Wednesday 8/15, Blair came over after work and worked with Langley for a while; I attempted to keep the other dogs in line. I got to see Lucia for a minute and Eric got to spend even more time with her. Blair left at 7:15 and I had some chicken for dinner. We relaxed and hung on the couch watching tv. Eric went for a run and I took Langley for a walk up and down the street. I called Kass to talk about the timeshare and a sister trip. We’ve got a bit to figure out but the options look good. I was up after 11.

Tuesday 8/14, I left straight from work to go up to Everett and Jess and I decided on Arnies for dinner. I got there before Jess and enjoyed the view. We had a long dinner (6-9:30) and had plenty to talk about and discuss. She told me a hilarious story about a Greek guy and his signature move. We talked about going to Tenerife in the first quarter, but we’ll see. We got the artichoke crab dip, each got a salad and split a chocolate cake. It was nice spending time with her before she went back, but sad I didn’t make it up to the lake this summer. First time in like 14 years. We said goodbye and I called Eric on my way home. He was up when I got there and we chatted for a few minutes before I showered and got into bed. I was very tired.

Monday 8/13, The morning got off to a rough start with me freaking out and Eric freaking out back. I was in tears by the time he left. PMS? Not sure why I had such a severe reaction, but it was not a very nice feeling. The rest of the day went fine. When I got home Eric was taking Langley for a walk. I started laundry, made the bed and cleaned up dog shit. We went to Home Depot to pick up a new faucet for the townhouse and on the way there we talked and made up. We got a nice faucet and I am jealous; however, I got a new shower head with a double sprayer. At home we took Clancy and Langley for a walk then tried to do some playtime in the backyard but Peach was out there barking. I made my dinner then watched C&L play / avoid each other. Poor Clancy. We watched tv and I answered some emails. I took a shower, climbed into bed, updated this and watched Seinfeld.

Sunday 8/12, We were up and I think Langley and I went for another walk. Eric ran out to do errands and I put on My Week With Marilyn and worked in the living room. He returned and got ready to go to work. I juggled spending time with the dogs and Langley was pretty good for the first part of the day. I worked on and off all day and watched Sex and the City (2). I went shopping then lost my shit later in the afternoon with the dogs. I took L for another walk and expected Eric to be back by the time I got back. I was so hungry and cranky when I got back and couldn’t get a hold of Eric so I made my dinner. He walked in right in the middle. We sat in the living room and watched tv before I went back in the bedroom to watch tv and keep working. I finished my project and made quite a bit of overtime.

Saturday 8/11, We were up early because we had a big day. I walked Langley when we got up then we got all the dogs settled. We took off for Seattle for our Pike / Pine architectural walking tour. It was supposed to be two hours but was extended an hour because there was so much detail and so much input from an older gentleman. It was very interesting but I was cold and hungry so I was glad when it concluded. We went to a bagel place and both got a caramelized onion and hummus bagel and next door each got two scoops of gelato. We walked back to the car and headed home. Not long after Sadie and Molly were picked up and we were relieved. Eric wanted to go out and do something but we ended up just relaxing; I watched something and took a nap. For dinner we went into downtown Bellevue to the little Mexican place on Main. It was ok. We had a nice evening out and the temperature was absolutely perfect. I think we took Langley for another walk. I did quite a bit of work while watching tv murder mystery shows until bed.

Friday 8/10, After work I went home and Eric had been home with the dogs all day. He seemed fine considering. Susan called and we talked for a while as Eric went to pick up Chinese from Szechuan Chef. After I hung up we ate dinner. We watched tv and took it easy. I spent time in the bedroom with Langley and took him out several times. He was like a different dog. He was cuddly and sweet and just wanted to lie by me. If he weren’t so damn manic he’d be great! I watched Project Runway and he slept next to me. It may have been an early night.

