Rainy Saturday

I was awake until after 11 last night, and awake again at 5, listening to the sound of the rain. Steady rain. It makes me so happy. I think of all the little plants that Captain set out, and the seeds he planted...the fruit trees and blueberries and pecan trees. They are growing happily in the warm wet soil that we are steadily improving with our compost and imported manure. I hope we will harvest some berries and fruits and nuts eventually. But I know we will have our own onions and cabbages and carrots and beets and even some asparagus in a few months.

Yesterday we went pretty early, but still only had time for a half hour of racquetball, one good game. I saw Alice Bender in the locker room and enjoyed chatting with her. I went to help teach a homebuyer education class. About 8 black women and one disabled white couple. It is more hopeful work than what I have done before. These women have jobs: security guard at Wal-Mart, nursing assistant at a nursing home. They have savings accounts! They know what they need to do to own their own homes and they are willing to do it. They filled out paperwork to have a credit report pulled and I copied their drivers licenses. Next week when they come, Cathi will go over them. If they are not good enough, they will start the process of improving them: paying down their debts, advocating to have old items removed... It is a buyer's market and there are programs to help them reduce their down payments or their interest rates. It will be harder now, though, for them to qualify for loans. Anyway, it was a great joy to be part of.

The class was held at El Banco de la Oportunidad, a Spanish-language branch of First American Bank. What a brilliant addition to the community! Of course, people need a safe place to keep their money where they trust and understand the staff. I spoke to Fausto Sarmiento, the young man who is the manager. His sister, Carolina, was a friend of Molli's (or Amelia's?). She is getting married about a year from now. Fausto is one of the dancers tomorrow, too.

Then we came home and I mostly read my mystery novels. Grandma had made pea soup, so there was fortunately no work to do (I didn't feel like cooking anyway). And after supper, we played cards (all the way down and back up, interrupted only by a great phone conversation with Amelia), and I won. Even though it was close, between me and my Dad, especially the last few hands.

I am going to be a little sad to go back to work on Wednesday...but I will like getting paid.

straw hat with ribbon threaded through it

Ray was working on the financial report for the Democratic Committee yesterday morning, so we didn't get going very early. When we got to the gym, there were no courts free (6 are taken up with classes, there are 3 others and usually one or more is available). They told us we could kick someone off, but I didn't feel like I wanted to do that. We walked the indoor track for a mile (8 laps), and rode the bikes for 15 minutes. Then I picked Janna up, got lunch at EarthFare (turkey paninis served by Cherly Rogers, I mean Teasley), and dropped her at Aderhold. She is dealing with something that Ray (and I'm sure other teachers) have: students who are on FB during class...or texting. We kind of touched on this in class. This generation is multi-tasking, they constantly get information from lots of sources. It's hard not to be judgmental about it--it just is. But what to do as a professor? She feels disrespected, but if she says something to them, they feel disrespected, like she doesn't trust them.

I called ACTION and left a message for John. Then I went to ALT. I was talking to Cathi, when John called me back. By the time I got there, he had left. His wife had a stroke and was on her way to the hospital. Brenda and Donna said that ACTION would be getting a lot of stimulus money and they hoped to be able to hire me at some point. I went back to ALT and heard that Nancy's husband Jim had been at the doctor, where they told him his cancer had come back. That's two directors of non-profits I'm involved with whose spouses are seriously ill on the same day! It's wierd...Another woman I know (who works at the Mind-Body Institute where I went to yoga class yesterday) had her husband die of a heart attack while driving the day before. It was creeping me out all day. I don't know if Ray should or shouldn't exercise...of course he should. I wrote a press release for Cathi and called the people scheduled for homebuyer classes today. Yoga was very good. Then I went to the Democratic Committee meeting with Ray. It was a good meeting. We divided into subcommittees and brainstormed for 15 minutes--an active meeting.

Meanwhile, Captain had set out all the cabbage plants and burned some more of the scrap wood, so there is no longer a giant pile in the front yard. He was exhausted as usual.

Hi,

Had two more great racquetball games with Ray yesterday, then went to ALT, where I worked some more on a grant application. The director said she wants to find a grant so she can hire me. Is part-time okay? I said, yes, it would be great, I would love to work here. I went home for a late lunch of leftover paella--yum!

