Saturday 9/15, I was up by 6; Eric was up at 5:30 and made breakfast burritos for the road. We fed the dogs and off we went to Portland. The drive went pretty quickly. Courtney’s flight was on time and we made it there right as she was getting out to the curb. We headed into Portland and went to Whole Foods to get some breakfast for her. I got some fresh fruit and we sat outside and ate. Next we went over to Voodoo because she’d never been and the line was pretty long. We each picked out a donut then one for Jake and Sos. We headed out, I called Sos to let her know we were coming and made it to their place. She was coming outside just as we pulled up and Court was like “There she is!” and tried to hide. It didn’t work. Sos was so excited to see us but especially Courtney. Court wanted to hold Maia right away. We went in and said hi to Jake who was cooking away for the night’s Georgian feast (Kapi – pronounced “Kay-Pee”). We took pictures and talked and ooh’d over Maia. We called Keemy and Carmen to see if they wanted to go to lunch and meet Maya. We went to a sushi conveyer belt place and I had some gyoza and ate just enough to be content, not full. We went back to their place to hang out for the afternoon. Court and I left at 3:30 to go check in to the hotel. Our room was nice and we got settled then Court took a half hour nap. She was mumbling in her sleep state and was angry about the AC. We changed and went back over, with a stop at Starbucks for a Refresher, which I actually liked and has caffeine! Eric was in full cook mode and had been helping since we left. We helped set the table and a few other things, but mostly we played with Maia and Court wanted to put her in a party outfit. Keem and Carmen arrived first with Maya and we sat outside and chatted. People trickled in and food came out in waves. First were the dumplings that tasted like the most delicoius macaroni. So good. I ate six at least. It could have been more. Dinner came out and my favorite was the cheese bread (hachapuri?). The food was excellent but I was stuffed from all the dumplings. There were many toasts and conversations about college and the time since. We had a lot of fun. The other friends peeled off and the UPS-ers were the last ones standing. So sad they’re leaving the PNW and that they won’t be “close” anymore. Need to plan a trip to Houston, I guess. We left around 12:30 and headed back to the hotel. We all got ready for bed and Eric put on Married with Children. Court was asleep first then me and Eric. Slept well.

Friday 9/14, I was so excited it was the weekend. When I got home Eric informed me Chrystol and Sky were not staying at the house, only checking in Saturday night. I was so irritated. He called Mom and she agreed to come over and I went in the backyard to ask Cherry if she would check in mid-day on Saturday. We chatted over the fence for a while and she told me the story of the windmill. Eric and I didn’t talk for much of the night because I was so frustrated. I finished packing and we went to bed by 11ish.

Thursday 9/13, I did more corresponding with Genie and sent more pictures and an update. The potential adopters were still interested and wanted to move forward. We did some stuff around the house in preparation to leave town. I don’t remember what else.

Wednesday 9/12, We left the stuff out for the patio and Jose came with his guys and finished it off. I told him to hold off on the rocks. After work I came home to Eric in the kitchen making pasta with a homemade sauce, plus kale with all sorts of seasoning. I got several dog-related emails throughout the day: Mary wondering if we could watch Poppy in October, Blair with Lucia updates and lastly good news on an app for Otto. When I got home I answered emails and reached out to the prospective adopters; traded a few emails throughout the night and some to Genie as well. Fingers crossed. Dinner was done and Eric brought it out to me and we watched tv. I did some stuff online and more emails throughout the night. I updated this, watched Seinfeld, talked to Alix (apartment, job, Mexico) and went to bed.

Tuesday 9/11, Eric and I went to get the gravel then off to Home Depot for spikes and sand. We worked with Otto a bit and he is catching on quickly. I heated up some dinner and Eric went up to B&N. Mom came over and we talked about the rocks and decided to wait on moving them to the front yard. We sat and chatted in the living room for a long time and she left around 9. I worked on Otto’s long bio and got that off to Genie. I got ready for bed but didn’t go to sleep until almost 11.

Monday 9/10, It was kind of a long day. I stayed late at work and went to the store on the way home. Eric made a fancy tater tot casserole. We did a little working with Otto and Eric got some good results out of him. I took Otto and Nyx on a walk, hoping it would help them in their ability to get along better. I cleared out our bedroom, vacuumed and washed the floors. It felt great. We ate dinner and I avoided doing Otto’s long bio for another night.

