I must be the only cookie-loving American that thinks raw dough is gross.(I've tried, you know, because everyone's like "Isn't this the best ever?") But now I think it's gross because science, not my myriad texture issues.

I do not like raw cookie dough, but not because of any grossness factor (bring me all the carpaccio, ceviche, sashimi and raw oysters!) but I just don't think it's flavorful.

I always lick out the brownie batter bowl, though.

ION, my dad has been in the hospital waiting for a psych evaluation and subsequent placement in a home since Saturday. He got physically violent with my sister and mom, and had to be escorted by the police to the hospital.

Things are going as well as can be expected; our family doctor has been a champ, and can I mention that there are such creatures as Elder Law lawyers, and everyone with aging parents should be aware of them? Because ours has been worth every penny.

I used to make cookie dough for the express purpose of eating it raw. I'd leave out the eggs and put in just enough flour to balance the butter and sugar. But that was easily a couple of decades ago. I try not to dwell on the possibilities in a kitchen where I am sole mistress.

can I mention that there are such creatures as Elder Law lawyers, and everyone with aging parents should be aware of them? Because ours has been worth every penny.

I don't know where Tim's family found theirs (possibly his parents were doing pre-planning of stuff since his mom had COPD and knew it would kill her before 70), but yeah, their lawyer is an invaluable resource right now.

I'm sorry things have gotten so rough with your dad, Strix. How are you doing?

Also, I love cookie dough. And because the current problem with eating cookie dough is a batch of tainted flour -- WHEAT flour -- I am in the clear, y'all.

SUCKERS.

I have rushed today to get things filled out for Mac to get a Certificate of Citizenship. Yeah, that's a thing. And it costs $550 to get one for an international adoptee and the rumor is that price is about to jump a lot. I still need to get his passport, my birth certificate, my mortgage, and 2 passport type photos of him before I can mail it in. And yes he has a passport already, but since they expire, it is STRONGLY SUGGESTED he get one of these to be able to prove he is a US citizen. $550!!!

Tep, this all happened when we were in the Ozarks, so there's been no visiting advised. And my sister just texted me that he's being transported to the hospital that will do the psych eval, and there's no visiting while that goes on, for 10-14 days.

Mom and sister are basically finally able to get some rest. It's horrible to think of how confused and sad he must be -- the weird thing that tears me up is thinking that he doesn't have his favorite tea, and his doggy -- but I understand the rationale behind it. And our family doc, for the last 20 years, who loves my mom and dad, has access and is ON IT, texting mom.

Timelies all!

The little guy still had a fever, so Gary stayed home with him. Tomorrow we head up to Timonium for Conterpoint, which is the filk con we run every three years. We'll pack infant Motrin and Tylenol and a thermometer to keep track of things. Also warn his adoring public that he's been fighting this fever.

Tep, this all happened when we were in the Ozarks, so there's been no visiting advised. And my sister just texted me that he's being transported to the hospital that will do the psych eval, and there's no visiting while that goes on, for 10-14 days.

That's a long time, but at least you have a timeline, instead of not knowing how long it might be.

Mom and sister are basically finally able to get some rest.

This is *so* important. I didn't realize until the meeting with the lawyer last week how completely stressed out Tim's oldest brother (who lives and works VERY close to their dad's house) has been over the last 12-18 months, because their dad calls him first when the TV remote doesn't work, or he needs a haircut, or is out of beer. And he just assumes that Oldest Brother will stop working (he owns his own business) and take him for a haircut.

Actually, while I *still* don't think Tim's dad should go on vacation next week (and I don't think he *will* go, when it comes down to it), I realized that part of why Middle Brother is really gung-ho about their dad going is that Oldest Brother is NOT going on vacation -- so if their dad goes to the beach, Oldest Brother gets a damn break of 10 days. So, from that perspective, I get it.

And our family doc, for the last 20 years, who loves my mom and dad, has access and is ON IT, texting mom.

Excellent. That's so, SO important.

Strix - sorry things are rough, but glad you have a close Dr. to help.