I'm on the treadmill again, and while I'd love to fill you in on what's happening over here, I'm afraid I lack the time to even whine properly.

We're off in a few minutes -- heading to the county courthouse for M2's official adoption hearing (she's already a US citizen and has already been adopted once, but I've learned the legal wheels turn slowly, and not always in the same direction).

The L&&T's plan was to hit the local ice cream shop for a treat before we head into court, a foolish, blood-sugar-spiking act that would probably result in the judge ordering the bailiff to shoot the kids, and maybe the parents too.

The way it's been going lately, it would probably be justified.

Fortunately, I'm here to provide a badly needed nutritional perspective on the day.

I will say that one of the issues bedeviling us should be familiar to my fly fishing readers.

Giardia.

It's a parasite that most fly fishermen have heard about (some have contracted it), and it's also sadly familiar to kids in overseas orphanages.

M2 has it, and it turns out the rest of us might too. Not everybody shows symptoms and they don't last in every case, but there you have it. (In the interest of staying classy, I'll pass on unnecessary descriptions of the testing process, including the Gathering Of The Samples.)

Once I dig out, I've got a couple more gear reviews in line.

And sure, I'd love to do a thoughtful piece, but that takes time. And maybe a little sleep, both of which of are in short supply.

I can offer photograph evidence that I'm dragging the kids to pre-school at least a couple mornings a week, though it's getting pretty cold. Since M2's arrival, exercise has been at a premium, and it's nice to get even a little bit of my hiking legs back.

Try dragging these two up a few hills...

See you at the courthouse, Tom Chandler.