Even the Whisper of Her Name

There were a few bags outside in the hallway yesterday when I walked out that way to water my flowers. They looked familiar, but I wasn't sure from where. I just ignored them and went about my business. Curious, sure, but not overly.

Last night, after persuading Highlander to...do that thing that lover's do...I told him he could sleep in this morning. He said he wanted it in writing. He said he knew who he was going to sleep with. He said he also knew who he was waking up with. He said he anticipated an 8AM reveille and being roused as a clipboard was shaken (insistently) under his nose. Or at least that's how he put it to me.

It's not like THAT, but I suppose some part of it is true. I've started making my lists and setting up my spread sheets. Concocting strategies in my head. It's all very Martha-y. And even a hint of Martha around here makes children weep and grown men shudder.

[Kid 1], who has opted out on the vacation with her dad, had terror in her eyes as I explained to her that there were a "few little projects" I wanted to knock out this weekend. She didn't run screaming from the room, but I could see that it was only because she was frozen in fear.

We have guests next weekend.

Being born in New York state didn't stop my Kentucky born and bred family from teaching me the rules of southern hospitality. Believe me, they are as ingrained as anything else in my nature. I don't, for an instant, regret it either. I THRIVE on it.

So, yes, there will be a few cleaning projects this weekend, but the apartment isn't terribly dirty. And with only one of the kids home all week, it shouldn't be difficult to keep it clean. A shopping trip on Friday afternoon and maybe a trip to the local farmer's market (or the produce market if that doesn't pan out) early on Saturday morning. Friday night and Saturday morning will find me, primarily, in my kitchen. Likely alone. The others will be only too happy to be out of the danger zone.

I, however, will be in my glory. Cooking and baking up all kinds of yummy things for some folks I feel I've known for years (and, as it relates to the fellas, anyway, that is certainly true) and can't wait to meet!

While plans are still pretty open, I think Highlander and I (and all three kids...as the other two will be back by then) are planning to join everyone at their hotel on Saturday night for some swimming and poolside pleasantries (including showing off my new ring). Sunday afternoon will see all of us hitting the local IMAX theatre for a showing of SUPERMAN RETURNS! and then an early dinner at our place.

Oh, there are a few hurdles. Our out of town guests have some things going on that could force a last minute cancellation. But Martha says it's all systems go until we hear otherwise.

In the meantime, though, I'm ready. It's all Martha, all the time. For the next week. And, unlike Tammy, nobody gives Martha any 'tude when she's running things.

Lucky for some of you, she'll be gone by next Saturday afternoon...;)