Allison Knight's Blog, page 17
December 22, 2013
The Journey
It's raining, and despite the heavy weather, I'm not doing too badly. I heard from my brother yesterday and we talked on the phone for over an hour. I was so afraid that his liver cancer had returned, and was even speculating about which one of us might go first.
However, another miracle? He liver contains no cancer cells at this time. I can only thank the Lord for that. He's younger, has a business to run, and since our dad died of liver cancer, I know he's a bit fearful of that. So this is fab news all around. The doctors will keep an eye on him, but it looks like it is great news. I'm delighted for him.
Sorry about the recipe mistake. I'm going to try my friend's peanut butter squares this afternoon.
When they brought me a tray of cookies, there were these two squares. The kids got one and I got the other. I thought they were delicious. (Can you tell I like chocolate and peanut butter?) He sent the recipe yesterday and it looks so simple. It will take almost no effort on my part. (Love those kind) In the meantime, I have computer work to do. It's the end of the year and there's lot of stuff to put together.
(sighing!) Oh, the joy of taxes!
Okay, I'm getting to it.
Allison
However, another miracle? He liver contains no cancer cells at this time. I can only thank the Lord for that. He's younger, has a business to run, and since our dad died of liver cancer, I know he's a bit fearful of that. So this is fab news all around. The doctors will keep an eye on him, but it looks like it is great news. I'm delighted for him.
Sorry about the recipe mistake. I'm going to try my friend's peanut butter squares this afternoon.
When they brought me a tray of cookies, there were these two squares. The kids got one and I got the other. I thought they were delicious. (Can you tell I like chocolate and peanut butter?) He sent the recipe yesterday and it looks so simple. It will take almost no effort on my part. (Love those kind) In the meantime, I have computer work to do. It's the end of the year and there's lot of stuff to put together.
(sighing!) Oh, the joy of taxes!
Okay, I'm getting to it.
Allison
December 21, 2013
The Journey
Oh boy! Big mistake. I made my peanut butter squares yesterday afternoon and used a new peanut butter. Oh, a national brand, but it was whipped with reduced sugar. The squares ARE NOT staying together. it's crumbling as soon as you cut it. I should have increased the morsels to 1 and 1/4 cups. So what was the point of decreased sugar, I ask you.
Don't know if that would work, but I'm going back to my plain old (National brand) creamy peanut butter. No reduced sugar, whipped stuff for me. The recipe did not work well. Oh, well, lots of crumbs for the ice cream for Christmas.
By the way, I'm seeing signs and hearing lots about taking the 'Christ' out of Christmas. Then you have only Mass left and that sure isn't going to set well. I can think of only two religions that have a 'mass'. Wonder what people would say then? Just a thought. I sure am going to have a lot of questions I hope to get answered when I get upstairs. I hope God know how curious I am. (grinning)
Did the last of the grocery shopping today, did the banking. am gathering tax stuff. I'm pooped already. I just told poor DH it's microwave lunches today. I won't say what he said. On top of that, the poor guy only got a muffin for breakfast. Busy time, Busy day.
Now, out to the kitchen to microwave and then more to do before the kids start to arrive.
Allison
PS. Feeling good. Has to be the season as well as all the activity. But I have to remember to stop and rest, and I am not a resting person. Darn!
Don't know if that would work, but I'm going back to my plain old (National brand) creamy peanut butter. No reduced sugar, whipped stuff for me. The recipe did not work well. Oh, well, lots of crumbs for the ice cream for Christmas.
By the way, I'm seeing signs and hearing lots about taking the 'Christ' out of Christmas. Then you have only Mass left and that sure isn't going to set well. I can think of only two religions that have a 'mass'. Wonder what people would say then? Just a thought. I sure am going to have a lot of questions I hope to get answered when I get upstairs. I hope God know how curious I am. (grinning)
Did the last of the grocery shopping today, did the banking. am gathering tax stuff. I'm pooped already. I just told poor DH it's microwave lunches today. I won't say what he said. On top of that, the poor guy only got a muffin for breakfast. Busy time, Busy day.
Now, out to the kitchen to microwave and then more to do before the kids start to arrive.
Allison
PS. Feeling good. Has to be the season as well as all the activity. But I have to remember to stop and rest, and I am not a resting person. Darn!
