Another 30-minute walk yesterday morning, but it was harder for me at the end. Maybe I can't do it two days in a row.

We sang for the service and enjoyed it. The topic was letting go...good choice. Turns out Alison moved a lot of stuff from Virginia that some might think was not strictly necessary, requiring them to buy a bigger house than they might have otherwise.

It was fourth Sunday, so we stayed for a $5 lunch, also a pleasure. Ray got someone else to take him home, while I helped clean up, because I had to be at the rehearsal for Dancing with the Athens Stars at 2. That was fun, too. Joan pointed out that this is the fourth year I have been in the sound booth, making me feel seasoned. The show is next weekend and I'm looking forward to it.

Back home, I went right at the daffodils, but I had to stop and ask Ray to help. My back was starting to hurt and I really didn't want to be incapacitated. He helped with supper, too, and I baked some more cookies. The house still smells good.

We watched some of the Academy Awards and went to bed before 10.

Yesterday morning, I baked the strata and took it to UUFA for the new member breakfast. It was delicious, but incredibly unhealthy. http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=1505256 white bread, half & half, eggs... I stayed for breakfast, so also ate one of Myrna's biscuits and other unhealthy items. There was a woman joining UUFA who I knew 20+ years ago in Mothers' Center--Barbara Teskey (son Joseph Molli's age). It was pretty fun.

I was home by 9:30 and Ray and I headed to pilates, which was excellent as usual. There was only one other person. On our way home, the Captain called to see if we wanted them to pick up something for lunch, like Chinese. I said, no, we had leftover breakfast casserole and homemade bread (I didn't say I had pizza Thursday night and Mexican last night, so I need to eat a little healthier). They arrived shortly after we did. He spent a little time on his computer; I made cookies (hermits, excellent). We all had lunch and then I planted some more of the daffodils. I am more than halfway through and may be able to finish today.

About 3:30, we drove to the Gwinnett Arena to see the circus. The Captain especially wanted to go, but we were all looking forward to it. Unfortunately, the cheap tickets were all gone. We could have bought them ahead of time, but TicketMaster charges over $8 in fees and we just couldn't bring ourselves to do it. Or to pay $65 for good seats. So, we drove to Atlanta and had a wonderful dinner at Bistro Nikko. If you suggested driving to Atlanta just for dinner (which would cost over $50 per person), I would say no thanks, but we had a great time. We were there about 5, but they were clearly gearing up for a big Saturday night crowd. By the time we left, all the tables were full.

Old Fashioned

We ordered pate and cocktails, with extra French bread (mmm). Ray had a big salad and shared it with me. The Captain and Vanessa ordered the prix fixe (formule), including the white bean soup. Delicious. I had the haddock special, also excellent, followed by profiteroles. And we had a $35 bottle of Vouvray. My father's logic? Not only had we saved the money from the circus, but the $8 we would have spent if we ordered the tickets from Ticket Master! Fortunately, Ray was driving and had only a little wine. The rest of us took turns dozing and talking on the way home.

Haddock

The Captain communing with the fox statues after dinner

We managed to enjoy an episode of Doc Martin and then went to bed.

Even though it was raining early in the morning, it stopped and got sunny and warm. I made the egg casserole for this morning's new UU breakfast. Except I needed a dozen eggs, so I did it up to a point, waiting for the last two eggs until about lunchtime. It's supposed to sit in the fridge overnight, so it's ready to bake now. I also made the biggest two loaves of bread I have ever made. The recipe said to make them into round loaves on a cookies sheet, but I wanted them in loaf pans. I could have made 3 instead of 2, but now I have 3 really big loaves!

My parents were here most of the day. The usual schedule is they drive here from their house in time for Vanessa to drive herself to the Y for her water exercise class. This seems foolish to me, as they drive pretty close to the Y on the way here, but it means the Captain doesn't have to stop what he's doing to go pick her up. He generally spends some time on the computer, checking email and reading news articles. Yesterday he was particularly engrossed with the story on Charlie Sheen's offensive remarks and the subsequent canceling of 2 1/2 men. My Dad suggested, and I agree, that they continue the show and write his character out--kill him off or put him in rehab...

He transplanted 75 lettuces into the garden. If all goes well, we will have more lettuce than we know what to do with--several different varieties. I am looking forward to it. Also, a few broccoli and cabbage and some bok choy. We all had lunch and then he went back out. I spent a little time washing the walls in the blue bedroom, but it was hard and not very satisfying. Instead, I went out and started planting the 100 daffodils, that Mom had placed along he driveway. It turns out the edge of the gravel driveway is actually more than a foot back from where it  looks like it is, just grown over with grass.

Boys playing Ninja at UUFA

They left a little after 3 and I did a little more work on my pile of papers before Ray came home after 5, leaving more than half of the daffodils for another day. He did dishes and neither of us wanted to make supper, so we picked up some burritos at Agua Linda, very tasty. We had offered to play games with the youth at the Fellowship, but it turned out to be less fun than I had thought. The event was not very well attended and there were already too many adults and not enough structure. There is a fine line, especially with middle school kids, between democracy and hierarchy. And this event needed a little more adult intervention, with a planned schedule of specific games. It quickly degenerated into running around hitting each other with cushions. And Ray was falling asleep. So we headed home--no TV tonight.

I had a lot of fun at the IHN luncheon.

The day was warm enough to be comfortable, but there was a smoky haze in the air that got worse as the day wen ton. I was glad I heard on the radio it was from a controlled burn down near Rock Eagle.

Ray and I walked; Cameron ran, chasing squirrels and deer. We usually end up at he Community Center, where we peer in the windows at the latest work that was done--framing the windows, yesterday. We let the chickens into their run, not wanting to let them out of their coop until they have laid the three eggs for the day.  Plus we have to get them back in again when we leave. Ray moves the seedlings out of the breezeway, so they grow up instead of leaning toward the windows, and then in again at night. (unfortunately, we forgot to bring them in last night and they are getting rained on right now--maybe that is okay)

I dropped him off about 9:30 and drove out to the country club, not an atmosphere I love, although it is very plush. Interfaith Hospitality Network had a luncheon fund-raiser that I somehow got roped into. Each host decorates a table for 10 and invites people that are willing to pay $40 each. They admire each others' tables, bid on silent auction items, and have a nice lunch with a minimal program, in this case featuring a former guest, who said how wonderful the organization was. There were 31 tables. I did not actually decorate one, or find someone to decorate. The country club did ours for us--tablecloth, flower arrangements, blue napkins. It was lovely, although not on the scale of some of the others--including balloons and a couple wore costumes to go with their theme--India (saris) and hula (leis). I enjoyed seeing lots of people I knew, who admired my long hair. In particular, I sat next to a man named Mark, who is new to Athens and new to our Fellowship. He is divorced, and one of his children is still in high school in Asheville, so he goes there every other weekend, I believe, but he came here for a job. I am sure he is lonely and he likes to talk, but I really enjoyed his company (in a totally appropriate way, of course). It seems a long time since I met anyone new that I really liked.

