It's getting easier, although I don't like driving anywhere near Barber Street, where the Shelter is, or other things that remind me. But sometimes I have a little hope that I can do something wonderful now. I have two ideas that are probably fantasies. One is to have a consulting firm that helps people starting non-profits. The trouble with that idea is that usually money is a problem for people starting non-profits. Contingency grant-writing? A corollary to this is to have several people who are knowledgeable in different areas that I can call on or make referrals to--call it Seven Sisters...or something. An even more fantastic idea is to start that home for unwed mothers that I was thinking of--or an "orphanage" for the backlog of kids in foster care. Or a nonprofit day care center. There is also the possibility of green consulting--advising people (or businesses) on minimizing their carbon footprint. Part of me says all this information is available (there must be a million books on starting a non-profit), but lots of people would rather talk to a person. Do I have something that you can't find in a book?

Yesterday morning, Ray and I drove Mom to the Y for her water exercise class. Then he went to his office to give a makeup test. I went to the Department of Labor to apply for benefits, which I did. Long somewhat tedious and impersonal process, but we'll see. Then I applied for several jobs at the University of Georgia, which you do on line. I did this before when I was unemployed. I think I got one interview for a part-time temporary job, which I didn't get, after applying to maybe 100 jobs. So, it's really a long shot. There was one job being an advisor about study abroad, which sounded pretty appealing. All these jobs have low pay but good benefits. But I would have to be there 40 hours a week, 50 weeks a year or so. I am afraid I would not like it, if I managed to get a job there.

The Mom of one of the kids we took to the Mountain is Director of School Social Work in Clarke County. She sent me a listing for an Office Manager position--apologetically. I will apply today. It pays $30,000--what I was potentially making working part time. But I could do a great job.

Captain and Vanessa went to the grocery store and made coq au vin for a gentleman they met at the Democratic Committee holiday party, and his 14-year-old Brazilian stepson. Ray made macaroni and cheese early, so the hotplate would be available. We headed to potluck before they arrived. Once again, I was dozing off in choir. Said hello briefly when we got home, then read in bed for much longer than I expected.

Weather: a little less cold than it has been, got up to 37. Unfortunately, not much sun, so the fire was going all day. Did some more work on one of my insulating shades, because it would make a big difference to have all the windows covered.