December 20, 2013
The Journey
I've been thinking (giggling) and that is always dangerous. The first book I tried to write was a cookbook. My DH panned it, and I never got past more than a few pages, but after almost 70 years of cooking (I did start young) I have collected or invented some marvelous recipes.
Given the desire to write a cookbook, but not wanting to take the time, what I've decided to do is this:
Starting after Christmas, we do have to get through the holidays, I'm going to start a newsletter about what I'm writing, where we are with Lovesong, and the other books, and in each edition which should come out every other week, I'll include some of my recipes (one or two) and some of the helpful hints I've come up with other the years. Did you know you could freeze milk? When it's on sale, (good luck with that) pour off about 1/2 cup per half gallon and freeze reminder. It keeps well for months. 2% works best.
Okay, don't blame me, blame the hospice people. They know I love to cook and I've been helping solve a few problems they've had. So why not. I'll be adding a place for you to sign up if you want to receive the newsletter, which will be digital, of course. However, let me share today. (This is an example of what I'll be offering.)
Do you need a quick cookie for a cookie exchange, a healthy snack for the kids, are in a hurry? This one is great. And good for you.
Peanut butter squares - - - Less than fifteen minutes from start to clean up. I promise.
4 cups of a plain flake cereal (Total, Wheaties, Corn flakes - Rice flakes don't work well)
2/3 cup of creamy peanut butter (Natural doesn't do well here either)
1 cup Butterscotch morsels.
Pour the cereal in a big bowl. Put the peanut butter and morsels in a microwave bowl and microwave on high for 45 seconds. Peanut butter will melt and morsel will soften. Stir well. Microwave again for 15 - 20 seconds and stir again. Continue to microwave in 10 - 15 second intervals until the morsels are almost completely melted, stirring frequently after each heating. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the cereal and fold gently until almost all the cereal is coated. Pour into an ungreased 8" square pan, pat gently and cool in the refrigerator until firm. Cut into squares.
This is crumbly, but the crumbs go great on vanilla ice cream instead of syrup and nuts, and it's healthier.
You can add candied fruit, raisins, whatever your family likes. My big kids like these without anything. Even our big cat likes these.
So if you like cooking hints or special and different recipes, watch for the newsletter signup after Christmas.
See what thinking can go for you! Told you it was dangerous. (grinning) And yes, today is a good day.
Allison
Given the desire to write a cookbook, but not wanting to take the time, what I've decided to do is this:
Starting after Christmas, we do have to get through the holidays, I'm going to start a newsletter about what I'm writing, where we are with Lovesong, and the other books, and in each edition which should come out every other week, I'll include some of my recipes (one or two) and some of the helpful hints I've come up with other the years. Did you know you could freeze milk? When it's on sale, (good luck with that) pour off about 1/2 cup per half gallon and freeze reminder. It keeps well for months. 2% works best.
Okay, don't blame me, blame the hospice people. They know I love to cook and I've been helping solve a few problems they've had. So why not. I'll be adding a place for you to sign up if you want to receive the newsletter, which will be digital, of course. However, let me share today. (This is an example of what I'll be offering.)
Do you need a quick cookie for a cookie exchange, a healthy snack for the kids, are in a hurry? This one is great. And good for you.
Peanut butter squares - - - Less than fifteen minutes from start to clean up. I promise.
4 cups of a plain flake cereal (Total, Wheaties, Corn flakes - Rice flakes don't work well)
2/3 cup of creamy peanut butter (Natural doesn't do well here either)
1 cup Butterscotch morsels.
Pour the cereal in a big bowl. Put the peanut butter and morsels in a microwave bowl and microwave on high for 45 seconds. Peanut butter will melt and morsel will soften. Stir well. Microwave again for 15 - 20 seconds and stir again. Continue to microwave in 10 - 15 second intervals until the morsels are almost completely melted, stirring frequently after each heating. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the cereal and fold gently until almost all the cereal is coated. Pour into an ungreased 8" square pan, pat gently and cool in the refrigerator until firm. Cut into squares.
This is crumbly, but the crumbs go great on vanilla ice cream instead of syrup and nuts, and it's healthier.
You can add candied fruit, raisins, whatever your family likes. My big kids like these without anything. Even our big cat likes these.
So if you like cooking hints or special and different recipes, watch for the newsletter signup after Christmas.
See what thinking can go for you! Told you it was dangerous. (grinning) And yes, today is a good day.
