Today was the last day of Spring Break for my kids. Mostly I didn't work, but I did have to go back to my friend's and solve the mystery of the sink that wouldn't turn off. I was hoping Michael would be able to meet me there, but he couldn't. So I was pleased with myself for figuring it out on my own - although I suppose I should have figured it out last Friday, so it was a qualified pleasure.

There was this little spring whose origin I couldn't figure out. On Friday I took both hot & cold faucets apart looking for the spring without finding it. I took apart a sink that wasn't dripping to find the spring, but none was visible. So I thought maybe it was from something else. Thank goodness I didn't throw it out. That was the missing piece of the puzzle. And I figured it out in just moments. Kind of like when I get stumped on a crossword puzzle and put it down. When I pick it back up, the answer seems obvious.

I also repaired her ghost-flushing toilet. Now I just need to fix my own. Those flappers are fragile but important things. And the little chain can make all the difference.

As I'm writing this, my cat has jumped up in my lap and is trying to nudge me into petting him. But his nose is cold and wet, so I am typing this stocatto, trying to dodge the cold wet nose.

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Today I hosted my son's 11th birthday party. It was great. Although we woke up to rain, the sun came out about half an hour before the party. We had a fun kickball tournament and one game of softball, grilled dinner, double chocolate cake (I made myself) lots of cool presents, and a silly string battle. The party favors were whoopie cushions and fake crooked teeth. He's a cool kid. I'm glad I could throw him a fun party.

In the car on the way home at 8 o'clock, my 8 year old announced she had two Spring Break homework packets. All the points I gained for cool mom at the party were cancelled out by not having checked her backpack myself last week. It's a good thing she's pretty bright and could crank them out in one sitting. She's bright, but still innocent. She was trying to come up with words that rhymed with "pour." Her first attempt made me and my 12 year old snap to attention.
Aahh, the joys of parenting.