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1 year

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:34:25 GMT

I don't know how many others remember that October 8th was the date we "observed" Columbus Day last year. Beth and I did. Maybe my brother Doug did; he actually called me but I just couldn't bear to answer.

It was late morning. I'd seen him earlier, then helped at M's school for several hours. I'd just missed him, it seems, albeit I'm told there was about a 95% chance of not surviving, anyway (and then, well, not exactly quality).

E took his two local grandboys and me tubing late summer. I didn't connect until we were there that we were headed to Harper's Ferry, my father's favorite location of favorites. Okay, I felt ready, and was glad I was sharing it with him, and even then. Continuity of life, open up this part of the world, historically, geographically, etc., to new eyes. Until I saw the postcard, the photo of Jefferson Rock. It was in the small restaurant where we had a great lunch. THAT rock, that's Jefferson Rock, and it's HERE? One of my good memories was of Dad and I camping, and he'd taken photos of me with my then very long hair, at that rock. I would recognize that rock anywhere, just didn't realize it was at Harper's Ferry. After my moments, we toured some more, including to that rock. Jefferson was correct that the view from there was worth the voyage over the Atlantic (paraphrasing).

I did talk "with" Dad this morning, as apparently did my aunt Beth, too. He's still in his beautiful wooden box, on our table. Maybe it's time for him to fly, be released...... maybe this 3-day weekend, fall and all.

I miss him.

update: I did edit this to say October 8th, from October 7th. Somehow it's letting me edit this NOW, but not previously. It was nice to see E for about 10 minutes at lunchtime, him asking how my day was going, I looked forward to that. It still is hard to NOT have my dad around. And, now I know in advance the very very sweet thoughts and actions of Mary and Amelia, which I quite appreciate:)

Tags: Dad

a new year

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 20:51:48 GMT

A new year.

A school year still new, with only just over a month into it. With two new clubs (Equestrian Club which focuses too much on competition for M's strong interest as she likes to ride and train and be with horses for the fun of it, too, and Show Choir, which she had to audition for -- the dancing portion she choreographed while waiting in line to go in lol -- and she made it), and tons of students at a school so large, she got lost on the wrong floor by mistake even today (quickly figured out). Meaning, also,

a new dance-school year, and new schedules and friends and such.

A Rosh Hashanah (sp).

Almost a year since my father's passing.

Which means not too much longer until a new year of my life, with a new season. I love autumn, which is beginning with the mini red leaf on green grass, and tinges of yellow in the trees. It always seems like the real start of a new year to me. Maybe the Jewish are on to something here.

A new fiscal year.

A new half-year for E and me. Hey, I can count half-years, too. :) It's almost all good, and that's great.

Stocks market crash and attempt to rebound; AOL gives away it's journals. Shaking my head. (I can't even read blogger blogs from my main computer, so this isn't going to work so well for me.) And yet while I stay both reflective and absorbed in the midst of my IRL life and M's and E's, and also having been sick for about a month I suppose, etc., I didn't wish AOL to think this journal of mine was inactive so I had to post SOMETHING! I may as well not try to post an image, eh? AOL photos is going away, too.

A new year.

Tags: AOL journals; new year, E, M

what remains, perhaps maybe can finally come home?

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 20:44:59 GMT

My mother wrote me this morning. She and her sisters (the surviving siblings of my uncle Billy) "have been contacted by a man who works for the Army. His job is to contact next of kin of those who died in Korea. After talking to each of us, he will send his report to the Army and they, in turn will send us DNA kits, which we return to the Army. The Army is trying to match DNA's with soldiers' remains from Korea.

This man was interesting, he had really done his research, knew most of our history and even had a picture of me from the (name of school Mom attended) school. Didn't have pictures of (two sisters), since my name was on some of Billy's paperwork he concentrated his serve on me, mostly.

Anyway, it exciting to think we could possibly have some of Billy's remains to bury. In almost every letter he wrote, he mentioned that all he wanted to do was come home. I pray that will happen."

I pray that, also.

For those who don't know, my Uncle Billy signed up to serve in the Korean War when he was actually underage (which I believe is part of why some of his official paperwork has his last name slightly misspelled). He was trying to keep enough money coming in to pay the foster home people to keep my mother and her youngest sister from being adopted out (they also stayed with their maternal aunt Anais for a bit). I think. Their mother had died of a chronic disease when my mother was just 9 years old; their father was able to get himself back on financial track, et al, sufficiently to bring the girls back home (and at some point he remarried).

