Like Rats on a Sinking Ship....

Don't know how much info you're getting about what's happening politics-wise here, but there have been a few interesting developments lately:
--Texas senator Tom Delay resigned as senate majority leader because he has been indicted for money laundering related to campaign finance irregularities.
--Democratic senators invoked a closed door session to insist on truthfulness about the cover-up of information related to no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq prior to us going to war.
--Scooter Libby, vice president Cheney's aide, has been indicted on 4 counts of lying to the grand jury about leaking the identity of a CIA agent
--Bush's approval rating is at an all-time low (39%)
Of course the bad news is Bush has nominated an ultra-conservative MAN (Alito) to replace Sandra Day O'Connor on the Supreme Court. Hearings will begin on January 9. Say good-bye to abortion rights.

Dad is done with Bus Stop. We actually had some meals together last week. Dad stayed home from work last Monday. He had a fever and chills. He stayed in bed most of the day. Fortunately he was feeling better and back to work the next day.

I had a crazy week last week. Had a meeting in Salem on Friday, attended a training at the coast on Saturday and Sunday, and drove to Seattle for a presentation on Monday. The presentation was about the Teen Maze. I invited Rachael Anderson to go with me, but since the presentation was on Halloween, and she was in charge of the Halloween events at school, she couldn't go. Rachael's the student council president this year. The presentation went really well. The room was packed, and people there were really interested in the program.

Tonight we went to see the latest Gallery production called Dinner with Friends. Debbie Harmon and David Bates were in it along with two others (who you don't know). The play was excellent. Afterward we went to Paula Terry's house for a party. Gayle and Jim went too. They're adopting another dog to replace Lil. Its a long-haired dachshund named Fanny Mae. Major's health is failing, and their other dog (Buddy I think) will need a playmate.

Sherlock has an ear infection. Dad took him to the vet on Wednesday because he was crying on Tuesday night. When I looked into his ear, I could see it was full of gunk. He also got his shots. The little porker now weighs 38 pounds. He's just not getting enough exercise these days. The weather has started to get cooler, and the rain has been falling like crazy.

Had a call from Ray Fields this morning. He said you'd sent another email, and complimented you on your writing. As a matter of fact, whenever I hear from someone who has received a message from you, it is always highly complimentary. I'm really proud of how well you express yourself, and also want to thank you for following up on my request to write to the Mac Rotary club.

I hope you're surviving your host mom situation okay. Ray mentioned that it is common for people who host multiple kids to sometimes make comparisons between them. You may get a message from him offering you some advice for dealing with the situation (which you described in your email to the Mac Rotary).

So how's your money situation? Are you making do okay?

Be sure to send your Christmas wish list soon, so I can get your package in the mail. If I have a little extra time to put it in the mail, I can save some money on shipping. The last box cost a bundle. Also, if you prefer, I can send just a few select things you really want, and will send extra money as your Christmas gift.

Hope you're happy and healthy. Keep posting pictures. Love ya tons.