In which nothing quite goes according to plan.

Due to forgetting to hand off my key, thus preventing the effectiveness of my clever plan of having someone else feed the birds today, I've come back up to my place for the night. Roads weren't great, either from the fog or the heavy rain, and I discovered that standing water on the highways which leads to hydroplaning is rather unpleasant.

Good time this morning breakfasting with Joe and Laura, who joined us, and spent a nice evening at the family gathering before I had to head out... it was really good to see my cousin Beth and her daughters up on a rare visit from her new abode in Georgia. Wish I could have stayed longer, though.
As much stress as has leaked into the time I've just spent there this weekend, arising from various situations, I do find myself wanting to be at my parents' house to help feel more grounded lately. It nearly worked this time. At least I'll get to see everyone again in January when my uncle comes down.

I left a birthday present for my dad and just wished them a good night over the phone, and while I know that helps, I still really want to be home.

I'll make the best of the evening here, though. I've already broken into a box of chocolates from our little Yankee swap this evening, had a good chat with Laura, and there's a new thingy I'm knitting and a Dostoyevsky book from my mom to pounce on.

And sending out and receiving snugglehugs over the miles of phone lines this evening is still giving me residual smiling. This is a goodness and a source of strength to me in the midst of stresses and everything swirling around. Got to talk to my wonderful art-nerd-revolutionary Tim in Chicago and Henri in New Orleans and J&A in Noho and left a message in Australia for my Prince. So many people I want to hug in person, and no handy teleportation devices. Grrr..

I'm going to go light another candle and chill out.

Later.

-Me.