Oh Jessica, that is so rapid and so difficult. I'm sorry. And yes, you are missed! eta: a mid-winter FL visit would make me miss you less.

Oh, Jess, I'm so sorry.

I feel you on the disconnectedness (and on the adult diagnosis of ADHD, I'm super bitter about not having any recognition or assistance or anything with it growing up, and I hope Consuela's niece doesn't end up in the same boat because it's not very comfortable)

I'm so sorry for your family's loss. That's so fast and so hard.

Completely separately, it is delightful to see you.

What they said Jess. On all of it basically. ADHD and disconnectedness and mortality.

I’m going to Quebec City for X-mas and taking the train to Montreal for a day or two afterwards. Timely and on-topic! I am already getting annoyed with the family members I’m going with. But I’m usually low-key annoyed with them anyway.

It has a wrap around view on the balcony so I can see sunrise and sunset, with ocean and city views. It is an absolute delight.

That sounds so lovely.

One of my oldest and dearest family friends died of pancreatic cancer last week. He went to the hospital for the first time three weeks ago and went downhill fast. He was my mother's childhood best friend and was the absolute beating heart of our entire extended summer family. He was one of those people (like ita) whose loss leaves a massive hole in the fabric of so many lives.

What a terrible loss. I am sorry.

But wonderful to see you here.

I'm sorry, Jessica. Pancreatic cancer's vicious.

I hope you have a good trip regardless, brenda. And thanks for the Montreal reinforcement, Karl!

I'm glad you like the new place, Laura. It sounds lovely!

I'm starting National Clean Your Home month (NaClYoHo, aka Salty Pirates). It made a huge difference in my space last year, and I'm hoping I'll be able to stick with it again this time around.

I'm starting National Clean Your Home month (NaClYoHo, aka Salty Pirates). It made a huge difference in my space last year, and I'm hoping I'll be able to stick with it again this time around.

Ohhhh I should do something like this, except I'm also in the last 6 weeks of writing my final paper for my master's degree (they don't call it a thesis in this program) so unless step 1 is "hire a cleaning service" I think I'd probably be doomed to failure.

Final Paper, woo-hoo! That's very exciting! I'm sure it doesn't seem super exciting while you are still writing it and it's not finished or anything, but from out here it's very exciting!

Timelies all!

Well, the trip back was a disaster as well, with Mr. S having another major meltdown on the plane. Life continues to be majorly stressful for us.

Gary's got the added stress of worrying about his dad, who decided to drive from Florida to the assisted living place near us by himself. He managed to get there ok(in fact, he got there the night before they were expecting him) but not a great idea.

Yikes, Sheryl. I make that drive and it is a lot, and I'm not as old as Gary's dad. (well close maybe, but still!)