After lunch, I went to ALT, although I didn't get much done. I was able to talk to Heather, who told me she has, I think, 10 projects she is managing in various stages, from design to construction. She also has to interview all the people and help them get financing if they are really interested and eligible. It is clearly enough work for 2 or more people--and she seems to be a bit disorganized to make it even more difficult. She hopes I don't get the job and they can hire me, so that was kind of nice to hear.

I zipped over to Kroger to buy some groceries before going to Ray's office to pick him up. Meanwhile, my Dad called and said he was at the doctor's getting an MRI and they would be at our house when we got home, so he could tell me about it. He has a way of saying things that sounds more mysterious and momentous than they are, but he added, it's not bad, it's really good news. I waited for Ray and he finally came out and said he was going out to dinner with the speaker and would I like to come. "Well, no, I have to go home because my parents need to talk to me...and I have groceries in the car." So, this is one of the drawbacks of trying to carpool. I would have gone straight home from Kroger...and maybe gone right after the luncheon, if  he had known ahead of time that he would be going. But he didn't and usually doesn't. Some speakers (on Thursday afternoons) are trying to get to the airport or home and don't want to go out. And, rarely, he is not interested for one reason or another.

I got home; the Captain was lying on the couch; Vanessa was working on the puzzle. I asked if he wanted something to drink; he said Vanessa had made him tea--did I want a drink? I said "not right now." He said, "Have you ever had an MRI?" I thought about it and said I thought so, but not the whole body kind. He said he found it rather stressful. After I put away the groceries, my mother and I made ourselves drinks and sat down in the living room.

His knee has been bothering him, popping out very painfully. He went to a specialist, Dr. Bacastow, who told him it can probably be fixed through arthroscopic surgery, walk in walk out. It's kind of amazing to me, and to him. Assuming the MRI is consistent with what the doctor thinks is going on, there are little pieces of cartilage floating around in his knee that can be removed to fix the problem. He can schedule it whenever he wants. We talked about the garden some and their plans for next month. Then they headed out.

I called Ray, who said they were just going into the restaurant, and I drove back to town and met them for pizza. I enjoyed it, having not had pizza in several months. I recited part of Custard the Dragon to the speaker's young sons, but they were more interested in the televised basketball game. I talked some to our friend Mike, who is now chair of the department. We headed home as the group broke up, watched a little TV, and went to bed before 10.

Ray was up before me again this morning, as almost every morning these days, and it is raining steadily--a good thing. I had planned to stay home today. (If they offer me this job, I will suddenly want to do everything I have not done.) Heather said I earned it and should take advantage of it; she also said it was supposed to be beautiful, but I don't think she meant rainy. I have some cooking to do and my Dad is planning to come and transplant things. Hopefully, the wet seedlings will not be a problem.

Another nice day yesterday. I made apple crisp for potluck and baked it while we were out walking. After I dropped Ray at his building, I went to the Land Trust and did some work for them, eating my sandwich there. At 1:30 I met with Alison, the minister, about the reception for her installation in early April. I said I would organize it. The budget is $500. Whoa! I hope I can get enough people to donate food that it won't cost that much, although we will have wine and beer.

Then I headed back to Ray's office to pick him up. While I was waiting, I played Scrabble on my iPhone and read my email. When we got home, it was sunny and early enough to let the chickens out. Interesting fact: I read that they lay one hour later every day, until dusk, when they skip a day and start the morning after. Yesterday, there were only two eggs. Gladys and Mabel are on one schedule, but Sylvia is on a different one. I hope she did not go up under the porch yesterday afternoon to lay an egg. If not, there should be one early this morning and two others later in the day.

I spent my free time looking at recipes for breakfast casseroles. Sadly, Joy S. in the hospital with cancer and she and her husband won't be organizing the new UU class Saturday morning. So I said I would bring a veggie breakfast casserole. The best one I found only serves 6-8, so I might need to make two. And you prepare it the day before, which is good, but it cooks for over an hour. So I will need to be at the Fellowship with my casserole about 7:30. Or cook it the day before and serve it cold. Hmm. It also has loads of white bread in it, potatoes, eggs and cheese. I need to find one with more veggies in it, maybe.

Dinner was good, but not many people were there. I am embarrassed to report that I fell asleep in choir, dropping my music folder to the ground with a loud noise and waking myself up. We are singing a hard piece on Sunday, and I don't think we are quite ready. Dozed in the car too and went straight to bed when we got home.

You can just see the moon over the Community Center at daybreak

I spent three hours at ALT yesterday, putting things away in Heather's office. She had asked me and I had done a little bit of tidying before. And I checked with her a couple of time. "You're sure you want me to do that? Will you be able to find things?"So now I really cleaned off the top of her desk, putting papers in folders that might or might not make sense. Also one drawer had, in addition to office supplies and a few food-related items (ketchup, instant oatmeal, peanuts, napkins), about 100 old phone messages, some dated 2008. They are probably not useful any more, but I put them in a file folder for her to go through sometime (hah!) and got rid of some things, like a phone number with no name or message.

Then Becky and I had a nice lunch. The weather was good enough for eating outside.

Suzy C., who had been a candidate for state Senate (or something) in another county, was at the Fellowship a few weeks ago. She is selling bulbs and I bought 100 daffodils, partly for my mother. I have hesitated because they are not native, but deer will not eat them. She called me and we met so I could pick them up. Now I need to plant them immediately.

Then I went to the writing workshop, where I read my poem. It was very well received, although no one expressed amazement and urged me to publish it immediately. The ego is a fragile fragile thing. They were very impressed at my capability for memorizing several verses of Custard the dragon, but I don't know how to turn that into a vocation. Maybe I should go on Jeopardy--that terrifies me. What if they have baseball as a category? Or Ancient Greece? Wheel of Fortune, maybe, but that isn't about memory.

There were some brilliant poems that I was jealous of that painted wonderful pictures. There is also a woman who reads her work almost every time. It is rambling, repetitive and full of pain. It is not good poetry (and she never misses a class) and she explains it in detail too. It is clearly very important to her and everyone always says positive things to her. She was very overweight and in a bad marriage. Although she has four children, she says she was never kissed after her wedding day. That just devastates me. But it makes me want to be in a different kind of writing workshop--one with constructive feedback and all good writers to learn from. This one is about healing and has been incredibly helpful, but I have a lot more to learn.

Deb and I went to the dog park afterward. She is raising another guide dog puppy (her 6th!). I have considered it and am tempted, but I don't think I really want to do the work (especially the picking up of poop). Cameron is doing very well and is a good dog and he is probably enough for us. If we want to go away for spring break (and we may not because of my work situation), we will have to put him in the kennel and that cost added to the other costs of travel might make it too expensive.

