Thanks, everyone. Here's the link to the program: [link]

I talked to my sort-of-cousin who is a professional genealogist (she works for a law firm, figuring out heirs to estates and things like that) (she's my sort-of-cousin because we're not actually related, but my grandfather's uncle was married to her grandfather's aunt), and she was already planning on taking this course this summer and says that it has a really good reputation, so I just signed up for it. That's a significant hit to my bank account, but I can manage it.

That's great, Hil. As you said, if nothing else it will be beneficial knowledge.

I think that's a good idea, Hil.

Oh gosh. My sister is coming over tomorrow. I asked her to help me with a couple things, and now I have to clean up! What was I thinking?? (I know, I don't *have* to, but ugh. I have to.) Last minute panic is the only way I get anything done.

A couple days ago, my mother asked if I'd decided on a new bed to buy, and I sent her a link to the one I was getting. Today, she sent me a bunch of links to other ones that she thought I might be interested in (all from the same website as the one I'd decided on), and I said thanks, but I've looked through a lot of listings, and I've decided on the one I want. Then, about ten minutes later, she sent me a link to the one that I showed her a few days ago, with the comment, "I think this is the one you wanted." Yes, it is? And I have no clue why she's emailing it to me?

Hil, maybe she plans to buy it for you? I would hire you to do my genealogy. A cousin did it a few years back, but some of her results were a little odd.

Hi guys, sorry for bailing. I was interested in the flower discussion, but things got hectic lately. Our water heater died (and it's kind of weird/amazing to me that my first impulse is to call it a hot water heater, which is redundant, and I found it listed that way in my searches about half the time, which says, to me, it's a sort of universal thing).

The water heater isn't a big deal, really. We'll get it replaced, but it's a thing we didn't need, you know? But then the air conditioner died in the car, and we haven't actually needed it much yet, but we will this summer, and the idea of having to drive 4 hours for some of my doctor visits with no air conditioner in an Arkansas summer is kind of horrifying, so we add that to the bill

... and then Aidan, who REALLY doesn't like change, is freaking out over it all,

...and then Kara, who is having some interesting challenges of her own, has started getting woozy and has fluctuating blood pressure, which the last couple of days has shown up kind of low, so we're going to get her to the doctor on Monday to try to figure out what's going on...

And.. I'm not sleeping well, Greg is feeling absolutely overwhelmed, and work is kind of hit or miss right now...

And I'm just kind of done in! It's a lot.

I like coming in here to find everything ticking along, though. It puts things in perspective.

{{{Deena}}}

I call them hot water heaters, too. I would try to make the case that it's the water heater that is inline with the hot water tap, maybe? As opposed to the water heater for the hot tub or something. Not that I have or have ever had a hot tub.

{{t}} Thanks! Hugs are lovely things when you want them.

Not that I have or have ever had a hot tub

It's on the list!

{{{{{Deena}}}}} I also call it a hot water heater.

We are the house of sickies today, and ltc is exceptionally cranky about it. She doesn't want to eat anything but junk, and we've given up so we're just giving her whatever she wants so she'll eat something.

Oh, Deena! I am sorry that so much is happening at once. Hugs and love to all.

Things are pretty overwhelming here too, but I'm pretty chill about it all, just doing what I can.

New doggo is a true delight, happy that he is doing so well. Went out to a neighbor's spring gathering last night with DH, son, and DIL. Spring fling is like the last time of the year we can be outside and not melt. Despite all the incredible yummies I stuck to my diet plan with one tiny exception. One of the guests made a big pitcher of blackberry margaritas made with fresh berries, orange juice, hot peppers, and booze. It was absurdly tasty, but I only had one small plastic cup.

We had to leave early because SIL called and said she was taking MIL to the hospital. DH is down with her now. I think she is going to be okay, but she really doesn't take good care of herself and her kids are getting frustrated. Parents!

Eldest son is still a source of deep pain and anguish, but I don't have a lot of options. Way too much to go into it, but he just is not progressing. I'm not giving up, but it is exhausting. Kids!

Got a zillion irons in the fire on the homefront and workfront, so to keep myself overloaded I took on moderating the NYT Readers Facebook Group, which has been more work than anticipated, mostly because the other admins don't do much. But it's generally a pleasant enough diversion from my other responsibilities.

Today, going through boxes of crap that includes clothes I wore when I was nearly 100 pounds less than today, in my 30s. The kids were mostly amused by the bathing suits that look like doll's clothes. I can conceive of being an 8 or 10 again, but not a 3 or even some of the things were large kids clothes. Ha. But I have to go through the boxes, not just toss them.

Enough already, Laura! Just click post already.