damp or cold

I've been having a great deal of difficulty, lately, determining whether the laundry in the dryer is still DAMP or just COLD. I usually err on the side of COLD and am distraught later when everyone pulls on wet jeans. Even if jeans ARE completely dry, I find, that little watch pocket is almost ALWAYS STILL DAMP.

My boys have been complaining about their mattresses. We purchased them when they were little and they were sturdy, well-made mattresses with a nice guarantee. I think Oldest was about eleven at the time. Anyway, they never mentioned anything about them before but, now that they are young men/men it seems that they are finding them uncomfortably firm. I've sat on each of their beds and would agree (though I am pleased the beds have lasted this long) and have spent some time researching mattress pads to soften them. Last weekend we purchased one that K and I felt was cushiony and soft - at Blood Bath And Beyond. With a coupon! I was very excited to bring it home for Youngest. A few weeks ago, Youngest and I were at the hospital and when he climbed into the bed he exclaimed: THIS IS GREAT! I was very confused until he told me that the hospital bed was soft and comfy and that he was in love with it. And, because that is the most pitiful thing I've ever heard, that he would be in love with a hospital bed, HE was the first child to benefit from a cushy-soft mattress pad. And? How does he like it?
HE DOES NOT. HE HAS REJECTED IT. So, there you are.

As it is both damp AND cold here, K has embarked on a project of cooking robust comfort foods which, in leftover form, are wonderful in wraps later in the week. So far we have thoroughly enjoyed a sausage and lentil dish as well as beef short ribs braised in Guinness - with scallion mashed potatoes.

I know I don't usually discuss Survivor until Friday, but I can't resist posting this picture as there was some discussion in the comments last week regarding Cassandra.



I'm voting FAKE - but I leave it to you to judge.

Finally, I hate my hair so damn much that I may actually take to wearing A HAT while it grows out. I'm sick of coloring it too - can anyone weigh in on this? Should I make it lighter and lighter until the shift to my actual color (white with spots I believe) is imperceptible?

God. I'm boring MYSELF.

I suppose I could do smaller loads of laundry, ensuring that the clothes will be both DRY and WARM, but that just doesn't seem terribly energy efficient, now does it?