January 21, 2005

This month has been eventful. Marilyn came to visit on January 4th, followed shortly after by David and Shayne. We had several frolicking days of game playing (Settlers of Catan, Carcassone: Hunters and Gathers, Mystery of the Abbey, Sleuth, Oasis, Hugger Mugger, Cranium, Cluzzle...) and even ventured down to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Marilyn, Dave, and Shayne accompanied me to Oakland one Wednesday and toured San Francisco while I worked. Near closing time, I got a call from Marilyn, "We're stuck in traffic back here on the Golden Gate bridge." Just as I was contemplating calling Tuong to pick the kids up from daycare, the mischevious troupe snuck up on me from behind. STUCK ON THE BRIDGE, EH! I forgot what pranksters are in my family.

Costco was selling fruit trees this month, so I picked up ...er.... 6 of them! Marilyn helped me plant Montmorency cherry and peach. I have since planted 2 plums, a nectarine, and Chinese Apricot. My expectations for these trees are a bit low since they came "bare root" and some of them had barely any roots.

I dug some of my garden - the hard packed part next to our bedroom was now soft and supple due to the winter rains. The guinea pigs were relocated to our bedroom area (outdoors of course). I gave them several boxes and things to hide under. They are banned from the toolshed and screen room; the weather is warming up so they don't need the extra protection.

James had an accident this month: he ran into Tuong in the kitchen and smacked his cheek against a hot frypan. He got a minor second degree burn on his cheek and part of his lips. Poor boy..

Over and out.
Annette.