Yesterday Gerald got up about 7, in time to have breakfast with us before we headed off to work. He is excited about his trip out West and studying guidebooks...I taught him everything he knows! (not really, just kidding)

At work, we moved all the furniture out of the living areas and halls so we were ready when the man came to strip and wax the floors. It was kind of a trip not being able to go out of my office. About 11:15, I left to take lunch from Five Star Day to Nuci's Space. I had lots of good-smelling food in the car for a few minutes, but didn't actually taste it! Chrismon, a friend of Sushanth's from a few years ago, helped me carry it in. Then I went on to Walmart to pick up some clothes for one of our residents who is starting a job this week--yahoo! While I was there, I got some other things for the Shelter. It is a huge place and I got a little overwhelmed after a while. Lots of people there. When I got back, I had to go in the back door and walk in a certain spot to get to my office. When I left, it was not dry yet. I felt sorry for the staff who would have to move everything back--the families would start arriving about 4 and I don't know if they would be able to get to their rooms. As well as the dinner volunteers needing to get in the kitchen.

I went home and got Gerald and my Dad and met Ray at the swimming pool. My Mom decided not to come, because the chlorine makes her cough. The first jump in the pool is always wonderful. Ray was playing with Lily and her friends--their Moms love him. We didn't stay long because people were coming to the house. Teresa Carson came early so she could visit with Gerald but not have to talk to a lot of people. Her daughter, Eve, went to the prom with Gerald. It was nice to see her. It just breaks my heart over and over to think of Eve's death. It would be so hard to care about anything and keep living. Her son is heading off to China. He graduated from Davidson and is going to teach in China. Be safe, Andrew.

OC and Manita came with Sally Lunn (bread) and blueberry dessert. Gloria and Kasey came with salad and danish and Gerald was happy to see them. They will be around tomorrow too. Liz and Mike Conroy and Laura came by. We haven't seen them much. Mike was the last one to leave. Ray was showing him the Vicar of Dibley. Becky and Kent and Deb and John came too. There was plenty of food and we had fun. My Dad was tired and went in the other room a little after people started arriving.

We have borrowed 3 chickens and they are doing a good job on the grasshoppers.