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I can hardly believe that at one time, in the not-too-distant past, I was a busy mom of four, settling never-ending squabbles, chauffering to practices and events, cooking large family dinners, helping with homework, and worrying when someone was late getting home. I still think about my kids a lot, and pray for them everyday, but the everyday stuff is gone, and I really try not to worry about them. It isn’t all that hard, because usually I don’t know enough about what they are doing TO worry. As far as I know they are all doing fine. Bob, recently married (I’m still trying to wrap my mind around THAT one) and in a new house seems to be crazily busy with projects. Heather, in a nice new appartment, still appears to be in stable relationships with Heath and three cats. Jim, having completed his summer job at the INL and living in our Howe house, is getting ready to had back up to Northern Idaho for his final year of a Wildlife Biology degree. Now we get to Johnny. Ah, Johnny, what can I say? I am full of wonder and admiration at his planning, hard work and accomplishments.
After a brief stint in Japan, Johnny secured a job with a law firm assisting paralegals, and set about applying to law schools. He had his sights set on a top one, and was accepted into several. Vanderbilt U, in Nashville, TN helped their case by awarding him a large scholarship. And so, Johnny has just finished driving clear across the country in his new-used Ford Taurus, hauling his motorcycle in a U-Haul Trailor. He is settling into an appartment, and by this time has completed his orientation week. He called me yesterday with news:”There is another first year law student here from Boise State University! I could hardly believe it.” What are the odds? Johnny got a very nice letter and Starbucks coupons from his Aunt Jane in Calif. She is, it would appear, more thoughtful than his mother…......
I am really hoping Johnny may be persuaded to write some brief, guest-post vinguettes on his Law School/Nashville experiences. His writing is always vastly entertaining.

Right now, I am stressed out about the Idaho house. I HAVE to get back there, take a little time, and get it cleaned out so we can sell it. Right now, I don’t think I want anything that is there, but when I get back and look at stuff I always change my mind. I have a piano that belonged to my mother, but no place in this house where it would fit.
On a more cheerful note, we are continuing to make improvements to the house we are currently living in. UltraDad replaced a very-poorly fitting window in the dining room, but he replaced it with one a bit larger than the old one, which entailed some modifying. It looks fantastic now, with a new widowsill and a window that fits snugly and actually can be opened and closed.
We began painting one of the back bedrooms that UltraDad has taken over as his own. Formerly a little girl’s room there was a wide border of picknicking teddy bears around the wall. One day last week, I visited UDad in his lair, and he informed me that this was a Guys-Only room; no girls allowed. I told him I could see that. It looked very masculine, what with the pinkish-colored walls and the teddy bears and all. After much travail, the border has been removed, and two of the walls have been primed. The walls will be repainted with a lightish blue color called “Gray Fog”. Hopefully this will help.

We sort of have a new cat. He just showed up about a week ago, and is ignoring broad hints that he should either go back where he came from or find a new home elsewhere. He is a solid gray, green-eyed, short-haired young male. At first I thought he had been declawed because he used his soft paws so much, but this proved not to be the case. He is totally unafraid of barking Murphy, and in fact will chase him around the yard, much to Murphy’s delight. Udad finally gave me permission to leave cat food for him outside in the dog run.
My garden is producing well, and is a source of great pleasure to both of us. Cherry and grape tomatoes abound, as well as some cucumbers, pumpkins, green beans and sugar snap peas. My flowers seem to be in their blooming prime, but we can already feel a chill in the air in the evenings. I am not looking forward to winter and having all my plants die.
Okay, I think you are up to speed. Keep those cards and comments coming.

UltraMom