Business Trip

Me and Bert on AmTrak

Just got back from a work related conference in D.C. It was actually at National Harbor, Maryland, right across the river from Alexandria. National Harbor was built only 10 years ago so it is still clean and shiny. My dear daughter rode up with me on AmTrak because I am too old and demented to travel alone. It takes about 6 hours from Cary to Union Station, but it's an easy trip. Don't have to deal with traffic! She arranged for Uber to take us from the station to the hotel. We stayed at the Gaylord which was AMAZING. Clearly the nicest place I've ever stayed in my life. I attended my conference and Bert went sight seeing at the Mall. She left after a couple nights and took the train back home. She picked up Early and took him to her house. Mike then drove up to see me and left Sophie in the care of Mal. The plan was to stay a couple nights before driving home, but we got the report that Sophie wasn't eating. She was depressed without her family! So we drove back on Thursday, which worked out fine because I hate to think about how horrible traffic would have been on Friday. It was bad enough at 3pm on Thursday...bump and roll all the way past Fredricksburg. Didn't really improve until we were out of Richmond. Had to get up Friday and go get Early. He was thrilled to see us. We are such idiots about these dogs. Anyway, life is returning to normal, back to the office tomorrow. I will have a new location. While I was in D.C. the department moved to the other side of the building. So many changes!

Family Day in Carrboro

We got together today at Johnny's Gone Fishing, a coffee shop and neighborhood hang-out in Carrboro. There was a serious threat of rain, but we were spared. The sun came out later and baked us, but most of the time that we were there it was cool and cloudy. Calvin was dogsitting, so he was unable to join us.

Sophie

Sophie (aka Boo Dog) looking guilty

More little boys

James Arthur and David playing dominoes

Dropped in on the other set of grandsons yesterday. I wanted to get all my activities for the day concluded before it got too hot out. I stopped at Biscuitville and picked up biscuits, muffins and hash browns for everyone and then spent some time with the boys. They are just too cute. Since his mom doesn't let him watch too much TV, James' favorite shows involve home repair. He was fascinated with watching a guy install a garage door opener. His current favorite is the installation of a toilet. He has a little workshop set up in his closet. He showed me how he was putting in brackets with his toy drill. David is all over the place now. What a ball of energy. Both James' have been asking about their cousins, so I need to get everyone together again.

How to Eat a Cupcake

Step 1: Insert fork.

Step 2: Get set.

Step 3: Eat.

Another Birthday

JT is 4 years old. His favorite show is Paw Patrol, so he got his favorite toy in the world. He was thrilled.

Blowing out "the fire"

Enjoying his "party cake"

"Families Belong Together" Rally in PBO

MoveOn.org and some wonderful local people organized a rally in PBO this afternoon to show support for the families and their children being tortured by the current administration. I don't really care what anyone's political affiliation is, the abuse of children is WRONG. There was a really good turnout in little old Pittsboro. I'm so glad to see that I'm not the only one flying my freak flag. Bert came out with James (who is having a birthday on Monday!). She ran into an old high school friend. My friend, Kay, came out to show support as well. I ran into another old acquaintance. I knew her from a church I used to go to. She was the ministerial intern at the time. She now works with battered women. It's awesome and energizing to be around people who CARE. I was beginning to despair. So many negative, hateful, evil voices in the media. It is refreshing to know that there are still a few of us out there, trying to do SOMETHING.

Rally at the old courthouse, next to the Confederate statue!

Beautiful downtown Pittsboro.

Let your freak flag fly!

Kay and me, trying not to melt in the heat.