It really is great news, and it's been hard-bought. Melbourne's had one of the longest lockdowns in the world, probably the longest at that level of severity. (We spent over a month with an 8 pm curfew and a prohibition on travelling over 5 km from home except for essential work and emergencies.) Plus moronic anti-mask protests and the federal govt politicising the lockdown. But finally we're there!

Truth be told I love being at home 24/7 with the family, but the cost to others' livelihoods has been high, and it's a valid question whether we should have opened up a bit earlier. But it's surely saved thousands of lives. (Ryan has been really good about being stuck at home. He's suggesting this warrants him getting an X-Box. He may have an argument there.)

If I forgot to say, thanks for the baked oatmeal link, auralia.

I can't take credit for that. I did bookmark it to try out though.

That is excellent news, billytea.

Meanwhile, here we're reducing Dr. Ezike to tears and have Dr. Arwady barely containing her anger at the assholes who've taken us right back to where we were in March/April. They must be so tired.

I can't take credit for that. I did bookmark it to try out though.

Der. It was erin. That's what I get for relying on my memory. So... thanks, erin!

The baked oatmeal sounds good, although I'd skip the banana - I dislike bananas and, due to one of my medications, have to keep my potassium consumption as low as possible.

I don't want to be a braggart, BUT... I washed the dishes and put on a bra today.

I am also going to have an attempt at a bite or two of unseasoned chicken for dinner.

Go, msbelle.

I've gotten blood drawn, grocery shopped, and picked up DP's meds. It is grey and hazy here today + beginning of Fall colors. I love the Fall, but for some reason, today I was feeling much existentially angstier than usual as I was driving around. I figure food will help, so I'm eating lunch now.

Go productive people! I'm working, and trying to organize stuff.

Kind of having a rough day. Had a run in with younger son last night. The bloodless short version is he seems to think we sucked mightily as parents. Frankly, I know we were there for our sons. We loved them unconditionally, encouraged them, and supported them in every way possible. At 26 he turns into a whiny ungrateful brat and I don't deserve it. Just one example, I haven't yet 'baby-proofed' my house. His child is due in January, which means I have nearly a year before he even crawls to prepare. I'm still really super annoyed, and heartbroken. Kids! I am so over it. My time. I am 66 and not going to waste my senior years trying to please kids.

Younger son who lived with you until very recently? with his wife?

Good fucking grief, Laura. I have so many thoughts. But you have the right of it with this:

My time. I am 66 and not going to waste my senior years trying to please kids.

I mean, I don't have kids, so what do I know, but I KNOW that's right.

I haven't yet 'baby-proofed' my house

Well, that's a little hard to do from New York, for one thing.