The days have been so busy that I have once again let keeping up my journal fall behind. You would think it was exercise the way I end up with excuses to keep working on cases rather than stop and write. So here I am again with so many things having happened that I probably can’t even remember them all but here goes:

1.Pops and I enjoyed the lively musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. It was a hit here in Houston and is now preparing for performances around the country.

2.Several weeks ago, work slowed and I started wondering where all the new referrals went. Surely I would just go out of business. Now, again, I’m booked so full and far in advance, I would have to give up personal time to see anyone else. Currently I also have some of the most interesting cases I’ve ever worked on. Work is good.

3.One of my favorite cousins died suddenly in Amarillo on Sunday morning, March 4. Last time I saw John, he and I were two-steppin’ at his niece’s wedding. John had a degree from Tarleton State and was two years older than me. After years of working for the Farm Bureau, he spent the last decade working with the animals and kids at Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch. Jim’s perimeter trip included stopping at John’s to slop hogs with him and hang out at the ranch. Jim loved being up there with John and my aunt. Another one of those “now he’s here, now he’s not” sudden deaths with no warning and no goodbyes. This is the second time his wife has been widowed. His mother (my aunt) has now lost two of her children and her husband. My heart aches for them both.

4.As the circle of life continues, I got an excited call from oldest son announcing the forthcoming of grandchild number 9! Years ago, traveling in some other state, I found the most perfect gift for his child someday. I really mean P-E-R-F-E-C-T. Now, since I didn’t expect this call for a while yet, I just need to remember where in the world I put it.

5.Had a nice time with friends at the festive hotel reception for the drug court folks last week. This team works well together on behalf of folks needing treatment rather than jail and also helps them, when appropriate, to get their children back from CPS and work for family reunification. Several of their success stories were in attendance.

6.Enjoyed a nice Palm Sunday brunch with Mother. Her eye is finally healing and the doctor seemed so relieved. We can now begin going to see him every two weeks instead of weekly. She did take another couple of falls though and she still resists using that walker as often as she should. I’m working on it…..