Thursday 8/9, I went and had my stereo put back into the car. I talked to AL on the way home and told her my plan to come to Kauai with Jess and Orla over New Years. We’ll see if it happens, but she is hoping it does. Went inside and Eric had fed the dogs. I needed to go on a run but I ditched out. We sat out in the courtyard and talked then inside to look at stuff online for a while. Janell and Troy showed up after 8 with Langley and we chatted about him for a while. He seemed ok but our dogs were going to be a problem. They took off and Langley went nuts when we tried to have Clancy walk by the baby gate even when Langley was in his crate behind the baby gate. We took turns carrying him, watching him and going for walks outside trying to exhaust some of that energy. It will be an interesting 10 days. I went to bed after 11 with all the dogs in a separate room and Langley in with us. He settled down in his crate after a few minutes. Mom called earlier in the evening and let me know that Josh and Amy’s baby is in the hospital with renal failure and is on dialysis from ecoli. No idea how she got it (turns out, most likely a farm in Martha’s Vineyard). Josh is an ER doc so I’m sure he was able to do some preliminary stuff, but apparently she may be on it for 2 days, 2 months or life. They don’t know. So scary. She’s only like a year old.

Wednesday 8/8, I needed to go for a run but was too frustrated after the dogs had gotten into the trash. It probably would have done me good to go, but I didn’t want to. I watered all the plants then off to go to Kristel’s parents’ house. They moved but it’s closer, though really near to where they lived before. Super cute and her Mom’s going to help me get a steal of a deal on kitchen cabinets. We sat around and talked for a long time until dinner was served. Chicken caesar salad with bread. I ate too much. Her parents left for church and we continued talking for an hour then I left at 10. FYI – Kristel went camping two weekends ago and broke her ankle. She has to stay off it for 6-9 weeks. It’s awful; the story is awful and she’s basically stranded and can’t drive because it’s her right foot. Awful. She’s hanging in there, though. When I got home Eric was asleep, though he woke up and helped me put the dogs away. I checked my phone then lights off and to sleep.

Tuesday 8/7, I went to have my stereo taken out and repaired and when I got home Eric and I went running. I know I was slower, but I just wasn’t really into it. We took the dogs for a .5 mile jaunt around the neighborhood. We went for $10 Tuesday and got gourmet veggie and picked up some stuff at the store. At home I showered and Eric made the pizza. We watched the Olympics then I did some work until 10-ish. We went to bed not long after.

Monday 8/6, The dogs were all amped up when I got home. I talked Eric into going for a walk with the dogs even though he was totally not interested. It was fine. I made my own dinner (mozza and tomato) and watched Drive. I’ve been wanting to for the past couple weeks but kept putting it off because the second half just isn’t as good as the first half. I updated this thing and went to bed after 11.

Sunday 8/5, Eric let me sleep in and when I woke up there were flowers on the nightstand. I got ready and we went up to the French bakery for breakfast (I got a marionberry Danish) and sat outside. Next we went to the store to get all the stuff for dinner that night. Back at home we situated the dogs then I went and got a pedicure. At home I did a few things before we left for Jak’s in Issaquah to meet mom and dad for lunch. We had a nice time and the three of us went up to Molbak’s afterward to look around at wind chimes. We didn’t purchase anything and headed back home where Eric got stuff going for dinner. We both relaxed and I took a mini-nap. People were scheduled to come over after 5:30 so we were all ready. Stef arrived first and we sat outside and chatted while Eric continued in the kitchen. Sky and Chrystol came a little later and dinner was served. We sat out in the front courtyard and it was very pleasant. Eric made a ton of roasted vegetables, quinoa salad and roasted chicken with red wine reduction, garlic and herbs de Provence. We had ice cream for dessert. Stef made me a Ryan Gosling card; the second one for this birthday. We stayed outside until after it was dark. Everyone took off a little after 10. It was a very enjoyable evening, with a lot of laughter and good friends. I went to bed after 11.

Saturday 8/4, Eric was up early and off to work. I took care of the dogs, walked Sadie a mile, Nyx, Clancy and Molly a half mile. I watered all the plants in the front because it was going to be hot. I had to quickly eat breakfast and get ready and only had a half hour to get out the door. I drove up to Shoreline where I was meeting Jess and Day to catch the shuttle to take a Blue Angels cruise thing. Jess’ friend Orla was in Seattle for the weekend visiting so I got to meet her too. We took the bus over to Carillon Point and boarded after having our group photo taken. We sat in the dining room of the boat for an hour and chatted. Finally lunch was served and it was all very good. I doubly loaded up on the veggies. Afterward we went up to the top to watch the show. We got a pretty good view and Orla was able to get some good photos and video. The boat played the whole soundtrack from Top Gun. We laughed so hard. Jess narrated which part of the movie each song went along with. We went back downstairs for dessert and I ate too much. We docked soon after, disembarked and got back onto the bus. Jess and Orla slept on the way back since they’d only gotten 3 or so hours of sleep. We decided to go to Green Lake to walk around and though we had a few speed bumps on the way there and with parking, we made it and sat for a while on a bench and chatted. We walked over to the row house and talked the whole way. On the way back we ran into Sky and Chrystol and invited them to my impromptu birthday party. My slipper broke on the way back to the car. I said bye to the girls and took off for home. I called Eric and told him I was on my way. He was in a bad mood when I got home so I steered clear for most of the night. We decided to get ice cream and went up to 31 Flavors and I got a shake with world class chocolate. On the way out we helped a guy whose car had run out of gas. We took him back to the gas station to get another gallon and back to his car. It started up, he was grateful and we went home. I think we watched the Olympics then to bed.

