Mom has settled down: she is no longer hanging around me or asking endless questions, which has been a relief.  She has gone back to acting like the typical mom she always has been.  I am glad of this; she was beginning to drive me crazy!

Grandma Ethel is no longer here with us.  She died two months ago due to a massive stroke.  I happened to be the one who found her, sitting in her chair.  I knew she was dead when I saw her, but when I touched her, the feel of her cold skin against my fingers chilled me to the bone.  Her funeral was several days later; it was a well attended affair.  Grandma Ethel had a lot of friends and acquaintances in this town.

I miss Grandma Ethel.  She was a sweet old lady who loved to spoil her 16 grandchildren and bake pies and cakes.  She was an awesome cook.

Daddy is still hanging with his beer buddies, but at least he's staying home more.  He just goes drinking on the weekends (mainly Friday and Saturday nights).  Poor Mom worries that he is going to end up getting smashed or in a wreck, but so far this hasn't happened.  I pray it doesn't.  At least he isn't a mean drunk, but when he comes home some nights, he's falling all over himself, snging Hank Williams tunes off key at the top of his lungs.

It is highly embarrassing trying to explain to the neighbors why my Daddy is acting so goofy.  And even more so admitting that he has a little drinking problem.

Joe Breen, the boy that has been hanging with me, is still in my life.  In fact, we are now boyfriend and girlfriend!  He and I have been on a few dates and our relationship has only blossomed.  I guess I have those stupid cicadas to thank because if it were not for them, I would have never met Joe Breen!

As you can see, in some aspects life is good, while on others it is not so good (as in the passing of Grandma Ethel, as an example), but I am willing to let bygones be bygones and put all this weirdness aside.  I have had more than enough for weirdness for a little while.  I am ready for life to return to normal, even despite the noisy concert performed by the cicadas, who are still here.  I will be glad when they go, but they have certainly brought a lot of change in my life, more than I really anticipated!

It will also be a lot more quieter, for one thing!  I can hear their song in my head even as I sleep!  They were beginning to drive me crazy, yet when the cicadas leave, I will probably end up missing their musical musings!

~The End.~