Rain, steady on the roof. It's a comforting sound, but a little melancholy. And I know it will last all day. Fortunately, it's not as cold as it was yesterday and the day before. Otherwise, we would have snow. Although it can be fun, I do not wish for snow today. Yesterday, it was 30 when I came back from my walk. It was about 26 when I left.

It was a busy day. I worked for a couple hours. I helped 3 clients. One did not qualify for the line of credit, but did not seem surprised. It was probably her credit rating. She did make an appointment to have her taxes done with me in January. The second qualified, but for less than she got last year. She was a little disappointed, but also made an appointment. And the third was pre-approved and got the money he wanted. He will come in to have his taxes done too. I did not have to do any "selling." These were all people who came to the office to get the loan and knew what they were doing. I told them all what the costs were. I felt pretty good about it.

I went to the chiropractor. I hurried home for the small group meeting at my house. I didn't have time to finish my lunch before they started arriving...early. There were 9 of us, a good number. I  had to use the folding chairs. We had a good discussion about gratitude. There was a range of people, from 26 to 92, two of them men. They ate cookies and rice pudding and pear custard squares.

After they left, I had a big salad, with hard-boiled egg and bacon and buttermilk and Purple Haze goat cheese. It was pretty darn good. I watched TV. Then I headed to the community center to spend a couple hours knitting. There were 10 women, if I remember right. I was astonished there was that much interest. At least four of them were just talking. They don't even knit. I brought the pear squares and helped Tanya with a project she was working on. I lent Gere a set of needles and she knit up a square, even though she hadn't knit since high school! It was fun and I didn't come home until 10. Walking in the dark woods was beautiful and I slept well.

My life as an environmental activist

As we headed out for our walk this morning, bundled up against the cold--45 or so, not really cold--I could hear something. "Is that rain?" "I believe that is rain," said Ray. Never mind that the forecast was for 0% chance of rain! It was light. The dog didn't care. Ray carried a small bag of trash, lightweight and about the size of a basketball (mostly kleenex from his recent cold). Today is trash day and we hadn't put it out last night. We walked to a neighbor's to leave it in the bin. We share trash pickup, since we both have little waste. We try to make most of what we eat, and/or buy in bulk. When we do have containers (cans of beans, wine bottles, etc.), Ray washes them thoroughly for recycling. We thought about turning back and driving it over, but it seemed like almost more trouble than walking. Of course, it would not be as good for the environment--or us. We enjoyed the gray sky and colorful trees. When we got to Nancy's, she happened to be at the top of the drive and we had a chance to chat with her for a minute. Ray said he was heading back, but I was going on. "No," I said. "Yes," he said. Nancy was admiring of our bravery. And I continued on my walk, while Ray turned back to work on his notes for class. I am pretty steadfast in my commitment to walk a mile every morning. It is not very much, but seems to make a difference in my health--mental and physical. Sometimes I think of my mother and how she pushed herself to walk just this mile many times. I know it was much harder for her, and I can do it easily, so I do. It had pretty much stopped raining by the time we got home. 

self-portrait with hat and scarf

Andropogon!

Pinwheel cookies were a big success. Of course, they have chocolate.

Alpacas at the Science Museum in Durham

Dinosaur Trail

Bears at the Science Museum

spider web season

The chickens are getting their  feathers back after molting

Back to work

It's a beautiful sunny morning here in Georgia, although it was well below freezing at dawn.

Friday was my first day of training for my new job, as office manager for a small local office of a large corporation. I was one of 16 people there, most of whom were coming back for another tax preparation season. I was honored to be one of two new office managers not promoted from within. Two others worked for the company previously, but not in that capacity.

Corporate culture is entertaining and frustrating. We are "client service leaders." Receptionists are "client service professionals," but of course, they are referred to by abbreviations: CSL and CSP. There are many more abbreviations and code words. We talked about setting goals and motivating employees in our offices with clever bulletin boards and rewards of $7.

Yesterday, I worked 8 1/2 hours, with no break. It was fun. Yes, I said fun. I have very mixed feelings about taking this job. If I were going to "sell out" and work for a corporation, I would like to get more than $10/hour! On the other hand, working is way better than not working, most of the time. One of the good things is that I will only have to work until April 17, unless they like me enough to ask me to stay on and do some off-season work. I would probably be able to come back next year and do it again, if all goes well, so I have a fall-back plan and time to look for something I like better. In the meantime, from early January, I will be working full-time, for the first time in many years of un- and under-employment. I will have to work some nights and weekends, something I have always resisted.

Starting a new job, it is impossible to know which people will become friends I will miss a few months from now and which will be a huge pain in the neck. But, they seem pleasant; they seem to like me and appreciate me. I was busy, but not stressed most of the day.

The tax preparers were notified (only a few days ahead) to come by the biggest Athens office, the one that is open before the season. There was a list of things they were supposed to do: renew their tax preparer ID, sign up for the company credit card, order business cards, commit to their hours for 2014, verify their citizenship (I-9), and sign up for "Skills" times.

It was a bit chaotic when I arrived. L. was supposed to be in charge. She had brought an assistant, K. There were several office managers from previous years, assigned to help the TP (tax preparers). Since I did not know much about anything, I was assigned to greet people and send them to the first station, the training room that had plenty of computers.

After a bit, L. developed a checklist she wanted them to fill out. They were supposed to do the steps in order. Then she gave me a sign-in sheet and asked me to make sure to get everyone's name on it. It was pretty busy early on. L. and K. were supposed to verify the documents to prove citizenship: either a passport or a driver's license AND a social security card. I had to go to my safe deposit box on Friday before training to get my passport. I haven't seen my social security card in years. (It's probably around somewhere). Then L. would sign them up for skills training. She was trying to do other things as well, so a bottleneck developed. I felt bad for the people waiting. It shouldn't have taken very long.

Eventually, I was given the task of verifying documents as well, and then, signing people up for training. In between times, I ate food I had brought with me. I hoped it wasn't against company policy to eat at the desk. I had access to the on-line training I needed to do for my tax classes. The exam is next Wednesday, and I have two more classes before then. I am a little behind, due to working! The other CSL's helped me with getting clocked in and doing the things I needed to do and didn't know how.

By the time I left, after 7:30, I had eaten 2 small Snickers bars (from Halloween) and three cookies. My neighbor, Nancy M., had fallen and broken her collarbone. She needed me to pick up her medication at the hospital, so I went there before I went home. Ray had dinner ready (chicken tagine from the freezer, but still great). He was starving waiting for me.

