10 things I'm doing to prepare for the hurricane

1. Tying things down and stowing anything outside that could become a projectile.
2. Leaving the news on in the background.
3. Eating all food in the refrigerator (as much as possible).
4. Nervously texting with my sister in seaside Asbury Park, NJ.
5. Feeling bad for friends from out of town whose vacation was ruined. Their early flight home was canceled and they had to rent a car to drive 10 hours home.
6. Making sure all devices are charged.
7. Finishing laundry and doing the dishes.
8. Filling dog and cat water bowls to the brim.
9. Walking anxiously from room to room.
10. Drinking wine. But not too much.
--Sent from my phone--

(H/T to Todd Colby for the idea.)

Lulabelle inspects the devastation from today's earthquake

First day of school

Yesterday was the first day of school. It went really well, aside from the fact that somehow we had sent Thea to school wearing two left shoes. Mike took pictures while I dealt with some wicked "allergies" that made it almost impossible to see through my misty eyes.

Don't Thea and Liam look so big?

Here we're dropping Liam off at his kindergarten class. His teacher is Thea's beloved Ms. Lemberg. We're all thrilled.

Liam's desk!

Liam at his desk!

Hugs goodbye. (Hmm, maybe hugging him a little too hard.)

There's something in my eye.

On to Thea's class! Here's her desk.

Hugs goodbye! Thea's a big second-grader and doesn't need me to stick around quite as long as Liam did.

The something in my eye moved down to my throat and made it impossible to talk without choking. It sounded like a sob, but really those schools are just so dusty.

Liam starts kindergarten!

Today is Liam's first day of school. I'm so proud, and a little weepy.

Happy ... Friday from the bonus kitten, Lulabelle Twinkletoes

It's a long story.

Happy Purrsday from Liam and Puma

Well, of course, if Thea gets a kitten, Liam does, too! Puma came home a couple days later than George. I lobbied for naming him "Mr. Stinkypants." Alas, "Puma" it is.

Happy Caturday from Thea and George

This is Thea's first cat! She will love him and hug him and named him George.