James and I conspired for a great Mother's Day surprise, with him secretly flying in from Chicago last night. Mom's reaction is the best.

Dear Kiki, you are not only my best and oldest friend, you are my family. 30 years and counting, it has been a privilege to grow up with you and to have each other through all of the ups and downs. Your parents are my second parents, your sister and her amazing brood are extended relations. Aside from my own parents and brother, your family has been the one other constant throughout my life and I am indescribably grateful for that, and for you. I love you so much and am so happy to wish you a special birthday this year as you start your own family!

This was the first time in 15 years that mom and I made a jack-o'-lantern and let it glow while marathoning horror movies. We must start doing this again every year!

1. Customary near-death experience followed by suddenly remembering to check condition of bike gears and brakes: Done.

2. Mentally prepare self for the unfortunate fact that over the next two weeks, millions of bugs will make kamikaze runs at head, arms and legs when biking around the back roads: Done.

3. Line up multiple bottles of ginger-appropriate 100 SPF sunscreen and protective baseball cap: Done.

4. Get into mind-numbing relaxation mode: Done.

...SO GLAD TO BE BACK IN ORIENT, LONG ISLAND!

Stormy vs. Tiger (Stormy's guard pass).

Great day with the family. Nice gifts (new Heroes of Olympus book!!), WAY too much food and now I'm watching Christmas shows and designing 3D versions of the characters from my book. Happy holidays everyone!