After that, there wasn't much left of the evening. Wheel and the Daily Show and a chapter or so before I fell asleep, for at least 8 hours.

Pure by Julianna Baggott
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Some of the details of this world are hard to believe...yet it is still engaging, perhaps because of the "plucky"  teenage heroine. The ruined, post-apocalyptic world has haves and have-nots, but none of them are really happy. Let's try not to let it come to this, OK?


View all my reviews

A day in the Kitchen

I feel good about yesterday, although it had its ups and downs.

Ray left early, as I was beginning to work on the next batch of buns. Amelia arrived from Kevin's before he left. She and I took the dogs for a walk, including Maggie, who is very timid with other dogs. Osa was barking at her and chasing her and she was skulking behind Amelia's legs. Some of the time she was enjoying the wildness, smelling and exploring. She is allowed to stay in the house while the other dogs are shut in the breezeway. She slept most of the morning.

Amelia and I talked a lot about the wedding and the food. She sat at the counter with computer and notebook, while I made the best buns yet, as well as birthday cake for my Dad--the traditional Freeman one, with citron, that most kids don't like. I also made and froze six pie crusts--before lunch!

Actually, lunch didn't really happen. Amelia had to take me into town to get the car from Ray's parking lot and drive to the police station to report the accident. Before we did that, we dropped the truck off at Kevin's (since we were using his car), so he could drive himself over to Kenney Ridge while we were gone--and run intervals.

Julie (the driver of the other car) had agreed to meet me and there she was. We went inside the police station and waited 15 minutes or so for the people ahead of us. We met with Officer Black. Julie has cooperated fully, without being very apologetic. He did not look at the cars or fill out any paperwork, since they were not at the scene. He just gave us a form to fill out that should satisfy the insurance company. He seemed impressed at how well we appeared to get along (calling us "civil"). He thought we must have known each other or been related. She filled out part of the form. I told her I would let her know before I called the insurance company. The policeman seemed to think it would be better for her to just pay for the repairs, to keep her insurance from going up. He thought mine would, too, but I'm pretty sure it won't. She said it was completely up to me.

I was pretty annoyed to have to deal with that, especially right now. I certainly hope Gini is doing okay. I think I will be fine.

Amelia and Ray and I went to EarthFare and bought some things, most importantly the chicken I cooked for dinner last night. My Dad was at the house when we got there, in his nice clothes. I set to work making Coq au Vin--well, first Ray set to work cleaning up the kitchen for me. I froze the morning's rolls. After the coq au vin, I made cauliflower curry and plain rice. That gave Amelia something to eat and the rest of us a vegetable dish. We also frosted the cake and put candles on it--not 86, but 14. Can you figure out why?

Amelia had to run over to Kevin's and Ray had to take a nap, but eventually the 5 of us had a lovely dinner (with Kevin even eating everything on his plate!) The cake was tasty, although some people picked out the raisins. Then we played Hearts until almost 9:30. My Dad was tired, but seemed quite happy. I was very pleased with myself to get all that done. Now, on to today's challenges!

my peach dessert from Sunday

one of the many spiderwebs everywhere this time of year

The saga of the car accident continues. My back hurts a little, but it often does, so it is hard to say if it relates to the car accident. Gini, on the other hand, is very concerned about her back (and mine).

I called the insurance company and they need a police report. I called the police and they need Julie (the other driver) and me to come in together. I called Julie and she called me back several hours later. I am meeting her at the police station at 12:45 today. Not what I want to be doing. Then I have to call to file a claim. Then I have to go to the body shop. And I have to decide whether to try to fit in a visit to the chiropractor or any other health care provider to check out my back.

Aside from that, I got a 93 on my tax midterm. One question was a dumb mistake, copying the wrong number. One question I got wrong because our textbook was wrong and I neglected to fix it when I was told about it. One question I am still not sure I understand. However, in general, I feel pretty good. I need to apply to H&R Block. The rest of the class already has interviews lined up.

Went to the grocery store and picked up some things, like shredded wheat for Hank. Also more flour and sugar for more rolls and pie crusts and cookies.

Made shrimp and chorizo with mashed potatoes and a few garden green beans. Pretty darn tasty.

Worked on my homework. Watched TV. Read. Went to sleep. Woke up at 4:40. Darn it! Amelia texted me. They arrived last night at Kevin's at 11:30. Time to get cracking!

It's been an interesting week

grasshopper on the chicken feed bin--he's a goner soon

Time has been flying by and already it's been October for a week!

 

I have been making "slider buns" for Amelia's party, not something I've made before. I have 47 in the freezer...I have about that many that are too dark and we are eating them. They are pretty tasty. I think they need to be a little smaller. I've been experimenting a bit with the recipe. I need to bake 153 more this week, not as hard as it sounds. For one thing, it is supposed to be cooler. I hate to use the oven when it's already hot in the house. We actually turned the AC on yesterday for a bit. 

We had a great rain in the night, which the garden really appreciated. I have watered several times, trying to convince my plants to produce. My Dad picked some beans the other day. I froze about a cup and we ate some. They have to be trimmed. They have lots of eaten places in them. I saw a huge grasshopper eating them one day, but she got away. It would probably be a lot worse if it weren't for the chickens. I found a scorpion yesterday and they were nearby, so I called them over. They thought it was a tasty treat. I have lots of blossoms on the zucchini, which are still alive, but they are only male blossoms (useless!). Maybe they only put out female blossoms when it's warmer? The cucumbers do have baby fruits; we'll see if they make it. We set out some lettuces that my Dad started indoors, and they look pretty good. The bok choy are mostly eaten, but a few will make it. Broccoli look good--we bought those plants at Cofer. Something ate part of them, but we have dusted with dipel and they are on track to produce in a few more weeks. 

Barney and Joe at sunrise

My tax class is going well. I have gotten 100 on all the computer assessments. I need to apply to work at H&R Block and they will probably hire me. It's depressing because the pay is so low, but at this point, it would be good to be working and hopefully will help my chances of other employment. The midterm is today and I completed the review. All tests and quizzes are open book. The work is challenging, but I like knowing all about the rules. I am sure I can re-file my past three years and get some money back, plus use the skills in the future. 

We had a lovely visit to Fripp Island with our friends Deb and John last weekend. The weather was gorgeous. We did what we always do--go for long walks at sunrise, eat and drink, sit on the beach, play in the surf, play bocce ball, eat and drink--and play cards. The hardest part is the 5-hour drive to and from. I drove both ways, so Ray could work. One other sad thing is I don't body surf any more. It is too risky for my back. 