Sunday 9/9, I was up and out of bed by 8. I put the hose on some of the plants and cleaned up dog crap. I relaxed for a little longer until it was time to get ready and go to MI for the NR meet up. Eric rode his bike. I chatted with Janell in the parking lot then made my way over to the small dog area with Otto chatting with Carol. Overall it went pretty well and I was there until 2:30. I thought it would be an hour but we all just kept chatting. I’m hoping the app Genie sent will work out. Genie and Dave, Janell and Troy, Karyn and Bruce, Carol and Julee all showed up. Genie, Dave, Karyn, Bruce and I all stayed after to chat in the parking lot. I was made aware of some interesting things, but there’s also a lot of other stuff that I wasn’t filled in on that is apparently going on. We all said goodbye and I took off for home. I put Otto in the bedroom and took the other dogs out. I had some lunch then worked on moving the dead grass and watering plants. I was out there for a while and made some headway then inside to shower. All the dogs watched High Fidelity with me and I slept through the last 15 minutes. I got up and put some stuff away and called to change the reservation for the Modera to a 2-queen room. Our neighbor across the street came and introduced himself, Fred, and gave me a huge bag of plums. I started to update this and Eric came home and I filled him in on my day and booked our time share in Antigua. Couples Therapy was on tv so I half-watched it.

Saturday 9/8, I got up a little before 8 and took the dogs out. I went out and watered all the plants then inside to shower. Eric and I messed around then it was time for him to go to work. I talked to Susan for a few minutes and did a few things around the house. I took off at 12:30 after getting the dogs situated. Susan showed me all the changes she made and her place looks really good. We talked for about an hour then took off for Wallingford. We stopped at the Boulangerie where Susan treated me to a palmier; the one by my house has better ones. We stopped in QFC so I could get a water then walked up to the Guild. We saw Two Days in New York and I really liked it. We walked back to the car and went to the GO. I filled two bags with goodies. Susan was good and didn’t overindulge. We went back to her place and I dropped her off. Eric was home and helped me put groceries away. I fed the dogs and Eric whipped up some raviolis for me but added a bunch of deliciousness to the recipe. Mine would have been boring. I watched Project Runway and did some research on Antigua. I tried to book the timeshare but the one I wanted was all inclusive and required the purchase of a meal plan, at $250 per day. No thanks. I didn’t book the other one because I wanted to make sure Eric was ok with the one on the other side of the island. He went to a movie and I went to bed by 11:30.

Friday 9/7, Talked with P about booking one of the timeshares for Antigua and she voted for the nice one. Eric and I worked with Otto a little bit in the front yard then Jose arrived. We chatted about what we wanted to do with the pavers and rocks though I ended up changing my mind and not knowing where I was going to put them. Eric and I chatted about me going down to PDX for Sos’ going away party and Eric decided he was going to try and go too so we’d have to figure out sleeping arrangements. Eric went to the store to pick up some stuff for dinner and made breakfast burritos for dinner. We watched Layer Cake then to bed for me since I was very tired.

Thursday 9/6, Work was ok. Court is going to come up for Sos’ going away party and we’re not sure if we’re going to surprise her or not. Booked her ticket then I booked our hotel at Modera. Looks nice. Got home a little early and Jose called to say he was running late so apparently we got our days mixed up. Eric and I took Otto out in the front and did some “look at me” exercises and Eric got him to sit twice. I took him for a spin around the block while we waited but then Jose called to say he was stuck in traffic and asked if we could do it the next day. We put all the dogs away and went to Super Supplements. Sos called while I was there and we chatted for a while. I’m so excited to see her and told her Eric may come. We went to the store to get stuff for dinner then home. I made myself a salad and went through my online gossip. I played with Otto for a little bit then into bed and updated this.

Wednesday 9/5, P came back but wasn’t in the office for most the day. When I got home Otto chased Nyx and started attacking her and wouldn’t let go even after Eric lifted him off the ground; Nyx went with him. It was awful. Her leg was hurt and had a bite mark. We separated and discussed how to avoid this going forward. We should have been more diligent in keeping him with us and establishing his place at the bottom of the totem pole. I called Genie to let her know what happened and she’s going to hold off on letting the potential adopters know about him. We were expecting Jose at 5:30 but he didn’t show up. I went in the backyard and did some yard work in preparation for the new fence. Eric brought me out dinner and I was out until 7:15. I hopped in the shower and into bed to catch up on gossip and updating this.

