Lordy, David. That just one thing on top of another on top of ANOTHER. Good on you guys for getting through as much as you did.

Hi Shir! Wishing you sleeping-in and pancakes!

Shir and Nilly- glad you are both...not ok, but alive? Surviving? I appreciate the updates.

Also that link with all the tips for dealing with traumatic content is gold. Quite a few are things recommended by my therapist who specializes in first-responder PTSD shtuff. I've used the shit out of the "play a blippy mindless game" on phone or tablet. Even ten minutes at some point after dealing with traumatic content but before going to bed (gotta zap and rewire before attempting sleep) can help de-traumatize the brain. Effective and accessible. I got into the habit of plants vs zombies or simon's cat (linking and pattern repetition games like candy crush) almost every evening for a few years there. A great option especially when you stumble across imagery without advance preparation.

ND- I didn't even realize stitches through a nail could be A Thing. Here's hoping the grow out phase isn't super cringey. Reminder (cuz I forget sometimes) that superglue is a fabulous home remedy if the stitches aren't quite holding enough, or flaps go flappity flap in an annoying manner. Re-apply as needed cuz it just sloughs off with time.

The teens were delighted to have their own phones.

Matilda is so mad at me because I told the teens that Jacqueline's funeral is coming up, that she went to bed in a huff at 7:30.

There's no winning.

Oh well. I can only deal with one crisis at a time.

Oh, Matilda. This is such a hard time for her.

Oh Matilda, that is hard. But also true.

Wrt gummies to help with sleep…”drops” brand makes a blueberry muffin edible that’s 4:1 CBD:THC. Reasonably affordable and very relaxing indica strain. Recommended by my massage therapist. A friend swears by a CBD/melatonin gummy but I don’t know the brand. And if fizzy beverages are a plus, I often enjoy a glass of Mag Calm of an evening. It’s a magnesium carbonate powder with a super mild citric flavor. Mix with water for fizzy slightly flavored water. Just don’t go over the recommended dosage because it has laxative properties at higher doses.

the biggest pile of onerous bureaucratic shit in the history of ever.

I'm sorry that the list is so long, and that you have to be the level headed adult for Matilda when emotions are so raw.

Also that link with all the tips for dealing with traumatic content is gold.

Yes, saved.

Thank you for all the suggestions for my MIL's sleep issues. I appreciate it.

Indeed no rockets today (so far) in my area. Only distant interception. Pancakes were French toasts. BTW, if you'd like to know what's going on here in regards to that, here are the alrets: [link]

Today I'm mostly grieving. Yesterday I hosted friends for dinner and that was a good decision, but after it I was anxious until after 2am (looks like the wine at dinner wasn't a great call).

In some hope for the future, there are so many incredible people around. Here's one that expressed some of the anger and gave me some hope for a better tomorrow. [link]

Thank you for the links, Shir. My heart breaks for this 19 year old who has had life experiences that has given her such maturity and wisdom at such a young age when she should be enjoying her youth.

Why was M. so upset, Hec? (Well about this part) Did she think you were evicting them or making them feel guilty, or...(Of course, she probably just said "Oh my God..." and slammed the door or something, so you might not know anyway.) Good job on the paperwork, too. I hear you, Laura, about the 19-year-old. Some people have to grow up fast.

Timelies all!

Another rainy Saturday here. We watched the eclipse online earlier.