Yesterday, we visited Gainfully Employed Son #2 for an early celebration of the end of his 26th year on Earth. He opened his wallet and withdrew his new insurance card. HIS new insurance card! A card listing policy numbers for medical, dental, AND vision coverage! And most importantly–a card that did not have the names of myself or his father on it. His own card!

And so it ends, it at long last ends: Birthday number 26, thanks to The Affordable Care Act, means Husband and I no longer have any financial obligations to any of our offspring. Now it’s just the two of us!

Metaphorically speaking, this pushes the baby bird completely out of the nest. But he has been flying confidently for a few years now, he’s building his own nest, and we know his future is bright and sunny.

Tonight’s cocktail is my version of a “Dark and Stormy” since I like irony. Combine 1/2 ounce or more of lime juice with 6 ounces of (non-alcoholic) ginger beer in a tall glass. Add ice. Slowly pour in 2 ounces of dark rum or a similar cane-based liquor. Admire the “stormy” effect, then stir and enjoy.