Tuesday 9/4, Woke up still not feeling good. I took a bunch of stuff and gargled salt water. After work I went home and Eric was on his way out to take Otto for a walk. Blair arrived and got Lucia out after saying hi to our dogs. Lucia was so happy, and I was so happy to see her. Lots of pets and kisses and she was thrilled to see Eric as well. She came inside and we sat and talked for a long time and got to do a lot of visiting with Lucia. She’s going to her new home on Friday and I don’t know when I’ll see her again. It breaks my heart but also it’s part of the process. I still feel like she’s my dog. Blair left a little after 6 and we got to say our final goodbyes. I know she’ll be just fine. Eric left to go to the store (for the third time that day) and started dinner when he returned. I fed the dogs and talked with Alix. Eric is encouraging me to go down to PDX for Sos’ going away party (looks like they’re moving to Texas) on the 15th. I laid in bed and Eric brought me dinner, veggie and tofu stir fry. I watched Project Runway and talked to Kass when it was over. She had a tiff with Sky and he was lost somewhere in MN. I filled Eric in when I was off the phone. Eric slept in the other bedroom while I updated this and watched Seinfeld until I went to sleep.

Monday 9/3, Our alarm woke us up at 7:30 which felt way too early. We quietly got ready. My throat was killing me. We packed up and went upstairs. Sat and talked with Jodi for a while before packing up the car, saying goodbye and heading out to Minneapolis. We made it to Kelly’s very quickly and Mark was there to greet us. She was around the corner at her aunt’s house. We sat and talked until 11 then took off for the airport. They dropped us which was super nice. We got through security fine, got a snack and to our gate without incident. We boarded and made it out of there a few minutes early. I watched part of Forgetting Sarah Marshall but had forgotten to charge the player so I only made it halfway through. We landed and Dad picked us up. I talked to Janell and scheduled to meet her at 5; however, she then had some things to take care of so asked if we could postpone. We headed down after getting the call and picked up Otto. He was a bit frantic, which I would expect considering he’s had like 5 temp homes on his way up here. Poor guy. We chatted with Janell for a while then took off for home. Dogs were all introduced without incident. None of our dogs were all that interested. They all took their places as the night went on. Otto loves to play and was jumping all over the place to get the toys. We relaxed for the rest of the night and I climbed in bed early. I felt like shit. Mom called to make sure we made it ok and to check on me.

Sunday 9/2, Since Jodi was home we all had the chance to sleep in with no children screaming. It was 9:30 and we were supposed to be over at Dick and Roxy’s by 10:30 for breakfast. I asked why Eric didn’t wake me up and he said I needed the sleep. Kelly and Mark were up too. The four of us took off to Dick’s and Jodi came with the boys and Alishia. Big breakfast was in progress: French toast, bacon, sausage, pull aparts, egg bake and fruit salad. I ate too much but it was all so delicious. A bunch of people took off to go to Dick’s garage to look at the cars. Derek was the first back in the midnight blue GTO and then came Dad in the orange GTO that he sold Dick in 1970. Derek got things going by burning rubber on the road in front of Dick’s house then Dad, not one to be shown up, really lit it up. Lastly, when Derek got back, Danny got in and took the rest of the tread off the tires. We could hear him out on the highway from a mile away. Eric got in and rode around with Dad, Mom, Mindy and Alishia and took a tour of Litchfield. Dad was going down memory lane. I stood outside with Clint, Derek, Mark and Kelly and we sat and chatted for a long time. We were having a blast. Back inside Kass arrived from picking in Stewart and we looked at some of the stuff she wanted to procure at the auction and also online. When everyone returned we took off on the pontoon and docked it in a quiet spot. The three boys rode behind. We were out there for a long time and Clint shuttled people back and forth. Jaime brought brats for lunch. Dick and Dad told stories about Grandma Kari (coming from Norway by herself) and also how Grandma and Grandpa met. Eric was fascinated. Eventually Alishia and I went in because I had to go to the bathroom. Stacy had made Grandma’s sugar cookies and they were delicious, though not thin enough to match Grandma’s. Later that afternoon Derek strung up a piñata and the little girls really did some damage and eventually it was busted open. Brett and Krey shared their candy with me so I scored some smarties and dots. When Eric asked Brett if he was pleased with his candy he responded slyly, “Vewy pweased” as he tapped the cone of candy. Kelly and Mark took off and we said we’d see them the next day. As it was getting dark we all went on the pontoon for an evening ride around the lake. Uncle Dick was full of stories about Dad with fun phrases and descriptions of women such as “good lookin’ hide” and “floozy”. Then there was the story where UD was in the living room watching tv before bed and Dad demanded “Why don’t you go to bed already?”; in the morning there were nylons hanging from the chandelier and the front door was wide open with no sign of either of them. Then some girl popped his water bed after he broke up with her and another girl stole his studded leather jacked. There were some real great stories. Afterward Dad told me not to believe anything UD said. Ok. We arrived back and went up to the house. Some of us gathered around the bar and Jackson, Dylan and Brice took turns trying roses of lime and “Real Lemon” thinking they were alcohol. Verdict: roses of lime has a terrible after taste. It was getting late and my throat was killing me so we said goodbye to everyone and headed to Clint’s. Kasey and her bf were sleeping in the tv room outside our room. We went to bed knowing we had to be up early to head back to Minneapolis then to the airport.

