Just got home today, and our cat is very glad to see us. She isn't usually very affectionate, but Tim and I laid down on the bed because we were so tired, and she jumped up and walked all over us, butting her head into our chins and hands and purring and kneading us with her paws. She is sometimes like that first thing in the morning, but this was unusually demonstrative for her, and kinda sweet. Nice to know we were missed so much.
As for Mom's house...all I can say is, "wow!"
My sister, my husband, and I spent three days sorting and filing and purging bills and tax records and expired catalogs and magazines and Medicaid paperwork and Social Security paperwork and mortgage info and Lord only knows what else. We shredded, and filled up huge garbage bags full of paper, and filled up two huge filing boxes from Walmart with files full of important papers and unimportant papers that my mother couldn't bear to part with. She had disconnect notices from two utilities and invoices for books and magazines that weren't paid for -- called everybody and everything's paid now, and her checkbook is balanced (hasn't been for at least 6 months, thank goodness she had plenty in there to pay everything). We found the missing Medicaid documentation for my Grandma, and brought it down to the Medicaid office -- hopefully that's all they needed to backdate the payments. I washed dishes and scrubbed counters and cupboards, and left knowing there were a million things still to do but I have to be at work tomorrow. Wish I had two weeks. At least. I feel like we did the best we could, but it was really only immediate damage control, and I wish she lived within driving distance so we could go there at least once a month to check on things and try to keep on top of it. Ah, I wish I may, I wish I might...wishing won't make it so. She'd never agree to move. I tell you, though -- it made me vow to come home and get my own files in order. I feel like throwing away at least 50% of everything I own. The coolest thing happened when we were there. They live in a fairly populated suburb of town, and were were sitting at the kitchen table and my sister said, "Oh look, a deer just ran down the street!" We went out and there were about 10-12 female antelope followed by a buck. He herded them all down to a grassy area 2 blocks away, and after they grazed, he herded them all back up the street. We watched him do this about 3 times a day. Tim got some great pictures.
OK, it's late, just wanted to check in with you and let you know I'm back. Congrats to everyone who has lost or maintained
Cristi, glad you had such a nice birthday 
Angie, I'm sorry you didn't get the show, but it's totally their loss. I agree with Jana, God has other, better plans for you 
And Jana, I'm very sorry to hear about your great-nephew. So young, that's a terrible shame. My son's best friend -- great kid, good grades, works and goes to college, doesn't do drugs or drink -- but he drives way too fast. They joke about it, but I always tell them to slow down, to be careful, not that they listen to me. They are 18 and think they are invincible. I worry a lot when they go places together, but they are technically "adults" and all I can do is pray for their safety.
Glad you got your own mower. Sounds like your yard is really shaping up.
It is a beautiful day here. I have been out and about the neighborhood since 8 a.m. Really is great to get the walk out of the way so early. Now I am attacking dust bunnies and laundry. Hopefully I will have times to read today and make a trip to the library. 
) 
WOW...to heck with the scales. He is NOT one to give a compliment often. lol Makes it easier today to do the right thing! 
Plus, I plan on stopping at the hotel to get an application. Hmmmm....let's see, what else.....well I'm sure you don't want all the details of my life!!