Rog and I were up early this morning. Morgan called at 8a, "Hi, Mama. I have a question about Uncle Delton's birthday. What time do you want me to come over and help make the cake?"

So, we left the house at 9a, went to the vet's for food and medicine for the cats, then to the grocery store where we picked up stuff for the party: pizza, balloons, crepe paper streamers, salad makings and carrot cake mix with cream cheese frosting. Picked up Morgan after stopping at the post office and getting sodas for lunch.

M huffed and puffed and blew up seven balloons, then we all three put streamers up across the LR with balloons hanging down and M put some outside, too.

Everyone showed up about 1p. The timing was perfect. We'd made the salad and had it chilling, made the cake, frosted it with M dotting it with "sprinkles" and had just taken the pizzas out of the over when they all got here, my brother, daughter and her husband.

The latter two have got the declutter bug! I am so pleased to hear this as their house was controlled chaos with the four dogs, two ferrets, one cat and no storage to speak of. They have been devoting a half day per weekend on chosen projects and are making great headway!

My bro was pleased with the food, the visit with us all, esp. my daughter as she grew up with him living with us (and still loves him!**bg**) and was pleased to get a gift certificate to the local garden center.

I did all of the dishes this morning, cleaned off the table, made the cake and salad with M's help, doctored up the pizzas with fresh veggies, and just generally cleaned up. Rog is now sacked out in the recliner, they've all gone home, the leftovers are in the frig, and I am about to go put my feet up and try to cool off a bit back in our bedroom. It faces east and is at the north end with a shade tree from the neighbours, so afternoons are a good time to be back there. It is 96 outside, but it feels hotter.

SRS, I am glad to hear there may be respite for you, soon.