Saturday 9/1, We got a rude awakening when Ty and Krey were running and screaming all over the house at 7:30. Eric was ready to drop some f-bombs on the kids which reiterated that it’s such a good idea that neither of us wants kids. Clint was making Alishia some bacon. He told us he doesn’t even hear the kids anymore. Bad sign. Like most parents. He eventually got them outside and the house was quiet again. Kelly went back to bed and Eric went out for a run (5 miles) while I ran on the treadmill for 35 minutes with Alishia keeping me company. We showered when he got back and things got a little steamy in the shower. We got ready and I woke Kelly up so we could head over to Dick’s. Breakfast was just being cleaned up and Eric and I both had some pull aparts. Yum. The day was filled with talking on the deck with family, a lot of eating (Kass made enchiladas), Danny eating a handful of chopped jalapenos thinking they were green peppers, Jackson catching a baby snapping turtle and someone setting it free when we were out on the pontoon, going for a ride and hanging out on the lake. We sat out on the lake and sunned it up. Alishia and Kelly spent time in the floaties behind the boat, while Brice and Dylan attempted to splash Alishia. Mark arrived on the speedboat on one of the multiple boatloads of people. Carrie showed up and none of us had seen her since Grandma’s funeral. She lost a shit load of weight. No one could believe it. She said 80 pounds but none of the boys believed it; they thought it was more. When Jerome left we all went out to say goodbye and he was having a hard time getting the seatbelt buckled and Dad said something gross like, “What, do you need it to be surrounded by hair?”. We congregated downstairs again around the bar and Derek came and announced he’d just gotten a call from the sheriff and Kennedy had been picked up for tp-ing someone’s house. His chest was puffed out and he was beaming with pride. He wasn’t going to let her know that though. So, Brice the first night and Kennedy the second night. Apparently she didn’t run when the boys took off. It’s what I would have done too. Kelly and I were tired so we left around midnight while Eric, Mark and Clint stayed later. We went back to Clint’s and I hit the sack. I was exhausted.

