Time in New England took me away: Fabulous weekend, filled with lots of visits with friends, adorably wonderful kids, yummy food, easy conversation, lots of laughing - and of course, pumpkin picking. We missed a few friends, but we'll see them all soon enough, I'm sure. With a few illnesses and cancellations, the 15 toddlers I was envisioning ended up being a completely manageable 7, and since our friends really subscribe to the "it takes a village" ideology, there was always someone watching any or all of the kids. Sammy simply loved being surrounded with so many of his friends at once - he kept listing them all as he fell asleep that night. It was definitely a merging of several different worlds, and it was so fantastic to walk in and see one of my new friends holding our dear friends' son, Jack.

I love how our world continues to expand, yet still seems so cozy and full.

Just aim beyond the clouds: Still potty training. I don't know that I'd call it training as much as it's really just me remembering to put him on the potty or Sammy asking me to go. There's nothing definitive or regular about it - if it happens, great, if not, no big deal. I think I'll take a few afternoons this week to let him run around sans-diaper and see how things go.

Old lovers that meet like before: I wish everyone would get over this whole Dumbledore thing already. It's just another part of a well-crafted, multi-faceted character. DD seems even more human to me now, more humble in a way - a bit of an insight into understanding the depth of the pain of his love and loss. I want to go back now and reread everything - or at least DH - with this latest revelation in mind.

If you only knew what I'm going through: We've already brought in some fantastic handmade quilts, courtesy of Binky Patrol, and we still have a wonderful pile of blankets to donate to Children's Hospital Boston in the coming months. If you'd like to donate a blanket or quilt of any fabric or size, in new condition, to share with the children who are stuck in the hospital for the holidays, let me know. I know the families appreciate the thought so much.

You can have the scrabble game: Would it seem weird if I posted on freecycle that I wanted my basement and office closet cleared, and that people should simply make an appointment to come take what they want?

Yes, the bold sections are all Barry Manilow lyrics, I admit it. I can't get the first out of my head... time in New England took me away... to long, rocky beaches, and you by the bay... Though I prefer the Roger Whittaker version, as if anyone actually knows who he is!