I went to Earth Fare to buy some applesauce, because I planned to make potato pancakes for supper. But it was $3.50 there and I couldn't bring myself to buy it. I picked up Ray and we went home. It was after 5:30 and my parents were there. We chatted a little and they headed out. Ray peeled the apples and we made applesauce (which was tastier than store-bought anyway). After supper, we finished watching Ghostbusters--pretty scary for kids, but more entertaining than I expected. It just happened to be on TV the night before, with a million commercials. So we watched half Monday and recorded the rest and watched it last night, skipping through the commercials. To bed before 10.

Monday morning we started the week with a little earlier schedule. Ray is supposed to have office hours every day from 9:30, in case students want to talk to him. It also avoids arriving late to class (maybe) and having things come up at the last minute to be stressful. Yesterday, we did get there about  9:30. Then I went to the post office in Add Drugs and mailed off the directory in the Priority Mail envelope Olan Mills had given me. $5.10. It didn't seem worth trying to figure out how to get the Fellowship to reimburse me, so I just paid it.

Then I went to Marguerite's house on Annes Court, near where we used to live on Milledge Heights. It was a lovely sunny day, just a bit cool for sitting outside for an extended period. We admired her yard, with an abundance of arugula and some crocus blooming. She also had a beautiful renovation done to the house (a few years ago), adding a gorgeous kitchen with skylights and opening up the rest of the house. There were 6 of us and our topic was bounty--not just physical, but mental, emotional and spiritual bounty. This follows our last topic of grace. I could see it as just another reminder to appreciate what I have. But it was really more positive and helpful than that. One of the points for me is if you do something to share your bounty, but you resent it, that's not bountiful. (maybe not literally true, but probably a good thought. It should make you feel good.) I found that I wanted to talk a lot and dominate the conversation. I had to consciously hold back and listen. I enjoyed it very much.

A little after noon, I drove to ALT and heated up my leftovers for lunch. I reviewed the HUD counseling application, typed up my notes from the OneAthens meeting last week, and the Fund-raising meeting we had Friday morning. I am starting to feel a little more at home there.

I was at Ray's office a little before 5 and he came out a few minutes later. We made supper, listening to music on Pandora, and ate it. Then I spent some time writing while he was working, before we watched a little TV and went to bed.

After Supper

Alone with my thoughts

(although Ray is nearby),

I am sitting in the dark 

writing poetry.

Like the mouse Blink in the poem,

who “strategically mouseholed”

when faced with danger, 

I think I am safe.

In the dark and the quiet,

with only the sound of a machine—

it's the fan on my hard drive. 

The dark is comfortable.

I am hiding

until the scary things 

go away.

Will it work?

Me with my laptop and the fan 

in here in the dark

(and Ray… and the dog

… and the world outside).

Thoughts come and go quickly.

The computer 

lets me capture them,

in the dark.

I catch them to put in this machine

before they get away.

Some make it to freedom,

but most I harvest.

I wonder if the best ones

are the ones that escape.

Am I right to stop them,

Can I catch time?

 

My children are in this machine, too,

their voices on Skype,

their photos and videos and words.

Their music and news of their friends.

They don’t live here any more.

Their rooms are clean and empty.

Enticing me to open the door 

and look in.

I find reasons to visit there

and enjoy seeing the detritus 

of their old lives

tidied up.

Like the outgrown shell 

of the hermit crab

or the chrysalis 

of the butterfly.

Out in the dark yard,

I close the chicken coop.

(I should have done it 

earlier.)

The hens make soft noises,

chiding me gently 

for disturbing them.

They feel safe.

Are they trusting me

to protect them?

Aided by the young dog, 

Cameron?

Will he know if a prowling skunk

comes to invade their safety,

And barking, send it away,

slinking back into the darkness?

A wire cage with a tin roof 

and a perch

is not much protection,

unless it is home.

The service yesterday was fun and good. I like our new minister, Alison. One of the things she manages to be is inspiring and caring without partisan politics. Did you know the word idiot means someone who does not vote? The choir was transformed into a Greek chorus, wearing white tops and black bottoms, and holding paper plate masks in front of our faces. I believe the title was Athens to Athens--about Greeks and democracy. We are about to have meetings to talk about our mission and vision and she wants us all to get ivolved and be enthusiastic.

Although it was warm, it was quite cloudy all day and not as pleasant in the house, although the heat didn't run. I spent a little time working outside with my Dad, but my big accomplishment was doing the final work to get the directory mailed off. There are still many questions, but I decided to let Olan Mills do some work and then make changes to the proof, if necessary. We'll see. Some of the pictures may not work very well and changes will have to be made. But I am happy to have it ready to go.

We went to EarthFare before dinner at Janna's house. Dinner was quite good and very healthy--turkey meatloaf, mashed potatoes, kale and winter squash. We talked some about my job and the university, but the excuse was for them to tell us about Tommy's wedding. It was a small wedding and very few people were invited, but Mark and Francesca flew down for 24 hours. They stayed in Atlanta and had brunch at Empire State South twice. It was an outdoor wedding and the temperature was around 45, plus they had requested black tie, so people were really cold. One thing I never heard of before--the bride and groom ate in a room by themselves. The bride's father congratulated Tommy on keeping his daughter in line and coming in under budget--and pulled $16 from his wallet to give him, because that's how much under budget they were. Doesn't sound auspicious to me, but who knows? There was some great music and dancing, because Tommy has connections in the music world.

After dinner, Ray and I came home, put the groceries away, watched a little TV, and went to bed.

Saturday morning we went for a 30-minute walk and then to pilates. But even before that, I made a batch of cookies.

Have you heard of a time bank? Years ago, we were in a babysitting coop and "earned" hours for every hour we "worked." At that time, no computers were involved. We kept paper records and exchanged coop dollars. This is like that, only not just babysitting. Any member can post services they are offering or looking for. I have earned one hour consulting on a vegetable garden and yesterday I made a batch of cookies for a little boy's birthday party. In addition to the hour, she gave me $5 for ingredients. Trying to figure out how much I spent for flour, sugar, chocolate chips was an interesting exercise. Here's the link: http://community.timebanks.org/services.php. I am sure there are time banks in other cities too.

baby lettuces and others started in flats

potato hills and onions in foreground; Captain weeding in background

It was another incredibly beautiful day, with highs over 70 and lots of sun. After delivering the cookies, we came home to find my parents here, naturally. I worked with my Dad for a little over an hour, digging up grass around the outside of the fence. We are adding a layer of chicken wire to keep out small animals (the voles--or something--ate our sweet potatoes last year. He has already planted potatoes and onions in that garden and started lots of lettuce and other items, which are coming up beautifully. We all ate lunch--leftovers or a sandwich on homemade bread. After a little more chatting, they headed home. Ray and I did some computer work. I am whittling down the piles by my computer and one day I will be able to see the desk!