Friday 8/31, Eric was up early; I was up at 9:30. Late. We sat in the living room for a while and talked and had some breakfast. We decided to get going and made it down to the fair via bus by 10:45. We hit the good bathrooms first then over to the scotch egg stand. We went into the sheep barn to see the goats. We researched the earless goats (La Mancha from Spain) and impressed one of the farmers there with our knowledge (via google). In 35 years no one has ever gotten it right. Next we went so I could get corn on the cob. We made our way to the cheese curds but detoured to have some fried green tomatoes with ranch. We went into the International Baazar and got somas which were ok. We took the Sky Ride to the other side of the fair and went to the old town where we got some La Croix to settle our stomachs. Next we went and got an elephant ear which was a first for Kelly. We kept walking and finally decided to track down the poutine. It was much different than the poutine in Seattle, but still good. Cheese curds in the gravy were way bigger; like mozzarella balls. We sat on the grass in the shade for a long time then decided we were done. We walked back to the buses and waited in line. Dad called and let us know they’d made it and were heading out to Uncle Dick’s. Back at Kelly’s we all showered and packed up. We headed out and Kelly’s coke was totally old so we had to stop and get another one. We made it out there pretty quickly and the house was buzzing when we arrived. We had some dinner and hung out with everyone, talking. Us girls congregated around the bar and did some major girl-talking. Ben wa balls is all I’m going to say. The smoke alarms all started going off so Rosemary and I ran upstairs and the candles and potpourri in Roxy’s bathroom was on fire. We put it out and aired everything out. A while later Brett wanted to show Kassie where the fire was and went into Roxy’s room and Brett was in there going through the nightstand. He blurted out “I have to go to the bathroom!” and ran out of the room. Kass came down and told us and we all just died. We kept asking Rox what was in there but she wouldn’t budge. We guessed either granny panties, something with batteries or something with pictures. Eric guessed pictures. Every time someone came to the bar we filled them in. It was hilarious; couldn’t stop laughing. Eventually all the boys joined us and then things got really spicy with Kelly wanting to skinny dip in the lake and Tom being game. I prevented that. We had such a good time; raucous. Dylan wanted to go home and Derek too, so Dyl Pickle and I drove to Derek’s and met Derek and Eric over there (Eric drove Derek in his car) then Eric and I took Dylan home and back to Dick’s. We hung out for another hour or so. We left Dick’s around 2am and went back to Clint’s. I showed Kelly which room was hers (Alishia took Kasey’s) and went downstairs to go to bed. It was almost 2:30. We were exhausted.

Thursday 8/30, I set my alarm and got up and going by 7:30. We both got ready and packed up. I ran down to the emissions station which thankfully is super close; was the first in and out and passed. Glad that was out of the way and went online when I got home to renew my tabs. Dad and Co. missed their flight from San Diego so we started planning how plans were going to change then were alerted that Kass and Sky wouldn’t come until the next day as well. I called Kelly and she agreed to pick us up from the airport. I showered and watered all the plants and we arrived to Mom’s by 11. We got to the airport without incident and made it through security in no time because there were no lines. I got a bagel sandwich and Eric went off to find something to eat. We boarded and sat next to a girl that was a real jerk. We watched Something About Mary and the flight flew by. It also helps that we landed 35 minutes early. I texted Kelly and we went down to the curb. She arrived a few minutes later. We headed back to her house and sat and talked for a long time. We decided to go get dinner and settled on Psycho Suzy’s. We sat outside by the river and had a delicious dinner. Their tater tots were awesome. We headed back to her house and watched tv for a little bit then she went to bed. I followed not much later. Eric wasn’t that tired so he stayed up and listened to a pod cast. It was probably 11.

Wednesday 8/29, I was so happy to be done with work. I went home and did a few things that were on my list but Eric told me not to worry and that he’d take care of everything while I was out with Kristel. I left right around 6:30 for her parents’ house and she was chatting with Troy via skype when I arrived. We chatted for a long time then went to Olive Garden for dinner. I got some simple pasta and the gnocchi soup. We had a long dinner and did plenty of catching up. On our way home we listened to Edward Sharpe’s new album and I had her listen to the tracks I’m obsessed with. We talked inside for a few minutes then I took off for home. Eric was still home and the house was all clean and had been mopped. I finished throwing a few items into my luggage and off to bed.