My Uncle Billy, William Edward Douglas, was captured and kept as a Prisoner of War (POW), and died as a POW. I believe he died in 1951. His tour in Korea may have been the only time he was ever out of the state of Maine, or the neighboring states and Canada.

Mom says that, "I talked with the guy this morning and mentioned that on Billy's birth certificate his name is spelled Douglas. He told me that he had already mentioned to the Army that Douglas could be spelled two ways. So, it shouldbe ok. And, we can ask that the records show the correct spelling." Last time I visited the Korean War Memorial on "the" Mall (Washington, D.C.), Billy's last name had an extra "s" in it, and that's how it shows currently in the online records. Just NOW they've added, in red, a DOD alert requesting family DNA samples. http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/

Can Billy really possibly ever come home? Is there still real honest hope that his remains even be identified? It seems as if North Korea is so closed off from allowing return of soldiers remains, and the years get longer. Time passes by. This would be great.

I waved to the Korean War veterans on Monday, towards the end of the Labor Day parade I'd also been in. I lost my POW/MIA pin over a year ago; I used to wear it in Billy's honor anytime I was in a parade. http://www.koreanwar.org

May all who serve, or who have served, come home, preferably alive and whole, of course.

Tags: Uncle Billy; William Edward Douglas, Korean War, POW, Mom

"hot" Governors

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 20:53:50 GMT

So the presumed Republican candidate for U.S.A. President has chosen his running mate for the position of Vice President, the current Governor of Alaska. One thing I've read about Governor Pilan is that Alaska has a bumper sticker that says "cold state, hot Gov," with some saying that they have thee hottest Governor.

Hmmm, I don't know about that -- perhaps it depends which way someone swings; I can see how people could find her physically appealling. Just saying, I've covered this previously -- our Governor is cool:) (link to my post from LAST September about Governor O'Malley). Yep, I think MY state Governor Martin O'Malley is "hot," in his own way. She fishes and hunts moose, nicknamed barracudda (sp); he plays guitar in a Celtic rock band. Hmmm. Then again, Mr. Pilan is quite the looker himself, half Eskimo and all ;)

I can't talk politics here, so sue me (for not talking seriously about politics and this latest momentous occasion in this years amazing Presidential race, besides, my political thrill is really Senator Obama's policies and prose right now, and Senator Barack Obama, and also Vice Presidential candidate Joe Biden (Delaware) seem a good ticket for me).

Tags: Pilan, Obama, Biden, O'Malley

survey from Win

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:07:41 GMT

I have so many thoughts perculating in my mind right now and over the past couple weeks. Perhaps I'll even get them coordinated sufficiently to jot them down:) In the meantime, I was catching up on a couple of my favorite journals, with many others to go, and came across this survey in Winievere's. Taste LIFE While we're at it, I'm thinking of her at "camp" this week -- I do believe that God has a purpose for her to be there, working with youth which is a speciality of hers, I hope she and they have a fantastic time, and I hope she is able to find employment again shortly after.

Who was the last person or object you shared beds with? E, naturally, and Daisy (the beagle dog). Wait, or object? Ha, um, no. Unless you count pillows and sheets and a blanket as objects. My cell phone's nearby as it's my alarm clock, but I don't share a bed with it.

What was your last fight about and with who? I can't stand fighting. E is so nicely NOT dysfunctional, compared to most others, that we'll talk things through (wow), and we're both respectful and laid back so not too much even bothers either of us. But I am trying real hard not to fight with M's father and his long-term girlfriend, Sh, right now, trying to work things out and just be civil and normal.

Do you consider yourself a neat freak? No. I like to be organized, I rather need things to be to help me function, and I do like things to be clean, but actually BEING organized? No.

Do you have anyone's clothes? Yes. I saved a couple of my dad's t-shirts that were my favorites when I gave away the rest of his give-awayable clothes, a t-shirt of E's I accidently brought home that I mean to return, the wedding dress of my mother's, and the dress my late grandmother wore to my mother and father's wedding. (THAT one I have worn, too, but I'll never fit into my mother's wedding dress, being she was 90ish pounds at the time.) Well, and Grandma's bathrobe, too, which I'd saved to buy for her and I really liked.

