Communication restored. in A small but passable life.

Mom sent me a phone card and a check for $40. I'll use the phone card and put the check in the bank as I have no use for money right at the moment.

I had $3.98 left on the EBT card. We went to the store yesterday and bought a gallon of milk for $3.98. The balance is now $0. The first time since I got the card three years ago that I've zeroed it out. Jassy is certain that we won't starve before the 15th though. I trust her. I just miss my cookies. And after I mentioned my cookie withdrawal last night I found a plate of home baked cookies waiting with my coffee this morning. She does love her Father. I'm a lucky guy.

I've only had to play chauffer a couple of times so far when their work schedules clashed. And of course I had to take Liam with me as he can't be trusted to be left alone in the apartment.

The other day while I was taking Jassy to work we made our first foray into dumpster diving behind a strip mall. Our timing was obviously off as the dumpsters were mostly empty. We retain hope for an eventual profitable day.

Jassy still brings home goodies from her Dollar Tree, returns and damages destined for the dumpster. We were able to toss a half dozen tubes of toothpaste into the food donation barrel at the grocery store yesterday. We had tried the homeless day center but they were closed for the day.

I finished reading "Mr. Mercedes" by Stephen King. He's got another book due out later this year.

I believe Clayton and Jassy soon to be caught up from their move to the city. Jassy is already getting more hours than anyone else at her store and Clayton will soon be through with his training and will be getting more hours along with a raise.

The first thing Jassy has planned is to get the van rolling again. It will actually save gas by having two vehicles on the road. Clayton will take the Volvo when he works his overnights so I'll be able to sleep in the van. I may have to get up and get out early when Jassy has to be to work at 6am, but oh well.

I called Francilynn last night. Her and Kay are back together, just like I knew they would be. I know her. And she hates it that I do. I told her that Jassy and I would be over to visit as soon as we have the gas for the drive.

I called Mom last night. She'll be in Amarillo on the 9th of August for my oldest niece's wedding. My brother will go and bring her to Missouri. After a visit of indefinite length she'll fly back to Phoenix. She said she's bringing all the paperwork pertaining to the estate and the family trust fund to explain to my brother and I as we are the executors of the estate. I'm pretty sure my brother's wife will end up doing it all since she's been an office manager and is somewhat of a legal beagle. The only part I'm confused about is the mineral rights on the land in Oklahoma. Mom doesn't own the land any longer but there are natural gas royalties, I think. Or maybe just a lease for exploration. Oh well, we'll figure it out.

When Dad died all three of us kids said we didn't want the life insurance money. We told Mom to put it in the trust fund for the grandkids. And now all six grandkids have said to save it for the great-grandkids. And we've told Mom she should spend every dime of it. But she won't. She's happy with her sewing and crafts and playing cards with her friends.

So yeah, until Mom calls and says she needs help from me, I'll just continue on doing what I've been doing.

I know most everyone is envious of my lifestyle but they'll just have to deal with it. It's not my problem.

Oh yeah, I'm halfway through the twelfth book of the "Wheel of Time" series. Quite the slog.