First of all, Happy 51st Birthday to my sister Karen...wow, who knew we would all get this old this fast? I am in shock whenever I think about it...who is this person looking out of the mirror at me each morning? Darned if I know! She especially likes it that I am two years older than she is each birthday. I can't remember when that started exactly, as while we were growing up she spent a great deal of time trying to convince our mother that she should have the same rules and privileges that I had each year, despite the two-year difference. In your charity, if you have a moment and want to say a birthday prayer for her, please do so...Karen is still dealing with a great deal of aggravation and heartache in the aftermath of the flood issues in CR, IA. 
She has been living in a camping trailer all summer, which she says is nice and kind of fun, but she also says, "I have a new appreciation for water pressure in the shower." Apparently there is a lot to be desired in that aspect.
Well, the Countdown has ended as you can see by the photo of Matt driving off by himself for his maiden drive alone...sorry to be absent from here for a bit, but I had things that needed to be done, places I needed to be, crimes to commit...you know...all the usual and then some.
The Boy passed his Driver's Test on Saturday, and is now a licensed driver in sole possession of a vehicle. It doesn't get any better than this for a 16 year old boy...well, except maybe for the very nice text a certain someone sent him congratulating him on said feat. I'm not certain, but I think that might have been the icing on the cake...not that he would ever admit that publicly, of course.
So, where did he go on his maiden voyage? To the car wash to wash the car, vacuum it all out, spiff it all up...probably no surprise there if you know Matt at all. 
He got to drive up to Elwood all by himself, shown here proudly displaying his license up at Grandma and Grandpa's. His observations on it all? "It is so strange being in the car all by myself and driving off somewhere with my own keys and everything." "I feel like such an adult!" "Thank you so much for letting me do all this...I have the best life!" "Can I go get a milkshake at S & S? You know, all by myself...just me jumpin' in the car and headed out for a milkshake just because I can?" One Happy Boy.
You all have been very patient with me here...I appreciate that...and thank you for the emails of concern, etc., but really, I am fine, just busy and needing a bit of time to arrange new schedules and new commitments, etc. I think I have it now...yes, I think I have it all compartmentalized and arranged as best I can...and most of all, I'm very happy with it all. Very happy. What a great way to start a month!
Hopefully the TWD post will be up by early tomorrow afternoon.
