It was a full week. We had dinner out on Wednesday, taking advantage of a free entree at Houlihan’s. The coupon was for Danita’s “half birthday” (titled Halfday Birthday to You). Never mind the lame marketing. It was a great discount, and they have the best restaurant meatloaf in town. Thursday was Discovering Christ at Church, with a satisfying beef stew dinner.. Friday was “Stations” with a tremendously good vegetable soup and St. Louis’ famous grilled cheese sandwiches. Yesterday was the Chili Cook Off at Church. (Pay no attention to the rumours that I had more than one desert.) We took Mark and Jiajia out to breakfast this morning at the Silver Diner (most excellent food and delightful conversation, as always). And tonight is the neighborhood comfort food potluck. Here’s hoping somebody brings meatloaf!

But the real excitement begins tomorrow. I’m flying down to see Mom in the morning, returning Thursday afternoon. It’s a packed 4 days of nonstop activity. Don’t tell anybody, but a little birdie told me that there wasn’t room on one page for everything on my to-do list, so Mom hand-wrote the rest on the back of the page. It’s going to be non-stop action for me for sure this week — and, of course, a lot of fun also. Danita will be holding down the home front by herself this week. She’s delighted devastated that I won’t be here for 4 whole days.

I have to sign off and do some exercises to build my endurance. I hope this finds everybody doing well.