It's a good thing the weather kept me home from the meeting today, or we'd have been late. Charlie called to say that he has only one spot of cancer left. Hooray! and his local docter put him on some old kind of antibiotic that is clearing up his infection. If he keeps this pace up, he and Annie will come down in the spring. Double hooray!!

So Mom went next door to share the news. Nana was happy, Sam relieved, and Eva said "oh." All I will say about that is it is hard to muster up enthusiam about her family's achievements when the feelings aren't reciprocated. and I feel bad that Sam gets that same reaction to his and Scot's plans.

I'm going to listen to the meeting now…
{Jason -our new PO- gave the talk. Can't rember the title, but it was about testing ourselves to make sure we're awake. Very good, even though he referred to the outline once.}

…Just found out that Carlos, Eva's littest brother, age 14, is in trouble with the police. Apparently, he went outside his home knowing full well that right then there was an altercation going on between the police, his older brother Luís, Luís' wife and her friend. Now his parents want to sue the police. Now, see, I'm having a hard time coming up with any stronger comment than "oh." Maybe it's my total lack of surprise.

All I know is I want to go back to my writing. A critique and a submission is due to the Blue Quills, and I owe some things to the Yahoo groups.

Not a bad start today, despite Mom's nervous tension to get the house ready for the housekeeper. Sounds silly, but I get it.
I was able to have my breathing treatment--put a mark on the wall! Still, I felt a bit grouchy, blue, so I spent a good hour talking it out with Shannon.
The rest of this morniung I didn't feel like doing much, except read. Blah kind of weather does that to me. Plus, I was a little nervous about interviewing Jessica and having Patty here today. So I read a Nora Roberts book -- desperate I know -- and it was terrible. Bad idea, no plot, and way, way too much cheese. Her characters were good, fully fleshed out and 3 dimensional -- they deserved better than that.
Elsie came early as usual, but Mom successfully distracted with make work until she was ready for her. It was a good Elsie day--Nana got a bath and there weren't any disasters. After awhile Nana didn't want anything, so Elsie spent an hour weeding. It relaxes her and Mom could use the help.
About Patty--she came today, but she gave her 2-week notice. Mom's hurt, but hopefully, everyone involved uses this as a learning experience.
Shannon and I watched Monsters, Inc. during lunch. We'd just finished both when Jessica arrived.
First impressions: very self-possessed. Smells like a library, musty old pages. Mass of curly gold brown hair. Dressed in hip-hugger jeans frayed at the bottom, nice dress shoes (actually made me look forward to when I can wear high heels), leather beit, white t-shirt and a black cotton or linen fitted jacket that flares out all ruffly at the hips. Like she's not trying to fit in, just be herself. Face has character--big eyes and everything's all roundy, kinda like a troll doll, but her nose doesn't stick out beyond normal. Jasmyn demanded and got pets, then plopped herself down on her lap, so that's a good sign.
Unfortunately, her only available hours are already taken. and she won't be here this summer, maybe be gone until December. Definitely be gone by next May, so is it worth it?
Oh goody. The weather has just blackened, perfect for writing …

Got this email today from cousin Anna:

Hi to all . . .
Just to let you know that Selena has been reinstated. We are sooo happy..
They will anounce it in our congregation tonite..
So can't wait to talk with her and hug her as our sister and daughter in Jehovah's service..
It has been a long time in coming; was hard to be patient..
Well, need to get dinner so bye for now..
Love to all,
Oh P.S. Chuck in now back on Chemo 3 times a month with 1 week off.. it is stronger stuff this time hope it works.. Love Anna

Okay, so welcome back Selena. Looking forward to meeting you in person. In the meantime, here's a {{{((((((((((hug))))))))))}}} for you.