My BIL and SIL just left after a very unsuccessful visit, so I'm enjoying the quiet. Until my 3-hour block of meetings starts in half an hour.

Oooh, Tom, that should be good!

My three hours of meetings are spread out over the day today rather than being back to back. I appreciate the breaks. And I don't expect to really contribute to any of them. Now I just have to figure out how to do actual work in the time between meetings...

My BIL and SIL just left after a very unsuccessful visit, so I'm enjoying the quiet.

Oof, I know that drill.

JZ's mom, Sunny, and her brother Chris, and BiL, TJ are all coming down for the funeral service on Sunday. But thankfully they're leaving Monday night, so I will be able to exhale for a bit.

Last night was nice. JZ's bestie, Lisa, came by to scan some documents but also just go out to dinner with me. Hadn't seen her in a month, so she still had some tears to shed when I was showing her the framed pictures to go on the altar.

Lots of people have made a point of reaching out to me so I'm not dangling in widower-land. I appreciate it.

My morning routine isn't exactly three times as much feeding three teens breakfast and lunch, but it's definitely more.

Going to try to meet with the school counselor and social worker this week to see if we can find an easy transition for the girls.

Now if we have background noise it is HGTV or old syndicated series that we don't have to pay attention to, like Star Trek and such.

For me it's reruns of British gardening shows. They're generally soothing, and if I do look up at the tv, there's a decent chance I'll see some pretty plants.

I have next week off. I have vacation time that I need to use, my birthday's next week, and October in NC tends to be lovely. I figure I'll wander around my favorite places (botanical gardens, museums, etc.) and take myself out for fancy coffees. Sleep in as much as the cats will let me. Read books I've had in the to-be-read pile for a while. I have specific plans for my birthday (dinner and a play with friends), but surrounding that with rest days sounds delightful. Unfortunately my brain is saying, "Yes, rest, but why not now?" It'll be now eventually, brain.

I figure I'll wander around my favorite places (botanical gardens, museums, etc.) and take myself out for fancy coffees. Sleep in as much as the cats will let me. Read books I've had in the to-be-read pile for a while.

Yes! Treat yo' self week (cozy style)!

Hi. Still safe here, in terms of shelter prep it was a great day (a neighbor is apparently trauma nurse! We got a nice goody bag of medical supplies).

A time sensitive advice: mute right now the words "beheaded/beheading" on all platforms. You don't want to know the news. Just do it and don't think about it. Trust me.

Excellent plans, Calli!

Hang in there Shir. Trauma nurse does sound like a good neighbor to have. I appreciate the trigger warning for the news, and I'm sorry you know enough to warn us.

Oh dear lord, Shir. That you have to/can help us in that way staggers the mind.

Bless you and everyone you care about.

We are actually staying at an Airbnb in NH because the rates closer to Salem are crazy making—also the advantage of a full kitchen to cut down on eating out.

I don't suppose your Airbnb is in Rye, NH? (My sister's inlaws rent cottages near Rye Beach, it would be an awesome coincidence if you were staying there.)

Adding to the trigger warnings "Kfar Aza/Azza" and "Beeri/Be'eri".

Two classmates from high school survived Kfar Azza. That's the only good news.