Well I just read an email from my mother and it turns out that she used to do what Cenicienta (Cinderella in Spanish) suggested. I'll give it a try.

So far we have had to establish groundrules on the computer. I will preface this by saying we never had any problems until the USA visit. USA TV is designed to corrupt children. For example, they learned by watching cartoons in the USA all about bratz.com and barbie.com. Since then, they fight over the internet. Rules are no internet on the weekend - the computer is mine then. They take turns playing in the morning and the afternoon. In reality, they can only play about 20 or 30 minutes because, before or after that, I am home. I am sure the novelty will wear off soon. What concerns me is that I caught them playing polly pockets.com. I have bratz and barbie in favorites but not polly pockets. I can only surmize that DD1 has learned to google.

Lemonman,

Are you around? I have something I want to post if you are.

Well this is good and I feel somewhat vindicated. A coworker just called and told me that he missed his return flight in Heathrow and has to spend the night in London. Seems he had to check his carry-on and did not have enough time to make the flight.

I don't think the "novelty" will wear off. All the neighborhood kids have learned on my computer, and it is like swatting flies to keep them away.

I used to make my boys do work together when they were fighting. Cleaning windows was especially good - one on the inside, and one on the outside.

Okay now that everyone is asleep or out on a Friday night, I can say that yesterday was my birthday. I remembered that it was and I had a great day. I was a bit concerned that WW might break NC and try to call. I did ignore a few calls yesterday because they were overseas calls and, since they were routed through an exchange, I couldn't see where they were coming from. Anyway, I forgot all about WW yesterday. I got the DDs started on their cards to mom but they quickly got distracted playing with the girls from across the street. They made a mess of the upstairs, downstairs and the garden. All of it got cleaned up before they went to bed. I forgot to look in the tree house. I shudder to think what is up there.

I didn't want to mention the Bday before because I didn't want KiwiJ to make a cake.

Well I guess I can get a router, new DSL modem and make a wireless network in the house. I would prefer they use crayons though.

Happy Birthday! Where is that Kiwi girl with a cake?

One year older but a lifetime wiser. This has been the most amazing year of my life.

ToddAC,

I just read "Craig's List". Thanks for sending it. Only thing is, it is not funny in the least. I did enjoy it though.

Did someone mention my name.

Happy birthday Pio.

I make darn good cakes.

Are you saying that g didn't even try to contact you on your birthday?

Not everyone is asleep.

Happy birthday Pio.

So tonight I went to the local Mexican restaurant. Let's see, ordered Chili Colorado (been craving it) and they no longer offer it. Reverted to Quesadila de Pollo, rice and pico de gallo. I want to register my love for pico de gallo. So simple, but so good. Anyway, couple of beers and then - then the roving Mexican band came around. Big guitar, little guitar, violin and trumpet. There I am and they asked me if I wanted to hear a favorite song. My favorite song in the entire world is Lambada. So I asked for it to be played. They looked at each other, then a couple of them huddled and within 90 seconds, they had it down. Best version I have ever heard. Ordered another beer. They asked if I wanted to hear another song. I said sure, how about "Nuca en Domingo"? So they played around with it for a while and decided they couldn't play it. Surprised, I quickly regrouped and asked for Malaguena. Best version of it I have ever heard. I am ashamed to admit how much I tipped them. Another beer. All in all, a great night. And my cooking skills were never challenged.

BTW, since separating yourself from g, the relief and lack of stress comes through your posts loud and clear.

I can't say for certain if she tried or not. I had three missed calls that were routed through a local exchange. Those could have been from any overseas number. We were out at the time. I got one call from a really really strange number at 6:40 PM. I didn't answer it but I am positive it wasn't her. I am guessing all those calls were from my coworker trying to tell me he wouldn't be in today to avoid getting an "X day" on his record. Gemela certainly didn't send me any emails so I think she made no effort to contact me at all - and I appreciate that BTW.

I love cake.

Do you make Red Velvet Cake?

Sounds like a good night Todd.

I don't know. Another beer and it might have been the best version you ever heard too.

Why is it that "rooster's beak" is such a popular dish?

In what part of the galaxy is it a popular dish??

I've never heard of it.

Oh Quesadila de pollo.

Still can't say I've heard of it.

pico de gallo (translated) = rooster's beak

aka salsa (as in chips and salsa)

Quesadilla de pollo is a chicken and cheese sandwich - a la Mexicana