Allison
December 19, 2013
The Journey
I feel good today! We are working on promotion items, because I'm almost done with Lovesong. And other stories are starting to bounce around in my head. That's the trouble with being an author. Once you finish one book, another one or two or three come sneaking into your head, screaming, Me!, Me!, Me!.
Now I have to decide which one I want to work on next. Time to concentrate on whose story need to be told - the most.
All the Christmas stuff is settled. The kids will do the decorating, and the cooking. (Still grinning like the Cheshire cat) I have only one pie to bake (okay I'm repeating myself, but after years and years spent in the kitchen most of Christmas day, I can only say I'm crowing!!!) Besides, most people know, I'm a Christmas present myself. I was born on Christmas day, in one of the worse snow storms to hit Indiana. And no, I'm not going to mention the year.
So, time to consider what next. And Hooray! They think they know what is causing the elastic bank I've complained about. Pleurisy. So there's stuff I can take, I just can't eat too much at one time. But, and this is the great part. Lots and lots of little meals. Te, he, he, he! So I can eat every couple of hours. Not good for someone wanting to maintain their weight. But, Christmas cookies here I come!
Oh, and when I complained about gaining a pound or two and maybe I should do a bit of dieting, you should have heard my hospice nurse. "The last thing a cancer patient needs to worry about is losing weight. You DO NOT need to diet!"
Do you have any idea what that means to a chocoholic? (grinning all the way to the stash of Nickers bars!)
On my way to feed me soon-to-be chubby little face.
Allison
Now I have to decide which one I want to work on next. Time to concentrate on whose story need to be told - the most.
All the Christmas stuff is settled. The kids will do the decorating, and the cooking. (Still grinning like the Cheshire cat) I have only one pie to bake (okay I'm repeating myself, but after years and years spent in the kitchen most of Christmas day, I can only say I'm crowing!!!) Besides, most people know, I'm a Christmas present myself. I was born on Christmas day, in one of the worse snow storms to hit Indiana. And no, I'm not going to mention the year.
So, time to consider what next. And Hooray! They think they know what is causing the elastic bank I've complained about. Pleurisy. So there's stuff I can take, I just can't eat too much at one time. But, and this is the great part. Lots and lots of little meals. Te, he, he, he! So I can eat every couple of hours. Not good for someone wanting to maintain their weight. But, Christmas cookies here I come!
Oh, and when I complained about gaining a pound or two and maybe I should do a bit of dieting, you should have heard my hospice nurse. "The last thing a cancer patient needs to worry about is losing weight. You DO NOT need to diet!"
Do you have any idea what that means to a chocoholic? (grinning all the way to the stash of Nickers bars!)
On my way to feed me soon-to-be chubby little face.
Allison
December 18, 2013
The Journey
Doing well today. Grocery shopping, finished the Christmas cards, got enough meds to last over the holidays, and had hospice visits. I also found out my daughter and another granddaughter are coming the 23rd. They will decorate and cook and all I'm going to do is make one Mince Meat pie. Te, he, he! For years and years I did all the cooking. Not this year!
I promised my daughter I would stay out of the kitchen. Wonder if I can keep that promise? We'll see.
Didn't get a bit of editing done today. Busy time of year. Okay, I should have stayed home, but the sun was shining and I hadn't been out of the house for a couple of days. And my going out is limited to the grocery, so that's what I did. Got some bargain's too! And that's the best part.
We'll have ham for Christmas. I know, because I bought the thing. And it's a beauty. Not fond of turkey. Oh, I like the fried turkey, but at my age, I'll not about to invest in a turkey fryer and I sure would want one of those electric ones. The others look too dangerous. Beside, open flames and O2 don't go together. (grinning) I'd be the one being fried!
Allison
I promised my daughter I would stay out of the kitchen. Wonder if I can keep that promise? We'll see.
Didn't get a bit of editing done today. Busy time of year. Okay, I should have stayed home, but the sun was shining and I hadn't been out of the house for a couple of days. And my going out is limited to the grocery, so that's what I did. Got some bargain's too! And that's the best part.
We'll have ham for Christmas. I know, because I bought the thing. And it's a beauty. Not fond of turkey. Oh, I like the fried turkey, but at my age, I'll not about to invest in a turkey fryer and I sure would want one of those electric ones. The others look too dangerous. Beside, open flames and O2 don't go together. (grinning) I'd be the one being fried!
