Here I am.

The flight was fine, and I've documented the house, although I really wish I could've done so 15 years ago, when Gramps was still doing all his amazing gardening, and the yard was the incredible flowering jungle I remember, and not concrete and plant skeletons. It's very good to see Mom, and get some time to hang out, except when politics and cultural touchstones come up (no, really, don't get me started on Lou Dobbs and Judge Judy). I haven't really been able to do any family history documenting with Gramps -- he's only moderately together and communicative for very brief periods (Which does at least mean that I'm not getting asked many questions -- I just have to watch what I say in his presence). He naps most of the day, Mom a slight bit less. I'm able to do a bit of useful stuff around the house, but less than I'd like, since we're not sure how Gramps would handle me doing aspects of his intimate personal care, and that's the bulk of what Mom needs to do. I know the company is good for her, and I'm glad of that. I just wish I had a 'standby' mode for when they're both asleep. Frustratingly, I'm having a lot of trouble getting into any of my reading.

Weird dreams last night, though. A Reunion at Kenyon, and art shows happening in several of the buildings. I'd submitted, or participated, or something, in some pieces about J, but then when we went to see them they'd been changed without my permission, and I was really pissed and embarrassed about them, and what she'd think of them. Also, a brief period of making out with someone who in the dream was someone I'd known in college, but in actuality reminds me of someone I know now.

I wish it would cool down. One box-fan is not enough to keep it from getting ridiculously stuffy here, especially when I have to stay so clothed.

Maybe I'll go see if Lost Girls appeals more than the biography of Mary Ware Dennett.

On the positive side, I'm very grateful to Dad for leaving the laptop so I at least have dialup access to worksafe sites. And I was thrilled to discover that Mom and Dad brought their cat Domino out with them, so I do have some critter company, even if he is a touch standoffish.

Thank maude for nice neighbors

The neighbors across the street have been living there since I was a little kid -- I have clear memories of playing with their daughters when I was eight or nine. They're the ones who notified us when Gramps was going downhill in ways he wasn't telling us, and they also took Mom and me out to the grocery store when I first got in so we had supplies for the week. Tonight they came over to spend some time with Gramps before he goes, and while the husband stayed and chatted with Gramps, the wife offered to take me out for a drive. So, I got to get out of the house for an hour or so, and drive along the coast, and enjoy looking out over the ocean, and at Catalina. We also stopped by the Wayfarer's Chapel for a quick look around. I was starting to wonder if I was even going to get a chance to see the ocean while I was out here, so that was a wonderful little drive, and much needed.

I also talked to Bec tonight, who's got Tarma and Leroy downstairs hanging out with her. Dogs are so funny -- I had her hold the phone up so I could talk at them for a minute or two. They were apparently deeply baffled, as always.

Also, it cheers me greatly that I'm at least temporarily pantsless. We're doing laundry, and Gramps has gone to bed, so I'm getting at least a bit of mostly nekkid time (still wearing a long t-shirt). Does wonders for my mood.

I'm starting to get sleepy, and I'm trying to stay on Eastern time, so I think I'll head to bed soon.

Also, if anyone's actually out there, write me, call me, comment... anything. Please. I'm indescribably bored and lonely the vast majority of the day, and any little one-line message makes me happy and means a lot.