This week

Suddenly, there was lots to do. I had two tiny stories to submit by 5 on Monday and then, at 4:30, I heard from an editor from a nearby town wondering if I could cover a talk that started at 6. And I could. It was fun and a little unsettling to be covering a town where I didn't know people. Thankfully, I knew a exactly three people and that was enough. I took more notes than I'd ever be able to use, took lousy pictures (not completely my fault - the venue was dark) and got the heck out of there.

The next day was Key Day. Or, really, Missing Key Day. Aidan couldn't find his keys, so I let him take my car. But I myself was down to one key for the van, so I cautioned him that he needed to be careful. Wouldn't you know - his pants, cellphone, sweatshirt and keys were all stolen out of his (unlocked) gym locker. An afternoon of frustration and barely concealed rage. Even a three-mile run didn't cure me. I was so touchy that I got out of my friend's car when he tried to make me strap on my seatbeat one block from our destination. Bitch.

Later, after a longish School Committee meeting, I arrived home to a kitchen full of men: Neal, Aidan and three young South Africans who we were putting up for the night. They were members of the St. Alban's College Choir and they had sung at St. Luke's earlier. It was a cheery homecoming, and Aidan loved having the guests. (Again, I recall that this son of mine would have loved to be part of a bigger family. Oh well!)

The next morning, I cooked up pancakes, bacon and sausage and it all vanished into the boys. Neal and I walked with them over to St. Luke's, as they pulled their big suitcases behind them, for the bus trip to Boston and the rest of their tour. A brief but very pleasant stay.

Wrote a story last night and did an interview today and wrote that up tonight. I like this.