I learned a valuable lesson yesterday about death and dying: funerals must always have a two-year-old in attendance. Having a small child start singing or stomping about or playing peek-a-boo, noisily, really lightens the somber weepy bits.

Just got back from a week in Wisconsin. Got to spend time with Grandpa Vern (Mom's dad) before he died at a very respectable 91. Got to spend time with family (including cousins aged 9, 7, and 2, though I can't really apply the word "respectable" to any of them), which was nice, and got to spend time with extended family, which was awkward. ("Er, hi, I'm Jessica... Er. Y'know. Vern's granddaughter? Yes, I appreciate that I look different, I was twelve last time you saw me, my how time flies.")

So that's why I've been negligent with updates here-- between attending deathbeds and funerals and finishing up a chapter (with some revisions needing to be done still) I've been preoccupied. I'll write again soon-- after those revisions get finished (ya hear me, editor?) but as soon as possible after that, this weekend maybe.