The story of why I'm even going to LA: G is getting ordained this coming Saturday. On Sunady, he says his first mass as a priest, and then a few hours later flies off to Israel for a couple of weeks. T. tells me to plan my trip so that the bulk of my stay is for the week after the ordination so that I can keep him company after G.'s gone, so that's what I do. I get the vacation time approved, I buy the (non-refundable) plane ticket. THAT NIGHT, T. calls me and says, "You didn't buy your plane ticket yet, did you?" Turns out, he got a consulting gig in LA starting the Monday morning after the ordination, and he couldn't turn it down, partially because he needs the money, and partially because they can't find anyone else. So his solution is to buy me a plane ticket to LA and bring me along, and fly me back in time for my red-eye back to NC.

Short version: T. always keeps life interesting.

But I would DEFINITELY love to make a separate trip to SF. I loved what I saw of it when I came for the F2F.

That sounds like squeezing lemonade out of lemons, amyth. I do love SF, but I'm glad we get you instead this time.

Of course, I'm not so good on actually seeing people when they come here. Missed seeing Jilli due to a dropped email and missed Sparky just now because I was carless for days.

We'll make it happen! Unless, of course, I never make it to LA. But I'd much rather spend my time figuring out how to see Buffistas than hanging out in the hotel room while T. is working, or, idk, going to Disneyland? I don't even know what I'd do.

Such hard news, amyth. I wish you and yours strength.

...buying a Dwarf Meyer Lemon Tree? Yes!

That boy will be a California Rare Fruit Growers member yet! [link]

I'm so sorry to hear your news amyth. Much strength to you and your family.

Home, finally. Back to routine.

Amyth, I'm just SO sorry. I can't imagine how hard this must be for you all. {{hugs}}

Emmett wants Meyer lemons! Awesome.

David, I'm more than happy to share the recipe for the apple cake, or you could just search the Chron archives: I got it there about ten years ago although TBH I have modified it a bit since. Yesterday I thought the grannies were too sweet so I grated about an inch of frozen ginger into the mix. I'll do that again next time, and maybe add more.

Anyway, it's the easiest, most reliable, and most forgiving cake recipe I know, and has the added benefit of being lactose-free, which makes it perfect for large functions. (There's probably a way to make it vegan although I've never tried.)

Anyway, it's the easiest, most reliable, and most forgiving cake recipe I know, and has the added benefit of being lactose-free, which makes it perfect for large functions.

Also? Yummy.

Why am I awake? I have to get up in a few hours for travelfest. Want to be asleep right now. Instead I'm watching my daughter sleep.

Amyth, hugs and hugs for you, ease and peace for your SiL, and sympathies for the rest of your family.

This is the way it was with my mom, and it's wonderfully peaceful for the patient. Not so terrible for the watchers, either, no pain. But the waiting is difficult. More hugs.

We are on the first flight. Huzzah.

Thinking of you and your family, amyth. Thanks for the update, even if the news isn't good, it's something that may help to share!