it's been a long week.

We have a new gap in our little family. Mr. Man's beloved cat, Bono, passed away a few days ago. His decline was sudden and for that we are grateful. But every time we see a bright, hot patch of sunlight on the floor of our kitchen or dining room, it seems odd that he isn't there, soaking it in.


Also, can I just say that 2 weeks of Spring Break is 1 too many? Lyra's school is in a different district than Ruby's, so last week was Ruby's break and the week before was Lyra's. I will be sofa king glad to get back to our routine starting tomorrow.


I loved this: Peter Sagel's remarks on the newest Suess movie.




And I have also been enjoying the NPR pieces celebrating Bette Davis' 100th birthday. Here is one by Bob Mondello.

Yesterday the girls and I joined some neighbors for a Clean-Up, Green-Up party. We walked around our neighborhood picking up litter and getting to know each other. It was lots of fun and we met some very nice people. It was organized by my one real girlfriend here, Erin. She is the bright spot in my otherwise bleak and lonely social life. She is just the type of person you'd want to hang out with: easy-going, fun, smart and sassy. As one of the other women there said, "It is impossible to meet Erin and not become her friend". I'm so glad I did meet her!