My splendid spouse came up with elevated liver enzymes a few months ago. Well, several of the meds he takes for cardiac reasons are liver toxins (and one was also causing issues with his eyes) so we ditched them. But the liver levels didn't go down. So now the doctor has ordered tests for hepatitis A,B and C, and tomorrow he gets an ultrasound ( Read more... )

The first work-week after vacation is done. I have secured enough school clothing that everyone will show up the first day able to pass muster/avoid uniform violations, even if I don't get Big Will new trousers in time, I can let a old pair down. We have secured all Will's textbooks from Ebay, except one, which we are currently winning bidders on ( Read more... )

Ascertained Petey Kid has a new messenger bag he can use, just ordered a similar (but PINK) bag for the Fabulous Miss Evelyn, and a backpack for Big Will. Need to get shoes for Ev, her uniforms are otherwise OK for a month or so. I bought BW one new shirt last month just to freshen up his collection. I'm afraid he needs new pants - he's grown ( Read more... )

Just back from vacation. And just posting for the first time in months and months. I've been reading everyone, just doing little commenting and no posting. As usual in life, tons has happened over the last months, but nothing has changed so I'll just jump in where I am. Spent a wonderful 9 days (plus 2 travel days) in Maine with the kids and ( Read more... )

I dreamt Sunday night that I was saying goodbye to my former boss . It was very sweet, and very sad. Monday morning he told me his last day here will be St Pdaay's Day. We weren't often working together directly anymore, but just seeing him in the building made me smile. We had some very good times, and produced some very good work. And drank ( Read more... )

After 3 months of making a half-assed effort (bringing it out every night while I was knitting, trying a few stitches, declaring it TOO HARD, putting it away and getting out the endless I-cord she's making on her knitting spool) the Fabulous Miss Evelyn is finally able to knit a row or 2 of garter stitch scarf without dropping or twisting or ( Read more... )

Tuesday I took a day off work to accompany the fabulous miss Evelyn on a field trip to the Air and Space Museum. First Observation: the current school is VERY loosey-goosey with field trips. Previous K-8 school gave out worksheets to create an apparent educational objective. At St. Jerry's we just go on trips and have a good time. Second ( Read more... )

In the minutes before a drunk wrecked his truck against our house Friday night, our geriatric German Shepherd was acting agitated as all crap. Running repeatedly up and down the stairs, which is usually a request to be let out. Going out, not attending to any legitimate doggie business, coming back in and then repeat the whole process. We had ( Read more... )

Friday night, at half past midnight, we were just about drifting off to sleep when we heard a REALLY LOUD bang. It sort of sounded like snowplow blade hitting concrete, but much louder. Looking out the window, we discovered a pickup truck in the front yard. Driver (who had really drank far more than was good for him) had taken out a section of ( Read more... )

Amid the stresses and strains of everyday life - not enough time or money to go around, things breaking and leaking and needing fixed, work and housework and pets and trying to keep everyone fed and healthy and homework done and Christ! am I expected to be able to help Big Will with chemistry? I only lasted one week in high school chemistry, and it ( Read more... )