> Don't I know!  I'm glad my days of that are over.  I used to have to
 > take off everything I could from the sewing machine when Deborah was
 > little or she would take it off for me.  This included the needle!  I
 > finally was able to move it into a room with a child proof door knob
 > until Steve went into the Army & she got old enough to understand what
 > "leave it alone" meant.
    I know it was a bother for you, but that is one-smart-little girl!  :) 
(All grown up now.)
 > They are OK but I'm not the sci-fi/fantasy nut the rest of the family
 > is.  All of them like Piers Anthony too; he's just not the kind of book
 > I like to read.
    I thought PA was alright until he got a computer and began copying 
heavily from other works to pad his newer stuff.  He was a better writer when 
he had to do it all on a typewriter.  I enjoy science fiction & fantasy, but 
not as much as I used to.  My favorite authors are Orson Scott Card, David 
Brin, Marian Zimmer Bradley, and some of the older hardcore science writers. 
Most of it reminds me of brain candy, or popcorn - fun, but not enriching. If 
I'm down, they're perfect for getting my mood back up, unless I'm down about 
things like missing college.  :)
 > I know we have some children's craft books around that the girls have
 > outgrown. I'll see what I can send your way.  It sounds like Arthur has
 > a great opportunity to grow up some on his own, with relatives it is
 > better than with strangers for the first time at his age.  They won't
 > be afraid to guide him more in the way you would prefer.  Is he in high
 > school now or will he be in the fall?
    Arthur's a freshman in high school.  They mix classes quite a bit, so 
he's only in one class with freshmen only.  That's good for his ego - he 
looks college age.
    My brothers will take good care of him.  I also suspect that they'll 
introduce him to partying, though they deny that goal.  That's why I worry a 
bit about the negative possibilities.
 > Thanks.  They are really appreciating the fact that mom sews now.  The
 > personal touches seem to make whatever the occasion so much nicer.
    I agree, particularly when it is your mother's work.
 > Got an e-mail from Steve last night; if his plane is on time, he will
 > be in next Tuesday shortly after 4 pm (to Tucson).
    The last few days are the hardest to wait.  I'm glad he's finally coming 
home to you!
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