We had an invitation to dinner at Karen and Bob's. It is his birthday today. He is turning 66. We have known them a while, but they haven't been very sociable in years. He is a former monk--I can't remember the details. But he cooks wonderfully and we had fun. Cookie and Rick were there too. Her name is really Helen, but years ago there was another Helen at the Fellowship, so she picked Cookie for a nickname. I almost forgot what her real name is, but her husband kept calling her that. One time I called her office and asked for Cookie and they didn't know what I was talking about. Also there were Karen's sister, Lee, and their daughter Emily, whom i hadn't seen in years. she looks about the same as ever and is due to graduate from UGA this summer. I think it has been more than a 6-year plan, but we didn't really go into that. We drank lots of good wine and ate crackers and cheese and then onion soup followed by lamb and vegetables. Ray was not pleased and skipped the meat, but he did a pretty good job of not making a big deal about it. There was a store-bought carrot cake, which was pretty good. But I was kind of horrified. I had offered to bring something and would always be happy to make a cake.

After supper, we watched DVD's of shows they had done at the Fellowship, including one where Karen and Molli did a comedy routine playing cello wearing Groucho Marx glasses and noses. It was pretty cute. They had fun. Karen sold her cello for $800 some years ago--and bought a really nice dining table from someone we knew too. She asked if Molli was still playing and wondered if Molli's cello was for sale when I told her no.

Unfortunately, I quickly started falling asleep. There wasn't really seating for 8 in their living room. Interestingly, the television sits behind a mirror which folds out, kind of a cool idea. But the mirror only comes out about 90 degrees from the wall, so people on the left side of the room can't see past it. We had two in a chair and four on the couch, so there was no inconspicuous dozing. I wonder if I can pass it off as a medical condition? So we came home about 10 and went straight to bed.

I woke up very early, between 4 and 5, perpetuating the cycle. Although the sky was cloudy, the moon (just past full, I think) gave an interesting light in the windows. The weather is so warm that we don't need much in the way of covers. And I had a sense of excitement that I get sometimes, like something good is going to happen today, that kept me from going back to sleep. There was even a train in the distance, a pleasant sound, but when you're awake, anything keeps you awake.

I am feeling a little stressed this morning for no real reason. I was once diagnosed with existential ennui, which I sometimes think of as angst. I have been eating well, sleeping, getting exercise, staying busy and productive, doing things with friends...so it doesn't make sense and that, in turn, makes me worry...but I am actually making some progress in controlling my inner turmoil, not to say it is easy or completely satisfactory, but I breathe deep and try to be positive and it helps.

I spent most of the day yesterday at the Land Trust, working mainly on the application for accreditation as a housing counseling agency. It is not easy, but I am making some headway. I do not have the information in my head that would make it easy to answer the questions about the organization, as I would if I were Nancy or Heather. It would be much quicker and easier for them to do. But if they had the time, they would be doing it themselves. Nathan is the administrative assistant (his title is Asset Manager---?) and he has helped a lot. It makes me a little crabby, perhaps, that there is so much to do and not enough time and money. It seems clear that Heather (and probably Nancy, too) have way more on their plates than they can handle. There is plenty of work I could do, but I suspect they are not getting rich on their salaries and they are in danger of not being able to continue at the same level because of decreases in funding. If the world were somehow run differently, they would have money to hire me and I would be able to get things a little less chaotic. Anyway, it is good to feel useful, but at the same time, I have not applied for any jobs this week and I have not done any work on the directory, etc.

I brought leftovers for lunch and stayed there about 5 hours. I went to pick up Ray and we got home before 5. It was still sunny and very warm, highs in the 70s. We worked on supper together, which was a pleasant change, and ate about 5:30. I had volunteered to handle the box office for Town & Gown, so we had to go by the Classic Center at 6:30 to pick up the tickets and then to the theater. Only about 50 people came  to the play, perhaps in part because of a B-52's concert at the Classic Center. Deb and John and Becky were there (Kent is away on a ski trip). The play was Dancing at Lughnasa, a quite sad play set in Ireland...five grown unmarried sisters, whose brother has been a missionary in Africa. One of the women has a son and the story is told from his memory. It was excellent and left me glad to be living here in the 21st century (with a husband).

It was almost 11 when we got home and went to bed. Ray is still asleep, which is wonderful. He has been getting up before 5 to work on his class preparation, and I am sure he will spend a lot of time on it this weekend, but at least he can sleep some.

Yesterday morning, after a walk and breakfast and all those other morning things, I wound up at the Land Trust for a while. They have now started adding projects to my list at a great rate. I'm still working on the one writing project, but have many other things to do as well. I was trying to tidy Heather's office up a bit before she got there.

I had lunch with Becky, which was great fun. The high yesterday was 73 and we ate outside at a picnic table in the sun. I had a burger, which was tasty, but I left some of it, which was even better for me. I went back to the Land Trust and worked some more on the Housing Counseling certification. Then I had an appointment at the Department of Labor to review my job search records. I was nervous about it. i didn't know if they might cut off my benefits if I didn't have enough applications, but Frances was very pleasant and encouraging. There were about 20 people there for the meeting, most having been unemployed longer than me. More women than men, about half African-American, mostly younger than me. The "review" was very cursory. One man said he wasn't interested in a job that paid less because he was living on his savings for now. She did not threaten him or pressure him, just asked questions and encouraged him to consider it--getting your foot in the door. I have regular unemployment benefits for 6 months and then there are four extensions, if I understood her. So that is reassuring--not that I wouldn't rather have a job.

Can you tell how much yellower these eggs are?

By 3:30, I was at Ray's parking lot, enjoying the warm weather and playing Scrabble on my iPhone. Then I remembered I had to pick something up from IHN. My friend Ann D. was at the desk. She introduced me to people as the first Director and showed me around. I was back at Ray's office in plenty of time, but it was another 30 minutes before he came out.

At home, my parents had been there. The Captain has started some tomato seeds in pots. The lettuce and other greens he started are up and doing well. I made supper with a little help...and you know the rest. In bed about 10 and slept well.

Sad news in politics and the world.

Went to Land Trust, worked on applying for HUD approval for housing counseling. Lots more to do. Went to OneAthens housing meeting; felt productive.

Came home, made salad for potluck, went to choir rehearsal--challenging and fun. Came home, watched the computer win at Jeopardy, plus an old Doc Martin. Went to bed, but didn't sleep til late. Full moon. Didn't get up until 7.

Ready to go (ignore the expression)

Yesterday, we took a walk, had breakfast, I bathed and did my hair and makeup and ironed my blouse and brought my spare shoes, dropped Ray off, took the bus, and was there on time.

It was a beautiful sunny day and I was glad I didn't have to carry a coat and scarf, etc., all over campus with me. I had a lot of time between activities to gather my thoughts and even check my e-mail. I had about 15 minutes before the department heads came in, drank some water. They were very nice and did not ask me a lot of hard questions. We chatted, among other things, about Xalapa (where they have taken students to study food and nutrition for three weeks at University of Veracruz). At 11, I walked to the Georgia Center for lunch with Dr. Johnson, a youngish man who has been heading up the clinic as well as being a professor and is looking forward to handing it off. Several times during the day, I said what a great idea I thought it was and that I hoped it would be a model for others. They are hosting a meeting in the fall and the clinic coordinator would do a lot of the preparation. At lunch, I met with the executive committee and answered questions. They also discussed things with each other. One of my responses incurred, "that's a good answer," from Dr. Johnson. The mood was somewhat light. I was told that they like working there and get along well.

