Derby Saturday

I have the house all to myself this afternoon.  I should have written that in all caps, shouldn't I? 

I HAVE THE HOUSE TO MYSELF THIS AFTERNOON!!! 

There.  That's better.

Andrew is off being Andrew with some friends.  Thomas is working.  He was supposed to get off at 1, but they asked him to stay later and help them get something finished, so he doesn't know when he'll be done.  And Eler Beth is doing her first babysitting job!!!  She's so excited!!

She's staying with her cousin, H, who is 9, while H's parents and her older brother and sister are at the movies seeing Iron Man.  H didn't want to see Iron Man.  So Eler Beth, when she was visiting yesterday, asked if she could watch her for them.  They agreed.  We gave it some thought, and then we agreed.  They live in an apartment a few doors down from my sister-in-law Maxie, and it's only until about 3:00.

I dropped her off at 11:30, stayed and chatted for a while until they left for the movies, then I went to pick up lunch for the girls and brought it back for them.  When I got there I rang the bell and waited to see if either of them would open the door or look out a window.  Nothing.  So I called, "It's Lori!", and then my daughter came to the door.  So they passed that test. 

They were watching a movie.  I called a few minutes ago, and was told I didn't have to call every few minutes because they were watching a movie!  Apparently Maxie had just called to check on them as well.  Eler Beth is taking this very seriously.  She said she laid in bed last night thinking of the safety rules she'd need to follow, like not answering the phone unless it was me, or H's parents, not going to the door unless I called out, etc.

So anyway, I have a bit more time to myself, and even after they get home from the movie, Eler Beth will probably want to stay over there to play for a while.

It stormed yesterday and last night.  People at The Oaks got drenched yesterday!  Today it is sunny and warm, but I think there is a chance of a few showers this afternoon.  Hopefully it'll hold off until after the Derby.  We were invited to another derby party this year, but I really just wanted to be home, and Thomas wasn't sure about how late he'd work, so we declined.

I have some flowers to plant, if I get up the gumption to do so.  I have lots of housework I could be doing, and journals to catch up with.  I could be reading.  I could be writing.  The list never ends of the things I could be doing.  Guess I'll close for now, but I'll be back. 

I hope everyone is having a great weekend!