It's been a long day's night.

Hello, dear reader. I was stunned to see that i updated this not more than 7 days ago, because i could swear it's been two weeks. It's been a long week, i guess.

You know that Grammy died. You know that i had a hard time picking up the car? Maybe not. Well, suffice it to say that i went to the dealership 4 times and the Mass RMV 5 times before i finally drove away with our new car. I was hoping to leave for Maine to go up to Grammy's funeral and be with my family on Sunday or Monday, but that didn't happen. Instead, i waited in line at the RMV to find out that you need your birth certificate, passport, former non-expired licence, a copy of your lease, a copy of the yellow form (filled out previous to arrival at the desk, no less) NOT the white form, before you can get a Mass licence. I also learned that there are some pretty stupid people who work behind the scenes there, and someone should really kick them for not understanding that Third St and 3rd S are the same damned thing, and that my registration shouldn't have been delayed four days because someone double-entered it.

That all having been said, it was wonderful to get up to Maine last week. Twice.

The first time, it was sad and happy at the same time. I got to bid Grammy fairwell. I wish i could have done it in person, in some ways, but i'm glad i didn't get to. That would have meant she were ill. I wrote her a letter, and i knew it was important when i did it. That means something. And she knew i was there. And she was happy we were all together celebrating her life, remembering the songs she used to sing and the parties she used to throw. And her peanut butter cake. Oh boy, did we remember her peanut butter cake. I got to see family i haven't seen since Grampy's funeral, and this time, we were all grown up, so we got to be French and drink together. The family basically spans the east coast, so we don't see each other very often. But it is great to be reminded of how cool they are. And i even got to help Dad clean out his liquor cabinet, which i've been wanting to do for years. I was afraid she shelf was going to break.

And then i drove home. The drive was terrible both ways. I feel the need to inform the state of Massachusetts that there are still 14 miles of grooved pavement North and South on 95 that were there 3 weeks ago. That's atrocious and unforgiveable.

Then on Friday, daN and Aria and i drove back UP to Maine, this time, destination Bogland. It was a lovely weekend of walking along the scenic Friendship coastline with its rocks and ravines and streams and trees, and quiet. And the sun even came out for it! I was so grateful. This rain is starting to depress the hell out of me. We watched "Team America" and went to see the new Star Wars movie, and made coffee, and ate.

I have been blessed these past few weeks. I'm exhausted, but i've gotten to see a LOT of family and friends that it seems like holidays can't even pull together anymore. I am very tired, and very happy.