first of all, let me say happy birthday to my sister. yes, i know you're still younger than i, but so what. i hope you have a great day, and i love you.

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i would regale you with a story about my sister and how she learned her birth date, but i could never capture in words how hysterically funny it was. suffice to say, the one date i will never, ever forget is my sister's birthday. and i think she holds the world record for stubborness.

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speaking of birthdays, mine is five days away. *eep*

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the knight has been drafted to work tomorrow, although his contract states specifically that he be allowed time to see his WC lawyer. so, that part is still on but everything else is up in the air. i have the list of questions ( and i gave him a copy in case i can't be there due to logistics ) so we'll see where this goes.

the ulceration on the other leg looks nasty, but it's not paining him and it's not oozing anymore. ( did i have to rip off his pants in order to see? some things will never be told, friends and neighbors! ) he's waiting for compression knee-hi's to come in...but whether he wears them or not remains to be seen.

it's roughly three inches in diameter, on the ankle, and a lovely shade of purple. i'm afraid for him, i really am. i don't say a thing, not right now. but it's scary. this on one leg, the knee on the other...well. i'm not borrowing trouble, but i do see a bit farther down the road than he does ( or maybe i'm deluding myself...he's a sharp cookie, and we play this game of " i'm not saying anything that makes him/her worry " when we both know what's going on ) and if he's not careful there could be some major consequences coming down the pike.

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i ran out of yarn while i was fringing the shawl for my mom, so that has to wait unitl payday. it came out so pretty! the original shawl did not, but there's a lot of prayers in that one so i'll send both. she can always make a bed for Boo out of it. :)

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i'm going to pretend the president isn't speaking tonight. i'm sure he has nothing of interest to say that i haven't already heard, and honestly, i can't take anymore. ( of course, this is bullshit. i most likely will watch the first three minutes, throw a shoe at the wall and go watch something totally inane to take that taste out of my mouth. )

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oh, and to answer Maggie's question:

my twenties were spent in a haze of changing diapers and making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. i had a child in '82, '84 and '85, and had two in diapers at any one time. i was exhausted and i have no idea how i got through those years. i miss them. i miss my little kiddies, having the energy i did, and looking as good as i did ( even though i had no idea i was so hot. )

my thirties were a nightmare, but that was due to the situation in which i found myself. i loved participating in all the functions required by motherhood ( well, maybe not the band concerts...but you'll find out heh...) including girls scouts, boy scouts, soccer, 4H, sunday school, band practice, art shows, etc., but on top of working two jobs and dealing with a lunatic in the household, it was rough.

my forties have been golden. love 'em, would do them all over again. i re-introduced myself to myself, and found out who i am and what i like and found out i actually like myself. that was a true revelation. i found freedom and talent, i found love and courage, both within and without. the forties have been my favorite so far.

i won't know about the fifties for another couple of years, but i'll keep you posted. ;)

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i haven't checked my email yet, so i'm going to go see if there's anything good ( acceptances, perchance? maybe something from a friend?? ) in there...then i'm going to watch American Idol and ruminate on how more people vote in that contest than in the national election.

food for thought, eh?

:)