Oh it's been so long!  But alas, after six years things aren't as interesting as they first were.  I'm accustomed to the lunatic driving.  Only had my heart in my throat two times this week!  I've become immune to the moms at school with painted on bodysuits and hooker heels.  The 5 year olds with Gucci sneakers and Moncler jackets, an outfit that costs more than my first car, have ceased to astound me.  I can't possibly describe another hours-long, calorie laden meal.  There have been a few...  The unusual has become usual.   The insane family upstairs are still insane.  Not only does she still vacuum obsessively, she has bought one the those robotic vacuum cleaners so that when SHE isn't vacuuming, IT is.  The genius or idiot kid, (we've never figured out which but he's definitely at an extreme), is now in middle school and has become huge.  He's tall and overweight with piggy eyes and white, white skin.  Poor kid.  He's a bully's fantasy.  The dad continues to leave for work at 7 or 8 am and return as soon as mom and son have locked the door behind them.  For these long hours he's paid a handsome salary by the state as vice principle at an agricultural secondary school nearby.  Sadly, while two other condos in our complex sold quickly, theirs is still on the market.  They have just installed a new awning over their terrace so I'm thinking that's a bad sign.  They plan on staying a while.  I wonder if potential buyers walk in their apartment and are hit with a wave of hostility and cold.  (Like a haunted house!)  MIL has just had her last holiday at the sea.  For years she, and with my father-in-law before, has been joining a group organized by her parish to go to the sea spring and autumn.  When Aldo passed away a few years ago she gave up the autumn trips but continued to spend 10 days every June in Cattolica  on the Adriatic.  She enjoyed the days on the beach playing cards and chatting.  Sadly this year was too much for her.  She had a fall, often wasn't up to the walk to the beach and came home exhausted.  It's sad to see a person who has always been so energetic start to sputter.  So changes are a comin'.  Next year will be my last year at school.  I'm finding it more frustrating than enjoyable so it's time to find something new.  My new bosses, headmaster and lower school dean, are really pissing me off and I find myself bristling and arguing with them a lot.  I am NOT being a good subordinate.  I think they'll be glad to see the backside of me.  I'm hoping for more time in Maine.  Heading back in 10 days and can't wait!  xxoo me