September 13

My boyfriend's parents (the "out-laws," since they're not in-laws, really) view their house and yard as a kind of playground. They're fortunate enough to have the wherewithal to play with things, to move them around, to change what they want to, just to see how it turns out.

There's been a fish pond in the front yard for as long as I can remember, and it's been pretty much unmolested for that time. It's not really a useful place to hang out in good weather because of the bugs, so the pretty retaining wall with the painted fish on it often went unappreciated.

This summer, though, the out-laws have been busy. The macadam terrace has been replaced by flagstones, an umbrella added, and some landscaping done to make the area look prettier. It really is lovely to look at, though ironically enough, the bugs still swarm you as you approach, making quiet enjoyment of the pretty little alcove impossible in the summer months.

256/365 -

September 12

It's a good thing I only have one birthday a year. If all birthdays were like this last one, I'd be as fat as Baby Huey.

Boyfriend and I realized this week that we hadn't visited his parents since late June. In a quick comparison of our respective schedules, it became apparent that if we didn't make the trip down this weekend -- it's only about a two hour drive -- we probably wouldn't get to see them until Thanksgiving. And really, that's not acceptable.

The out-laws remembered my birthday, and in lieu of the traditional birthday cake, I was given a very rich, probably about 30-proof birthday tiramisu. And it was yummy!

255/365 -

June 13

The crazed senior citizen pictured here in the wicked cool typing gloves is Boyfriend's mother -- my mother-out-law, as I'm fond of saying. Today is her birthday, so we hied it to Connecticut to celebrate with the family. She's looking pretty good for a woman turning 64.

I often like to tell the story about her trying to kill me the first time she met me -- not true, precisely, but it makes for an amusing anecdote nonetheless. His parents have always been kind and gracious to me, welcoming me into the family with open arms. It's scary -- especially to Boyfriend -- how well his mother and I get along. For me, it's a heartening experience, one that makes me glad right down to my very soul.

Plus, she'll pose for me even when I ask her to do something like make a scary face. You have to love a woman like that.

164/365 -