Mom and Dad had been to the store, but didn't get ziti (even though it was on the list). So I went there and Ray took the bus to meet me. Then we came home and made the ziti--two big pans, one for potluck, one for the freezer. Yay! It made me happy. Choir was good, but I was pretty sleepy. Went to bed when we got home, so naturally I woke up really early!

Daddy is anxious for me to get out there and garden with him. He is spending a lot of time and effort and is really tired afterward. Even Mom is out working too. So, maybe today gardening instead of racquetball. The peas are coming up and we have beautiful onions and cabbage started in pots and being transplanted out. Even baby tomatoes are coming up (indoors). I also need to do some serious cleaning before Ray's Mom arrives a week from Saturday!

Spinach

I made some calls for ALT and added some ideas to a grant proposal. Went by ACTION to talk to John Scoggins about a web site, but he wasn't there. Long on-line discussion with class members trying to decide about a project due next week. I convinced them to choose the topic Energy-Saving Tips. Somehow they ended up choosing elementary-age kids as the target audience. I was a little disappointed, because they are really not the group I was aiming for. A lot of the things I was thinking of children couldn't do themselves (like driving less). But they wanted to make up a game, so I guess they thought that was a good age for a game. My part is pretty easy: come up with a few questions that can be answered in a few words and send them to the guy making up the game.

Two good games of racquetball yesterday, plus a few hours at Athens Land Trust making some phone calls. The paradox of not working is I can never figure out where the time goes. Some of it on line, for sure. Relaxing is good, but it makes me kind of lack energy, too. Maybe I need more practice.

The Taize service we did yesterday was wonderful. Beautful chants, sung over and over, with a few short readings, and lots of pauses for meditations. Everyone loved it! We had lunch at the Fellowship (fourth sunday lunch). Mom and Dad were there too.

I spent a couple hours rehearsing for Dancing with the Athens Stars next Sunday; I volunteered to help back stage. Apparently I am cuing the music, although I haven't actually been told that, I inferred it from the conversations. It will be fun, but I am a little nervous. That seems like a really important job.

Then I attended a board meeting for Athens Little Playhouse. I offered to do the books, which was gratefully accepted. But I didn't really agree to be on the board and attend meetings...

Then to Janna's for an Oscars party. I couldn't find time to cook anything, so bought a German chocolate cake at Kroger's (for Reader). Janna ordered Indian food from Taste of India (for Slumdog Millionaire). She had ballots and a quiz. Of course, I fell asleep and we had to leave long before most of the awards. It was a really good show with Hugh Jackman.

It is starting to get light a little earlier, so I am no longer on my computer for hours in the dark every morning. Although it is well below freezing this morning--our heat has kicked in.

Thursday was the last day we read essays. I was feeling my cold a little more too, so I went in early instead of playing racquetball. I read 3 packs in less than 3 hours! I was really smoking. Then Becky and I went to lunch at the Sultan. I scored 3 more packs and it was 4:15. I asked how long they thought we would work on Friday...and they said this was it...so I read one more pack...7 packs in 8 hours...wow! And they invited me back starting March 4. Friday I got my first paycheck, $721, and I'll get about the same again in 2 weeks. I got a printout showing my validity is acceptable (above 60%), but it has been steadily decreasing and I keep thinking I'm doing pretty well!

Friday I enjoyed the pleasure of not having to score essays! We played 2 games of racquetball. The second was even close (14-16). Then I did some volunteer bookkeeping at ALPS, went to Kroger and home in time for lunch. The day was too short for the number of things I had planned...cooking... gardening...schoolwork!

That night, we saw Cabaret at Town & Gown (volunteer ushering). It was much better than I expected. The singing and dancing was quite competent, although of course, no Liza Minelli. The girls were a little too young and sweet, mostly not brazen and tawdry enough. Amy Miller was quite good as Frau Schneider, the landlady. Most of the people did pretty good imitations of a German accent--I was pretty impressed! And man, does that show have great songs! There was a 7-piece orchestra above and behind the stage...and it was nearly sold out.

Yesterday, we had a workshop at UUFA. There was a good turnout. Everyone was polite and dedicated, there was just enough food, and the donations almost added up to what we paid. Ray was so helpful. He drove me there at 8 am, carried stuff in, then went to give platelets. He ran some errands, then picked up the sandwiches for me and brought them to the Fellowship. He ate with us, then hung around working on something in another room and was there to do the dishes when we were done! We chatted some with Paul and Tonya in the afternoon, out on the porch, it was so sunny and pleasant.

