Current mood: Whatever.

Newest favorite thing: Sitting outside on our 2nd story deck at the new patio table, which we got for a steal. Now that the weather's nice, I'm eating all my meals out there. It's pretty much the best deck in the neighborhood, I think. Thanks, Dad!! I went over the top and put potted plants on the ground, fake hibiscus flowers winding up the umbrella, lights (Christmas--shhh) winding up the umbrella, and cute little candle lanterns on the table. I also got a gardenia plant for the table, which smells so amazing. If I can just keep it alive. Last night, it was really fun to be out there after dark with all the lights and candles. I had music playing, and the kids and I stayed up late just having a goofy time. I also painted mine and the girls' nails blood red. Oh my!!! I never do that color cuz it's so obnoxious, but it matched my new dress so well, and since I couldn't find a new necklace for it yet....

Something ghastly to try: Pop a bunch of popcorn. Don't salt it. Stir together and boil 1/2 cup sugar and 1 c. corn syrup. Stir in a 3 oz package of flavored jello. Pour this over the popcorn and mix. When it has cooled a little, shape into balls. Don't leave this in the pan, it turns to cement. Also, seal up any leftovers cuz it does get stale. We did peach, which is somewhat ghastly but kind of addictive nevertheless. I wonder how koolaid would do instead of jello?

Good thing: Zach finally got a walkie talkie set so we can be in touch when he's out on his many forest excursions.