Page Scrawler

Hey, guys! Sorry for being absent yesterday! Wanted to settle into the house in Saugatuck. It's a nice little rental. Bungalow style. Master suite on the main floor, with two bedrooms in the loft. There's also a lovely view of the lake from the kitchen and living room!

Rather, I missed you like I'd miss my wallet after a trip to the dentist. Hey, Marty.

Is that Patrick Stewart?

Mickey is by his lonesome for now. We're packing up for our vacation to Saugatuck, and we'll be leaving on Monday. We'll be bringing Remy and Rory with us.

Rereading Gives Light, by Rose Christo. For the umpteenth time. This story is so heartfelt, so pure in its emotion. And Skylar is a sweetheart. "Sixteen-year-old Skylar is witty, empathetic, sensitive--and mute. Skylar hasn't uttered a single word since his mother died eleven years ago, a senseless tragedy he's grateful he doesn't have to talk about. When Skylar's father mysteriously vanishes one summer afternoon, Skylar is placed in the temporary custody of his only remaining relative, an estranged grandmother living on an Indian reservation in the middle of arid Arizona. Adapting to a brand new culture is the least of Skylar's qualms. Because Skylar's mother did not die a peaceful death. Skylar's mother was murdered eleven years ago on the Nettlebush Reserve. And her murderer left behind a son. And he is like nothing Skylar has ever known."

Hey, Drewberry Pi!

Happy birthday, Buckie.

Hey, Gary. For breakfast this morning, I bought some caramel-pecan cinnamon rolls from the bakery a few blocks away. They were still warm when I brought them home, and everyone enjoyed them.

Hey, Dugh. Enjoy the kilting while you can, and bring back some stories! Hope your headache feels better.

Shane is a troublemaking imp, and you have a lot in common. Also like Shane, you're very adorable when you want to be.

Silly little tyrant. I was actually proud of that reference. Hey, Drew.

Hey, Marty!

Hey, Albert. Hey, Dugh and Thistle. *scratches Thistle behind the ears*

"Cruel and abusive bastard...." Hey, Xander, Dennis, Jordan, and Ash! *waves to the foster kids*

Can I have the keys to the cheesecake cellar, then?

You're right, of course. I didn't mean to sound rude, I was just genuinely puzzled by the way the cookies had browned. @Marty I'm sure your "nephew" will love the treats.

You brat! I knew that was coming, so I had my anti-glitter nuke shields deployed! Hey, Texas Cutie!

Okay, sometimes my cookies get a little more brown on one side. But I've never seen such a drastic difference, and never so varied on each individual cookie.

Homemade treats are better than anything made on a conveyor belt. I think I might make some peanut butter and jelly donuts now.

You're always going to get my opinion, whether you asked for it or not.

I mean, it looks like the cookies were baked unevenly. Some are more browned than others.

Oh, shut it! I'm just speaking my opinion. Besides, who wants to stand next to a hot fryer full of oil in the summer heat?

What kind? They look delicious, but why so uneven? Hey, Gary.

One little mistake, and they pounce all over you. And not in a good way. Hey, Bertie and Steve. How's things? Dad jokes. I like to wait another month or so before I start making donuts. Autumn, to my mind, seems to be a more appropriate season for it. Good way to warm up on a chilly day. Hey, Tea Bat. Hey, Marty! Hey, Clo.

Poor Tim.