Tuesday 8/28, I rushed home and hurried around. I cleaned my shower, took a shower, got dressed and primped, fed the dogs, heated up some dinner and got out the door, all in 45 minutes. I headed into Seattle for a haircut. I found good parking for once. Sean was a little behind but that was ok because I had facebook to catch up on then did some light gossip reading about Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, and Sean was really upset about their split too. I climbed into the chair and we discussed and we decided shorter in the back, longer in the front. We had all kinds of fun convos: swimming pool in West Seattle and the plethora of speedos (I gotta get over there!), Kass, Eric, vacations, administrative fees for ponytails, passport photos and how his now sucks but mine is way better than the old one, babies and how Sean's babies are the new foster dogs, mullets and rat tails, crazy girls (Mormons with boob jobs) and Antigua and how Sean would be happy to sleep on a pool lounge chair if no one is willing to join me. Purely plutonic. Other things too, but too much to list. He and Eric need to hike the Pacific Crest Trail. Now that's a hiking trip I might take. Sike. I was done by 8:30, got a hug goodbye and headed home. Eric had just arrived home from his run and was watching tv. We sat on the couch for a little while, watching tv and he got my computer for me so I could write my emails. I had some more acai berries. At 10 I got ready for bed and climbed in, asleep by 10:30 but then Brizo started throwing up so I woke up for that. She slept in the bed at the foot of the bed since her bedding needed to be washed after that. The meds from her teeth extractions I'm guessing. I had terrible dreams about being on some kind of oceanliner on the way to Europe with no cabin, holding Brizo who was sick, and Eric and I didn't bring our passports and Mom and Dad had planned a big Europe trip but I only had like 3 days of PTO and NO PASSPORT! I was frantic. How was I going to fly home? How was I going to get through immigration and customs? I hate those kinds of dreams. Not in control. A nightmare in real life too.

Monday 8/27, Eric was working over at Mom's after work so when I got home I got going on my own chores. I made up the guest bedroom for Stefanie, put away some laundry and continued packing. I ditched out on my shower, mopping the den and kitchen and cleaning the kitchen sink. Ehh, have a few more days to get them done. I had some dinner and watered plants. Eric came home and we relaxed. Not much else for the evening.

Sunday 8/26, Eric was up early and left for work at 9. I got up and started my chores, since I had a list a mile long. Laundry, packing, vacuuming, cleaned the sink and toilet in my bathroom, stripped the beds, put laundry away then went out in the front and finished up the dirt work. The little boy next door came over and we chatted, even though he doesn't speak English. Neither does grandma but we laughed anyway. I had some lunch then finished up outside. I felt tired so I went inside and watched Project Runway then napped. Eric came home around 5 and I forced myself to get up. I went in the backyard and watered the plants. We went to the store and he got stuff to make breakfast burritos which were delicious and vegetarian. We watched AFV and I turned in early, despite my nap.

Saturday 8/25, We woke up at 7 (waaay too early) to take Clancy and Brizo to the vet then home to get ready to leave for our architectural walking tour (the sequel). I showered and got ready and we took off and picked up Stefanie. We arrived in the Belmont / Harvard area early so we walked up and down Harvard and marveled at the homes. We took turns boosting each other up so we could see over a wooden fence that surrounds a huge empty lot. We later found out what it is and got to go in (largest Seattle A-frame and 2-lot property will go to Seattle Parks after the owner dies). The tour was very good, though I did zone out a few times, and we got the low down on a lot of beautiful old mansions. It went about a half hour long then we went down to Cafe Flora to meet up with Sky and Chrystol for lunch. We had a nice time and lunch was terrific (tomato scramble). We looked at a garden and chatted then left. We dropped Stefanie off at home then headed back to Bellevue. Eric gave Pop Rock a bath and he was very good. I picked up dog poop in the backyard. We watched Teen Wolf until Mary arrived to pick up PJ. After she left we went to pick up Clancy and Brizo, who'd had some sizeable dental work done to the tune of $330. Ouch. That with Clancy's vet visit the weekend prior is putting me in the poor house. At home I tried to lie down with Brizo but she was all out of it and wanted to wander around. I wanted to take a nap but wasn't all that successful. I watered the plants. I didn't eat dinner because I was still full from lunch, but I did eat a bunch of chocolate covered acai berries. I can't remember what we did for the rest of the night but we probably just relaxed. The house was back to normal. First time in 3.5 weeks.

Friday 8/24, I was so happy it was Friday. P was off to China and Hong Kong for the next 10 days and it had been a doozy of a day at the office. When I got home the house smelled wonderful; Eric was in the middle of making a vegetarian cassoulet. Sky and Chrystol were scheduled to come over around 6:30. We did some stuff around the house and I showered. They arrived and we talked in the kitchen until it was time for dinner. Eric wasn't feeling well so he didn't eat. We sat out in the courtyard since it was nice. We talked about some of Jessica's adventures (Greek sprinkler) and other Nasty Boy moves. I was cold so we went back inside and decided we needed dessert. We packed into the car and headed down to Whole Foods. I got two cookies. At home we watched Hall Pass and laughed our asses off. I think they liked it. They didn't stay too long after it was over. We didn't bother cleaning up the kitchen and went to bed (midnight?).