Friday 8/3, P let me leave a little early and it was so nice; I was happy to be going home early. Eric was there after having worked all day at Mom’s. Sadie and Molly had arrived and Eric had been wrangling them. I talked to Jessica briefly then Eric and I took off to go to the art walk in Issaquah. I didn’t see anything I loved even though I had given myself permission to buy something for myself for my birthday. It was beautiful and we walked around town. We went to Lowe’s before going home so Eric could pick up some stuff for Mom. I also got some hoses and nozzles. When we got home I made myself a caprese salad again. Eric was outside getting the hoses hooked up and replaced. We watched the Olympics, I think. Eric had to work early but we stayed up pretty late anyway.

Thursday 8/2, Eric went to Sky’s and I was supposed to go to Kristel’s for a post-surgery visit, but she was not feeling good so she cancelled. My ankle was bothering me so I didn’t run. I had a caprese salad. I watched Hall Pass and did stuff online. Eric got home late-ish and had ridden his bike to Ballard, all around with Sky, then home. This guy is a fucking machine.

Wednesday 8/1, When I got home we chatted a little then clipped the dogs’ nails. I heated up leftovers then we took off for Costco. We took our time but didn’t get much. I ran into Mary Ellen and we chatted for a few minutes. Back at home Eric looked up times for Batman and took off on his bike for Crossroads. I did stuff online and had the tv on in the background. I updated this and watched Frasier. I knew Eric wouldn’t be back until almost 1.

Tuesday 7/31, I stopped to get my stereo looked at after work. Eric was working late so I went home and got ready for my solo run. I was not looking forward to it but went anyway. After I got back I took the dogs around the block, which they enjoyed. I fed the dogs and relaxed for a long time. Eric had made veggie enchiladas with fake cheese and fake meat, so I eventually heated one of those up with some rice and it was delicious. I couldn’t even tell. I showered and looked at stuff online until Eric got home then went to bed. Eric stayed up late.

Monday 7/30, I made Brizo’s dental appointment and also sent Alishia my vision rx so she can get my new glasses all squared away. Poppy was going home and we had plans to meet up on MI to drop him off. I went home, Eric had everything packed up and we took off. We were early so we walked around the parking lot until his owner arrived. We went up to Mom’s, dropped off the tables and chairs and headed home. Eric fed the dogs while I got ready for our run. We took off and I had a better attitude and kept pushing myself. I beat my prior time by over a minute. Eric was really excited. After we returned I cut some hydrangea and they look beautiful (Eric helped me). I trimmed some of the dahlias, weeded by the blueberries and unloaded the flowers from the back of the truck and put them on the patio. Eric didn’t want to cook so I scrambled some eggs and had some toast. We watched Antiques Roadshow and I did stuff online. I showered and got in bed to update this.

Sunday 7/29, Eric got up super early and I finally dragged myself out of bed at 7ish. Eric had made stuffed French toast (with berries and ricotta) and was in the process of starting the stuff for the reunion. We all ate breakfast together then I took Mom and Dad to the airport. We said goodbye and I headed to Mom’s to pick up the tables. I hauled up three tables and four chairs. Mom and Dad came back and we chatted a bit then I took off. Mom gave me a begonia in a hanging box. I love it! At home I checked in with Eric then vacuumed and cleaned up the backyard and washed up all the chairs. Since we were having a NR adopter come to the house afterward for dogsitting I wanted the house to look presentable. We finished everything up and got ready then went to the NR Rattiefest (2nd annual). We set up quickly and said chatted with everyone. People started showing up and there were ratties everywhere. It went by quickly. We had some of Cindy’s snacks and entered the raffle, but didn’t win anything. We helped clean up a little then headed home with P&R following. We showed them around and introduced Rudy to all the dogs; it went well and I think P liked what she saw. After she left Blair came over to drop off our tongs but we ended up chatting for quite a while about the reunion and working out. She left and then we relaxed. Eric had wanted to see a movie but we decided instead to relax. I watched Project Runway. I can’t remember what we did for dinner, or when we went to bed.

