My cousin Gerald and his family were visiting his parents in Margo over the weekend, so Emil and I took a drive in that direction yesterday afternoon. I asked Gerald's wife, Cory, if they happened to need a kitten. Her reply was "No; not unless you have three. We need one for each of the kids."

I did a happy dance in my head. They stopped in this morning on their way home, and picked up the orphans. I'm not sure who rejoiced more — me or the three kids.

***

Here's Everett heading for the post office on Thursday to mail away some school assignments. He walks a little like Charlie Chaplin, I like to tell him. He still doesn't know who that is.

Emil reminded me yesterday that it's Everett's birthday tomorrow. It snuck up on me; I have no gift bought, and no plans for celebration. Will take him shopping and bake a cake, that oughtta do it. Neither of these boys have ever asked for anything, let alone been demanding, so it shouldn't be too tough to make Everett feel special. He turns 15.

***

Dad and Grace have emailed a couple pictures taken down in the States, at the Grand Canyon and at the place they're renting near Phoenix for the next couple months. If he ever smiles in one, I may (only with permission, of course) post one here for those of you who know him. Wouldn't want you to think he is as miserable as he looks, when the reality is that he's enjoying life again, thanks to having Grace in it.

I'm not one to smile for the camera either, so I shouldn't talk.

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