Long Time, No Post...

We moved to a new house. I recovered from the shock of the move to Southern California. And the babes became kids, as they tend to do with or without parental consent. I also worked. And inevitably, gainful employment begets couch potatoes and questionable past-times as a substitution for thoughtful writing. But I am back and committed to unravelling the next great mystery before me...my life at forty.

First things First:
First day of First Grade for Gabriel was yesterday. He got the royal send-off from his family, right into the arms of super-model, Mrs. Salvaggio. My god, she is pretty! Rumor has it she's been teaching first grade for 8 years, but unless she taught in the womb or undergoes cryogenic freezing every summer—I find it impossible to believe. Needless to say, he was anxious to get back today. "Mrs. Salvaggio is really nice, kinda like my kindergarten teacher, except she wears fancier shoes!" (Now, I would say her shoes are just the beginning of what is fancy about her. But I am not going to knock the kid for appreciating fine footwear.)

On the other hand, Phoebe is NOT amused with this school thing. She does not share my, or Gabriel's, love of the learning institution. She frowns upon us lemmings and for that she has my sincere admiration. But still, she is going to school—like it or not. Her biggest problem with pre-school is napping. One has to question why anyone would refuse to nap. Exiting this excessively perky, loud, congnizant world for a few fleeting moments of peaceful slumber is such a joy. Who, in their right mind, would deny themselves that pleasure? But once again, so few of us are actually Phoebe. She also shares an appreciation for a well-crafted, strappy sandal with just the right amount of metallic detailing, so she can't be all wrong.

Me, I am left to start undertaking the organization of the house, and my life. Where to start? I have randomly decided, the spice drawer! Spices and herbs have played a dramatic role in the shaping of Western civilization, surely they can suffer through a bit-part in the beginning of my mid-life adventures.