Saturday 7/28, We got up and moving because we had plans to see Lucia. We headed north and made it to Blair’s a little before 10. She was very wary for a few seconds but once she smelled us she went nuts and was so excited. It was so cute. I started to tear up; I miss her so much. We sat in the front room for a while then went into the backyard to play and see her with Maya and Saph. We stayed for over an hour, did not say goodbye (to reduce anxiety) and headed home. I’m so happy she’s doing so well, but I miss that funny dog. After we got home we had some lunch (leftovers) and did some cleaning. I washed bedding and Eric cleaned the kitchen and his bathroom. He left for work and I took a nap. At 3 I texted Mom to see where they were and they were almost there so I jumped up and made the bed. I was so tired but got everything squared away for their arrival. They pulled up and we said hi and went inside. Dad was tired so he laid down and Mom and I took the dogs on a walk. It was really warm out, and when we got back we sat in the courtyard and chatted while the dogs chewed on bullies. Dad came out and woke up a little while checking emails. We decided to go to Calcutta Grill up at the golf course for dinner since it was so nice outside. We went for an early dinner and sat out on the patio. It was gorgeous and the food was fantastic. We got Eric the salmon and headed to DQ where we all got sundaes. Back at home Mom and Dad watched the Olympics while I fed the dogs and looked up a spanikopita recipe. I went to the store and picked up the items then back home. Eric came home around 10 and we continued to watch for a while until after 11. We were all tired and turned in.

Friday 7/27, I got off a little early and tried to find the cd fix place on the way home but couldn’t find it. I’ll worry about it later. When I got home Eric was working out in the yard. He asked if I wanted to go out to dinner and see a movie. I was not totally excited but agreed. We went to the park and walked around the lake twice and talked. I told him stories about the Boys and Girls Club. When we got home he looked at movies and we decided on “To Rome, With Love”. I suggested the Mexican place by the gyro place and he hesitantly agreed. We went to Gregg’s Cycles first so he could get a pump. We decided to try the Vegan Thai place instead and it was very good. We want to bring back Sky, Chrystol and most of all Stefanie. We went up to Lincoln Square, found our theater and watched the movie. It was good, but not as good as Midnight in Paris plus I was super tired. It was 11:45 by the time we got home. I got ready for bed and sent Mary a picture of Poppy and Co. then did some stuff online. Went to bed a little after midnight.

Thursday 7/26, Mary dropped off Poppy early in the morning for a visit for a few days. When I got home we went on a run again and I beat my time from the day before. Eric was very excited. I showered and fed the dogs. I had a salad and Eric used the rest of the buffalo mozzarella and cut up a bunch of orange cherry tomatoes with basil, olive oil and salt and pepper. YUM. I could eat that every day. Sky came over and we all sat and watched Wipe Out; we were all in hysterics. Sky didn’t want to leave to go on a walk because it was so funny. They left anyway and I stayed with the dogs. I did some laundry and hung the new dog portraits. The boys returned a little before 10. I asked Eric to fix the hose for me so I could water the plants. I made Sky jump over the stream like he was in Wipe Out. He made it. Eric talked with me while I watered. Back inside we got ready for bed and hit the hay.

Wednesday 7/25, I had a dream with Ryan Gosling where he was the Bachelor and I was one of the final four, then he sent home a girl that was either Linzey (from Ben’s season) or Ashley (from Brad’s season). I kept trying to make him laugh, but I don’t remember it working. He was living in my grandparents’ house in MN and the toilet was gross. So weird. He looked good, though. I got off a little early, headed home and got ready to go for a run. Eric came home from the store and we headed out together. We did 1.5; it was hot as shit. 16 minutes. Not much of a workout and not great time, but it’s been a couple weeks since I’ve been out. Eric wanted to double it. I almost passed out when we got home so he got me a banana, coconut milk and some water. We showered, which led to other things and by 7 we were all done. I did some stuff online while Eric made dinner: buffalo mozzarella with heirloom tomatoes and basil, a huge salad with fake chicken and lastly a bunch of fruit from P. We watched tv and I went through my blind gossip. We were in bed by 10.