Allison
December 17, 2013
The Journey
The hospice nurse came up with a great suggestion. Keep as diary of the stomach band. Ugh! Did that and I found out, I eat too much. As soon as my stomach says getting full, I'd better stop, or the band is back. This would be a great way to lose weight if it weren't so uncomfortable. Besides, I like my weight where it is. It took me almost two year to shed my extra hundred pounds and I like the new me which I have had now for almost eight years.
Today and a good part of yesterday was spent writing the annual Christmas letter. We started doing this years ago, as we were moving around and over the years we continued. It's a good way to let friends and family know where everyone is and what they are doing. DH is getting them ready to mail out now. He's doing it this year. Te, he, he, he. I wrote the letter, he edited as usual and then he took over, bless his heart. You have to be living in the south the understand the phrase 'bless his heart'.
It doesn't mean what it says. It means kinda like ' oh, you poor thing, you.'
There are lots of southern expressions I've grown to love. I especially like the one which describes distances. 'Far piece.' Now that says it all, don't you think?
Well, with the letters going out of here, and the tree and the few other decorations going up this year (but not until the 23rd 'till my daughter who might have well invented decorating for Christmas) arrives, I can cross more things off that infamous list. Daughter can do the tree, the mantle and the door. That's all I'm doing this year. 'Cause we'll have to put it all away.
Oh, Lord, the next thing on that list is 'business expenses'. And that take days. (sighing heavily)
Now back to the... Keeping my word, won't say it, but I am. Eight more to go.
Allison
Today and a good part of yesterday was spent writing the annual Christmas letter. We started doing this years ago, as we were moving around and over the years we continued. It's a good way to let friends and family know where everyone is and what they are doing. DH is getting them ready to mail out now. He's doing it this year. Te, he, he, he. I wrote the letter, he edited as usual and then he took over, bless his heart. You have to be living in the south the understand the phrase 'bless his heart'.
It doesn't mean what it says. It means kinda like ' oh, you poor thing, you.'
There are lots of southern expressions I've grown to love. I especially like the one which describes distances. 'Far piece.' Now that says it all, don't you think?
Well, with the letters going out of here, and the tree and the few other decorations going up this year (but not until the 23rd 'till my daughter who might have well invented decorating for Christmas) arrives, I can cross more things off that infamous list. Daughter can do the tree, the mantle and the door. That's all I'm doing this year. 'Cause we'll have to put it all away.
Oh, Lord, the next thing on that list is 'business expenses'. And that take days. (sighing heavily)
Now back to the... Keeping my word, won't say it, but I am. Eight more to go.
Allison
December 16, 2013
The Journey
DH is at the doctor, his semi annual visit. I have lot of time, I hope. (grinning) To work on edits and things. Yesterday I got a lot accomplished. I feel good! I have this big metal file cabinet, full of stuff. We keep hard copies of everything because computers do crash. We've had it happen. Sooooo.
Anyway, the stack of stuff to file was growing day by day. It was probably four inches tall yesterday when I started. Now it is all put in the correct file and my desk is almost clear. Hooray. At least I can see my calendar. I also did some mending. I have a favorite sweater (doesn't everyone) and the poor thing was starting to come apart. Here I am bragging about the silliest things, but at my age, threading a needle is an endeavor not to be missed. However, I did it and slick as a whistle. Now I am clear to finish up something else on that infamous list.
I have also managed to finish the Christmas letter. We started sending letters instead of cards years ago, to keep everyone posted on happenings. This letter was a bit harder to write, but it's done. Now, DH gets to print it up, make up the list, of who gets it and print out the labels. We do work well as a team.
The rest of the day is mine. And, okay, I said I wouldn't mention it, but y'all know what I'm going to do. (giggling)
Allison
Anyway, the stack of stuff to file was growing day by day. It was probably four inches tall yesterday when I started. Now it is all put in the correct file and my desk is almost clear. Hooray. At least I can see my calendar. I also did some mending. I have a favorite sweater (doesn't everyone) and the poor thing was starting to come apart. Here I am bragging about the silliest things, but at my age, threading a needle is an endeavor not to be missed. However, I did it and slick as a whistle. Now I am clear to finish up something else on that infamous list.
