That time of the day again, and of the week. Little Boy has soccer practice tonight, then we have a late morning game for Middle Girl tomorrow (across town—just like the last time), after which we will head up to the church building (back across town and then some) for weed pulling and flower planting with the preteen kids from church. Before we go to the game tomorrow, I will stand forlornly in my dandelion-choked yard and decide that I can no longer put off mowing. So, bright and early I’ll assault everyone’s ears with my lawn mower. (It’s better that way, though, they can’t hear the weeds screaming.)

Along about 7:00 p.m., I will make my annual trek through the house resetting all of the clocks one hour ahead. When I was little, we had one clock, an early 60s teak and brass starburst design on the wall of the den. The clock on the stove didn’t work. Unplug, spin hands ahead, plug back in. Now, I live in a house full of clocks on every stinkin’ electrical appliance and in every vehicle and every refrigerator magnet and on every wall of the house. My favorite is our kitchen clock, which is an old English oak-cased keywound fusee clock, circa 1850. Still keeps perfect time and has never once blinked “12:00” when the power goes out. Of course, I do have to wind it every seven days, but I need the exercise.

Sunday--church in the morning, soccer skills clinic with Keith the English Soccer Hooligan in the afternoon, then church again in the evening. Yes, I get a lot of churching. I need it. (Of course, I need a Sunday nap and I don’t get a lot of that!)

At some point in the next few days, I have to apply to get back the money I have been loaning Uncle Sam. Every year, I vow to do taxes early. Every year, I do penance for breaking my vows. I promise I’ll get them done before the 15th. That one’s never been broken.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Croix de Grits. I intend to write a non-tongue-in-cheek e-mail to Dr. Rice at her Stanford address (I can’t find one at the NSC—I don’t know why not) to let her know of our bit of tomfoolery. Sure would be cool if she answers back, but I won’t hold my breath.

Anyway, that’s all for now. See you all Monday, and thanks for stopping by.
posted by Terry at 4:49:00 PM