Tuesday 7/24, First day back at work went well. Eric was home when I arrived there and had decided against playing soccer with Schuyler and would instead accompany me to Jake’s graduation / bon voyage dinner. We took the dogs for a walk, which they loved, and took off shortly after returning home. Obama was in town so the freeways were all shut down and at a standstill so it took us much longer to get over to Mom’s, even with going the back way. Dinner was good and so was dessert. We talked with Kassie a lot and overall it was fine. Nothing monumental. Saw the ADU which is coming along now that the sliding door is in. Kassie found some of Brizo’s poop under the dining room table. I knew it was hers as soon as I saw it. Eric too. We left at 8:45 and headed home. I checked stuff online and wrote Mary asking about Poppy’s stay starting Thursday. I updated this and watched tv.

Monday 7/23, We woke up and Eric started cleaning right away. It took me a little longer to get up and going. We worked on getting everything packed up and tidy so Mom wouldn’t have to do it later. We washed towels, started washing the sleeping bags and cleaned the bathroom. Eric also mopped. I showered then went to say bye to Heidi. We packed up the car and said bye to Mom and Dad then both of them took off to go do errands. Lastly we said bye to Uncle Brad. We loaded up the dogs and headed home. It was a pretty smooth trip except a brief stop at the pass. At home we snacked then I put on Bachelorette and spent the next 3 hours engrossed. I felt bad for Arie, but liked Jef better; though I don’t know if I really see them together. I think we napped, separately and later Eric made veggie enchiladas or something Mexican. Not sure about the rest of the night.

Sunday 7/22, We had Brizo in bed with us in the morning so she’d stay quiet. I got up with the dogs when Eric did. Everyone was bustling about. Mom had started on breakfast but needed extra stuff so Eric and Papa went. I stayed in my pjs for a while. We had a delicious Big Breakfast and then the packing began. Kristel, Aubs, Christian, Grandma and Papa were all heading back to Seattle. They all took off by 11:30 and goodbyes took a while. Things were a lot quieter after that. Eric and I went for a drive and went into the park and took a gravel road up to a look out, four miles up the mountain (thank goodness for the Subaru). It was a beautiful lookout with Lake Wenatchee and the valley. There were weird tweekers up there, though, so we didn’t stick around. We went back to camp because we’d been out for a while. We relaxed for a while and eventually Hailey and Ryan took off and we went to dinner at Headwaters. I had the fish and chips which were good, though all the fried breading didn’t agree with me. Ish. We headed home and watched Knight and Day in the motorhome (Dad tried to hook up the satellite dish so I could watch the Bachelorette finale, but couldn’t get it aimed at the right spot) and it wasn’t terrible. The movie actually made me think he might be charismatic. Very tricky. We went to bed afterward and it was just us and the dogs.

Saturday 7/21, Dad mad French toast for breakfast and Aubrie and Hailey slept in while Kass and Sky were up and trying to get ready to go. We hung in their trailer for a while and Eric had some coffee. Mom called and was having a mini-breakdown about Brizo and her accidents so I told her Eric would leave early and come and pick her up before work. Went in the motorhome to eat breakfast and soon Eric was getting ready to leave and Kass and Sky as well (for a wedding on Whidbey). We took family pictures then they took off. I talked with Heidi for a while about cars. I read upstairs for a little bit before Kristel arrived. We did the rounds and had sandwiches for lunch. All us kids went to the Plain Grocery for ice cream, and to watch Lana del Rey videos, and it was packed. I got birthday cake and ate most of Kristel’s too since she had her fill. We went to the hardware store after and Aubrie bought me some cute garden creatures for my garden off the clearance rack, a chicken magnet and peridot earrings for my birthday party later. We tried to watch videos but nothing was loading. We headed back and stopped on the bridge on the way back so Christian could take some pictures. Kristel wanted to lay out so we sat on the deck and dad napped and there was a lot of rock painting. Kristel did a really cute one that copies her I love WA sticker. We decided to go for a walk and took the dogs all the way up to the bend where the big washing machines are. At home I painted a rock (anal pioneer) and it turned out pretty good. We had dinner which was very good (pork, corn on the cob, potatoes, salad and fruit) and then we celebrated my birthday. Mom made peanut butter chocolate chip cookies. I opened cards and presents by campfire and Dad reduced my loan by $5k, replaced my brakes and said they’d fix my car stereo. It was a big one. Aubrie made me the best card ever with Ryan Gosling. I was actually not too tired for once but everyone was dropping like flies. I was the last to go upstairs and kept the dogs up so that when Eric arrived I could take them down to see him. He arrived minutes before midnight and the three of us went down to greet him. Brizo was very happy and I took them back upstairs. Eric stayed up with Brad, Heidi and Ryan and apparently had some good laughs talking about the monkeys at Gibralter. I was asleep by the time he came up.

