Big plus of the weekend? My dad was so happy to see me that I received not one single disparaging comment about how my education has done me a disservice by making a liberal of me. He even let the discussion of Anne Coulter as a crazy, right-wing, neo-fascist slide with barely an argument.

It was good to see Aunt Mary, and the slow renovation of my relationship with my sister is continuing. It's good to see how much she's grown up, and I'm glad that she's finally gaining some independence. She's realizing how addictive supporting yourself can be. Kelly seems to be doing well, and I was relieved to see how much better her relationship with Adam appears to be doing. At some point he's stopped being her boyfriend and become her other half. They're settling down, and it's odd to see. It was one thing for Dan and Katrina to get married, but to see Kelly heading down that road is kind of a wake up call to our ages and situations. I'm old enough that it's not unreasonable for my friends to have post-graduate degrees and engagement rings. Funny how these things sneak up on you.