For a short month, February sure is dragging. It might have to do with how busy we all are -- work, travel, school, taxi services, driver's ed, color guard practice, band rehersal -- but I think it's because I can't wait to see everyone coming down for Tom's birthday bash. Fast or slow, February 29th will get here and I'd better get the office cleaned out or Sue and AJ will have nowhere to sleep.

Here's hoping illness doesn't mess things up. Thing One had a temperature of 103.7 F this morning. No strep (my worry), but it's probably the 'flu. So far, Thing Two and Thing Czech are fine; cross your fingers they stay healthy. I've already threatened them with bodily harm if they dare catch the 'flu. Happily, Tom never gets sick. I'm chewing on vit. C tablets like they're M&Ms (too bad they don't taste like M&Ms).

Speaking of Thing One, Ian turned eighteen on the tenth. If you haven't seen the pictures yet, take a look:  www.periodic-tabloid.com/photos/thumbnails.php. Here's one picture to get you started:

I'll see some of you in a week or so. And everyone -- don't get the 'flu!

-- Jean