Friday 7/20, We woke up to a crazy thunderstorm. Eric was out on a run. The dogs were not happy. I got up and went down to the motorhome where all the adults were hanging out. We pondered about the day but I still wanted to go to Ohme Gardens. Dad made pancakes and I ate two; super full. Nothing special for lunch was planned so we took off after 11 or so with Aubrie and Christian in tow. We stopped at Smallwoods but the Sweet Kitchen was gone and moved to Wenatchee somewhere. We kept on and stopped at Anjou Bakery; Aubrie and I each got a delicious ham and butter baguette sandwich and I got a black bottom muffin / cupcake. The boys didn’t want anything. We sat for a few minutes so Christian could try and get a shot of the lightning, but couldn’t. Into Wenatchee and we headed to Costco to gas up, then over to Ohme. We spent quite a while and when we got there it was still drizzly and thundering; by the time we left it was gorgeous and sunny. We didn’t want to go but needed to get back. Sky texted for us to get some cross bows so we went to a place; I called Mom and Brizo had peed on the bed, which was strange. We next headed to the store to pick up groceries; we split up duties and made good time. Soon we were finally on our way back to the property. A rousing tournament of badminton was underway and Eric helped me set up the mosquito tent and I sat in there with the dogs. Dinner was underway: Dad made four chickens, we had salad, Kass made guac, there was a large cheese plate, corn on the cob (Eric and I husked) and company potatoes. We had smores for dessert and Kass made mine. Eric and I went to bed first again, I think. Not sure why I couldn’t stay up late. Everyone else had fun hanging out by the campfire.

Thursday 7/19, Bashful was missing and Kass was a wreck and mad Sky wasn’t there yet. She called and demanded he get up and over there. She finally found him down by the river on the neighbors’ side. Eric was up early but didn’t get the dogs up. I got them up and tried to keep them quiet until we could get downstairs. They were excited to see Mom and get treats in the motorhome. All the boys were off to play golf. People were getting up and we needed to get a jump on Lady Day so I went up, ate half a cinnamon crisp and got ready. Kass, Aubs, Hailey and I took off for Wenatchee to meet up with Mom, Heidi and Grandma and Papa. We got there a little late but had a nice lunch. Sky was supposed to pick up Papa but was running late; we went down to Gilded Lily and Sky went there then up to the museum to meet Papa. We helped Kassie pick up a bunch of stuff for her trailer, then to a couple antique places where K picked up some stuff for the business. We were running out of time so K and me took off and Hailey and Aubs took Grandma’s car. We went to Pier 1 where she bought a shit load of stuff then to Target where we got more stuff, including wine for Papa. We were going to be late but we were hustling; talking about Sunshine and all that stuff. We finally arrived and the order had been put in. We had a super early dinner, but I still managed to eat two and a half pieces of pizza. Eric was having a great time playing pool with the younger kids. We left and went back to the property. A fire was started but the mosquitoes were bad so I went upstairs and ended up falling in and out of sleep several times. I finally got up a little after 9 to go hang out. I didn’t last long that evening and was one of the first to go to bed.