We went dancing yesterday with Gini and John. It was great to see Natalie again, our dance instructor. They are in a "new" building, over by the Classic Center. It's a renovated warehouse with nice brick walls, etc. I don't think the acoustics are as good...and it's downtown, but it's still nice. We had lunch first, at Square One, a seafood restaurant near there. It was good. I had two Mimosas! And peach custard for dessert. Also shrimp and grits. 

On the way over, I was driving up Lumpkin. A car ahead of me was stopped to turn left, so I stopped. A few seconds later, wham! A car hit us from behind so hard, I could feel it in my neck and head. So, I guess that's what whiplash feels like. We pulled around the corner and they followed us, thank goodness. I didn't really want to get out of the car. The other driver came to us and asked if we were okay. She assured me there was no damage. I asked for her insurance information. She is a student at the university named Julie. We said we would let her know if we had any long-term effects that needed treatment. She said she would hate for us to suffer any pain. She was a little too cheerful, but I didn't see any point in lecturing her and I was too lazy to call the police and wait for them to come. Probably I should have. I did call my insurance company and Ray said you can see damage when you look closely, so I'll have to follow up with them today. I can still feel it, but appreciate that it doesn't seem to have any long-term effects. I am worried about Gini, though, who said she had pain running down her leg. We both took some Tylenol with our Mimosas... 

 

 

all that exercise is exhausting

Still life at the beach

the most work I did all weekend...and it was good!

Bocce on the Beach...some people are serious about it

 

dinner in Augusta on our way home: Bees Knees

salad for Ray

Hanging doors

Roy, Ray, and the Shim Girl...a new rock band?

John and Ray share Death by Chocolate

Home alone.

My Dad is safely arrived in Westport, as well as his grandson-in-law. He is 86 today and still going strong. I am sure they are having a good time and he will be back safely on Tuesday.

The weather here is very nice. We had rain all day yesterday and it is a little overcast today too. But it is pleasantly cool. I have windows open and really love the temperature. I am planning to pick beans tomorrow...and my Meyer lemon is nearly ripe. It is on a plant that M and A gave me a year and a half ago. I have kept it alive, moving it in during the winter and out again this spring. One of the blossoms only developed into a large, healthy-looking fruit, which has slowly ripened.

I applied for a couple more jobs today, but some of the online jobs seem more like scams. I still have 10 or 12 applications pending at the university, but do not hold out much hope.

The thing that interests me most is figuring out what I am going to cook for which meals. Yesterday, I made one of our old favorites: eggplant-tomato casserole and we took it to UUFA for potluck. There was one small serving left for my lunch today. I also finished the green beans in vinaigrette from a few days ago.

Our produce box from vikingproduce.com comes on Thursdays. It is like Christmas, even though I know most of what will be in it the week before. Today: 8 apples, 8 pears, 8 oranges, 4 ears of corn on the cob, 2 heads of cauliflower, 4 big tomatoes, 4 onions, 8 sweet potatoes, and 2 pounds of grapes. All organic, delivered to my door. I get a big kick out of it and I think $62 is reasonable for that amount of food. I plan my meals around using it as soon as possible, plus whatever protein I have on hand or can buy reasonably.

Tonight we will have shrimp from the shrimp man, Trevor. He drives to the coast every month or so and buys lots of shrimp, which he puts in styrofoam coolers. We ask him to take the heads off ours. We buy 10 pounds several times a year and freeze them in small batches of 1/2 - 1 pound. They are very tasty, although not really cheap, about $10/pound. But I know where they come from and what has been done to them.

Cool today, even with the windows closed. Cloudy out, with some light rain. Good for the plants and good for baking.

Ray and I got in an early walk with the dogs before he headed out.

Yesterday, I spent some time on the tax preparation homework and went to a Gerontology gathering. I made oatmeal-raisin cookies. My Dad stopped by to pick up his laundry and gave me a ride in. Otherwise, I would have taken the truck so I didn't have to go in early with Ray and spend all day at the library. I did get a couple new library books.

Cooked a small ribeye I took out of the freezer. Green beans with scallions and herbs and oil and vinegar. Potatoes boiled for a while and then cooked in the pan with the steak. All good. The usual TV shows, then a little reading and slept well.

Ray is headed to the coast with students. Unfortunately, it is supposed to be rainy and cool. He is a little stressed, gathering the ingredients for pancakes and other breakfast items and packing them in the cooler. He needs things for the lesson as well: a folding shovel, flags, a compass...things he has had and can't find. Maybe they are at his office, he can't locate them in the garage. Of course, he needs personal things too: a towel, insect repellent. Finally he tears off in the truck, hopefully with everything he needs. Because there is a home football game tomorrow, he can't park the truck at his office over the weekend. I would happily drive him in, but he will probably get back very late Sunday (11 pm?) and doesn't want me to have to come get him then. He will leave the truck at my Dad's and either take a bus or have someone drop him off there and then drive home.

I take my walk with the dogs. I walk a mile every morning. It is not very hard, especially as the weather is cooling down. I often don't feel like doing it, mostly because I am thinking of other things I need or want to do. But then I think of my Mom, who did this same walk many days, even though it was much harder for her. She thought is was very important for her health. I do it in her memory and so that I may be even healthier at 83 than she was.

Some mornings I do some gardening after the walk, but today is pretty hot and I have somewhere to go, so I don't stay outside. I feed the dogs their breakfast and go in. I have laundry to hang out, that I washed yesterday. Ray usually does it, but it can't wait until Monday! There is a big spider on the clothesline. I keep moving the line and she keeps scurrying out, trying to keep from being crushed by the pulley. I don't want to crush her either, but I don't want her to fall on me or jump in my direction! She's really big! A big insect flies past me. It is a praying mantis and it lands on the side of the house, lime green. They are good, in that they eat lots of insects. This one is injured; I think it is missing a front leg. I'm pretty sure it's the same one I accidentally caught in a window when I was closing it. I heard a crunch and opened it again and it fell to the ground. I'm glad (she?) is still alive and hopefully eating bugs, and maybe laying eggs. It takes a little longer than usual to hang out the clothes, since I am trying not to crush the spider, but I get them all out. It is a warm and sunny day, so they will dry easily.

