It's cool this morning; the computer says 61. I am still achy and a little congested. I took Zycam yesterday, but don't know that it will keep me from completely getting this cold. Ray slept a lot this weekend; that is how he copes.

I went to the forum at UUFA yesterday at 9:30. It was about choosing a retirement home and there was some good info.: common sense, but helpful. Then I sang with the choir, including my 3 word solo: Hunger and homelessness (followed by "we can make a difference"). Other people sang things like "injustice, hatred." Then there was the fourth Sunday lunch.

I rushed off to the AAHS Board meeting downtown at the Bottleworks. It started at 9, but I told them I couldn't get there until 1. I was about 5 minutes late (the service ran over by 20 minutes--it was a good service, but still. Karen B. played an awesome cello Kol Nidre.). The board members were all into revising the bylaws and updating the policies, etc. Good stuff, but no answers for my immediate questions. Luckily, they finished about 3 instead of 5!

Then, I hit the grocery store on my way home and got a few things we need. It was a little more crowded than I like. When I got home, it was still sunny and not too hot. After I put the groceries away, I went out and picked green beans and lettuce. Then I sprayed the knockout roses and everything sticking through the fence with the deer repellent the Captain had mixed up before he left: eggs, hot pepper, garlic...It works quite well, but when it's constantly raining, there is no point in applying it.

Life seems much simpler with my parents gone. Ray and I can keep up with the smaller amount of housework: laundry, dishes... I know it's an illusion, because my parents do a lot when they are here. I like to wander around the house, opening and closing shades and windows and admiring the empty and tidy rooms.

I still have a lot to do to get ready for my trip. I am very excited and nervous and trying not to let it overwhelm me. Take a deep breath...