Wednesday 7/18, Eric was off to work super early, I was up by 8, fed the dogs then headed out to gas up the car. When I got back I started packing and had breakfast. Aubrie got up and we chatted. They didn’t leave early, more like 11. After they left I called Mom to tell her I would drop off Brizo instead. I took off to meet up with David W*lega to pick up Nyx and Clancy’s portraits. We talked for a while then I headed home. I ate some lunch, Eric came home, we packed up the car and the dogs and took off for Plain. We made pretty good time and the dogs were very excited to get there. Kass, Aubs and Christian were out and about. We hung out and when Kass got back she started going nuts on her trailer cleaning. I chatted with her for a bit then offered to go buy her some more supplies. Aubrie went with me and I think we got everything on her list. Back at home Mom was making dinner and we had burgers with all the trim. Uncle Brad showed up and he got the trailer all squared up then we ate. Heidi showed up later and Hailey and Ryan last of all, way late. We sat around the fire and turned in kind of early.

Tuesday 7/17, I got off work a little early and headed home. Eric didn’t have Aubrie because her and Christian were at the Art Institute having an interview. We finally left to go pick them up at Kassie’s around 6:30. We hung out there for a bit then took off for home. Eric made a shit load of quesadillas with a ton of stuff in them plus guac. We all ate a ton and Christian said they may have been better than the enchiladas of the last visit. We sat in the living room and watched Royal Tenenbaums, which neither of them had seen. Aubrie loved it, of course. I love Luke Wilson in it. Back when he was so fucking hot. We were all tired so we turned in after it was over. They got all set up and we went to bed.

Monday 7/16, I woke up and my neck felt so much better; almost completely better, just overnight. I was so happy. The car was having some problems starting because I think I left on the windshield wipers, which I’m not sure why that would do it, but I can’t think of anything else. Eric fixed it. When I got home Eric and I both started cleaning. We both did our bathrooms, he vacuumed and dusted, I did laundry, stripped the guest bed in the back room, picked up dog crap, brushed all the dogs, washed all the dogs bedding, brought in the cans, fed the dogs, made our bed, reorganized the hall closet and Eric went to the store to get stuff for dinner. Whew. I was done by 7 and dinner was done by 7:45. I talked to Aubrie about plans for the next day, but didn’t really nail anything down. I showered then ate then watched Bachelorette (Guys Tell All). I made the bed and made the dogs’ beds during the commercials. I updated this and watched Seinfeld while Eric slept.

Sunday 7/15, I was up by 8 and Eric had to be to work by 9:30. I ate breakfast and showered. I took off to meet Janell down in Tukwila to give her the luggage, then home. I folded some laundry, cleaned some dishes and did some other minor things. I was feeling really tired and my neck was killing me. I watched Volver, which was ok. Eric came home and we walked the dogs which we all enjoyed. Eric made me dinner and I cleaned up the dishes. I wanted to watch a show but he didn’t. I was feeling playful and kept prodding him. He was a good sport and eventually gave up trying to sleep and watched it with me. We went to bed by 11.

Saturday 7/14, Eric was up at like 5 since he was going to ride his bike to work. I got up around 8 and took care of the dogs. I knew I had a lot to do but my neck was still really stiff and sore. I cut Nyx’s hair and nails then did Clancy’s nails. I did some weeding in the backyard and went through some of the top soil in the back. I needed some rests and took them liberally. I went to the bank to get some cash (for the dogs’ portraits) then down to Clyde Hill for an estate sale. I almost bought a painting (print) but reeled myself in and just bought some towels for the dogs instead and spent like $2. Back at home I watched Shanghai Noon and Eric came home in the middle of it. Eric was at work until almost 5 and when he got home he wanted to go to Super Supplements and the store. We got stuff to make some Mexican dish and other provisions. Back at home Eric made dinner and I broke down one of the wood panels on the side of the house and put it in the trash. We ate dinner then he went to bed by 8:45 and I stayed up to watch some 48 Hours that I’d already seen. I fell asleep in the middle of it.

Friday 7/13, Eric took me to work so he could pick up Mom and Dad from the airport. They came and picked me up for lunch and we went to Jak’s. It was a nice lunch but made me want out of work that much more. Eric picked me up and I was so happy it was Friday. He wanted to see a movie; I said we’d have to wait to see how I felt. I looked at movie times and he suggested the greek, gyro place in Bellevue (garlic something). We got the same thing (lamb / beef gyro) (delicious!) then headed to Lincoln Square for Moonrise Kingdom. I loved it. Eric loved it. I’m glad we saw it in the theater. We headed home, but it was relatively early (9:30ish). I think we ended up going to bed somewhat early. Eric had a super early morning ahead of him.