No rain today, so catching up on outside stuff a little. Joann and Ron used the tractor to deliver a bale of hay for the goatlies, good thing, the weather prediction is dire for the next few days. Snow and then the pineapple express is going to come busting through. We keep saying how much we appreciate the rain, the only small voice is asking: does it have to be so cold, and does it have to be all at once? Still, it's wonderful that the streams are running and the steelhead and the salmon have a chance to go upstream and reproduce. And daughter Linda tells me she is going on a cruise to the Bahamas - may she have a good time. I am ready to turn in and have a good night's sleep, the wood-burner will keep the house at 60 or so, not shabby. Tomorrow: another winter wonderland, I suppose.

Yesterday, I worked hard all day, and got caught up. I finished my case report on the fall of the shah for class last night. Ate oreos, dunked in milk for "dinner" ;) What can I say? Ed fell asleep because he was ill and I didn't finish writing until late. Michelle has me all raring to go with her basil seeds. I just bought the replacement plants for those killed in last year's late frost/long drought. I got a thyme plant, garlic chives and a scented geranium. I also got some Edelweiss since I have the perfect spot for them. I looked at that little slope with friable soil and thought, what a great spot for something that would like filtered sun, good drainage and a little hill. I'm chomping at the bit to start the morning glories, and the grape vines sitting dormant by the backdoor have LEAVES! It's almost spring here. I noticed the magnolia on campus (I always thought it was something else) that I comment on every year, right about this time, is about to explode. A couple more weeks and we'll be seeing the daffodil blooms which have shot up, acutally open. Ah. It's almost plant time!!!!!

You've done very, very well! I've always preferred packing to UNpacking, so I really admire your speed in getting things out and usable. Giggles about the boxes from years ago. I too moved, and moved, and moved (without ever opening) boxes. Then a pal reminded me of the three-year rule (If you haven't used/worn it within three years, give to someone who will!) and zip! about a dozen boxes got a fast once-through and taken to Goodwill. Didn't find any photos, but did find $20 in a coat pocket. I guess that was a reward for finally moving things on and out of my life. You're raising LF right, so he's got good sense and knows to use it. Have a cup of chamomile tea and accept the fact that he's a big boy now :)

Karl, from the news reports I hear, I think you are among a majority of Americans, these days. Funny. For decades, financial experts and commentators wailed that Americans spent too much -- saved too little. Now they're wailing that we are spending too little. They need to make up their alleged minds. Jeri