Thursday 8/23, David and Carie came over with the kids for lunch so it was nice to visit with them. Chip and Monique came over too. P was getting ready to leave the next day for Hong Kong and China so things were a bit hectic and I felt a little anxious with what I’ve got to get done while she’s gone. Susan was at the house when I got home and came outside with me when I took the dogs out. Eric came home and we chatted for a bit before he left for a run. S and I went down into Factoria to go to Target and DSW, though neither of us got anything. I had to talk Susan out of mashed potatoes for dinner. We ended up going to Kid Valley and really went for it. S got the deep fried mushrooms and I got the bacon burger along with sweet potato (yam) fries. I ate almost all of it, yikes. We went back to the house and talked for a little bit before she left. I showered and updated this while watching Wipeout. Traded hilarious emails with Sky about Coco and her butt show for the next night. Went to bed.

Wednesday 8/22, I had a really sexy dream about Dmitry from Project Runway where he totally felt me up and we made out and walked around some place I have no idea. When I woke up I was very impressed. Is he even straight? No clue. I went online to read more about him and started to question my unconscious affinity. I ran some errands on the way home and when I arrived Eric was getting ready to take off for a run. Sherry from next door came over with Samantha to see if we had some milk. All we had was coconut milk. S wanted to see the house so we let her look around and see everything. They left and Eric took off for his run. I went and cleaned up dog poop then worked on some filing. I heated up some leftovers. We watched tv then I went out and watered the plants in the backyard. I walked Nyx around the block since she seemed a little needy. I showered and got into bed. We were not up late and both passed out.

Tuesday 8/21, Corresponded with Alix trying to figure out tickets. P bought my ticket. At home I got right back out into the yard and worked on the dirt for quite a while. I made some really good progress. Eric rode his bike to the store to get stuff for dinner and started it when he got home: turkey meatloaf, yam fries and my favorite zucchini, squash, onion and mushroom medley. It was delicious. I was so full. I went out and watered the front and backyard. It took quite a while to get everything done. I went to bed afterward.

Monday 8/20, Eric had already gotten all the compost after work. He was tired, but I was excited to get going on spreading it in the beds. He came out and watered some of the plants and chatted with me. The neighbors were out and chatting with us and let us know the bees would be removed. I went in not much later because I was feeling tired. Not long after Sherry came over and had a chat with us about Anthony and about his condition (Lou Gehrigs). As she told us I teared up; I just can’t even imagine. I know she’s been living with it for a while but I don’t even know how she copes, emotionally. We told her to give us a call if they ever needed anything. After she left I had some leftovers for dinner (burritos). I started making calls about going to Mexico with the sisters. I talked to Alix, Alishia, Dad and finally Kassie. I was on the phone for over two hours trying to get stuff nailed down. I finally booked a two bedroom in Neuvo Vallarta in November. We’ll see who actually commits to going. I finally went to bed. We decided on Otto for the new foster boy and Janell said it fits him. I talked Eric out of Ringo.

Sunday 8/19, The last morning with Langley! Yay! Eric got up with him and started cleaning the house. I got the other dogs up and fed them breakfast. I didn’t want to get up (7:30) that early but knew I could take a nap later. Eric was in a terrible mood and angry with Langley. I heard from Kathy and she said she’d be back by 7; nuts. I was hoping it would be earlier. Janell wrote and said 9:30 – 10:00. I helped gather Langley’s stuff, took him for a walk and got ready. He didn’t pull on his walk and was a little out of it. I made sure to tell Janell. We headed down to Tukwila and met Janell and Troy. We ended up talking for probably 30-40 minutes and telling various Langley stories. Hopefully Blair will help Janell. They gave us some chilies from NM. We handed him off and were glad he was going back with Janell, but we’ll see what ultimately happens with him. At home I did stuff on my computer and Eric went to wash my car and did an immaculate job; cleaned out the entire inside, rainex-d the windows and conditioned the interior. I had some leftover butter chicken and made rice. He hung in the living room and eventually I moved to the patio and went through a magazine. I was enjoying the sun and feeling tired so I laid down my head and fell asleep. I woke up with a jolt and had no idea where I was. I was sleeping hard. I went inside and all the dogs were in the bedroom looking at me. I sat on the bed for a while then we walked to the store. Back at home Eric got going on dinner while I cruised time shares and made the dogs’ dinners. Kathy arrived to pick up the girls a little after 7 and we chatted for a few minutes. Brought the other dogs back inside, Eric finished up dinner and we ate. I showered and updated this. Eric left to go to his movie. I took the dogs out, finished watching the weight loss show and went to bed.