What's your relationship with the person you last texted? I'm her mother. :)

Do you have a fish tank? Yes, two.

Last place you took a plane to? Atlanta, last December for the Southern Region Oireachtas, with my daughter, M.

Would you tell a stranger if they had spinach in their teeth? Depends if I thought that they could do something about it "privately" or not.

If you found out you couldn't have kids, would you adopt? If I wanted more kids, and was with a partner who did, also, I wouldn't rule it out. Mostly, I suspect having E's grandkids will fill my need for a while, or if not E's, still someone else's, until my own daughter is MUCH older and has a child or two of her own. It's not so likely for me to have any more children of my own, biologically, adopted, or step-parented; even while I do like kids, I feel "done."

What is your preferred method of birth control? That's not really up for public discussion now, is it. The important thing is to utilize something if having sexual relations and not wanting to become pregnant (or if a male, not wanting to impregnate).

Have you ever lied about your age? Not when it matter, i.e., if it's some online survey thing, I always fudge it slightly, as that's personally-identifying information, but in real life or, say, dating someone new type thing, who cares? I am who I am, so no, why lie about something like that. (Seems I'm a rarity for not lying about my weight on my driver's license, either, except last time but only as the guy looked at me like I wasnuts for wanting to change it to be more accurate, as well, I've gained, and he wouldn't let me change it.)

Ever had an encounter with the police? I feel like writing, "Define encounter." LOL. Hey, haven't most of us who've ever driven gotten a speeding ticket or a warning, gone through a sobriety checkpoint (proven sober, mind, I do not drink and drive)? Actually, I've had neighbors and friends who are police officers, so shrug, yes, depending upon ones definition of "encounter." I've never dated one.

Last time you went out of town? Yesterday. Oh, explain it? Delaware for a feis -- with great trophies and really good stages for grade levels and champion level competitions, btw. M was very happy to have placed, 13th and L was 14th, also happy. I'm glad they both enjoyed it so, supporting not only each other but their "feis friends" from other schools, too, and of course Si and other dance school friends.

Whose car were you in last? E's.

Who do you most look like in your family? My brother, just the female version, and I've used sunscreen and moisturizer over the decades and he hasn't type differences.

Have you kissed someone with braces? Not for a really REALLY long time! Or, was I the one in braces, and the guy wasn't? I don't even remember.

Do you have a hard time admitting you're wrong? Not usually. I don't like to if I really care about how someone thinks and feels about me and I'm afraid he won't like it so much, but otherwise, not usually, no.

Do you like to travel by plane? Yes, except for the packing and luggage bit -- worried about traveling with M's solo dress this December with all the new regulations for carry-on baggage, and that has to be carried on.

Did you get enough sleep last night? No, but more than the previous night.

Have you ever made out in a bathroom? Sure. ADDING A NOTE: to alleviate Ravenjuiced's mind, I pointed out in an e-mail that showers can be wonderful places, when of sufficient size:)

Has anyone ever hung up on you? Yes. The most annoying was when M used to try to call me, and she'd used her dad's girlfriend's (Sh's) cell phone -- and Sh hung it up on M and I in mid-conversation. M's dad, C, has, also but I can't even recall last time we've talked on the phone with each other, so that's been years.

Looking forward to something this weekend? M coming back home from her final summer week at her dad's, and us maybe going to "the" fair, and maybe on E's boat. It seems a whole week away.

Has anyone smoked in your car? No, at least not with me as its owner.

Do you have any bruises? No.

Do you find piercings attractive? Completely depends. Analogous to Christmas decorations -- some are tacky and way overdone, some are really lovely to look at, and tasteful,some just are.

Who was the last person you sat next to? A stranger (at the feis), but I did sit with Daisy to watch Olympics, E nearby, and I did stand often with L's mother, or with M and L, at the feis, and Si was there, etc.

What is the worst subject they teach at school? Argh, ask me again in about a month when M's entrenched in her new high school. She just got her registration back, and a fourth of it is completely wrong (but hey, so 75% of it's good). I like most subjects personally.

If you had 100 dollars to spend on clothes, where would you go to shop? Currently at Old Navy as there's a blue blouse with some flowers on it that I really like. And I can fit into their pants that look decent enough and not teenybopperish on me.

Do long distance relationships work? They can.

How do you earn money? Legally.

Where were you raised? Primarily in Maryland, briefly also in Maine and in Washington, D.C..