Then I go upstairs to bathe. Yes, I really take a bath almost every morning. It is an extravagance and I feel a little guilty about using so much water. It is my meditation or therapy...and the water is heated by the sun, so at least I'm not using electricity for that. I don't usually stay in very long, but it is relaxing even for a few minutes, and I think it is good for me.

I dress carefully, choosing khaki pants and and orange shirt--something for Fall. I grab a brown jacket to look professional, but not too formal. I close up the windows and curtains before I leave the house, keeping the cool air in and the sun out. I grab an apple, not really enough for lunch, but better than nothing. I don't have anything to make a sandwich with and don't think I'll have a good way to heat up leftovers for lunch. Besides, I may be able to meet Becky or someone else for lunch.

I close the dogs in and get in the car with my briefcase/pocketbook....

Finally, better weather...sunny and dry, but much cooler. I went to find the comforter early this morning to cover my chilly feet. Good gardening weather...the beans and squash are flowering. It is a race, will they produce before the days are too short and too cool? No flowers on the cucumbers yet, but they are starting to need a support to climb on. I water every other day, and we may have rain this weekend!

Moon cake for Chinese holiday

As far as jobs, if it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all. I read that the Cooperative Extension was going to be responsible for the Health Insurance Navigators, people to explain the new health insurance system to consumers starting October 1. I thought that sounded like a good job for me--one I am qualified for and would enjoy doing. I looked at the listings at the university and applied for lots of jobs, but that one never showed up. I have 10 applications in, through UGA's online system...and no responses to any of them. About 2 weeks ago, I looked online again...and it seemed like the Health Navigator was listed! I was excited and applied right away...but I hear that they hired someone...I didn't see it the first day it was posted and they were apparently in a big hurry and interviewed and hired before I ever applied. I even knew several people who were willing to put in a good word for me, but I missed the window. Dag-nab it! I get my hopes up and then I get shot down again.

I've gotten pretty good at cooking, being home so much. Today I made lasagne...including tomato sauce...there was a time when I thought that was hard.

Late summer

These days are very hot--we have hit 90 many times--and the garden needs watering every other day. There is no rain in the forecast. But, it is cooler at night and has been less humid than sometimes, so it is almost pleasant morning and evening. When I go out in the morning with the dogs, I have to wave sticks ahead of me to knock down the spiderwebs.

Ray says, "There seem to be more spiders than usual, I wonder what that means." I say, "There are more bugs, because it was so wet earlier in the year. This is the time of year for spiders."

Ray brought a spider in with him last night, after putting the chickens away. When he came in, he was wiping the webs away, and then he came across a good-sized spider. He put her out the front door. When I opened the door this morning, she had built a web right about face level. I called for help and crouched into a ball. He came running and knocked the web down (after he checked me) and tried to chase her away, to do her good work somewhere else.

It is one of the signs that fall is coming. The webs are worst in late summer (or best, because they do eat those bugs).

He got up early this morning, about 5, I think. I woke, but managed to sleep, or at least doze, for another hour or so. This is a skill I am cultivating. About 6:30 seems a very reasonable time to get up.

I spent about an hour on the computer before it was light enough to make breakfast. We made it together, although we don't eat exactly the same thing. I have toast with peanut butter, he has banana with peanut butter. I have vanilla yogurt, he has plain. I have tried putting a little honey and vanilla in the plain, but it isn't as good. We cut up fruit to put in our yogurt. Today it was pear and nectarine and he cut up both and split them between the two bowls. Half a cup of yogurt and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Healthy and delicious. The bread is homemade and is usually quite awesome.

Last Sunday, which has recently been bread-making day, I had this cold and didn't feel good. I made the bread, put it in the loaf pans, and fell asleep before baking it. Boy, was I mad the next morning, when I remembered I had no bread for breakfast, and wasted effort and ingredients. I baked it anyway, and I have 3 loaves that are about 1" high. They still taste good and have, I assume, the same amount of nutrients (and calories) as a full-sized slice of bread.

***

My Dad arrived in the red car about an hour ago. He has a bad cold, which he doesn't realize he probably got from me, since he didn't notice or remember that I had it, too. He didn't have the energy to get here early, while it was cool enough to work in the garden. We chatted a bit, I gave him some eggs and some lettuce and a cucumber (from the produce bin that arrived while he was here), and cold medicine and kleenex. He admired the squash and beans that seem to be doing well and went home to lie down.

The produce box today had: 2 big heads of lettuce, 2 giant bunches of chard, kiwis, nectarines, Granny Smith apples, 2 packages baby Bella mushrooms, lemons and limes, scallions, and 2 acorn squash, but not much of what you would call vegetables--no green beans or squash or broccoli...I'm very proud, though, that I have used up most of the older things, and have room for these in my fridge.

Tonight's potluck dish uses potatoes, spinach, and mushrooms (from earlier). I have sliced the onions and mushrooms and will finish up right before. I like to do a little cooking right after breakfast. Ray is usually still around and I have my best energy. After he leaves, I spend most of the day on the computer. I don't feel so alone and there is nothing to distract me. Sometimes I listen to music--right now it's Pandora.

Not my favorite day

So far...although some things about it are good. My cold is better...still some occasional coughing, but it is always good to be sick, because it is so wonderful to be well and we don't usually appreciate it. Note to self: must start gratitude journal...

Tuesday is the day Ray has to be in early. He often goes early other days for meetings or preparation, but on Tuesday he has a 9:30 seminar. He's a little more distracted and stressed on those days...and leaves early. I go with him some days when I have things to do "in town." Today, though, I am home...and happy to be here. Time to think about what I'm making for dinner. I have made good progress in "getting rid of" my veggies that were piling up. Plan for tonight: chicken and chorizo...potatoes...green beans...a menu that would particularly appeal to my Mexican son-in-law, I'm guessing. Too bad I can't invite them over for dinner.

After Ray left, I thought my Dad would be arriving before long. On days that he has no appointments, he has been trying to come here early, while it is cool, to work in the garden. I planned to work outside, too, while it was cool. I did some computer work before he came, to take advantage of the quiet. Very boring stuff, clearing up old papers, entering recipes...I have been using Spark People to keep track of my recipes for several years, but their popup ads have become very annoying, particularly when I am using my iPad. I am trying a new program, Big Oven, and we'll see how it is. Entering is easy, but will it be easy to access my recipes when I want them?

About 10, I called my Dad and he called me back a minute or so later. He is often perplexed as to how he missed my call... He is meeting with a friend this morning, David, to talk about bridge. I am glad he is busy. He was apologetic and I felt bad, making assumptions about his life...Yesterday he had mentoring and tomorrow he is participating in a study about music at UGA...so I thought he would be here today.

