I'm just calling about my friend.

There is the gambling hot line in Florida.  It can give you information about where to turn if you get the fever and you know you should go home but you don't go home, and there is still some money in the bank account and you think the problem is that you were just under capitalized.  Payday is Friday, you still have a job, the rent and utilities have been paid through the end of the month and you'll just skip lunch a few days because the gas tank is empty to sort of catch up.

This has been a pretty good week at the track.  I came out ahead on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday.  Friday, I was tired and should have stayed home but the cafeteria has some good food at a reasonable price and I rationalized a trip to the track could be saved by a five dollar, more or less balanced rice, beans, and meat Cuban Special.  I left after getting beat in a photo finish where it looked like my dog had finished second and I would cash.  My protest to Pauly, a track functionary fell on deaf ears, he needed and got the eight in the photo, my dog in the blue blanket was placed third, while the really fair thing would have been to call it a dead heat.  I was so pissed I left with most of my bankroll and was considering moving my business to another venue.  Lesson learned, don't rush to Flagler after working and walking in the heat and humidity.  Go home, drink a beer, have a shower and have a nap.

My house is much quieter since Patty has almost been officially approved to stay in this country.  Lisvey has gone to visit relatives in the DR and Patty has either rented a small place or is staying with her sister while she looks for a place and works crazy hours and waits for the I-765, while the paperwork for permanent residency application is completed.  Adjectives can hardly explain how I feel.  Good, happy, relieved, hopeful, suddenly flush with cash (at least for this week) and more relaxed are a good start for the beginning of my summer vacation.