The Journal of Phillip Grant - March 1

Ah Sunday, lazy Sunday. A day to finish off all the fun stuff before the week begins in earnest.

Stephen went next door for a visit. I'm sure he wanted to see Abbey. However, Abbey's mum Emerald decided it was time to have a chat with the boy. I can't blame her, he seems to be underfoot over there quite a bit since he and Abbey started a romance. They haven't started officially dating but somehow it feels like a matter of time for that.


Stephen and Emerald seemed to have gotten along all right. I hope the boy didn't tell her one of his wilder conspiracy theories but Em might be used to it. Abbey seems to be the same.

Vincent met up with Erica in the park. They spent a lot of time jamming - she developed some good skills with that base. That guy on the piano was actually really good, Vincent wants to get him for his band. Unfortunately for Vincent, the piano player isn't a friend so won't join the band yet. Maybe sometime.

Lots of people danced and listened. No one donated any money. Well, you can't expect money from every performance in the park.

We've arranged for a butler. I've heard that they can be far more useful than a maid; they cook, clean and repair. They also can look after the babies and toddlers but he doesn't have to worry about that. Just as well for his sake, the twins were a definite handful.

I miss having babies in the house though. 

I was inspired by a recent balloon ride to paint a view of Sunset Valley from above. City Hall and our local park are the center of our city.

I was pleased with how well it turned out. Sold for a pretty penny as well.

Kendrick Sekemoto and Marcelo Pendragon. Kendrick is my cousin Chance's younger son. His mom is Ursula, she divorced Chance years ago and married Marcelo. So Marcelo is Kendrick's step dad, even though they are much the same age.

It's actually one of the more unusual households in the neighborhood. Ursulu lives with all of her children; Marco and Kendrick from her first marriage with Chance and Stephanie who is Marcelo's girl. Stephanie is just a little toddler while her half brothers are both grown men.

Marco has never married, rarely dates a girl for more than a week. He's definitely older than Marcelo.

Kendrick is married to Dayna. Dayna is a lovely girl, one of the Leman family.

Long since time for Kendrick and Dayna to move out and start a family of their own.

Stephen and Abbey decided to come over here to get some quiet time. They couldn't get away from Abbey's family while over at the Kane house.

They failed, it was Abbey's turn to meet Vanessa.

That was an odd coincidence that both Mums picked today to meet the romantic interest of one of their children. 

I've been really quite inspired today. This is a moody painting of one of our gnomes.

Vanessa finally decided to stop chatting to Abbey. So Stephen and Abbey finally had a bit of alone time together. Poor boy has been dying to do that all day.

Vincent stopped playing guitar to step up to the grill-a-thon challenge. He spent the afternoon grilling hot dogs for the neighborhood.

He completed the challenge successfully. Not sure what that will really do for him, except it did help his cooking skills along.

This was simply not the day for Stephen and Abbey. My cousin Tosha came to visit and Veronica got into the act as well. So they were interrupted again.

I feel for Stephen. I remember how hard it was to find a quiet corner when I was romancing Vanessa. With Mum, Dad, Eric, Katie and the babies, there was always someone just around the corner.

I should point out to Stephen and Abbey there should be some beach or picnic spot at the edge of town that isn't crammed with relatives.

I am really pleased with how this painting came out. It's still not a masterpiece but it is a brilliant work none the less.

Also I've finally maxed my painting skill. I've always wanted to be a visionary and I have finally reached that goal.

I'm framing this picture and keeping it here. A good reminder of this day.

I like this. The kids had a tournament session of "Grand Crash Auto" before school. Hard to say if any of them are winning but they are having a lot of fun. Actually, I'm not positive that it's supposed to be grand crash auto, that's just the way the kids were playing it.

It will be the girls' first day at school. Just as well that they start off by having fun at home before they go.

Since it was they first day at school, it means they have homework for the first time ever. So Vanessa sat down with Veronica.

While I worked with Penelope to give them some help at how to do the homework.

Yes, in the kitchen again cause cookies and ice cream is a very definite motivator.