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!