I have also managed to finish the Christmas letter. We started sending letters instead of cards years ago, to keep everyone posted on happenings. This letter was a bit harder to write, but it's done. Now, DH gets to print it up, make up the list, of who gets it and print out the labels. We do work well as a team.
The rest of the day is mine. And, okay, I said I wouldn't mention it, but y'all know what I'm going to do. (giggling)
Allison
December 15, 2013
The Journey
Two days of rest. Now, I'm chumping at the bit. Western expression. Laundry to do, and I made a quick trip to Wal Mart. Thank the Lord the electric carts were available this AM. You never know at our Wal Mart and for that reason, we don't shop there often. Except.... There are times. I needed wash cloths. I can't go pushing a cart around a department store anymore, and to buy four wash cloths on line seemed a little silly. Okay, a lot silly. So a trip to Wal Mart. Toothpaste and hair stuff was also on the list. But it was a quick in and out.
Okay, it is Sunday, and I was taught to take this day as a day of rest and prayer. But it is the only time our Wal Mart isn't clogged with a hundred shoppers. And the docs are encouraging me to avoid crowds with the flu making the rounds. And yes, I've had my flu shot, but there are several viruses out there and not all of them are covered by the current flu vaccine. I don't need the flu. Believe me, I don't need the flu.
I'm starting to notice an increase in the need to rest as I do things. And yes, it is part of the condition. It's a shame they can't biopsy the cancer to tell me if it's small cell or just regular cell cancer. But mine is in a really bad spot. As I mentioned before, the doctors will not touch it. To great a chance of finishing me off that instant. And, no, I'm not ready to go just yet. My list is not complete.
Laugh if you will, but lists are great. And my neighbor is right. Each day I think of something else. That list of things to accomplish is growing. And she did assure me, I can't go until I get all of it done.
Bad new for my brother. Five years ago, his liver cancer was completely cured with lots and lots of prayers. Now, it looks like it might be coming back. So if you could give a quick shout out to the Lord, or sends healing vibes to him as well, I would appreciate it. There are four of us, three girls, and the one boy, my baby brother. (Ha! He's six foot and weighs more than my DH - no baby about him. But he's younger than I am so.)
Unfortunately, like most of us our age, we smoked and drank. It was the thing to do in the fifties and sixties. Now, we pay the price. And yes, sad to say the cigarettes and the alcohol do contribute, especially if you have the gene in your family. Both my mother and father died of cancer. What's your bet we have a lot of that gene in us? A word to the wise. Drink in moderation and stop smoking.
Okay, I'm off my soap box.
Allison
Okay, it is Sunday, and I was taught to take this day as a day of rest and prayer. But it is the only time our Wal Mart isn't clogged with a hundred shoppers. And the docs are encouraging me to avoid crowds with the flu making the rounds. And yes, I've had my flu shot, but there are several viruses out there and not all of them are covered by the current flu vaccine. I don't need the flu. Believe me, I don't need the flu.
I'm starting to notice an increase in the need to rest as I do things. And yes, it is part of the condition. It's a shame they can't biopsy the cancer to tell me if it's small cell or just regular cell cancer. But mine is in a really bad spot. As I mentioned before, the doctors will not touch it. To great a chance of finishing me off that instant. And, no, I'm not ready to go just yet. My list is not complete.
Laugh if you will, but lists are great. And my neighbor is right. Each day I think of something else. That list of things to accomplish is growing. And she did assure me, I can't go until I get all of it done.
Bad new for my brother. Five years ago, his liver cancer was completely cured with lots and lots of prayers. Now, it looks like it might be coming back. So if you could give a quick shout out to the Lord, or sends healing vibes to him as well, I would appreciate it. There are four of us, three girls, and the one boy, my baby brother. (Ha! He's six foot and weighs more than my DH - no baby about him. But he's younger than I am so.)
Unfortunately, like most of us our age, we smoked and drank. It was the thing to do in the fifties and sixties. Now, we pay the price. And yes, sad to say the cigarettes and the alcohol do contribute, especially if you have the gene in your family. Both my mother and father died of cancer. What's your bet we have a lot of that gene in us? A word to the wise. Drink in moderation and stop smoking.
Okay, I'm off my soap box.
Allison
December 13, 2013
The Journey
All I can say is, if the weather men are correct, thank the Lord they started home today - instead of tomorrow. It looks like the snow storm with ice, wind, and lots of snow will hit the mid-west later tonight and all day tomorrow. If they went home as planned, I would have been basket case until I knew they made it home okay. Besides, their fourteen/ fifteen hour trip would have taken twenty hours or more.