So I went out before it got much hotter. Sunny, but only in the 70s so far. I let the chickens out to forage and wandered around in the garden, watering some lettuce seed that has not come up, maybe because it has been dry the last few weeks. I picked a couple jalapenos and 3 beans, left from the last batch. I felt something on my foot, an ant biting me, and I looked down to find them swarming all over my shoe! I screamed, a really good one, and kicked off my shoe and ran. So much for gardening today! I am lucky, I think I only have the one bite. I'm not sure about my shoe, though. Perhaps it is now part of their nest...I am happy to relinquish it. The ant poison will go out later today, when I have recovered and it is cool again this evening. Time to close the windows and the shades and retreat into the house. Maybe I will not mind too much when I leave the country life. We are thinking when Ray retires, we will sell the house and move somewhere that doesn't require owning a car.

Reading a lot of books makes the time go by. I still have plenty of time to cook and eat, and even walk a mile every day. Really hot during the day, but cooling off some at night.

Went right to sleep early last night, before 9:30, but woke up before 4. Need to get Molli's boxes packed and mailed. They are moving in to their apartment on Sunday. Her first day of classes was yesterday and it was stressful. I checked flights all during choir. I want to fly up this weekend and help them, but I would have to have a lot more money to do that.

Not sleeping is bad

Three of the four past nights, I have had trouble falling asleep. Change of the seasons? Not enough on my mind? Who knows...but today I nearly fell asleep in Tax Prep class. Of course, now that I am home and could sleep, not feeling it quite the same. Too bad there wasn't a bed for me to fall into at H&R Block.

This morning, I went to Sandy Creek Nature Center for training as a trail guide volunteer. Ellen W. was there, working, and I remembered how I applied for that job and never heard a word...I am sure I will enjoy taking the kids on nature walks. I felt surprisingly knowledgeable about trees and plants. The other attendees were much younger, one still in college. It is one thing about getting older; I do more than I did, when I can remember it.

I have 8 applications in at UGA, but am not holding my breath. Over the years, I have applied to many positions there. Only one got me an interview, and I realized later they had someone for the job, but had to consider a certain number (3?). I never was a serious candidate. But...it could happen. I would be an outstanding employee...just ask Larry Pomeroy, my boss 25 years ago at UGA's Institute of Ecology.

Is the internet killing creativity?

I can't count the number of times I have had ideas of things I want to write. When I sit down at the computer, though, the e-mails and Facebook and other interesting distractions keep me from it. By the time I am "ready" (if ever), my thoughts have flown.

Quick personal summary, in case you were wondering:

I took classes last year to get a Certificate of Gerontology, and, hopefully, be more employable. Three classes in the fall, two in the spring plus an internship at the Council on Aging. I really enjoyed it all, in spite of having to read and write a bunch. I was astonished to find the subject matter interesting. There was a lot that I didn't know about aging and I found some of it inspiring and hopeful. Not all of it, though.

You should know, if you don't, that there is a huge change coming to our society. There will be a greater and greater percentage of people over 60, compared to fewer and fewer younger people. This means we should be planning now for what that means. Where will we all live? What will we do with the second half (or third third) of our lives? Who will take care of us when we can't take care of ourselves? How can we make it easier for us to take care of ourselves and each other (since there won't be enough young people to do it)? What about people without kids or other younger relatives? What about people in poverty? OMG, we are so much trouble it is hard to imagine how this will be OK.

I want to help, but I'm not sure where to begin. And, of course, how to get paid for it. After a few hopeful leads, I ended up not having any job prospects at the end of it all. I really thought it would be helpful, but I am now even deeper in debt than I was. There seem to be more jobs out there than a year ago; I think the economy is actually improving. That is the one thing keeping me from deep depression at this point.

To my great joy, Molli moved back to the United States at Christmas time. This is a huge deal and was accomplished without too much trauma. She brought her dog through customs...and her husband in May. The plan was for her (and him) to work and save money before going to law school this fall. Well, it happened sort of like she planned...except the amount of money saved was much less than expected...and the amount of money spent much more.

She scored essays for the university (as Polly and I have done, along with many others), and did well at it. It's not the worst temporary job you can find. It's indoors, sitting down, and uses your brain. She also became a substitute teacher, a very educational experience. Like many things in life, it taught her as much about herself as about teaching. It pays very poorly, but has the advantage that you can work or not work any day you want or need.

The best job she had is one we shared, an unusual situation in this day and age, but one that worked really well for us--except for the making a lot of money part... This is how it happened. Last summer, I volunteered with the Smart Lunch, Smart Kid program. It uses volunteers to provide lunches for children in low-income neighborhoods while school is out during the summer. This year, they asked if I would be willing to coordinate the program in Athens--a paid position starting in mid-March. I was very happy to be asked, but I couldn't legitimately start a full-time job until May, since I had classes and an internship. I also hoped at that point that I would be offered a job at the place I had my internship--which I was, at about that time, although the offer was later withdrawn (Is that even legal?!). When I suggested that Molli and I share the job, however, Action Ministries was more than willing. Looking back, I think they may have known they would actually get two workers for the price of one, but it was a really good plan in a lot of ways.

Molli did most of the work last spring, going to the training in Atlanta and meeting with potential volunteers when I couldn't. I had a lot of experience in working with groups in Athens, though, so I was a good source of advice for her. Once we started delivering lunches (June 3), we both worked 6-8 hours every day--sometimes more than others--but of course we only got paid for 40 hours a week, together. We arranged for 6 delivery points, registered children, recruited volunteers and donors...At the end of the day, we provided 12,000 lunches to about 1000 children over 10 weeks, working with hundreds of volunteers. It was a great experience in so many ways. We met many wonderful people and became close to some of them. When we were in trouble, someone would come through for us. It was awesome! We made a difference in people's lives. And we enjoyed working together, almost always. Sometimes Adrian or Ray would help us, our friend Janna, our exchange student from Germany, Elisa, and her friend from France, Luana...it was a real family affair and that was fun.

Well, that was a few weeks ago. Molli and Adrian moved to Boston Saturday and are starting their new life there. I'm excited for them--and jealous, and I miss them a lot!

So, here I am, another short-term, low-paid job behind me, another year of schooling, and unlimited opportunity. What will I do next? Who knows? Stay tuned.