Saturday 8/18, What a day. I’ll start out with that. Eric got up super early to go to work. I got up with Langley first and got him outside and back in to have his pills, got the other dogs out and everyone fed then started to get ready. Clancy started acting weird not being able to walk in a straight line and his feet kept going out from underneath him. I had to go pick up Poppy from Eric at work and since it was already almost 8:30 I was running a half hour late. I threw Clancy in the car and off we went to MI. Eric agreed there was definitely something wrong and Kelly agreed and got out a flashlight to see if his eyes would dilate. I wondered if I’d accidentally given Langley’s pills to Clancy but honestly couldn’t believe I would have mistaken Clancy for Langley. I don’t even remember the other dogs being out at that point. Perhaps he found the renegade pill in the bedroom. I was freaking out and especially since I had to go home to spend the day with 7 dogs. I stopped to get some hydrogen peroxide to make Clancy vomit when I got home to see if I did give him L’s pills. I got him to vomit but not before the other dogs barked and scratched on the doors going crazy, had trouble with the syringe trying to fill with hp and Clancy biting me on the finger in his stupor-ed state. I was so frustrated. Mom called right in the middle of it and I just started crying. She said she would come over to I could take him to the vet. I couldn’t see any banana or the pills in his vomit. He was acting very out of it. I finally settled everyone down and Mom arrived. Craziness ensued. Sadie knocked over the water bowl and there was water everywhere as I tried to remain calm. Mom told me to go and I took off. Didn’t have to wait long, took L’s pills to show what he may have ingested. Vet wasn’t too concerned, said he may have chewed on something in the backyard. They administered charcoal and did some under the skin hydration. I took him home, called Mom who let me in the side door. The dogs settled down and Mom took off maybe 30 minutes later. Clancy pooped then a ton of the charcoal came out of his ass and it was a huge pile in the pool room. I sprayed it down. I finally got everyone settled down and sat in the kitchen with Clancy in my arms (as he’d pretty much been all day) and with my sweatshirt around him to keep him warm and watched Project Runway. Thankfully everyone was quiet and relaxed. Eric came home when my show was almost over and the dogs didn’t react too much. I texted Kieran to see if we could go over and replace the faucet; she said yes. We headed over and it took us about an hour and a half but Eric got it all done and that’s all that mattered. It looked nice. We took off and went to Home Depot to return the shower head then went up to Crossroads and had Indian for dinner. It was very good. We went home and split our time with the dogs. I had everyone but Langley for most the night. I think it was an early night. I emailed Janell to see when she would be getting L in the morning.

Friday 8/17, Molly and Sadie arrived in the morning and Eric texted me that Sadie and Langley were playing and really roughing it up together. Good. I wasn’t stressed leaving work and really wanted to take my time since they’d only been put away for two or so hours. I stopped to get a pizza and went home. The dogs were nuts, which I expected, but Sadie was just all over the place. I only had a few hours alone until Eric got home and tried to make the best of it. I lost my temper but overall it went fine. I got the dogs all settled and did some back and forth trading to keep everyone happy. Eric got home quickly after work and helped me with the dogs and getting everyone to bed. We were tired. Langley had been waking us up early in the morning to go out.

Thursday 8/16, Got off work early because my errand was over quickly. Eric and I chatted; my new glasses came and I love them but I don’t think they’re the ones I was supposed to get. Eric took off for his eye appointment and I relaxed on the bed and read. Susan called and we chatted for a while. Eric returned and we fed the dogs then went to the store. At home I made a big salad for myself. I went out to water all the plants and that took 45 minutes. Langley was acting like an asshole so I took him out for a walk and Eric caught up with us and we did a lap around the block. We both showered and I relaxed in the bedroom with Langley. Updated this and went to bed lateish.