We’ve done our 3-mile walk. Had breakfast. I’ve got a big pot of black bean chili on the stove.

And I’ve been browsing online. Appropriate for a warm, lazy Sunday.

My cousin’s daughter–I’ll let others recall what our degree of cousin-ness is technically called–teaches at Boise State and is great with words, among other things. I’ve linked to some of Cousin Leslie‘s essays here previously. Leslie’s blog, The Clutter Museum, is always a good read, and often links to her more academic writing. As far as I can recall, we’ve only met once. That was probably 30 years ago at my grandmother’s funeral. She was probably about 12 or so at the time. So we’ve never really known each other.

That’s a loss, I think.

Turns out her part of the family is ripe with writers. Her husband blogs at Fang’s Forum, and his recent post on tending the home front while Leslie is off at a summer program is top notch (“Summer Vacation, Week 2“). Hint: the new dogs runs away and leads a wild chase.

Then I find out her sister writes, too. Wow! Does she.

Try this: “If You Fail to Plan, You Plan to Fail (or Toilet Training- Take 1)”

I think I’m still laughing, and following links to other great riffs.

Thanks, cousins!