I will quickly update this before class starts, even though it is 5:00. Drama regarding the Instructional Technology dept. They are moving their classes to Gwinnett County, over near Atlanta, starting next semester. They just announced it today. About half the classes are on line, but I am reluctant to drive an hour each way to do the face-to-face classes. I don't know what will happen. There are others who are unhappy, too, but we are a small number.

The essay scoring is about to end for now.

My favorite straw hat

Yesterday was Valentine's Day. My Dad gave my Mom some flowers (which they bought at the grocery store) and a really cute card. Ray and I borrowed the pickup truck to go help collect donated furniture for a family who lost everything in a fire. I told him it was a loving thing to do. Mary Kelly, for whom Amelia once babysat (the son is in college and the daughter a junior at Clarke Central), had sent out a request for donations...and people with trucks. I don't have any children's clothes to give away, but I do have access to a truck. And I remember being the person trying to get volunteers. So that's what we did with our Saturday.

We had intended to go listen to Mayor Heidi Davidson speak about the economy and Athens, but we both woke up feeling kind of sore and wanting to stay home. Somehow we managed to get the energy to leave by 10 and meet up with Mary and Valerie. We visited several different families who had given generously of perfectly good furnishings to share with someone who had nothing.

Jorge Morales is originally from Puerto Rico. He is in the Navy and is in Athens because of the Navy School. When it closes in less than a year, their family will move to Rhode Island. Rather than take the sectional sofa that was in their TV room, they just went ahead and gave it away now. He credits God with giving and being the reason they give. His two young children were excited to help. He and Ray talked for a long time. The first place he lived in the US was Framingham, Mass. He talked about running out in the snow two days after he arrived, picking it up in his bare hands with no warm clothes, he was so excited.

The first family we visited had 3 sons. The Mom talked about buying shoes for their large feet. She is taking on line classes in Justice Administration. I hope it helps her get a great job.

The Mom we took the things to was very grateful. She still has to have the utilities turned on in her new house. Her 9-year-old son is taking it very hard. They are actually moving next door to the burned-out house. I would think it would be hard to look at every day... One of the good things about this is the child learned how many friends he had at school when they all wanted to help and be sympathetic.

Mary gave us lunch. We enjoyed so much talking to her again, after not being in touch for many years. Her oldest, Nick, is in Hong Kong for a semester. He is loving it. She thinks attending public schools in Athens (with a diverse population) prepared him to adjust well in a new culture. He is learning Cantonese. He has a girlfriend, the love of his life, his Mom says. She is in Italy (?) this semester. They met at College of Charleston. Zara is a very typical teen. when we saw her she was upset because her iPhone didn't work any more. She is a beautiful girl. She and Izzy are no longer best friends. I think Mary is disappointed. Isabel is less concerned about her appearance and having lots of friends. She is more into volunteering. They were inseparable through elementary school and very cute together. Mary encouraged me to apply to work at the school district again. We also talked about Eve some. Mary is friends with Theresa, Eve's Mom. She says Bob and Theresa are remarkable. Theresa said Eve lived a lot in 22 years and she is going to stop being sad and think about that. She got a lot out of reading Amish Grace, a book about the murdered school children, and encourages her friends to read it too. She had left a copy for Mary while we were delivering furniture.

After supper we enjoyed seing Bolt, a refreshingly old-fashioned kind of children's animated movie, with good lessons and none of the silly glib humor that some cartoons use to pander to children.

Jake (yes, a real dead animal)

I woke up to a wonderful steady rain. It's been a while since I heard that and it sounds reassuring. Grow, all my newly-planted fruit and nut trees! Grow, all you little onions and peas that Captain planted!

I did also wake up pretty sore in the neck and shoulders (racquetball + reading essays + watching a play) and congested. It's very relaxing to know I don't have to go anywhere today. Although Bolt has finally come to the dollar theater and Captain has been looking forward to seeing it. If it rains all day, maybe we'll go in the afternoon.

Ray and I ushered at Love Letters last night. It's what they call readers' theater--two people sitting in chairs reading letters they wrote to each other starting in grade school and all through their lives. It was very good. My Mom came with us; she paid for her ticket. It was also dessert theater, with some very delicious cakes and other goodies at intermission. There were only a dozen or so people there, sadly. It was a perfect valentines' date--maybe more will come tonight.

