Sitting here while catching my breath in the middle of a few neatifying tasks before Jeri arrives for our postponed annual avoid-the-trick-or-treaters dinner. Don't have to go crazy; Jeri is not a judgmental housekeeper, but it's a great excuse to do some straightening which will make next week's necessary cleaning a bit easier.

Tom hates it if I sweep (or do any other cleaning) when he's around, so he's hiding here at the computer when I'm driving a broom.

Got one bagged (for easier carrying) box of books to the car; two more to go.

Just need to finish sweeping, finish spiffifying the kitchen counters (before Tom makes a mess of them making dinner), and pick up Tom's clothes in the living room and pull the quilt up over his bed on the couch. I already threw a tablecloth over his commode -- camouflage.

Might even get the table cleaned off...at least enough for three plates and wine glasses.

Jeri's going to help me take down the awkward-not-heavy painting at the foot of the stairs so we can hang Cheri Dennett's portrait of Tom (framed in a lovely wide plain gold frame). Portrait of Tom sans frame

Better take the cheese out of the fridge, too.

Linn