I'm also preparing for guests, though "scurryfunge" just touches the surface - I should to do more of that Scandinavian death cleaning. Charmion, your weekend sounds wonderful, the kind of puttering around visiting that refreshes the spirit.

The horizontal surfaces in the kitchen are getting attention today as I clear for Sunday's lunch setup. We always eat in the kitchen, never bother with the den where the big table still has the photo tent set up. Table cleared, surfaces cleaned, and start setting out some of the plates and silverware in advance. Double check the shopping list and finish that today. I'll be scrubbing the bathroom, sweeping the den, mopping the kitchen floor, who knows, if I'm motivated I'll wash windows (though they're all so full of condensation between the layers it will barely show.) In the meantime I also need to plan the old file pages conflagration in the burning barrel out back. It has been raining today, the conditions are perfect. There is no fire danger at the moment, especially if the lid stays on so few if any embers will float away.

I have medium Hatch chiles to roast this afternoon (not over the paper fire), and while most are bound for the freezer I'll hold a few back for Sunday's lunch. I hear the guest whose dietary requirements are dictating this meal (newly diagnosed diabetes) loves them. The rest of the caponata ingredients are here and picking up a good black bean salsa and fresh tortillas will be the last ingredients needed for the fish tacos.

I'm *that* close to adding the pool to my gym routine. Weight loss is one thing, toning muscles is another part of the process I need to start.