Athens Creative Theater is supported by the city, unlike other theater groups in town, and I suppose it doesn't matter if they make money or break even. A few years ago, the city renovated the building and added a theater space for them. I can't help feeling jealous for all the other groups that don't have paid staff and rehearsal and performance space and big budgets.

Ray beat me at two sets (?) of racquetball yesterday. The second game he won 15-13. It is kind of amusing, actually, to watch him trying hard to keep from beating me. His goal is to hit the ball in such a way as I can return it, sometimes right to me, while I am supposed to be hitting it so he can't possibly return it. If he hits a bad shot that I can't return, he curses in the same way that I do when I miss a shot! I haven't really lost any weight, but we must be getting healthier.

It's raining hard now--still dark, so I can't see it yet.

I worked 6 hours and corrected 5 packets. It hasn't felt like enough the last few days, but I guess I haven't been working as many hours a day as I did last fall. Probably about 2 more weeks to go. I need another job (haha), but nothing to even apply for in months. I will go back to volunteering at Athens Land Trust, I guess. Maybe eventually they will have some money. Looks like they are getting CDBG money again--yay! not that it is for salaries.

I have been too busy to cook much this week and we are running out of things from the freezer to eat. If I get energetic this weekend, I need to cook ahead for the week.

I also need to do my coursework. I read about a job I could apply for if I had my masters in IT! (working for DFCS, the state agency)

blue velvet with veil

Surprise! Daddy read about something in the paper and wanted to go to it! A couples version of the monthly Hoot, free, at the Melting Point. Ray went to a Darwin Day lecture at 7 and the 3 of us went to the Hoot at 8. It was very pleasant, with a lot of talent and variety. I think my favorite was Brian Smith from the Georgia Guitar Quartet and his wife Natalie who played flute and sang. All the duos performed 3 numbers and theirs were very funky and avant garde. The one she sang on was a Bossa Nova. There was Julia playing hammered dulcimer and her fiance fiddling, playing incredibly fast and excellent celtic music. There was Marty Winkler and her husband, who sang several amazing a cappella numbers. And Ron Bates and Annette Raymond sang some real oldies...Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree, You are My Sunshine, and Daisy Bell. Sometimes things make me so sad. I didn't know he wasn't married to Hortense any more. I remember being at their house with Alan and Erna for Bastille Day. Their daughter is a good bit older than ours, but there was a chocolate cake and they were having a great time. We left the Hoot before the woman playing the accordion and were home a little after 10. Ray came home before 10:30, but I was about asleep.

Woke up a little earlier than I might have liked and may be getting a cold. It's not surprising, working in a room of about 100 people, a few of whom are always coughing and sniffling. No matter how much I wash my hands or use hand sanitizer...it's Friday again and supposed to be 70 degrees today!

straw hat (I'm not really cross-eyed, just looking at myself close up)

We're working on a lovely challenging Latin piece, Ubi Caritas, in choir. It's long and has many parts. I had forgotten how much I like "traditional" church music, which we naturally don't sing much at UUFA. We are performing it March 1 and have a ways to go! Our director, Amber, is so brave and confident and relaxed. I envy her tremendously. Two young children and a part-time job at the university, plus directoring our choir. She seems completely unflappable!

I enjoyed sitting with Natalie (4?) and her family at potluck. She and Ray were telling knock-knock jokes to each other--pretty silly fun. I get weepy just thinking about it.

Full moon last night was gorgeous.

child's Sunday hat, too small for me, with tag

Well, I have gotten behind on my blog/diary due to a paper being due yesterday and getting an early start this morning. Actually, I found out from a classmate that the deadline for the paper was extended, but I had already submitted it. A pretty strange experience, writing a paper in the electronic age. The references are all websites, and I had to figure out how to cite them appropriately. I had to turn it in before I went to work yesterday, even though it wasn't due until midnight. I had a conference call with my group about the project due next Monday at 5 and a board meeting at the Fellowship at 7. Leaving the paper until after the board meeting seemed like a not very good idea. I was not really pleased with my efforts, but submitted it in the proper electronic format at 9 am (as soon as I got it up to the required 1000 words!).

The conference call was a little depressing. Everyone else seems to have lots of experience and have already taken some IT classes, so they know a lot more than me! And they seem to be doing better about reading the assignments, etc. I feel pretty useless as a group member, but also kind of frustrated because any thoughts I put out there are generally dismissed as being too simplistic... or that's how it feels. Now I have to prepare my part of the power point presentation on the Elaborate part of an IT model we are creating... not sure how to start, but maybe doing the readings will help!

