global warming and the inevitable trauma of living

Today was Brian's birthday. His birthday gift was pampering. We ended up making breakfast for him and Don. Sarah and I left them to their own devices for lunch, but proceeded to make them dinner and a birthday cake with a nice bottle of wine from the kiosk at the market.

Xander was intent on playing cribbage with us this evening, despite the fact that he hasn't yet learned how to add larger numbers in his head. He *is*, however, quite gifted at giving away what cards Sarah has in her hand. And I don't mind at all.

When I rubbed his back tonight before he went to sleep. he mentioned to me that he wants to work on two things tomorrow; he needs to make a machine that can eat paper and he also wants to make his own "Sorry" game. He's such a riot. I think it's a great idea; one complaint I've had since I was probably nine years old is that I can't stand when game companies "update" the look of their game. Xander's Candy Land is nothing like the Candy Land I had as a kid. Mine was more creepy and scary.

miss nelson has a field day

Xander and I went down to Deering Oaks after dinner today. He had a blast running around with a couple of kids he met. I sound old when I say it, but I am completely amazed by the amount of energy children have.

I posted links to the Mark Curry Blog on a site called Roadkill or something like that. Time's up. I must sing to the boy.

the boy didn't feel well today

Allergies were acting up again. When I was younger I didn't believe in allergies--mostly because I didn't have any. I thought people subconsciously faked them for sympathy. Or something. Now I know better. I can see it in his eyes when the pollen count is up. His entire demeanor changes. We went uptown to a coffeshop and and a barbershop. We came home and he just lay down on the futon and fell asleep. The poor kid...

Brian was talking about allergens and the immune system once upon a time. He said something to the effect that the human body develops immunities to different things based almost entirely on the geometric shape of whatever the molecule or pathogen is. (Forgive me if I'm using my biology vocab incorrectly. I never did learn very much about the "life" sciences!) If the body isn't exposed to certain shapes by a certain age, it loses the ability to generate immunities to those shapes.

We checked out the Fiberarts place in Topsham. (They have a website at http://www.mainefiberarts.org ) I don't know if hotlinks work in these blogs, but I bet I'll find out after I save this one!) Both people we spoke with at the place recognized us, but thought we had met at places Sarah and I had never been to. It was interesting, I suppose....

I hit the MSA open mic at Acoustic Coffee tonight. It was okay. I ran into Neil who used to teach at Spectrum back when Mike worked there. He is not a fan of Mr. Bungle. Aw, shucks.

Tomorrow we head to Vermont after Don's chemo. Go fun go.

And could somebody *please* get the W administration out of the White House? The things those guys do/are doing make me feel so ashamed and embarassed to be an American. (Is that critical enough to warrant a wiretap on my phone, Mr. Ashcroft? I can't believe you and W have the nerve to call yourselves Christians. There is absolutely nothing Christlike about the current administration.) Before I forget, Pipes sent me a link to a piece by Vonnegut that is just awesome. It's over here:

Sound off.

since you are both done with what you are doing...

I get to choose who reads books and who rubs backs tonight.

We went to the playground over on the Eastern Prom. The sun was setting. We made it home in time to see Donna Summer.

Tomatillos are tangy. And those little orange peppers HURT.