the morning is home birdwatching (i just looked at two little birds, one a junco, one probably likewise, and said, "you're going to make little babies"; the mating evening grosbeak is our current favorite) and a showcase of J's as-yet-unrecorded songs; later we head out to fetch my bike and a new basketball net. because the boys play a lot of b-ball, and, as the stupid little bio i had to write for our music section next week says, i like to practice my usually-piss-poor free throws in the driveway. i awed J yesterday with three 15-foot jumpers in a row. to think i couldn't make a basket to save my life, a few months ago.

last night, funny bar, friends' band, three pints and one round of big buck hunter II. we're on a budget, dammit, at least one that means spend less you twits, and if that means i get to cook less tasty treats and more pasta, well, give me canned tomatoes and that giant jar of capers we got at costco and i'll see what i can do.

next weekend: to the coast with my dad and stepmom. we're staying in the little town just north of where J's mom lives, so last night i asked if we should take her out to dinner or invite her over for dinner. he said, of course! so that will be interesting and fun. i like his mom. she tells me how "the kids" tell her they like me, and i try really hard to remember not to swear in front of her. i've only blown it once. less wine, in future.