The visit was wonderful and as I said yesterday, everyone looked great. I did enjoy myself and even my hospice nurse doesn't think I suffered a bit with all the confusion and the cooking and the crowd. She was pleased again with my progress.
Also, she added more information about my progressive disease. I commented that I really thought I would have more pain. She said sometimes people don't have much pain until the very end and they control that. Except for this silly elastic band which no one has figured out yet, I'm not doing badly at all. We went to the store for a quick in and out this morning and I got along fine. But other than grocery shopping I don't go out.
It's a good thing we have the computer and I have online shopping. (grinning) DH has his printer thanks to online shopping. I do my banking in the digital world. And I'm recording thoughts and feelings as a result. There are times when I'll admit I love the technical world. Today is one of them.
(still grinning) Of course, I'm still using windows 7. I am not about to tackle #8 until they do some improving, not after all the words my DH has been using working through the system.
Now back to what I should be doing. (Editing) Oh, I wasn't going to mention that.
Allison
The visit was wonderful and as I said yesterday, everyone looked great. I did enjoy myself and even my hospice nurse doesn't think I suffered a bit with all the confusion and the cooking and the crowd. She was pleased again with my progress.
Also, she added more information about my progressive disease. I commented that I really thought I would have more pain. She said sometimes people don't have much pain until the very end and they control that. Except for this silly elastic band which no one has figured out yet, I'm not doing badly at all. We went to the store for a quick in and out this morning and I got along fine. But other than grocery shopping I don't go out.
It's a good thing we have the computer and I have online shopping. (grinning) DH has his printer thanks to online shopping. I do my banking in the digital world. And I'm recording thoughts and feelings as a result. There are times when I'll admit I love the technical world. Today is one of them.
(still grinning) Of course, I'm still using windows 7. I am not about to tackle #8 until they do some improving, not after all the words my DH has been using working through the system.
Now back to what I should be doing. (Editing) Oh, I wasn't going to mention that.
Allison
December 12, 2013
The Journey
Unfortunately, with a bad storm coming through tomorrow, in KY and TN, my kids have to leave in the morning. From Alabama to Michigan takes them through both states. So I got two days, instead of three. Those two days were absolutely wonderful. It was great to see my youngest, who is looking so good. Tall, handsome - okay, I'll quit bragging. And my granddaughters. I had both my oldest and youngest granddaughters here, along with one of middle granddaughters, her husband and baby. Both the oldest and youngest I haven't seen in ages. The oldest has grown up and the youngest is a sweetheart. Of course, my only grandson was bored to death, at age 10, but he never let on, even though I know it was a fact. He's a great kid too.
Now back to the real world. They have to pack and get ready to leave early, so they've gone. I shed a few tears and moved on. After all life is all about moving on, from one stage to another. I got to give the kids the things I wanted them to have. Which is also good. I really feel sorry for those children who never get to see their parents or grandparents at the end of their lives. Children need to see reality, especially today.
As you can tell, I'm a bit psyched up today. But, unless we have a miracle, I probably won't get to see them all again. And if I don't stop, the tears will start again.
There were advantages to life as it was lived years and years ago. Families were close, within miles (a few miles) of each other and got to visit often. As I've already mentioned, that's not our lives these days.
Well, I think I'll go read a little bit, and stop feeling sorry for myself. Tomorrow I have edits. Oh, darn, I did say I wouldn't mention the book again.
Allison
Now back to the real world. They have to pack and get ready to leave early, so they've gone. I shed a few tears and moved on. After all life is all about moving on, from one stage to another. I got to give the kids the things I wanted them to have. Which is also good. I really feel sorry for those children who never get to see their parents or grandparents at the end of their lives. Children need to see reality, especially today.
As you can tell, I'm a bit psyched up today. But, unless we have a miracle, I probably won't get to see them all again. And if I don't stop, the tears will start again.
There were advantages to life as it was lived years and years ago. Families were close, within miles (a few miles) of each other and got to visit often. As I've already mentioned, that's not our lives these days.
Well, I think I'll go read a little bit, and stop feeling sorry for myself. Tomorrow I have edits. Oh, darn, I did say I wouldn't mention the book again.
Allison