When was the last time you talked to your number 1? Who is that? God? A bit earlier today. My daughter, M? Yesterday (albeit I tried texting her this a.m., but she only texted back once). E? This a.m.

What is on your bed right now? In addition to bedding, my TTY/TDY (phone), and probably at least one cat and possibly our dog who may have brought along a dog toy or "bone."

Do you name your stuffed animals? I used to, but haven't had any new ones in years.

What's the last sporting event you watched? Olympics last night, swimming and gymnastics, and the Irish stepdancing yesterday day.

Ever collected unemployment? No.

Your parents tell you they're moving to Mexico: HAHAHAHAHA. My father did not like taking Spanish, and of course, if he started telling me anything right now, I'd start checking out who placed a speaker next to his urn. Now, my mother and stepfather? Nah, even if they actually vacationed, I think they'd pick other places first, never mind MOVE there.

Do you think you are an argumentative person? No.

Would you rather have a poodle or a rottweiler? Neither. My beagle is more than enough dog for me as it is right now.

What jewelry do you wear all the time? Mine. :)

Have you ever had a difficult relationship? Yes.

Ever driven into the ghetto to buy drugs? This is actually a question here? Wow, and NO. Never.

Are your ears gauged? I've had my hearing gauged, but I don't believe I've ever had my ears gauged. Do people normally? Odd question.

How did you feel when you woke up today? Like it was too daggone early, and it was.

Where did you buy the shirt you're wearing now? I didn't. (It's a hand-me-down.)

Ever kissed someone who smokes? Yes. I plan to kiss him again tonight, too. :)

What do you usually do first in the morning? Feed Daisy, or Daisy and the cats, give them water. I'll eat and/or drink something small and quick myself, and put on clothes I can walk Daisy in. Then I take her out.

What are you doing tonight? Read a few journals and filling this out. Walk in a park with E, and likely Daisy, too, just because. Try calling M, and likely watch more Olympics coverage.

Tags: feis, M, E, L, Daisy, Olympics, Delaware Feis

let's not forget the Forgotten War

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:32:50 GMT

The Korean War has long been known and referred to by it's nickname, The Forgotten War. Do an internet search on the Forgotten War and all sorts of Korean War references and links show up. Quoting from both Military.com Military.com Content and from the National Park Service, Korean War Veterans Memorial: Korean War , the Korean War was "historically overshadowed" by World War II and the Vietnam War (albeit the Korean War was sandwiched between those two other wars). Heck, originally, the Korean War was called a conflict, officially speaking, and not a war.

The war in Afghanistan is receiving more media coverage again, which I believe it should be receiving. Today's The Washington Post had an article on the top right-hand corner of the front page, with a box indicating further, related articles inside (see if you can under the photo of the soldier, under the Obama visits Iraq article). Every single soldier who has been involved in the war in Afghanistan, whether he or she served and returned home safely and soundly, is still there, or who lost his or her life or limbs, needs to be remembered and not forgotten. I believe that about any soldier for any war or "conflict."

Just that the author or an editor headlined one of these subarticles today on the war in Afghanistan, as "The Forgotten War."

I've had family (and/or) friends serving in most of the wars that this nation has been involved in since the Europeans came over (or, invaded). The Korean War isn't all that long ago -- my parents generation. While my father's tour of duty was comparatively enjoyable in Alaska, my Uncle Billy, William "Billy" Douglas, died as a teenaged Prisoner of War (POW) in Korea. He'd signed up to help support his family, lying about his age. Tens of thousands of others also lost their lives there within just a few years, with even more losing their lives as they knew them to be previous to their participation, and affecting the lives of their loved ones. I will not forget even if I never got the chance to meet my Uncle Billy myself.

The nickname for the war in Afghanistan should be something else.

Let us not be so quick to forget the original The Forgotten War.

After Visit, Obama Defends Iraq Plan - washingtonpost.com

A Wake-Up Call From Afghanistan - washingtonpost.com

Tags: the Forgotten War, Korean War, war in Afghanistan, soldier, Uncle Billy, The Washington Post

what's the deal with cash deposits, anyway?