There was a little tension at the board meeting, but a couple members weren't there, so we were able to get through things pretty quickly and I got home a little after 9. Ray was correcting papers. He continued doing that, but in bed to keep me company. Unfortunately, although I fell right to sleep, I woke up again while he was still working and had the light on, and then couldn't fall back to sleep for a while.

We got back on track this morning, Ray beating me at two games of racquetball before I headed to work. I scored 5 1/2 packets of essays (about 70) and worked about 6 hours.

orange hat, with flowers and veil

I am a little blue, maybe from watching The Reader, maybe from having a busy day ahead of me and back to work tomorrow. I know it won't be long before I am unemployed again and wishing for work. The Reader is very good, very beautifully filmed and acted. My favorite thing about it is the setting, the sense of place and time. She lives in this really grungy little old apartment in Berlin. I wonder if someone found it or they created it...? I have a tiny bit of doubt that the plot is completely believable and so feel somewhat manipulated. Now, granted I love many movies that are totally unrealistic, but this left me sad but not quite totally buying it. I still think it is a better movie than Doubt, which I like a lot.

I went to the meeting at the Fellowship, except I turned up on time for 9:30 and it was supposed to be at 9. Got it wrong on my calendar somehow. Ray was going to drop me off, go donate platelets and pick me up again. Unfortunately, he forgot and took his aspirin (which he does every night to prevent heart attacks, I guess). He can't take it for 2 days before donating. So, instead, he went to watch a wrestling match featuring one of his students. I think that is sweet and I am glad he went and enjoyed it. The part about me I don't get is that I really don't want to hear all the details. Is that because I am heartless? Or is it that Ray just gives too much information?

In the afternoon, Lisa Lewis came with her 2 children, Ella and Billy (7 and 3?). Geoff is out of town. Lisa is my young friend. Her mother was a teacher at Molli and Amelia's elementary school, although they did not have her (Mrs. McMinn). They have started and are living on a farm, raisimg and selling vegetables. Lisa writes a column for the paper, but mainly is a Mom. Geoff is a teacher and coach. They are designing a house, energy efficient, but looking like a farmhouse. I have leant her many books and they have been out here before. We looked at her sketches, and she looked at the house again. Ray mostly entertained the kids, reading stories and playing games. It makes me cry... I love to hear 3-year-old laughter. But...we tell Lisa how much we enjoy her kids and how well-behaved they are and she sort of rolls her eyes. Ella has "attitude" and it makes her crazy. Her teachers love her and she is very good in school, but apparently has used up all her goodness before she gets home. While she was here, she said she was hot, could she have an ice cube. She was hungry (she didn't eat all her lunch), could they go home now? I remember this too and I know she is tired and worn out and I probably couldn't handle it, but boy I sure miss it.

The Kings came to play bridge with Mom and Dad, so we cleaned up some. That's why Ray and I went to the movies. They were of course still here when we got home, which is why we stopped for dessert after the movie, but didn't make it last long enough. We went up to bed, but it sounded like they were having fun. Mommy had made lemon meringue pie, hopefully we will get some today!

Saturday! We only played one game yesterday morning and Ray won, but we played hard. Unfortunately, I don't seem to be losing any weight. But I like to believe it is because muscle weighs more than fat. The important question is how is my cholesterol doing? I won't find out for a few more months.

It's just below freezing here this morning and was up to 60 during the day yesterday. Dad planted peas and it is supposed to be even nicer today. Unfortunately, something he did seems to have strained a muscle in his stomach.

floppy straw hat with ribbon

Hi,

Well, I'm a little congested, but no major cold symptoms. Yesterday afternoon I was sure I was getting it, but maybe not. I woke up at 4:30, but managed to go back to sleep until 6.

Yesterday morning, I beat Ray again in the second game, 16-14. Sometimes he gets really mad when I am ahead and then plays really hard to catch up. But then he seems to remember and play more calmly. Sore back and neck, but it's good.

I didn't get to work until almost 11 and I rated 4 packets before I left at 4:30. I couldn't bring myself to stay another hour, which had been my plan. They told me my accuracy is good, so that made me happy.

My recipe called for ramen noodles, which I didn't have. I went to pick Ray up at the library and made a visit to Fook's Foods. Other people have said what a great place it is, but I had never been. They did have ramen, of course, 17 varieties, fresh and dried. They also have rice in bulk and some Asian vegetables. The woman there has an interesting manner, not overly helpful. She was offended when I asked what the difference was between ramen and regular egg noodles. She said there was a lot of difference--see how thin these are! Well, yes, but in terms of what they're made of?

