Alas, a way to understand the difference between them. Thought: It’s raining outside and that is good because of the draught. Feeling: I wish the rain would stop.

We do both at the same time.

We did our annual gift exchange. Each person picks a name at Thanksgiving and we exchange gifts in December. Erik pulled his usual. He wraps his gift in boxes, bags, and paper. It takes the receiver 10 minutes to get to the actual gift. I ask everyone who reads this to contact Erik and encourage him to stop this predictable and irritating behavior.

Thanks.

I have an appointment with a new doctor tomorrow at a location I have not been. I am not familiar with the area. I am not an anxious person normally. It surfaces when I have a new place to go and am unfamiliar with the parking arrangements. I made the choice to Google the address, and it indicated there is a parking lot.

Much appreciated.

Jules was here for Thanksgiving. She knew I was advised to use my right arm as little as possible due to a tendon problem. She was insisting on doing everything I normally do to prepare for guests. I appreciated her care.

I advised her to not get in my way!

Carrie made arrangements to spend the day with Isaac and Ari. She said she is wanting to spend as much time with them as she can. We are all aware Isaac will be leaving for college in the fall.

Less physical access coming up.

I understand Ari’s Creative Writing teacher mentioned dying hair pink to acknowledge breast cancer awareness month. Ari created a strand of pink In his hair. I will see him next weekend.

What might he have by then?

Last night, five of us had dinner together. Three of us were from Detroit and went to Mumford High School. We talked about the resurgence of Detroit, the athletic teams, and how magnificent homes are in many areas. At this time, I want to apologize to our two friends. We were quite central in our focus.

It was a meaningful conversation.

We all met at our rental in Cazadera to celebrate Carrie’s birthday. We did this once before for my birthday almost three years ago. It is a very special time. We make meals together, play games, use the hot tub, walk in the woods, and talk.

I love being with these people.

The family was sitting outside around a fire built by Isaac and Adam. It was so relaxing. When it was time to go inside, Isaac asked me if he should end the fire. I encouraged him to. Then Ari asked to participate. Watching the interaction between the two was intriguing and inspirational. They did not approach it the same way, but they respected the other’s actions.

Proud Nana.

I decided to make a Banana Bundt cake for Carrie’s birthday. I found a recipe, and based on umpteen years of baking, decided to substitute a bit. When the cake came out of the oven, my thought was that I did not know how it tasted, but it was very pretty. I cooled it briefly in the pan and then inverted it onto the rack to cool it completely. It kept getting smaller. I picked up the rack, and the cake was dribbling out. Pretty on top, but it hadn’t baked.

Next recipe, without substitutions.