June 11, 2018
4:05 p.m.

Today I decided to try out a crock pot entree, slow cooking for 8 hours. I don't know why, but I am always nervous cooking something new. I guess we'll see how that turns out.
_________________________________________________________________________________

Got an Amber Alert on my phone today. That always makes me feel horrible. Luckily, I got a second alert within an half hour that the child was found safe.

First, let me say that I think Amber Alerts are a great thing. Just the idea that so many people who are in the vicinity have been made aware of a situation and can call for help and save a kid is a really great thing.

Second, I hate Amber Alerts. They remind me that we're living in a dangerous and horrible world. Any world where children are kidnapped, molested, sold, killed, whatever--that is not a good world.

I suppose there has always been an underworld of dangers to children. I was certainly taught not to speak to strangers or take anything from them. But it FEELS so much worse these days.

It's a damned shame that I have often felt afraid to let my grandchildren play outside. It's a shame that parents are now labelled helicopter moms or free-range dads or whatever. There should never even have to be a label about how we choose to let our children learn to navigate their own neighborhoods. It makes me sad.
_________________________________________________________________________________

I really hate conflict in my life. I am a person who would rather hide in a closet than confront arguments and fights. I probably would have made a good old-maid cat lady. Except for the cats. I'm allergic to cats.

How come no one ever gets called a dog lady? That's a thing.

Yeah. I would have made a good old-maid dog lady. I would work in a book store and have at least three dogs. The only fights I would have to deal with would be on best-seller days when the last copy is wanted by two customers, and then I would magically produce an extra one that I just happened to have tucked away. Day saved!!

Too late.

Relationships are so much work, and no matter what you do, you don't get to be right.

That's the best reason in the world to have a dog. They always think you're the best. Cat's could care less.
_________________________________________________________________________________

5:38 p.m.

I am worried about this crock pot thing, folks! When I cook, I expect to smell the food as it gets closer to being done. It should be close now, and I don't smell a thing!

Maybe my smeller is broken. Maybe I need to go outside and come back in and then I can smell it. I've been right next to the kitchen all day.

Maybe I can't cook in a crock pot!

Maybe I am a goof-ball.
_________________________________________________________________________________

7:10 p.m.

Okay, now it smells good in here. But the proof is in the eating, which will soon happen. I will let you know.
_________________________________________________________________________________

And now, as promised, Day 11 of #WriteAwayJune:

#WriteAwayJune Day 11 - Where is your character's quiet place? 
This is a really funny question, actually. Emma is often visited by spirits of her ancestors, and they don't always conform to normal hours, places or situations. She is also the mother of twins. Like many busy women, Emma doesn't have a real quiet place, unless you include the bathroom. Mostly, the spirits have enough decorum not to visit while she's in there, but the twins have no qualms about demanding to be wherever she is, even if she's trying to have a little private moment. Bath time after everyone has gone to sleep is about all she can hope for.

Everyone have a good night!