Dr. Johnson took me on a tour of the clinic, with several treatment rooms with one-way mirrors so professors can observe and videotape sessions. There is a waiting room downstairs, but the offices are upstairs, so there is no receptionist as such. There is an office for the coordinator, quite small, but with a window. In the next office are desks for the intern and the students and files. The building is old (WPA), but not unappealing, and right in the heart of campus. I met with a couple students (only two showed up) and then there was a sort of open meeting with any faculty and staff that wanted to meet me at 4. It was quite pleasant. Some of what I said was redundant, sometimes I was listening more than talking, but it went pretty well. I did have one person ask why I wanted to leave my current job, so explained that it had been eliminated due to lack of funding.

Smiling at the end of the day

After 5, I met with the dean and she was chatty, but didn't really ask me any questions. I told her that it was a challenging job, but I could do it. She said there were a few more interviews and then they would get started. I had asked Dr. J. earlier, but I also discussed budget issues with her, but she said she and the provost were buddies, so that was not a problem.

Ray's building is 5 minutes away from Dawson Hall, where I was, so he came and met me and we walked to the car, where I changed my shoes! We had a nice dinner out and headed home, where we watched a computer beat the human Jeopardy players. It was quite interesting, the things it does well and the mistakes it makes. It's amazing that the humans are ever able to buzz in before the computer, but they did.

Went to bed about 9, woke up several times toward morning and kept falling back to sleep, perhaps because I had enjoyed the day before and felt less stress. I didn't get up until 6:30! Dreamed I was traveling to another country - England? and caring for a young child.

This is it! the day of the big interview! It is impossible to know if they already have someone lined up for the job and are just interviewing me to comply with requirements. But if that's the case, it takes the pressure off. It doesn't matter what I say. When I read it over, it seems like they would be hard-pressed to have anyone else with my mix of experience. But it does say Ph.D. preferred. I think most people with a Ph.D. would be uninterested in a temporary  one-year position (that only pays $50,000). If so, they would likely not have the community knowledge and connections that I have. Now to make sure I communicate my strengths well.

Awesome Evan-Picone suit? check. Great new haircut? Check. The right shoes, the right jewelry. A good night's sleep? Check. Now for a walk and a good breakfast. I can't lose 10 more pounds before 10 o'clock this morning. And I can't un-bite my fingernails. Here is some information about the clinic that I found on line. http://www.fcs.uga.edu/aspire/staff.html

Yesterday morning, the Captain arrived just as we were leaving. It was a beautiful morning and we had taken a little longer walk. He was here to take a bath. There is only a shower in their apartment. Vanessa  drove herself to the YMCA for exercise class at 10. I dropped Ray off and spent the morning at the Athens Land Trust. I had my laptop with me and was reading up on the faculty at the College of Family and Consumer Sciences. I don't know how much I will remember, but some of them will be vaguely familiar. I was actually surprised at how many people there are that I have never heard of. I guess most of them have not been in Athens as long as I have.

I brought leftovers for lunch and continued my research. I did finally get the schedule for today's interview and fortunately did not need to prepare any sort of presentation. But I became concerned that we would be walking from the office to the Georgia Center for lunch and back and touring the clinic as well. It sounds like I might be on my feet a lot and my shoes, which look great, are not the most comfortable in the world. About 2:30, I headed to Lamar Lewis to look at shoes. They have lots of wonderful comfortable shoes. But the only pair of brown shoes with heels I decided would not be any more comfortable than the ones I have. The rest were not dressy enough. I went to the drug store on the corner and bought some pony tail holders in brown. I looked in the wig store, too, but all they have is wigs, pretty much. How do they sell enough wigs to make a living, all these years? The woman was not particularly friendly, either.

I picked up Ray and we went to T. J. Maxx and Stein Mart to look at shoes as well, but no luck. There were some great ones, sort of a boot style, but the heel was just too high. I don't know how people walk around like that. My knees had to stay bent and my back was starting to hurt. Other than that, I really liked them. At another store, there was a similar pair, even more comfortable, but they only had size 9, way too big. So, I will take my chances. Janna says they might drive me to lunch anyway.



We got home about 4:30. Still sunny and nice. We didn't want to go out on Valentine's Day; it would be a madhouse. I made dinner; it was tasty. I talked on the phone and fell asleep watching TV. I woke up at 3:30, feeling nervous, and was surprised I was able to go back to sleep until 5:30.

I'm pretty obsessed with tomorrow's interview, and it's making it hard for me to be interested in anything else.

Yesterday was a beautiful day, sunny and highs in the 60s. We are looking forward to having that weather for most of this week--and beyond?

We had a walk, ate pancakes, and went to the Fellowship. I enjoyed meeting a new member, Mark, who moved here from the Asheville UU church for his work. Ray was participating in the Mystery Friend reception. My parents called and met us at Peking Restaurant, where they treated. I was restrained, in that I only allowed myself one trip to the buffet. I am hoping to lose 10 pounds by tomorrow, but I don't think it's going to happen!

My mother and I went to the grocery store, while Ray and my Dad went home. Guess what? Sunday afternoon is a really bad time to go shopping, because everyone else was there. But dog food was on sale.

By the time we got home, there wasn't much left of the beautiful day and I started working on supper. My Dad was planting onions with the potatoes. They left.

About 6, Deb and John arrived and Becky and Kent a little later. Deb and John made baked apples and Becky brought a delicious salad. Becky and Deb and I went upstairs and picked out a shirt to wear with my new suit tomorrow, as well as shoes. Becky did something fancy with my hair (a waterfall), which looked really cool, but didn't seem like something I could do without her help. We also looked at the makeup situation and decided not to do any eye makeup. We were afraid it would be worse to do it badly than not at all. Becky was telling me I needed three different colors and I am afraid I put my foot down. I said not even for a job interview was I going to do that. I can do some mascara and blush and lipstick and that's about it. I have to iron the blouse and buy a brown hair holder, but otherwise I'm ready. Like Miss Congeniality -- Armed and Fabulous (except not really armed). At dinner, John and Becky and Deb asked me hard questions, so I could practice. The worst one that I hate when they ask is tell me a time when there was a conflict and how did you resolve it? Honestly, I can never remember examples of this sort of thing--a problem you solved...I guess I can't say, "just trust me. I can handle it."

By the time they left just before 10, I was so worked up, it took me hours to fall asleep and then I woke up early obsessing about what to say.

Poor Ray had to teach yesterday to make up for one of the snow days! He got up before me to do the preparation--and he is up before me today too. After he left, I took Cameron for a walk--sunny and pretty, but windy and cold too. When we came by to pick up the paper, it was gone. Sure enough, my parents were at the house.

