"Room And Board Situation Available;

Non smoker, no pets. Reasonable rates negotiable. Must be able to play Canasta, Scrabble and Cribbage or be willing to learn."

So might the ad have read if the legal offspring were to be away much longer.

Tonight, however, the childless state shall end.

It was a nice state, for a while, but I'm not sure I'm quite ready for it yet.

At least not in this big house.

Like I told a friend when she asked how it was going, "Not too bad... but when the day comes we might have to take in borders."

Ah, yes.

It will be good to have them back.

If for no other reason than to have an enforced routine again... if Thomas is still working at 8:00 every morning.

It has become dreadfully apparent that I need to have some motivation to get up at a reasonable time.

The days schmoosh together terribly when I get lax.

It's been a nice holiday, but it will be good to have them back.