Because you asked about Christopher...

Uncle Christopher with Elisabeth
(well, you can see the top of her head here).

Thank you for the nice comments about our deck. The young family who lived here before us built the deck and the French doors leading out to it. It adds so much living space in nice weather. I am so glad I spent the money to plant flowers on the deck again this year. Now they need some sunshine, which has been rare in our part of the country this spring. Too much rain has not been great for them or my tomato plants.

Christopher is finally feeling completely recovered from his surgery. He worked hard his last semester at the community college to make up nearly two weeks of lost classes. He ended up with a 3.9 out of 4, enough to get accepted into the School of Science at the University (which has become very difficult for acceptance).

He's taking one of the "flunk out" Calculus classes this summer so he can concentrate on it alone with no other homework. His professor told them they would be in class for two hours and studying at least two or three hours every day... so far he has found that to be true.

Yes, we are in a semi empty nest mode. Christopher is living with our friends "in town" so he could take mass transit to work and the University. I've picked him up in the morning for work a few times (his class is in the afternoon, within minutes of walking from the bookstore) when I was going to be in town, anyway.

I felt really bad this morning as we were having heavy thunderstorms go through the area and I had to tell him I couldn't take the car out... no gas... hopefully enough to make it to the gas station when we can afford gas again. For now the car is parked. I'm not complaining, that is just how life is at the moment.

Social Security incomes do not mix well with rising costs and no insurance. I thought my doctor's office had made a mistake on how much they charged for the last visit (as I do get a 25% reduction since it is the County Clinic). No... I'm now paying $110.00 for each five or ten minute visit. That's up from $59.00 I paid last year (it is adjusted yearly and this was the first visit since they readjusted).

Such is life... However, we had a nice salad from our own garden lettuce and venison steak (still in the freezer from venison given to us last fall) for dinner last night. I used the grill for the first time with the venison. It turned out great and I didn't blow up the house or anything.

Anyhoo, I was very concerned about Christopher but he called about an hour later to let me know he was wet but fine. Instead of waiting for the bus, he biked to work through the rain and lightening.

Good thing I had been praying. He is learning it is better not to get upset when the circumstances are not comfortable. One thing that can go out the window when dealing with "lack" is convenience. :)

Those of you who have read my blog for awhile know our Jewish friends (Sheila... of my Sheila and Suzie lunch dates). That is where he is now living since they had an empty bedroom. Three of their boys are away at Universities and their fourth (one of the twins who is one of C.'s best friends) lives at home while attending the local University. It is his bike my son borrowed.

Sheila and her hubby have been in Europe and China since January. He's there on sabbatical, as he is teaching overseas this semester. They will be back before the beginning of the fall semester when he will return to teaching and research here. I think it is a big deal to drive to the City but they have been all over the world.

Christopher's ill health and surgery had a positive affect, he has been working out and is eating a healthier diet. He is buying his own groceries this summer so he's also learning how to eat well on a small budget. That is good experience, too!