I'm pretty tired. Ray and Elisa are both sick. Molli is gearing up to start this job with the summer lunch program. She drives to ATL for training on Monday. Today is the day to catch up and relax. Somehow that didn't happen this weekend. Elisa was visiting her friend over toward ATL. Her host Dad met Ray at a gas station in Jefferson for the hand-off.

Molli ran in the race Saturday morning at the Council on Aging, a fund-raiser for the Meals on Wheels program. I volunteered. The director said nice things about me. I am hoping to hear from her today about a full-time job!

Molli and I went shopping with Janna and Becky. I bought several things. There were sales at every store! Brown pants, black pants, a black skirt, and three shirts. All professional looking.

Sunday morning, Kate presented at UUFA. She was nervous and didn't do a very good job. The power point presentation she showed wasn't very good and the sound didn't work. There were a couple of people who were excited about the program, though. I need to get information to the group in the future. She didn't even bring any applications with her. She said she didn't feel good and hadn't had breakfast. I was a little disappointed and knew I could have done better.

The three of us stopped for lunch at Peking. I ate way too much Chinese food, but it was really fun. At home, I spent a couple hours in the garden. There is so much to do! I was sorry my Dad didn't come. I talked to him on the phone and he said he felt blah. I think that means he was depressed, but I didn't pursue it. I expect we'll see him today.

We had planned to eat Salade Nicoise for lunch, so we had it for supper instead. Then I finished off the chocolate birthday cake Molli had made for Ray--with a little ice cream. We watched TV and went to bed. The time change has thrown me off somewhat.

It's been a little crazy around here. I am excited to have a week off next week, although there will be a lot to do.

Yesterday morning, I was planning a day of cooking and cleaning to get ready for Ray's birthday party, punctuated by a lunch date, when my phone rang. Kelly was calling because Carter was sick. I am their backup babysitter when he cannot go to child care. I was annoyed, because it was not what I wanted to do, but there wasn't really a reason I couldn't do it, so I said yes.

Elisa got her ride, Molli got up and started working on the birthday cake. Ray and I left the house and got him to his class in time. I drove to the "tag office" and paid to register the car again (almost $300!). It is due on Ray's birthday, so I had to do it. Then I drove to Carter's house. He was a little warm and had a nasty runny nose. He took three short naps during the day. I think it was hard for him to breathe and that woke him up. He played a lot and ate pretty well, so he wasn't too sick. We took a short walk in the afternoon. Andy was home before 5 and I zipped home, stopping by the UUFA to leave muffins for the new UU class this morning.

At home, people were putting away groceries, cutting up vegetables, and cleaning up the house. I built a nice fire in the woodstove. I was feeling not quite right and finally decided it was mainly hunger. Molli had sauted some chicken for dinner and Ray washed the fresh lettuce. With a little oil and balsamic vinegar and some tomato, scallions, and Parmesan, we had a great birthday dinner.

We were almsot ready when people started arriving, maybe as many as 40. We offered them wine and beer and veggies and hummus and chips and dip and crackers and cheese. Nothing fancy, but it was fun. The cake was beautiful and delicious.

Somewhere during the day, I had a call from the director of the Council on Aging. She wants to talk to me about a job! Full-time! Now I am nervous and excited. This is what I wanted, the reason I went back to school. It's a big change, though. I haven't worked full time much in five or six years. I won't be able to take off for a month like I did last summer--or come home and work in the garden during the day. On the other hand, I will have a Job! Income and a purpose in life. OMG!

It's right at 32 again this morning, but I think Spring might be coming. For one thing, it's light out before 7. (well, they'll change the time soon so that won't be true, but, for now...) Birds make noise.

Yesterday was a really bad day. Actually, it started Wednesday. Within the space of an hour, I learned that my young friend, a 6-year-old neighbor, was in the hospital. Yesterday afternoon, she was operated on to relieve the pressure of fluid in her brain. Apparently, she has a genetic disease that will cause tumors along her nerves throughout her life. Horrible for her, horrible for people who love her. She came through the surgery and was watching Dora and asking for hot chocolate. I don't know about her future, but she has a grandfather who is a doctor and lots of loving care. I am pretty upset, though. The second thing that happened was a friend's wife's cancer has come back with a vengeance. She is home in a lot of pain with around the clock care. I am so sad for them and for me. Nothing I can really do. I have offered support in both cases.

I woke up yesterday with a cold, but that isn't the third bad thing. (they come in threes). When I let the chickens out, there were only two of them. I was confused. They weren't out at all the day before, or for several days. Could I have not noticed there were only two? It took me awhile, but I found some feathers and a place where the chicken wire had been forced from the upright. Obviously, I didn't do a very good job, but something strong and persistent had gotten in and taken away my best layer, Beauty. It must have been working alone (raccoon?), because the other two appear unharmed. And none of us heard anything. It looks like the dogs didn't bark and the chickens didn't squawk?

Ray made a presentation about birds being dinosaurs to a group from the Audubon Society last night at the Nature Center. It was very good. He has been working on it for most of the week, but especially all day yesterday, not doing much else. It was pretty intense, but a great talk. We managed to get him to cut it back to only 150 slides... The group was only about 20 people. It seems like maybe overkill, but many really liked it. He could do a whole course on it, or other presentations. Pretty interesting stuff and great illustrations.

Apparently, I have given up blogging...which is kind of interesting to analyze in itself. Am I too busy? Activities for a family of five, full-time graduate work, and the usual necessities of life: eating, trying to exercise...the garden, the dogs...But still, I don't think that is the whole story. The need is no longer there, for a variety of reasons. Molli has been my most loyal reader and she is here now, so no need to keep her posted on my life. I am probably happier than I have been in quite a while. I have hopes of employment in a few months. This is an interesting idea...I only want to blog when I am unhappy?

Molli and I are embarking on an interesting and challenging adventure. We have a shared job from mid-March to the end of August. Remember how I volunteered to deliver lunches last summer? Solomon Smothers was the young man who coordinated the program in Athens. He is not available this summer, but recommended me. I got two or three e-mails from the state organizers, asking me if I was interested. The job pays $10/hr and I was torn. I told them I can't commit to 40 hours a week until I finish my graduate program, in early May. I could do part-time, maybe, but I could also recommend my daughter, who is in town and looking for work until the end of May. They were excited. Molli was reluctant to commit, not knowing her specific obligations and opportunities. Neither of us wanted to give up the possibility of some travel during that period. But we were both confident that, between us, we could give the time and make the program work. So, we are all happy. We attended some meetings on Friday and we're excited about continuing and expanding the program.