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 18:31:04 GMT

A bit over a week ago, Thursday night I made an online payment to my credit card. Friday, it had not credited yet. Okay, fine, for some reason that seems obscure, they are not grabbing their money immediately from my checking account even though I authorized that, and it can take a couple days. So, I borrowed money from M, and made a CASH payment right at the bank that Friday over an hour before their "must deposit by" hour. Phew, I could rent a car for the weekend, as the car rental place puts a hold of approximately $200. on a major credit card and I needed that credit limit so that could be done. Um, no, the cash payment still wasn't showing as a credit. Odd. I waited over an hour, still nothing. Calling them, they said that the bank would ahve to call them and tell them it was cash, so it'd get credited. The bank said I had to come in person with my receipt, even though I offered to fax it, and did let them know I'd have to walk almost a mile to get to them. I got a ride, waited, and the bank, after verifying it was a cash deposit, was on hold, then disconnected, then got through and it took a WHILE, but I was told that my actual limit was counting that cash payment. I walked back. The online version of my credit card account didn't show that until Saturday, when it showed the cash payment retroactive to Friday, and I forget which day the online payment was credited. But, they accepted the "hold" charge from the car rental company, so it worked out (the rental was a weekend special of a lot less than $200., but it's standard to put a hold). I don't understand why all the hassle, however.

So, last night, I withdrew money from one account at one bank. I had wanted to withdraw more, however, the (weeks late finally came yeah) child support check hadn't cleared fully. THIS bank, nicely, lets me withdraw on a deposit immediately, even a check deposit, just only up to a few hundred dollars. Okay, fine. It definitely beats having to wait until the entire check deposit clears his bank account and gets into mine, plus there was a weekend in there. So, I took the lessened amount of cash, and put it into my checking account last night. I have two things I wish to pay by Pay pal today online, plus something else. My checking account is primary with Pay pal, so it just makes it easier to do it this way. Except, for somereason, my cash deposit made last night, admittedly via ATM but still, is not showing in my account even as of today right now! ARGH. It should acknowledge even pending deposits (it usually does, or is that only if I deposit via a teller?).

I don't get why paying with cash isn't reflected on an account immediately after a person is able to do the data entry processing of the payment. I also don't understand why some companies can withdraw from my checking account seemingly as soon as I press the button to confirm payment, and others take days (I would think they'd want it!).

And, yes, I can appreciate that wow, I had money to rent a car with for a couple days?! and wow, I can pay for two feiseanna, now?, as typically speaking no way in heck w/out budgeting that in, in advance. It doesn't leave me with money, but at least I can cover these. Just want the cash credited once deposited.

Update: My cash deposit via ATM last evening, is now (late afternoon) credited to my checking account. I am guessing that this is their normal timeframe for that, as my request/comment about it hasn't yet elicited a response (so I sent another saying thanks for getting it credited). So, I made the two feiseanna registrations. Anything else I'll take care of later on.

Tags: banking, cash deposits, credit card payment, checking account

to Stephanie and John

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 16:35:31 GMT

My cousin, Stephanie, got married last Friday. She and her first husband (now deceased), have two wonderful children, one being my Goddaughter, LEL.

John, I don't know you, but I know LEL and her brother like you. I know that Stephanie, who is the closest I have to a sister, is happy with you, and you must be in love with her. The three of them all deserve the very best. Stay treating her well, and welcome to the family, Jon.

Stephanie, I'm so happy for you. I think [your late brother] Dougie, [who would have turned 47 this month] would be very happy for you, and your [late] father, too. We all just want you to be happy, to have the best life can offer to you.

I really wish I could have been there. May all of you have many happy blessed years together. Cheers. Love ya.

Tags: Stephanie, John, Dougie, LEL

so I ate M's ice cream for lunch, not that it's the same thing

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 20:46:01 GMT

Left in the car, okay, E's car that I drove him to "the" metro station this morning in, is his coffee cup. It's a reminder of him, his lips. He was hesitate about what to do with his orange juice bottle after he finished downing the remainder and needing to get the portable playpen and his baggage; "Yes, I'll take care of this, you have to be going." Gosh he looked so cute this morning in his jeans and a black polo shirt. "Those are your cute jeans." He turned his head around slightly and gave me that smile I like as he stepped back into his home to get some other item, oh, his metro card. I also have a couple coins now that he can no longer use as they were pre-Euro coins, and he knows I like coins and stamps. (My father had, also, but somehow my brother got all the stampbooks argh some are due to M.) E was racing to get to "the" train, to get to his daughter's. E and his oldest daughter, and youngest grandson (baby E turns 1 this week), depart for Europe in a couple hours. For 10 days. I'm really happy for him. E sang a song in German this morning, from his childhood, when his father had been stationed in Germany for Voice of America.