I went to Sky's for less than an hour to do some bookkeeping for Kenney Ridge on her computer. The QuickBooks files are in PC format, so they can't put them on mine. When I got back, the Captain was hard at work digging potato trenches. We are going to have a whole garden of potatoes this spring.

We all had leftovers for lunch when Ray came back. Then he went back to his computer and worked all afternoon. My parents left and I did some meal planning. Airee came and got Bertha's couch. I thought she wanted it for her house, but she said if it didn't sell, she would keep it. I felt a little taken advantage of, but it is gone now and that is good.

My parents came back; my Dad had left his glasses. They had bought a vacuum cleaner, some chicken wire and some onions to plant.

While I was working on supper, Becky called to say they were going to the movies at Cine. Ray wanted to go, so we gobbled our supper, taking some of it in the car. Movies at Cine are so interesting. This one was British, called Another Year. At first, I had trouble understanding some of the accents, and missed a few lines. I often think, my life is so ordinary, I have nothing to write about. Who wants to read it? That's what this movie was like. It had no action or excitement. It's just one year in the life of an older couple. The funny thing? He is a geologist and she is a counselor, like a social worker. They have one son, who is quite ordinary. He has a job, too. There is a woman from her office who is lonely and drinks a lot and visits, and a couple other people in their life, all very realistically portrayed, but there is not really any plot exactly. I do like Cine, though, for one thing, I had a whiskey sour with my popcorn. But, nine dollars! It was worth it, because it was a nice outing, but not really for the movie. Becky and Kent hadn't eaten yet and we talked about going to have some dessert while they ate, but I was already yawning and we headed home and to bed.

When I got up this morning and went in the bathroom, my head felt light and different. OMG! Somebody cut off my hair! Oh, right. I remember now...

The day did not start very well. Ray went to give platelets and my parents came to do laundry. I took my Mom to her class at the Y and went on to the Land Trust. There was nobody there and nothing for me to do, although I still had my iPhone and it is a pleasant place to be. About 12:30, when Nancy and Heather arrived, I left to meet Becky for lunch. We had a lovely time and Deb joined us (after we were done).

Then I drove to City Salon and Spa to have my haircut. I had called to try and get Nathan, who I know from the theater to cut it. But he did not have any appointments until after my interview on Tuesday. He recommended a couple others. Katie had an opening at 2:15. I was nervous and not sure what I wanted to do, so asked Deb and Becky to come with me, which they did. It turned the whole process into a party or a ceremony of some sort. When I asked for her recommendations, Katie suggested cutting it to just below my shoulders. She banded it and cut it off to send to Locks of Love. That made me happy. The way she massaged my head while she was washing it made me feel good, too. But the way Becky and Deb were there to support me was the best! Katie told me how to wash it and dry it and style it, and Deb kept asking questions to make sure I was getting it. We talked about what to do for the interview. Katie thinks I should pull it back in a ponytail. She showed me how I could cover the holder with a piece of hair. Becky and Deb weren't so sure. It is very curly and bouncy and I really like it! I will get a picture of it today to show you.

I bought Bumble and Bumble shampoo and conditioner and grooming cream. The Salon is fun--Becky bought some earrings and they have some great purses for under $50. Then we went to Bed Bath and Beyond and bought some things. (I bought a silverware divider for my parents--their drawer is really small and I think this one will fit). Becky bought me a special kind of towel to dry my hair that Katie recommended. Deb went on home and Becky and I went to the mall. She was looking for a glass container or cookie jar to put dog biscuits in on her kitchen counter. There was one she liked at Macy's ($43 half-price!), but she wasn't sure. We went to Belk, but there was nothing much there. Except it was time for the Clinique Bonus. So I bought lipstick and liner and got free mascara and a bunch of other stuff. I have to figure out how much makeup I want to wear for this interview, not too much so I don't feel like a slut. Maybe I can not bite my fingernails until after the interview, but I don't think I can lose 10 pounds by Tuesday. Not and maintain a shred of sanity. As Becky pointed out, I lost some weight just getting my hair cut! I never thought of that.

Ray was already home when I got there. We talked about going out, but decided to eat leftovers and stay home. I watched more than three hours of TV and didn't fall asleep!

chicken coop in snow

 These pictures are from yesterday morning. Most of the snow was gone by noon. And as you can see, the roads were clear from the beginning.

rose in foreground

Ray admires the view

Yesterday morning, I dropped Ray off on campus and went to Mama's Boy for brunch, where a couple students were meeting with Nancy S. about fund-raising ideas for the Land Trust. I forgot I was going to be eating there, so had already had breakfast. I just ordered hot chocolate and a biscuit--both huge and delicious. After that meeting, we went to the Land Trust office and talked for a bit.

KR Community Center

Then I left to meet Lori B., the architect, for lunch. More eating--I just had a cup of soup. It was quite fun, although I don't know that anything will come of it. She is very nice and we got along well. She is expecting her first child in July. She told me a little about some of her projects and that she is taking exams to be a licensed architect this spring. She has to in order to bid on commercial work, which she hopes will be more lucrative than the residences she's been doing since moving here from Connecticut seven years ago.

I went back to the Land Trust and studied some software they are starting to use for their contacts, etc. Sales Force, I believe it is called, but customers can be donors and volunteers, I think. Worked till 5, went to get Ray, went home and made supper. Delicious! Again, fell asleep watching TV early, but slept well until after 5, so that's fine.

We woke up to snow on the ground again, although the temperature is above freezing, so it should be okay to drive.

Yesterday, I took Ray to work and came right home. My parents were at the house. I made some cookies and macaroni and cheese for potluck. We ate some leftovers for lunch. I spent a little time on the computer, but didn't accomplish much.

At 3, I met with Nancy and Heather at Athens Land Trust. They had lots of things they need help with: fund-raising, database, volunteer coordination, but not much they can pay me for. That's okay, I would be happy to be working, even without money. Maybe down the road I can write myself some money for them. So, that was a fun meeting and I am starting today. It made me feel knowledgeable and competent and useful.

I went to the library and worked on the directory, putting the pages in order, renaming all the photos and putting them in folders. Picked up Ray about 5:30 and drove to the Fellowship, where we put the mac & cheese in the oven and had some wine. Unfortunately, I was dozing in choir the last 15 minutes or so. Sorry, Amber (the choir director).

There was a message on the answering machine. "This is Anne Sweaney. My number is..." It was a little after 9, but I called her anyway. She said, "can you come for an interview on Tuesday at 10?" I said, "I'd love to, let me check my calendar. Yes, I am free then." She said "It will  be from 10 to 5. Becky P. will send you the schedule." I said, "OK, see you then." What? Seven hours of interviews? What am I applying for, president of the university? But I am very happy and excited. I have a new suit, have to figure out what shoes and shirt to wear. I will probably put my hair up, but I am wondering about getting it cut.

After that, we went right to bed. I read a little, but fell asleep before long. Woke up a couple times in the night, but went back to sleep. I am excited!

