I bought a basketball

A new school opened by our house. It's a beautiful building with a great playground that includes 2 full-size basketball courts -- or at least full sized to elementary kids and fat 30-somethings needing to shed all the beer and hamburgers. The kids and I have been going over every day. They play on the playground and I shoot baskets. Not well, of course, but the exercise is much needed.

Mom was weighed the other day. When the nurses were finished I jumped on the scale. It wasn't pretty. I'm now training for my first triathlon -- though I don't know where or when it'll be. I also want to start my own co-ed soccer team this fall. If you know of any soccer players looking for some recreational play, send us a comment!

But enough about me.

Mom's got a laptop in her room, courtesy of daughter Jen. Mom likes this. She's now able to skype more regularly. If you don't know about Skype, it's video conferencing and it's really cool! Great way to stay in touch.

Dad is sleeping in the chair. He was here until midnight last night and back early this morning. "I'm tired," he admits. No kidding. "Go home and sleep," I tell him.

The internet access in this building stinks. Have I mentioned that? Kids don't do well in nursing homes, either. Even cute little kids with fancy BLING! purses and portable DVD players and DS's. I remember the days when paper rock scissors was the rage.

The home here has a huge bird cage and an aquarium full of fish. The kids have named every bird and every fish many times over. Mom's easing into the notion that she'll be going home, but she's still concerned about not having round-the-clock care. Food will be an issue, too. But, they'll figure it out. And we'll help. Between basketball games, that is.