Also left in the car are M's dirty socks, from last time she danced at the studio. I'd taken them out of her dance shoe bag, as she needs the dance shoes with her but not her dirty socks. Heck, she should be dancing right NOW. And her Delia's magazine with some desired school clothing items circled and her pen. She took her school books, The Uglies, and a book titled something like Romette and Julio. She's enjoying The Uglies. M left me her photo of "Al" and her, from graduation. She'd asked Grandma (my mom) to print it out for her when we visited yesterday. Gosh, was that just yesterday? I've put that in my purse; it's really good and I like it. M's big smile, and his, both dressed up. M's gone with her dad, C, his long-term girlfriend, Sh, and their 6 year old, Si. For 2 weeks. Except I'll see her this weekend as there's a feis. I'm more excited for it this year. Dad was in the ICU a year ago this coming weekend / this feis last year.

Boss is back from his 2 week vacation. I'm actually glad. I get to interact and work more. And, E is right, I can get some things done in my life (and more of Dad's affairs),while both he and M are away.

But.

Oh, I did see E some these past 2 weeks with M being home, just really when she was busy with her own plans. Not extended time. It was important for M and I to spend some time together; I don't regret that, I treasure that. Sometimes, just talking with her is good. She and I had our "date night" Friday night. Just just. Then some sunny time on the top of his boat Saturday which M insisted on not joining for (we thought she'd like it), but spending with "Al" instead as he moves states away soon, so still just a few hours in. Delightful but few.

Last night got started late for us, catching the last hour of Titanic which I'd not seen previously. (AND OTHER THINGS I"M DELETING HERE -- E is a gentleman, and may not feel comfortable with public details.)

I already emailed E this morning. And texted M something I thought she may need to know. I'll keep busy, they'll keep busy.

Daisy loved rolling in the grass in the sunlight. Inside, feeding her and the cats, what would I eat? M's current favorite flavor of Ben and Jerry's ice cream is really good. I'll get her a replacement pint. Not that it truly replaces time with E or with M, different sorts of time obviously, but it helps:) And, who needs an excuse to eat ice cream? Ugh, it's still 10 more days.

p.s. -- He's calling me now:) Soon they'll be off. Little E is napping with E, while daughter (mother) is searching for food in the airport. Distracting me from deleting this entry (which I instead deleted portions of). I'm glad he touched base. Glad to hear that his brother's okay, too (had been a scare). Presumably, M is doing well, also.

Tags: ice cream, E, M, baby E, Ben and Jerry's, be prepared

1 week 2 go -.-

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 19:41:36 GMT

M texted me that this a.m., "1 week 2 go -.- " I'm not sure yet what she's doing at her dad's house this week, but it made me sad to see this. I do wish her to be happy there, to have a good relationship with her dad, and yes, I've told her that I wish her to enjoy her time while there. At least they no longer take her cell phone, so that she can text.

And, once her dad's g/f and I and the radiology center can coordinate a time for a followup test for M, I'll see M then, too. (It's "female" related, so a) I'm not discussing it on a public forum but she's okay, and b) she wanted me to be the one to take her, along with C never expressing an interest in taking her for ANY medical appointment ever.) That was her first text, i.e., that I'd woken her up (ha, um, sorry), then a wait a minute type moment, and then a text that if it's about her appointment, call the house phone, which I'd intended, anyway.

I also saw her on Saturday at an outdoors feis. A fun feis, co-run along with a good Celtic Festival, just hot, muggy, and thunderstorms (which did cool things off when they came through). E was good to take me there to see M, awhich she seemed to need, yanno, just mom's support, that mom came to watch and be there, like any kid with a parent, and yes, we enjoyed some of the festival as well. I even relaxed some ha, briefly (I have SO much that needs taking care of right now in my life). Note -- Gaelic Storm, and Enter the Haggis are both AWESOME!

I have and do keep myself busy, I truly do want her to have a good time there, but gosh I also do miss M....... Daisy will go nuts, too.

And, on this Sunday coming up, she'll be home. Oh, she wanted fireworks, again, for her birthday; Independence Day is her favorite holiday. We'll still do something fun.

Tags: M