“I’m not wearing underwear!” A little girl shouted as she lifted her nightgown and twirled around. “Does your Mama do that?” She asked her cousin.

“Yes!” The cousin said, “Does your Mama do that?” She asked in turn.

“Oh yes!” Was the quick reply.

The Big Man was in L.A. Thursday through Sunday, last week, and is flying to Thailand tomorrow. I think we can all agree that that is extremely bad manners.

My sister offered to babysit for us tonight, but we decided to stay home and spend the evening with the kids. Next Friday we will go out.

Paul came home early today and announced that a possible trip to Miami, in August, is a reality. He wants me come with him. Torey was sitting with us when we were talking and a tense smile came over her face. We both turned to look at her.

“That would be a really nice way to celebrate an anniversary.” She meant her own.

“Oh yeah. What if you stayed with the kids through the week and we took Rennie for the weekend?”

Do you think I can convince her it’s a fair trade?

https://alisonhodgson.com/2006/07/924/

Yesterday at the librairy I noticed a new title by Bill Bryson and checked it out.

I awoke in the middle of the night and began to read it. Out loud laughter ensued. Paul rolled over to check the time.

“I have at least a couple more hours to sleep, Pretty. Would you please spare me?”

I mumbled something noncommittal and rolled away from him.

Muffling giggles in my pillow I realized that the last time I woke Paul up with giggling I was reading another book by Bill Bryson.

https://alisonhodgson.com/2006/07/925/

Have just realized that once I turn 41 I will be in my early forties!

https://alisonhodgson.com/2006/07/926/

A kind friend pointed out that 37 is officially one’s late thirties. He and I are both a kittenish 36 which places us in our mid-thirties.

An old friend – and by old I am referring to the friendship, not the young man himself – is a gift.

I would also like to point out that Paul is 37 3/4.

Make your own conclusions.