TGIF

Guess I'd better get in line for the pat on the head, too.  I thought you meant a lot of training from home, Karen.  But having to LEAVE home for long periods?  Not good.  Poor you, and poor Bugsy!  Either I missed it in earlier threads or the details were only Facebook, but I didn't realize this new job was of a more permanent, daily nature.  Are you an actual employee of a new company, or is this a client whose needs require you to be there full-time?

Joyce -- hope you're all healed up and back to your regular routine since your surgery!

Enjoy that concert, Callie.  Could be an excellent one (with the added suspense of what might happen on stage!).

So . . . the rat story gets more disturbing.  Traps were re-set yesterday after that first kill, and a couple others were caught.  Later in the evening, while re-baiting setting them for the night, DH and neighbor saw at least FIVE more sneaking in and out of a hole in the deck to get to the cherry tomato plant for a late dinner.    Obviously, this is more of an infestation than just a couple rats hanging about.  Now there are 12 traps set and neighbor may call the professionals.   

From everything DH has read online, trapping is advised versus poison.  I looked at that Zapper Joyce and Cathy mentioned, but it's for indoor use only.  I don't understand why there are so many -- we don't live near any dumpsters, restaurants, junk yards, or even heavily wooded areas.  I guess they just come from random yards nearby.  Our neighbor's flower and veggie garden is so fantastic, they probably tell all their friends that the eating's good there, so they come in droves.

Oy vey.  I think I'll need a couple of those Scorpion drinks, Deb.  Between the rats and the annoyances of houseguests, one won't be enough.

I went grocery shopping early and then came home and did more cleaning. I found myself wishing we'd just planned a getaway somewhere other than here. I want to go somewhere and not worry about cleaning, cooking, shopping, etc. I bought all the fixins for sandwiches, deli potato salad and tons of snack stuff. I'm determined not to do much cooking.

Karen - I wanted to cry when I read your FB post. I'm sure it'll all work out but I know it threw you for a loop. I guess there's no chance you'll make it this far west?

Karen, I know it sounds trite but hang in there.  There's an end to this and you'll rally and get through it.  I'm mad as hell on your behalf and I know you're reeling right now and there's no way to make it seem like a good thing when it's not.  We've got your back.  Bugsy will be ok.  He will.   

I am late saying anything, but I am so glad it is Friday, I have a four day weekend and a long time friend is coming to visit from MS (she is in dog rescue). I am so ready.  Plus things in the house are finally settling down after Abby's surgery.  I think I have a handle on it.

So, drink in hand and a toast to the coming days.  Hope everyones issues take a break for a few days.

 Regarding the Zapper, it is electric so I guess it's use outside would be limited that way. 

So, a month after my bay window got a hole in it, the fellow finally came to install the new one...and he broke it taking it off of the truck!  Sigh, I'm starting to think this window is doomed.

I'm glad I like trees but the flower beds had to go!

I'm sure that Morrison & Monroe are going nutso with all the outdoor activity.

Karen, will the training be a regular thing? Or will you just be away for an extended stretch twice?

It's finally feeling summery around here again! It's been nice... first time we've been in the 70s for a month. We've had record-breaking lows a lot lately. This summer has been a total rip-off.