It's pretty intense that I am spending three straight weeks here. I am not a fan of Texas in spite of the brianwashing attempt of that seventh grade required Texas History class. My niece, Sophia, had to write a paper for school recently: every kid was assigned a state and they had to write something convincing Prince William to buy a summer home in that state. This assignment is weird to me on so many levels but I won't get into that right now. Sophia was assigned Texas and called me up and asked me why Prince William should buy a summer home here. Because it's so hot in the summer that he could cook pancakes in the morning on the hood of his limousine? Because there are lots of artificial lakes that are actually dammed up rivers? Because everything's big in Texas? James Avery Jewelry? Tons of Wal-Marts? Because of Tula, Texas? Because of all the executions? Dear Sophia, do you think you could write something satirical?

I am actually here dog sitting for my mom. She and her husband have just left for a two week vacation in an RV. They went to a wedding outside of Dallas today, then they are going to Yosemite and then they are going to improvise. They were so cute leaving this morning with their matching cowboy style hiking/ touring hats. I hope they have a great time. They have 3 dogs, Lady, a big German Shepard Rottie mix, Lil' Bit, a Rat Terrier, and their newest dog, Fawn, a five month old mutt. Fawn is little and yellow with a long body, pointy ears, and short legs. She and Aidan are terrific companions, chasing each other all over. Even though she is small, she sometimes knocks him over and covers him with kisses. He can't seem to get away from her when she does this and it is absolutely adorable. In the meanwhile, I am told that our dog Wes, misses us.

Their house is a very nice double wide trailer home. It's easy to make fun of trailer homes if you are not part of a culture that lives in them, but this house is nicer than anyplace I have lived in my adult life. It is 45 miles away from Waco and the only towns closer are so tiny that Wal-Mart hasn't even bothered with them. It is VERY close to George W. Bush's house in Crawford. As we passed the intersection that goes to Crawford on the way here, my mom mentioned that you always see the Secret Service agents in front of the Subway (sandwhich shop) there. About 30 seconds later I blurted out, " I fucking hate George Bush". Ever since I have felt a little paranoid that I was heard by the people who listen for such things and that I am now under surveilance.

I am hoping to get a lot done this week including making a quilt top or two, visiting Christiane who had a baby boy yesterday(!), visiting my beloved friend Summer, and finishing up a couple of websites. My brother is even telling me that he is going to come here this week from LA. Otherwise, the thought of all of this time here out in the middle of nowhere in a state that gives me the absolute willies might be a little depressing. I am hoping to make the most of it.

Boy's awake...