I'm back from the desert southwest, where I delivered my son for his second year at the University of Arizona. Tucson was lovely but very muggy; it was wetter and more humid than Fort Worth since they're in their summer "monsoon" season. I did the math, looking at the log book from last trip - it's 1,000 miles almost exactly. My drive back was over a 24-hour period, and the night time driving was peppered with long naps at rest areas. Trip was stranger than some, faster than the rest so far, but overall okay. Expensive - it's the biggest hit I take during the year - not only the gas to get there and back but the equipment needs (printer, new heat sink and fan), dorm needs, and books. The truck is emptied, all litter out. My Coleman cooler is falling apart, I'll keep my eye open for a good one at a garage sale, they're always out there.

I am pulling back from the Atkins diet for now - I will simply do a low-carb version of what I normally eat for now. When I left for that drive I wasn't feeling good, hadn't been feeling good for several days though couldn't pinpoint a cause, and because I ate less protein but lots of apples and clementines during the drive I cleaned out my system - Atkins is not a happy colon diet. After many stops at rest areas things are back to normal. Enough information on that kind of decluttering, and lesson learned.

Friends and neighbors kept an eye on my garden (such as it is this hot summer) and my dogs - they were in the house most afternoons, let in and out by several people. This weekend Susie brought Zeke's bowl and food each morning and they played then ate together. How sweet!

I must work on this house. I know I haven't finished the decluttering - it was embarrassing to have people see the house still as cluttered (better, but not good enough) as it is. That's my report!

SRS