I'm going to a conference, and staying at the conference hotel, which is a Marriott. Is there free wi-fi? No. Is there free breakfast? No. I wish I were staying at a Holiday Inn Express or similar!

There's not even a g-d minibar anymore. I miss my stupid $5 Snickers bar and $11 tiny bottle of Chablis.

if you can afford a high-end hotel, you can afford to pay extra for the wifi, because the reasons people choose that level hotel don't have to do with the little extras, but with the brand.

The hell. The WHOLE reason I would choose a high-end hotel is for the little extras! Though the only time I stay in high-end hotels is when the company is paying for it. I'm a member of the Marriott and the Hilton progrmas, but for personal travel, I'm a fan of Best Western Plus - free wifi, free full breakfast, nice rooms, reasonable price.

My duplex neighbor is hammering stuff again. She was pounding on the walls last night at 10:30, I had to text and ask her to cut it out. What the hell are they building over there now.

Happy birthday, Sheryl!

Hello (again), Becky!

Though the only time I stay in high-end hotels is when the company is paying for it.

That is the key part of all of it. For the big hotel chains their business model is built around clients where a company is paying the charges, not an individual.