Yesterday was sunny, although cold and windy. Very nice in the house and car.

After dropping Ray off, I went to the library. I applied for my unemployment benefits again and looked at the available jobs. There are some new ones at UGA I need to apply for, although none as appealing as the clinic director. I have not heard anything more about that, and I think my references would probably let me know when they were contacted. This morning, I emailed to make sure they received my transcripts.

I had a nice lunch with Janna at the Lumpkin Cafe. They had a special they called beef pot pie, but it seemed more like pastitsio. Ground beef with some sort of custard (and corn meal?) topping. It was tasty. Also a salad. And I splurged on carrot cake. Tommy Valentine is getting married this weekend; Ron and Janna are going.

At 2, I went to the writing workshop with Deb. It was very helpful and fun. I like several of the women quite well, including the instructor, Sara. I haven't read anything I have written yet, but we discuss several people's work every week, as well as the next assignment. I feel more able to write now, whether I can write anything someone wants to publish and that will earn money is a different question.

Ray took the bus and I met him at Hendershot's, so we were home about 4:30. My parents had been there and done more gardening, as well as fed the chickens, so I didn't have to do that. Now that we have had 3 dozen eggs from them, the cost per dozen is down to about $25, and decreasing every day.

For supper, I made a vegetable frittata from Spark people, with asparagus, zucchini, mushrooms. It sounded really good, but didn't taste that great. Perhaps it was healthier than the asparagus tortilla I would have made. Also made oven-fried potatoes. They were pretty good, but Ray was working, so they got a little cold.

After supper, managed to stay awake for several TV shows, go to bed before 10 and wake up after 5. I feel pretty good, too.

Dark and rainy again. Yesterday morning was a little sunny, so we opened the shades, but it was pretty overcast most of the day. Then, after dark, I heard it start raining.

I went to Deb's Small Group Ministry at 10 (actually I was late; fortunately Daddy caught the bus, but it is a long way to her house). It was quite enjoyable. Heather K., Rosemary W., Helaine B., and Marguerite H. were there. It tries not to be group therapy, but the topic was Letting Go, so I did a lot of crying. And then I listened to some of the things other people are working through and I felt so selfish. I have healthy, successful children for one thing.

Afterwards, Deb and I did some exercises together and then ate lunch. Very pleasant. I went to Earth Fare and bought a few things. I went to the Fellowship and printed out a draft of the directory and talked to Shaye about it. I picked up Ray and we went home, stopping at Normal Hardware to buy a couple things. That's a fun place. And then we bought some seed potatoes at Cofer. Yay! They have fruit trees, too, but we have to prepare a spot before we can plant any more.

At home, I made a very quick dinner. The good thing about eating early (before 6) is that I was able to resist having any chips. The bad thing is then we started watching TV early and I was dozing by 7:30. I couldn't go to bed then! So I kept dozing and waking up for hours and still went to bed about 9, I think.

Then I woke up about 3:30 and was afraid I'd be awake until morning, but it was after 6 when I finally woke up again. Weird dreams though.

A very pleasant day yesterday. Sunny and warm in and out, although the ground was still pretty soggy.

Ray and I got up pretty early, had bacon and pancakes, went for a walk with Cameron, went to the Fellowship and sang. When we got home, the Captain and Vanessa were here. I made soup with the leftover pot roast (juice and veggies, all the meat was gone), and barley, and gave them some, along with homemade bread. The Captain planted peas and he started the tractor to make sure it still ran, which it did. He suggested we bury it, but I said no, I thought it should be admired even after it stopped running. They seemed fine. It was after 3 when they left. Apparently, the post office cannot cope with the fact that they have moved and we have not. All our mail is being forwarded to them, even after he went down there to complain and try to correct it. Annoying. The only mail we get most days is junk mail that they won't forward--ads and catalogs.

We decided to treat ourselves and went to see The King's Speech with Ron and Janna. The only thing about it was it was way too nice to go to the movies at 4 in the afternoon. We enjoyed it very much. We were supposed to pick up a couple things at the grocery store and go  home and make supper, but that was a silly plan, since it was after 6 when we came out. We went out to dinner on the spur of the moment and had a great time. When I got home, I still had energy and didn't really know what to do with it. Eventually, we watched some of the super bowl ads, punctuated with episodes of Roseanne. Went to bed at 10, but woke up at 4.

There's something I haven't seen out my window in a while--stars! I guess it will be sunny today--wonderful!

Yesterday was busy and fun. I made a batch of brownies before Ray even got up, He was up in time to go to pilates after he ate breakfast. A good workout. Then we came home, I took a bath and ate some leftovers for lunch, and headed off to do something really fun for Project Safe. They have a local Dancing with the Athens Stars every year. It's a wildly successful fund-raiser. Each couple is introduced in a fun video. Joan called me last week and asked if I would help them out by interviewing a few of the couples while they were being videoed.

I met the camera crew at a dance studio about 12:30. The first couple arrived at 1, got miked up and ready to go. I had some prompt questions to ask them and get them talking. The hardest part? I couldn't laugh or say anything when they were talking, because I am invisible in the videos. They also took some head shots and then taped them rehearsing, so I got to see the dance routines too. We had a long down time waiting for the second interview. It was Dan Magill! the 90 year old retired tennis coach. He was a stitch, although he asked me what Project Safe was...He is still beating people at tennis. He described winning the over-85 tournament: there were only two opponents. One fell down early on and didn't get back up. The other couldn't run "a lick."

And the third couple? Takis Iakovou and Andrea from the newspaper---you know, Zorba? I was thrilled to talk to him, and the interviews went well. He has three grandchildren now. One of his sons-in-law is a priest, and one is Chinese (if I understood him correctly). He is so sexy and man, can he dance! He broke three teeth last spring, when a table flew out of his mouth--he used to be able to dance with four or five tables stacked on each other! You know how he met his wife? She was a student at a Fred Astaire dance studio where he was teaching (in Texas, I think he said).

About 3, the regular interviewer arrived and I headed home for a couple hours. We made a quick and healthy dinner: fish, rice pilaf, asparagus. It was just barely edible--maybe I don't like Five Spice Powder?

 We rushed over to the Fellowship, about 30 minutes late, for Lisa's 50th birthday party. There were probably more than 100 people there, most of whom I didn't know. Mary the costumer was there and we were supposed to wear her costumes. After a bit, I put on a sort of African-print gown, some beads, and an Afro. Ray wore a fake tattoo on his arm, it threw me at first, I kept thinking it was real. There were games (she is a PE teacher) and dancing, including a Zumba session. Pretty fun. Suzanne was there; Lisa was her roommate years ago for a while. And we were home before 9! Tried to watch TV, but fell asleep.

It was cold and rainy yesterday, high about 37. I can still hear it dripping, but I don't think the temperature went down overnight. I heard that there was occasional sleet, but I didn't see any.