Meanwhile, things are going well at the Council on Aging and there may be a job opening there for me. Oddly enough, Molli found it on craigslist--part-time case manager $18/hr. I plan to look into it this week.

My Dad seems to be doing well. Yesterday, he went to an OLLI class about mushrooms--and brought me home a "log" innoculated with shitakes--that we have to keep watered until November! We looked at the seeds we have and made a chart of how many to plant. 36 tomatoes, 12 peppers, 6 eggplants...planning to give away the old seeds. We had lots of rain Tuesday morning and today is supposed to be sunny again.

Monday I zipped home after class. Elisa was still asleep--no school for Presidents' Day. I peeled and cut up the butternut squash--more than 6 pounds of it! We microwaved it while we ate lunch. Then Elisa pureed it with the immersion blender and we added butter and brown sugar. I stuffed the turkey and told her when to put it in the oven.

I headed to my afternoon class. Afterwards, Ray and I rushed home and picked her up for choir rehearsal at 5. He brought her home at 7. Meanwhile, my Dad had peeled the potatoes and we had boiled them. Molli came home and mashed them. I made the gravy. The turkey was done an hour early or so. It was delicious. Molli said, "we forgot the sweet potatoes!" She threw them in the oven to bake and took them out when they were done, scooping out the inside and mushing them up with butter. It was quite a success and we have lots of leftovers. Oh, I made the pumpkin pie in the morning before we left. We ate it with whipped cream after a few hands of (non-cancellation) Hearts.

Yesterday was all day at the Council on Aging. Kate, my boss, is quite sick. She may have pneumonia. She has a terrible cough that hurts. I told her to go home, but she had too much to do, including a training for volunteers. I made copies of handouts and helped proofread a power point presentation. The presenting was done by other Council on Aging staff, since she had no voice.

Again we rushed home to take Elisa to choir. Ray drove her and then came back. He and I ate turkey and potatoes and squash and broccoli and rushed back for the performance at 6:30. Molli met us there. Unfortunately, we were a few minutes late. The doors were locked and we missed more than half of the singing.

Watched an episode of Castle and read some after eating pie.

We got home last night from a weekend in North Carolina, and I can't begin to tell you all about it now. There were five of us in the Prius, but that worked surprisingly well. It snowed, which was wonderful. There were nine million people at the ski area and we stood in three lines, just to get ready to stand in the lift lines. It was over 2 hours just to do that. My Dad hated it and was really nervous. He skiied one run, but did not feel like he was in control, so stayed in the lodge the rest of the day. Fortunately, he skiied for free, but did have to pay $25 to rent his equipment. The house we rented through HomeAway.com was awesome, (if over-decorated). Three bedrooms with giant comfortable beds. the kind with 25 shiny pillows and coverlets that slip off during the night. Two and a half baths with luxurious white towels. TVs in every room (that we rarely turned on), internet and even a Wii (which we also didn't use). $380 for two nights, plus $60 for the dog, Maggie, Amelia's young puppy. I hesitate to say we packed everything we needed and nothing we didn't. That would seem extreme, but I do feel pretty proud of my planning skills! We bought dinner on the way up and on the way home, but ate breakfasts, lunches and one dinner at the house. By the way, the kitchen was over-equipped, as well. Many seasonings, plates, utensils, glassware--even an electric wine opener--and a creme brulee torch! It was fun, even though we didn't use most of it.

Elisa and Ray did the most skiing. I got in three runs. I didn't have a parka or ski pants (that fit) and it was cold late in the day. The snow at the top blew off and was scraped off. My Dad and Kevin and I went "home" in the early car. Elisa got in a run right at 4:30 and seemed to really enjoy the trip.

TGIThursday! I have been pretty much flat out, since at least last Thursday, and I have a lot to do. My left side is achy, including my wrist. I am going to go to pilates with Molli this afternoon and hope that will help. I also need to go by the doctor's and postpone tomorrow's appointment until I can get to the lab before breakfast. Elisa has requested Thanksgiving dinner for her birthday next Monday and I need to buy some groceries, so I can do some of that cooking ahead. Fortunately, but a little sadly, neither Ray nor I was cast in the play. We had fun auditioning though.

In yesterday's class, I got into an argument with a young man a few rows behind me, because he wouldn't stop talking and I couldn't hear the professor. We watched a video about the Harlem Children's Zone that was inspiring and thought-provoking and then we answered a few questions about their vision and core values.

I spent the rest of the day at the Council on Aging, talking to Madeline and addressing envelopes and making calls. Ray and Elisa picked me up and we went home to get the desserts before picking Molli up at 5:30. Then we went to pick up Mason. He is the boy I am mentoring for the Coming of Age group at UUFA. He and I were supposedly helping with dinner, but his parents couldn't get him there until after it started. I brought some of the leftover desserts.

Choir and home--a little Wheel of Fortune and to bed.

Sorry, I tried to get the pictures from my phone this morning and the computer is too full--only 2.5 GB left and they won't download. I remember when...that was more memory than the largest computer had...oh, well. I will have to find time to delete some things I don't need...

Time is what I don't have, but tomorrow is my "free" day. I usually manage to fill it up. This week, there is homework and cooking. If it stops raining, there will also be my Dad  and gardening.

Yesterday, I spent all day at the Council on Aging. I typed a lot of names and addresses into the computer and today I will hand address the invitations for a Mexican night next week. I spoke to one member on the phone who will come meet with us next Tuesday morning. She is interested in end-of-life decisions and also wants some help with driving to concerts on rainy nights. Kate and I also talked about an idea for writing down the members' stories and publishing them as a fund-raiser. I have wanted to do this for a while anyway--not as a fund-raiser for the Village, but interviewing older people to get their stories and record them for family and the community. They are real history and can be very interesting.

Ray and I picked Elisa and Molli up and came home. I made chili, but of course it needed to cook for a few hours. He and I had to go back to the theater, so he could read for this play. I read some more too. It was really fun. It is a dark but very funny play. One scene I read was three adult daughters, drinking whisky and talking about their mother. She got various doctors to write her prescriptions and then, when they refused to write any more, she threatened to sue them for over-prescribing. It doesn't sound very funny, but it was. We had a good time, but they kept us until 10--I had thought we would be leaving quickly, so we could eat our chili. This is a compliment and suggests that we were being seriously considered, but it was really late for us. We ate chili and watched the State of the Union address, which Molli had thoughtfully recorded for us.

