Rain on the roof, train whistle in the darkness. Comfortable, familiar sounds. It's a little cool this morning, we had a fire for a bit yesterday afternoon. They were talking about the chance of snow today, but last t hing I saw didn't look like it would be cold enough here. Just more rain, followed by freezing temperatures...and then, at last, sunshine! Cold and sunny for a few days will be nice in the house, I hope.

We are gettting close to a "normal" schedule. Ray and Elisa are settling in. Now she is having the problem we have all encountered: too many activities. School choir on Monday and Thursday. Church choir and potluck on Wednesday. Obligations from Germany and AFS...and trying to fit in the horseback riding if she can. Not to mention homework to keep her grades on top.

Molli is still staying at Becky's...they come back tomorrow night, we think. Lots to do before she comes home--take the dogs to be groomed, wash the sheets, restock the groceries...leave the house in tip-top condition. She will be glad to be home and I will be very happy too. More people, more cooking and eating, more schedules to coordinate. She starts one job the end of January, but is hoping for other work, too, and working on her financial aid application for law school, not to mention preparing for Adrian's moving here, including finding out about his visa.

Yesterday, Ray and I walked Elisa part way, in the rain. Then we went to UGA. After my class, I walked back to his parking lot and took the car to another meeting at the Economic Justice Coalition. They are trying to start a worker coop to do cleaning. I was mostly an observer at that meeting. I left at noon to meet Ray and Molli for lunch at Siri Thai, where I had a $20 coupon we used.

After lunch, Ray took our car back to his office and Molli and I drove (Becky's car) to our house. After a moment of rest and gathering our strength, we tackled the breezeway. And by we, I mean mainly Molli. She took everything out and washed it, walls and floor included. I am still working on the gardening counter, where my father and I both contribute to the mess. Some is organic--seeds and decomposing bulbs...Now to only put back the things that really need to be there. Of course, the mess is transferred into piles in the house. The dogs were very confused and unhappy to be kept out. Molli washed Osa, too.

Meanwhile, Ray came home briefly. I baked the macaroni and cheese we had taken from the freezer Tuesday and started on some bread. He picked up Elisa at school and we all met at UUFA for potluck and choir.

When we got home, the bread had not risen a bit. When I thought about it, I knew why. I never put the yeast in! So, I stayed up late trying to mix in some yeast and more water and flour, letting it rise in the pans, just once, and baking it. It looks pretty good. We'll taste it soon and see.

So, lots of TV and late to bed. Woke up before 5:30 anyway.