Yes, we had a small disaster the other day when this kid ran his truck through our fence into the back yard. It was about 10:30 pm on a weeknight, and we were sitting inside with the TV on, playing with our computers, when we heard a loud metallic screech from the yard. We ran out to see what had happened (fearing that somehow the swamp cooler had fallen off the roof, since that's the only metal thing around), and instead found this silver-gray pickup impaled on one of our fence posts.

Inside were three teenagers, one of whom (the driver) had been talking on his cell phone, while taking the corner way too fast. He lost control of the truck and whammed through our fence, destroying not only a portion of the fence but two large and lovely shrubs.

They were all nice enough through the time it took for them to get their truck back out (not an easy job with that metal post stuck underneath), and while the police officer took the driver's information. He was cited not only for whatever offense they call it when you drive your truck through someone's fence, but for not carrying proof of insurance.

Red flag! "You may have to take him to court," said the police person.

The kid, whose name is James, gave me his phone number and so of course I started calling him the very next day. I was able to reach his siblings and his answering machine, but James himself never bothered to call me back. Finally I got hold of his mother, and she gave me the insurance company's name and number. I called them this week, but the agent was not available. So far no one from the insurance company has called me back either.

So, I wait with my fence still bent and broken and my poor shrubs crushed. I sure hope we don't end up going to court, but I wouldn't be surprised if we did. And we will if we have to. sigh

Worst of all: the junipers were not even disturbed by the invasion. Sometimes you just can't win.

Other house news is not so bad. I'm painting my office (you can't see the color in the picture below) and everything is a mess but the color is gorgeous and I'm very happy with how it looks so far. The first daffodils bloomed outside (I'm still working on the garden pages -- stay tuned!), and there are tulips coming up all over.

Unfortunately Netscape cut nearly everyone working on the community forums, including all of the hub guides, so I'm out once again beating the virtual pavement looking for work. If you know of anyone who might need some help, show them my resume.

On the bright side, Fabrice got a promotion at his job. He was also offered some stock options and profit-sharing benefits this year. We're quite able to make our mortgage payments while I look for a new contract.

The cats continue to do fine, even though they are so old. They love sleeping in the sun on quarry tile floor of the kitchen. Like all of us, they love the new house extravagantly.