Today I have to finish and turn in an article on several nutrition topics. I’m at that stage where I have a draft that is mediocre. With some judicious, yet merciless, hack-and-slash editing, it will probably end up being pretty good. Usually editing isn’t a problem for me (for obvious reasons), but editing my own writing is painful.

I had better get to it. I don’t have any childcare today and Lucas is playing by himself at the moment. Let the amputation begin.

P.S. If anyone cares to look for it, I have an article published in the July issue of Sacramento magazine. It’s near the end in a special Medical Guide section (p 30) and it’s called “Easy Does It.” It’s about gentle exercise with a focus on yoga, tai chi, Pilates, and aquatic exercise.

Mom and Dad are having a great time down under. They enjoyed New Zealand very much, although it’s very cold there (being winter and all). My dad bought gloves and a hat! That is crazy weird because he NEVER gets cold in California. Dad also bagged his red stag. I’m kind of sad about this, but whatmigonnado? Apparently, the red stag territory where he went hunting is where the Lord of the Rings placed the lands of Rohan—the city that Theoden ruled and Eowyn lived—can’t remember the name. He also tromped through the area where the wargs attacked the carravan of people fleeing to the fortress—can’t remember that name either. Dad is flabbergasted by the LotR fans who come on pilgrimmage to see the NZ sites where the movies were filmed. Mom and Dad both said NZ is just gorgeous. Now they are in Sydney, Australia for a final week. I’m glad they’re having fun.

Our little gathering on the 4th of July was fun. It was very quiet at first but picked up speed at around dusk. I got to spend time with Kimkim and Foresto, which is something I haven’t done in a looooong time. Thaemos brought a pinata with 5 pounds of candy for 5 small children! Lucas is very proud of himself for knocking the leg off. Thanks for coming everyone. I hope you enjoyed it, even though the pool was a little chilly.

We Wilsons are going to my parents’ house in F.O. tomorrow to swim and BBQ, probably starting around 1 pm. Friends are welcome to join us there. (I even have parental permission!) Think low-key, low org, and potluck food. We are broke, so we will not really be able to provide refreshments beyond some chips and salsa. Bring a suit if you want, and a towell, and food and beverages. Bring pool toys.

The only thing is, I don’t want to do fireworks there (open, dry field near my parents’ house), so if fireworks (or booming noises) on the 4th are your passion, you might prefer to do something else with our blessing.

When it’s dark, we will probably return to our neighborhood to sit in folding chairs in the school field at the end of our street. We’ll take our light toys and watch the sky fireworks they’ll be shooting from Del Campo High a few neighborhoods over to the west. Again, low-key, low org.

If you’d like more information or directions, please call. Everyone reading this has my phone number.