Yesterday was even busier than other Mondays. It rained all day. I walked E. out to the mailbox and then she was on her own. We managed to drive Molli to work and then Ray. I spent some time reading for my class. I actually have an assignment I need to turn in Friday, as well as lots of reading to catch up on. Adrian's sweater is almost done and I might need a new project to start.

After class, I went to Porterhouse, getting there about 11:30 as they opened. I parked right in front! They gave me a nice table and I had some hot tea and, after a while, a Caesar salad. Becky arrived, even though she is recovering from a bad cold. I had the beef tips with spaghetti and mushrooms. Delicious! I took half of it to go.

My afternoon class was long and I talked too much. First, they were discussing menopause--the idea that it is more cultural than biological. Being as I was the only one in the room who has been through it, I did feel I needed to speak up. There was some discussion of blogs. And later we were talking a bit about the baby boomers and how aging will be changed. Yes, I am a boomer too. I ran out of yarn.

I picked Ray up and we waited in the car about 15 minutes for Elisa to be through with choir rehearsal. The leftovers called to me and I ate them up, sharing with Ray. Then we drove to Molli's work and waited for her a few minutes.

At home, we whipped up some chicken fried rice (I cooked the rice in the morning) and roasted sliced zucchini. Ray and I changed our clothes and we were off. Allen R. is directing August: Osage County and I wanted to audition. The play is dark humor and I look forward to it. The process was fun, but generated a little adrenaline.

Ray picked up my Dad and came back. Harriet talked him into auditioning too, so he filled out the paperwork, but will need to come back tonight. Then we zipped over to the Performing Arts Center and watched the King's Singers. They were amazing and I didn't fall asleep once. A cappella, 6 men, with some incredibly high voices, singing alone on stage for hours.

We got home about 10:30, ate some cheesecake, and went to bed.

It was great to see my friend Andrea last night. She was the only one who showed up at a dinner to meet Julie from AFS. Molli made an awesome pork roast with gravy and roast potatoes. Andy brought salad--with pears and strawberries. Julie brought veggies and hummus and I made guacamole--and managed to cut my finger peeling carrots. I hope I didn't get blood in the food, which was excellent. AFS has decided that Athens is a good place to expand in Georgia, which makes me happy. I think we have lost some momentum from about five years ago. I know I don't have as much energy for it as I did...

Yesterday morning we took Elisa to Holy Cross Lutheran Church, since we didn't have to sing. Ray still had to go to UUFA to do the sound. There were some things we really liked about the service. The minister is dynamic and funny and personal. The last thing he said was "Help the poor." I think E.  was pleased. She said it was a lot like church at home.

She told Julie last night that she used to want to be a vet (and she loves animals), but someone told her they don't make much money in Germany. Question 1: why not? Question 2: do they make more money in other countries? Question 3: Since when do teenagers worry about making a lot of money? I was kind of sad, not that she has to be a vet, but that making money is important enough to ignore your dreams.

We had chicken in tortillas with cheese for lunch--really good. We all had one and a half. Molli waited on us.

My Dad came while we were still eating. We got laundry out. He and I gardened a good bit. He has planted beets and peas and set out lots of lettuce. We have some spinach left from the fall that is growing slowly and the garlic is doing well. Still much to do.

It rained starting in the late afternoon. Andy and Julie left about 8:30. I did manage to watch Wheel all the way through, but couldn't make it through Castle. Slept about 8 hours with my apnea mask on! So I am not very tired any more, although still sore from pilates and gardening I guess.

Well, another night staying up past midnight, and still getting up at 6:30. This is not a good trend. I'm really tired, but hopefully will catch up tonight.

Apparently, when I wrote my blog yesterday morning, I didn't even notice that I had skipped a couple of days. That's how crazy it's been, mostly because I was cooking.

Wednesday was internship again--not much exciting going on, more file updating and database work. My Dad didn't get to play bridge because he was the thirteenth person and had not RSVP'd. Molli suggested they might not want him because he wins most of the time.

Wednesday is when Elisa rides horses in Oconee County. Ray picked her up after school and drove her there and then came to get me at the Council on Aging. He stayed in town at his office. I went home and Molli met me there. She made me some pureed potato-broccoli-tofu soup with chicken and cheese that was delicious. She went for a run while I went to get Elisa. Unfortunately, when I arrived at the horse barn, they were just coming back from riding and she still had chores to do. We didn't leave until nearly 6:30, so we didn't have time to go back for Molli. She had to drive the truck.

We both parked in the downtown deck, so we had to pay double ($3 each--not much, really) and walk to the Chapel. There was a big crowd--maybe 400--and Ray was speaking on the origins of the earth. We chatted with many people we knew who had come to hear him. He had many gorgeous slides and lots of information to share and people seemed to really like it. We were very proud. There was a reception next door with cookies and more people talking to Ray. Then we headed home in our two cars.

Thursday was the day I stayed home and baked. I really enjoyed it, although the weather was pretty bad--cold and rainy. This is the same storm that has caused a blizzard in the northeast, but no snow here. Carrot cake, rice pudding, meringues...and when Elisa got home, she made ziti for potluck.

Molli and I didn't spend much time at the potluck, though. We drove through the dark and the rain to the Fellowship to talk about a covenant. We brought Dan and Nancy back to Kenney Ridge, so we were very efficient in our Prius. It wasn't bad, just kept me from baking...

Saturday was busy, too. We went to pilates (without Ray, who slept late, and without Elisa, who went to the high school for choir rehearsal), and then breezed through the Green Life Expo at the Classic Center. They have built a beautiful new Grand Hall--it is kind of like a cathedral, a really high large space with an impressive floor. I spoke briefly to Heather about my interest in elder housing and she said she will let me know when she reads about grants that might be helpful.

I had some lunch and headed to UUFA to set up for a memorial service reception. There was a Scottish dance event scheduled for the same time, somehow! I left as the service started; everything seemed to be under control.

When I got home and asked where Elisa was, no one knew. She was supposed to get a ride home with a friend, but wasn't there and hadn't called. I called her cell and got no answer, but she called back in a few minutes. She was at the mall. Needless to say, I was furious. I scolded her and went and picked her up and told her to help with the yard work. She hadn't had lunch--except yogurt. She ate something and changed her clothes and trimmed the grass around the garden. Ray and I replaced the second half of the fence.

After supper, we went to see A Few Good Men. Elisa went to the basketball game and another friend brought her to the theater, so she saw the second half. Molli stayed home. She cleaned and worked on her financial aid application.