2:43 p.m.
About to bolt out the door and drive cross-country with a hot roasted chicken, to attend a second birthday party for Scott's grandmother, who turns 98 next Sunday. She is the loveliest gal, always gracious and interested in everything going on around her.

Everett has asked to stay home, and Grandma Lowndes will be sure to notice and to ask about him, even though the houseful at her daughter's will number at least 20 people, many of whom will be children.