Watched some more Firefly - a great episode where Mal is accidentally married...

Yay, it's Friday again!

I am on the dark side this morning, crying over Eve's tragic death a year ago. One of the songs we sang in choir last night set me off too. It's a John Denver song about Love. I used to really like John Denver, but at some point, his songs became too sappy for me, usually. Somehow the words last night struck me. "my memories of love will be of you."

Molli called last night and we had a lovely conversation. She is doing well. And I have much to be grateful for. Sometimes I am just very sad. This will pass. Perhaps it is related to getting the cold, in spite of my efforts.

My neck and shoulders are sore, probably from raquetball yesterday, and sitting scoring essays after that. I won the second game, 16-14. I'm sure Ray had to work really hard to let me win!

It is so hard this morning to say, yes, I am going to get moving and go to the gym at 8 am (in order to get to work by 10). We have to make complicated plans and arrangements, although Ray is the one who has to give up the most by riding the bus. It is tempting just to say forget it. I'm sick and I'm sore and I already played twice this week. But it is hopefully going to keep me healthy and save my life.

fur scarf (no recognizable animal parts)

Well, so far, I have successfully held off the cold, maybe thanks to Zi-Cam, which I have used a few times. Ray was finally well enough to play raquetball again yesterday. We took Vanessa to yoga class at 8 am, then went to the Ramsey Center. Unfortunately, Ray had packed his bag, but neglected to put it in the car. That was due, at least partly maybe, to the fact that the Protege wouldn't start. It was below freezing and hadn't been started in months. We had this plan. He was going to park at the Board of Education, I was going to pick him up, take Mom to yoga, then play raquetball, then drive to work. In the evening, he would take the bus home (as far as it goes, to the Board of Ed. building), then drive home from there. So, he called the Captain and asked him to bring the bag. After we played raquetball, he went to his office to meet him and get his clean clothes and shower things. Meanwhile, I took my shower and got dressed and met him in the parking lot to get the car when he came back to take his shower. Then he walked to his office. Very complicated and not very interesting to you, dear reader, I am sure, but somehow the kind of thing that happens in my life. Ray had been ready to give up and just go back home, but I was damned if I was going to do that after all the preparations and anticipation. Then in the evening when he got to the end of the bus line, my Dad went to pick him up. I had to be home for my online class at 5 and Ray was just leaving the university then. After class, I gobbled my (delicious) supper (that I had frozen months before) and spent the evening working on UUFA stuff. The Exec. Committee meeting is tonght.

I think I am coming down with Ray's cold. I held out for a long time... Hopefully, it won't be too bad. I spent most of my computer time this morning working on a group assignment for my class, a timeline of important events in IT history.

Yesterday we had a humor service at the Fellowship. It was packed. My parents came, but they had run out of programs. An example: we sang "Coffee, coffee, coffee" to the tune of "Holy, Holy, Holy"; they sang "You've Got to Pick a Pocket or Two" for the offertory.

We went to see Bertha's apartment at Talmadge Heights. It is lovely, with sunny windows and lots of space. Of course, it was covered with things being unpacked. We ate in the dining room; I saw quite a few people I knew. Phyllis Durham, hunched over with her walker, but sharp and in good spirits. She said she is moving to California in a few months to be with her family. She was happy about it, but will miss the space she has here. There she will be in one room. Bertha has 2 bedrooms (one will be her study) and 2 baths and a large living room and small kitchen. She gets one meal a day in the dining room, but apparently they are very generous and you can bring tupperware and take half of it back to your room.

Ray and I went to see Doubt at Cine. We had root beer floats and popcorn. It was good. There were only about 8 people in there.

A fur, the real thing with glass eyes. I call him Charles.

I'm feeling a little iffy, didn't sleep very well. Maybe I am getting Ray's cold--not surprising, but not good. I thought maybe I had made it. Perhaps a big restaurant meal (with a whiskey sour) in the middle of the day yesterday was not good. Or maybe I have not been getting enough exercise.

The UUFA executive committee meeting is Wednesday, with the Finance Committee meeting tomorrow. I am really stressed about all this, with the budget having a $30,000 deficit and some other issues. I keep hoping I can make it the last few months of my term as president without completely losing it!