I had a voice teacher advise us to abstain from dairy before signing because it's supposed to increase phlegm, but I don't know if that's actually true.

I got the same advice about dairy before concerts in school back in the 70s.

I don't think it actually produces phlegm, but it coats the vocal cords.

Aha, apparently thickens mucus rather producing more phlegm, probably still not great for congestion [link]

Anyway, I hope you get some relief, msbelle.

One of my favorite memories is living near the I-Beam and a car alarm going off all night. Suddenly I hear breaking glass, the alarm was turned off... and the whole neighborhood hung out their windows and cheered.

That is a great story! When I lived in Boston it was very common to have a car alarm go off alllllll night long.

So SFUSD has decided to give the entire week of Thanksgiving off, which means Matilda is happily sleeping in this morning.

But I'm going to give her an ultimatum: either create a playdate with friends or help me clean house in prep for Thanksgiving. I'm sure she'd rather go hang out with Norah and Davi than wash out the crisper bins in the tub.

Both she and JZ got belated birthday presents from JZ's dad: brand new Apple laptops! It's Matilda's first computer and she actually needs one since she's in digital arts (aka, Film class) as her elective at school. Mostly though she wants to sit with it and her headphones on and watch 9,000 YouTube videos.

I have warned her already that screentime will be limited but we'll so how hardass I'm going to be when she's off all week.

ION, I'm kind of bummed that Fantastic Beasts is getting crap reviews.

On the plus side, our Giapetta Project is meeting with John Nee this morning. His job title is: Publisher, Marvel. Give us some money, dammit! You have way more than you need.

Wow, that's quite a birthday present! But yes, friends or cleaning is probably better than endless YouTube

My friend is picking me up to head out of town this afternoon, which means I need to pack, but also need to do a bunch of work first! I have to figure out what special things I may need to bring besides just thenknee scooter. Am bringing my shower stool to help, and ice packs, and my meds...not sure what-all else. Possibly also things for baking. Not sure what she has.

Also I'm planning my Thanksgiving meal and trying to be a bit less haphazard about it this year.

Last year was good but I wound up having too many starchy delicious things. And I'm kind of headed that way this year with mashed potatoes, stuffing and mac and cheese.

I found a recipe for zucchini spears baked with parmesan and garlic though and that might get something green into the mix.

I'm most excited to make the first course I invented a couple years ago: mushroom stew made with apple cider and brandy and served in puff pastries. Sooooo gooood.

Then I think I'll have Matilda have a small salad course. She's gotten good at making her own dressing.

The Mac and Cheese is for Emmett. After many years of forcing Emmett to sit around and eat turkey that he didn't enjoy, EM have now shifted to making things he looks forward to.

There's something very gratifying about pouring a perfect velvety cheese sauce over a batch of cooked elbow macaroni.

I think I'll do a mix of sharp cheddar, gruyere and Manchego. That sounds good, right?

The pictures seem to suggest you're getting around pretty well with your scooter and peg-leg, meara!

Are you about halfway through the healing process? When can you put weight on it again?