Memory fades over the years. At least that's what I've been told. I seem to recall, though, my parents bantering about a common bit of wisdom from time to time; "If you can't say something nice, say it about Ana." Something like that. In any event, the guilt of having forsaken this blog for a long interval has been outweighed by the fact that I haven't had anything nice to say in a long time and Ana is not to blame so I've been sort of in a quandary.
It's not that there is nothing nice happening. I don't really know if there is or not because when I went to bed last night it was early September and when I work up this morning it was suddenly mid-October. What with lots of work, crazy school schedules, small children (we have given J a Transformers name; Vomitus Maximus), rats in the attic and walls, fighting the HOA Nazis, and trying to finish these darned cabinets I don't know whether I'm coming or, um, what's the word? Right! Going.
What I do know, however, is that we have some spectacular kids. Numbers 3, 4, and 5 have been a tremendous, invaluable help in taking care of their nieces. It's not easy, especially with Vomitus Maximus, and I am very proud of them. Even when they reach their limits of endurance they don't get cranky (that's my job). 4 & 5 have also almost perfected the skill of "will you watch the baby for a minute while I <fill in the blank>?" and then disappearing into the distance, skipping and shouting "I'm Free!" followed by maniacal laughter. Even so, they have been absolutely wonderful.
And N is doing wonderful as well. She's working hard (she works at Men's Warehouse) and being an excellent mother. It's very difficult being (essentially) a single mom even with all the support around you. In fact, she feels guilty about all the support she receives so its rather a mixed blessing. One cannot blame her but still even that shows a high level of maturity. So, I am very proud of her as well.
Judiful is working part time as well and so we see each other in passing, looking forward to alone time together in the evenings after everyone has gone to bed and we are both too tired to do much more than collapse on the bed and race to see who can start snoring first.
As for our Baltimore Connection, she seems to be OK although (big shock) she spends most of her free time alone in her room on her computer (which is in the shop at present) or watching TV or reading. Somehow I think that she was designed to live in New England because even if you want to go out an socialize old Jack Frost will dog your steps most of the time so might as well stay inside and socialize online, yeah?
So, hope you enjoyed the update. I'm diving back into the whirlwind now.
Cheers!
