I will have lots to say when I officially return, but I had to check in with a few blogs and my own–needed to be with my people so to speak. I’m trying to decide what I want to blog and what should not be blogged. This is not *my* family after all. I’ve found myself in my usual role of amateur anthropologist and counselor. There have been good moments and fingernails on a chalkboard moments. Typical, I guess, of family gatherings. There is one more semi-offical gathering to go and then we hit the road.

I want to thank everyone who left comments the other day. It was much appreciated. If I ever wanted evidence that internet people are “real”, that comment thread (among many others) would be proof enough. Thanks.