I took Ray to his office about 9:30 and went to Kroger to get some ingredients I needed. Then I pretty much cooked all day, with a few computer breaks. It was dark and cold, but the cooking kept me warm enough. The ground was like a swamp and I felt sorry for the chickens, but they seemed fine. It was dryer in their coop than outside. And they laid 3 eggs.

At 3:30 I picked him up. and we came home for the final cooking and cleaning up. Jane and Ted and her son Phil came to dinner and we enjoyed it. They brought a nice Greek salad, which wen really well with the Pastitsio. The food was excellent and we enjoyed talking, although Ray did start telling jokes at dessert time and didn't stop, even though he said he would.

They left about 9 and we tidied up a little and sat down to watch TV, but I didn't even make it through Wheel of Fortune.

My Dad called before supper and said that their heat pump had frozen over, so we half expected them to show up here.

Cold, a little sun in the morning. More rain later and again now. Heat running all day, as well as the woodstove.

Captain and Vanessa arrived as we were leaving to get the rest of their laundry. Sent leftovers home with them.

I met Deb in the library about 10 and we finished laying out the photos for the directory. Now to put it all together and mail it to Olan Mills. Then we went to lunch with Becky at Gnat's Landing. Need to write a review. It was really good and we had a great time.

When I went back to the library, my computer was about out of juice and I hadn't brought my charger. I was bummed, but there wasn't much for me to do anyway. I signed on to one of the library's computers for an hour. After that, the prospect of 3 more hours in the library just seemed overwhelming, so I went home.

I worked some more on my receipts and made some progress. Then I dragged myself to pilates. I really didn't want to go, but there was no good reason not to. It was great, there was only one other person. When I was done, it was time to pick Ray up from his CCDC meeting. So, it was almost 7 when we got home, but I made a sort of hash from the leftover pot roast that was very tasty.

I stayed awake until 10, then finished my book before I fell asleep. and still woke up about 5.

Cold yesterday and gray, with a little sun.

Ray and I didn't leave until almost 10. Deb met me in the library and helped with the photo directory. It was fun and we made good progress and will do more today. After she left, I did a little more and then went out to the car to eat my sandwich and my apple. I really didn't want to go back in, because I didn't really have anything to do. Managed to work on email or something until 2, when I went to Earth Fare and bought a few things. Then drove to Ray's parking lot and waited, playing Scrabble on iPhone.

We got home, my parents were just leaving. They had done their laundry, but it didn't all dry.

I made mac & cheese and we went to potluck. (it was delicious and there is some left.) There was no choir rehearsal because Amber has the flu. So we went home and watched TV. I fell asleep before 9, but managed to sleep until almost 6. Not much to tell about my life, but it is okay.

Aside: I love Pandora radio. How do they do that? You tell them what music you like and they play other music that they know you will like. For instance, you say you like Mary Chapin Carpenter. They play some of her hits, but also Bonnie Raitt, the Dixie Chicks and other people you never heard of or wouldn't have thought you liked. Fun! Ray and I sing along while we are doing other things. Note to self: must recharge phone!

It was so dark and foggy yesterday morning that it seemed earlier than it was. Eventually Ray and I got out and took a walk with Cameron, who enjoyed it very much. The chickens were making lots of noise, but we couldn't find any reason. There were no eggs or anything unusual, but there were two birds in the nesting boxes.

Ray headed off in the truck, because our neighbor Paul was coming to replace the faucet on the solar water heater, not that we would get any hot water from it that day. I made bread and did some more work with the receipts.

At noon, I got ready to go and remembered I had let the chickens into their run. I had to try to get them back in the coop so I could close the door. There were three eggs! I haven't even had two on one day before. It seems that all three are laying now. How wonderful!

I zipped off to have lunch with Deb at the Grit. I was somewhat modest in ordering a burrito, but did have a slice of raspberry cream cake that was heavenly. After lunch, we went to the writing workshop which was very interesting, definitely the thing to do on a cold gray rainy day.

Ray and I met up at the Toyota dealership--they had sent us a mailing that said we had won a prize. It turned out to be a lottery ticket. We won $2. Then we drove home and built up the fire and stayed in our nice dry house while it poured all night. (well, I'm not sure about that, but it was raining hard when I went to bed). I made supper, Ray did dishes, and we watched about two hours of TV and were still in bed just after 9.

Cold and rainy all day.

Our usual morning includes getting up early--usually me about 5:30 and Ray a little later--and "working" on the computer until it gets light. I check my email and my favorite blogs; sometimes I enter my food and exercise in sparkpeople.com. When it starts to get light, I put on yesterday's clothes and go for a walk. Except lately, it has been so cold and dark, I have taken to eating breakfast first and then going out, hoping it will be a little nicer after the sun has been up for a bit. Cameron doesn't mind how dark or cold it is, he wants out. So I let him out for a minute, and he comes right back, because I feed him then and he has figured out the routine...usually. We almost always have yogurt and fruit, whole grain toast and peanut butter (hopefully some homemade bread that I've taken out of the freezer the night before if there wasn't any left over). So, we don't usually leave the house until sometime after 9. Once the weather gets warm again, that will probably change.

Yesterday, it was after 10 before I dropped Ray off. Actually, we saw the city bus ahead of us and passed it. So, he caught it at the library rather than me driving him all the way to his office. UGA employees ride for free with their ID so it doesn't cost any more, and saves a little time and energy. It was pouring and cold, but we knew he would not be waiting long.

I gathered my laptop and purse and another umbrella and headed in. I was a little cold even inside, but I had a scarf I wore most of the day. I followed my usual routine, checking all the websites for jobs: UGA, Clarke County, the newspaper. I didn't find anything I could bring myself to apply for, though. I have my hopes up for the clinic coordinator position I heard about Thursday. I don't think anything has happened on that--my references would have let me know if they had been contacted, I'm pretty sure.

For some reason, I was especially hungry yesterday and noon seemed very far away, so I headed out a little early. Here is my review of where I went: Mirko Pasta.

When I got back, I started working on the directory layout, using a newsletter template from MS Word. It was going pretty well, but all the tables at the library (except the ones that have computers on them) are too high for me to be comfortable working on the laptop. My back and shoulders start to ache after awhile. I asked the reference librarian and she suggested the children's section, where the tables are lower. Although there was some background noise, apparently children talking to their mothers (and mothers saying, "shh") is not as distracting to me as adults asking the reference librarian questions. In the children's section, they have study cubicles with counters that are a good height for me. I was working next to the poster of zebras and across from the Crocodilians. There was even an outlet right there when I started running out of juice. That's where you'll find me from now on.

I left about 3:30 to pick up Ray and we headed home. I started the pot roast and then went on line to interview another student. This one I would really like to meet. For one thing, he has been restoring old buildings in Alfred, Maine with his family for many years, summers and weekends. They have also traveled to Mexico, Spain, and Russia. All these kids are so smart and enthusiastic and upbeat. I want to be like that again!

After supper, we watched TV and I knitted. I think I pretty much stayed awake until after 10.