This rain is getting old. Especially after traveling north this weekend up into New York and sunshine for almost the whole weekend. The whole Mid-Atlantic region has been underwater for the last few weeks, and it’s getting pretty annoying. I want warm weather, sunshine, and fresh air.

Jen and I went to the parents’ for Easter, and had a fantastic time; it was a great introduction to the family for her. Every time I go up there, I find something new and interesting to look at. This time Jen and I explored the house next door, which has been abandoned since the 60’s and is slowly falling apart. We couldn’t get inside, but we peeked through the windows; it’s a huge old mansion and is full of ornate woodwork, tall ceilings, and hardwood floors. The barn up in back is a treasure-hunter’s dream- lots of old stuff piled in there and waiting for somebody to pull it out and clean it up. Dad is happy with his new workbench down in the basement and a whole table full of sprouting seeds- he has a whole selection of vegetables, herbs, and flowers he’s planting for the summer. It’s great to see him gardening again. If I can swing it, I’m going to try to flex-time in two weeks for Uncle Brian and Jill’s wedding, which unfortunately is on a Friday. That promises to be a good time, and I’d like not to miss it.

Today’s sign that it could have been much worse.

The hardtop is off the Scout and safely stored away in the basement; the soft top is back on and the doors close much better now, strangely enough. I need to get the new windshield fixed up and put on her so I’m not worried about that falling off or falling on me as I drive. I’m going to bring her down to Erick’s for some window work as well as some gentle prodding to see if he can do some bodywork on her. She ran great the whole way up and back, and kept us safe and dry the whole way home.

Joey Ramone is dead. Vaya con dios.