I have to keep telling myself that I only have control over myself. And that I should realize that M's mom is not going to stay isolated and won't really wear a mask when she's in other parts of the house and that she will, of course, still keep wandering into the kitchen to do the dishes, or stand in the hall and ask me a bunch of questions.

I’m sorry, askye. I would still mask in common areas and just walk away from her if she tries to speak to you.

I am ready to start handing out invites to ltc’s party to random kids on the street.

Yes, my son Bobby's birthday is today. I remember the summer birthday issue well. I'm sorry.

I wish i had an answer for you sj and the party problem.

My birthday is in June but pretty close to when school gets out so I don't think it was too much of a problem because of that. Or people were less busy I don't know.

The year my brother and cousin who was living with us got chicken pox and mom canceled my birthday party then everyone wanted their kids to come and get exposed.

I think this is probably why I only had a couple of birthday parties as a kid -- I'm not a summer birthday, but still terrible timing (12/26).

I sent Bobby a birthday email today at 9:50, the time of his birth. First time I have tried contact in a while. We'll see if he bothers to respond. Ugh. My sister sent me a picture that had been posted of him and he didn't look good at all. 28 now. I hope he gets his act together. His brother is kind of there at 30. I think I came into my own around 30.

I hope you hear something, Laura.

Relatives who refuse to communicate are so frustrating.

Lovely to catch up with everybody. I am still loving my job at the library - school started here last week & it was not bad. The thing I’m dreading is that I am working this Saturday, I.e., Corn Fest Saturday. The library is right off the Midway & we have few regular library patrons & so many people coming in to use our bathrooms or get a drink from the water fountain.

I have just made half a dozen onerous phone calls. TCG is annoyed that we’re paying for a birthday party that will consist of maybe five kids bowling. Two of whom at siblings of her friends.

The plumber is here because our tub won’t drain and my in-laws should be here any minute to take ltc overnight for a couple of nights. I want everyone to go so I can put on some trashy tv and collapse on the couch.

Laura, I hope you hear back from your son.

Trashy tv on the couch sounds like an excellent plan.

When we went bowling a couple days ago there were 3 kids in the next lane and that seemed like a lot to control to me! They do have fun though. The kids will probably beat my score!

I played with a round with ltc when we were in Cape Cod and did horribly. So I’m out. If TCG wants to play he can feel free.