Here I am, in a new phase of life. I could get used to this. The kids had their first full week back to school. Everyone was right, the time does fly by- but I have so much more of it. It's glorious! Ellie loves middle school! Her day starts early- dropped off at the carpool by 7:15am. She seems to be juggling her classes okay. She gets to see lots of friends, has made some new ones. I've friended some of her teachers. It seems like a great place. She even loves the bus ride to the elementary school. So far so good. Abby and Marly are moving right along. They each are happy to have a friend in class for starters. Abby is a little bummed about spending so much time in the class room (even for lunch). I'm debating talking to the teacher. Abby said it was too hot to be outside by the end of the week. Voss was good to go in the beginning, By the end of the week, he cried almost every morning on the way to school. We've been working hard on his sight words all week. He has his buddy, Giovanni here a lot before and after school. That's been a good distraction. It's busy and loud! Monday I watched Little Fires Everywhere on Hulu so I could compare it for book club. It was a great meeting. April had us socially distanced all around her pool outside. It was a great conversation. I played tennis on Tuesday, had a PTA zoom call then met Stephanie and Jessica for a Thai lunch. I watched the RNC all week and that good, blue feeling I had is now turning back to purple. It's not good. I've been politically charged on FB and debating abortion all week. It's intense. Wednesday was Ellie's virtual school from home day (all 6th graders in the county in public school, do virtual from home one day a week to stagger attendance at school). I spent the day pulling weeds and remulching the flower beds. Whew! I washed both white couches, did lots of laundry and just general house organizing- this could take a while. Everywhere I turn, there is more to be done. Of course we have a shower leak, which is turning into a bathroom remodel. Ugh$$$. I played golf with Keri and Abby (Allison was supposed to join us but her son came home sick- any little thing is a big deal these days). That night was a MOPS girls night pool party. We had a good group and stayed up too late. I tried to take a nap on Friday but my head was buzzing. I'm listening to the Nice White People Podcast and The Age of Innocence. That night I met Regan, Aubree and Tracy for happy hour at O'rsay. I maxed my 2 hour time limit and Phil threw a temper tantrum. Aubree and I went back to TCC to meet them for dinner. Spot was a handful. Oh Spot. He is getting us into trouble in the street- pooping in people's yards and we've been failing at picking it up. Hoping we can do better this week. Saturday was nice and calm. Marly made breakfast. Ellie spent the night at Robin's. Marly had lunch and swim time with friends at FYC. We tried to go see a movie but couldn't get 6 tickets (social distancing). We walked around the mall. It was too crowded and I got nervous. We left in the rain. Milkshakes for morale! Phil and I got a Cool Moose lobster dinner and caught up with the Shannons. It was such a soul enriching conversation. This morning was mass and bfast then Sunday Funday with the Nixons and Freemans. Family rosary with an early bedtime. I'm watching the Black Panter and recapping the week. Let's do this!