I woke early and slept for a couple of hours in front of the TV. I am awaiting for the weather to warm a little. I have sent some email to Michael’s mom and I will text Katie a message that I should be there around lunch time. Then I will call when I get close to Portland. I think the roads should be okay. Just so there is not much fog.

Down and back. I got a text message from Katie at ten thirty that they were up and to give a call when I was closer. So about thirty minutes out I gave them a heads up. As I drive up Mikey was coming out the door. He was really glad to see me and had me in the house in a flash. Katie was showering so we chatted as he showed me some stuff he had drawn etc. Katie came out in a towel and was friendly enough but skinny and not looking well. She suggested that if Mikey and I wanted we could go eat. She did not have to tell us twice. We were headed to McDonalds and she warned him not to make any plans. Hah!

Anyway an hour and a half later we return and she is in the bathroom. Mike interrogates her. Hmm. She says she does not feel well and would I feel all right taking Mikey to the community center swimming. No problem. I mention to Mikey I want to go to Grants Pass at Christmas time. He says she’ll never let me go with you alone. I say why not I am alone with you right now and he says not that far. I say we’ll work on it. He has a great time swimming and meets some classmates and makes friends with others. Did a little experimenting in the deep water – nothing too dangerous but testing the edge.

After three hours plus we decide to call Katie. She is still feeling poorly so if we want to eat go ahead – she would take a fruit tray is we could find one. We look around for some pizza but Mikey sees a Chinese restaurant that is the only place that will do. It was not a good choice but he does not control much in his life so I go along. We salvage some chicken and rice and pick up a fruit tray for his mom. She is dressed but still looking like heck in my estimation. Anyway I gave Mikey the $65.00 Fred Meyer card to give to his mother. I tell him this is from your dad through me. So he hands it to her and says this is from dad through grandpa. She says what and he repeats it and says oh I get it. She thanks me and tells Mikey now we can get some food. I mention when the TriMet tickets expire and I’ll see they are delivered this week. I said Mikey and I have been talking about going to Grants Pass for Christmas. He is not sure but he thinks he has two weeks off. She does not flinch but says yes he does. She also says I have been wanting to go to Grants Pass for Christmas myself. The baggage just got loaded but it looks like Mikey will be there for Christmas unless there is a blizzard or you move without telling us. Anyway she has committed herself in front of Mikey and I think it would be miserable for her if she backed out. He looks as if he can get to her at times.

I have some other things to mention but this is getting long enough. Mikey wanted to talk about his dad most of the time. He was wearing the digital watch I got Michael. He ask me a lot of questions that I found hard to answer but I tried to be honest yet not that specific. He does an impression of Michael saying, “No-hale” with that screwed up face that really got me. Man, I really love that little guy he has so much Michael in him that it is sort of scares me in a good way.

He hated to see me go. He followed me as far as he could and gave me three separate hugs. I told him I would call him every night and see him soon.

So I figure it was a good visit and I think Katie understands what is a stake dealing with me and I am assuming that Annie will also get the message. I guess time will tell