Stream of consciousness worked out best for some people when they tried to write something long form. Danny made that determination while laughing at an e-mail he'd devoured. It was one more sign that he was back in a civilized world that included a prolonged hot shower, ESPN, internet access and the promise of a dinner that wasn't fast food, microwaved or skewered over an open fire.

Trish was making a roast. She'd serenely rearranged everything after the call from P.J. announcing they'd cut the trip a day short.

She was supervising P.J.'s clean up leaving Danny to get reacquainted with his laptop. It would take a minimum of a half day to plow through the accumulated messages. He noticed only a handful from C.J.

As expected, his eyes went to the ALL CAPS subject line "OPEN ME FIRST". The contents were the source of his laughter.

She'd written:

"I'm compiling a he-man sized e-mail where I detail each day of life without you in epic fashion. After I finish fashioning it, you won't be the only Pulitzer Prize winner in my bed, I assure you.

"But these are the tidbits taking up space in my mind.

"Sunday: Laptop security. Is it with you in the cabin or locked in your trunk? It contains sensitive and sensational stuff like my date of birth and lingerie size.

"Monday: Your trip has turned me into a checking machine. I check baseball scoreboards and I check weather. com constantly to see what it's like where you are. I'm happy I sent you extra sunscreen.

"Tuesday: Are you eating okay? You didn't pack a lot of rustic gear so not sure how you are coping. I envision things roasting on sticks you whittle down.

"Wednesday: Josh is home! The short trip exhausted him. Still, his smile never wavered. We've all volunteered to sleep there. Donna turned us down flat. She's ruling the roost, meaning Josh is in great shape.

"Thursday: The Press Corps is in a summer stupor. No digging, no complex questions, no biting wit. Is it because you're gone or because everyone is exhausted after our long haul?

"Your return will shake things up because you're rested and energized.

"By the way, Gail feels neglected. You used to send her postcards. I've taunted her with mine. I'm a mean Mom.

"Tomorrow I concentrate on wrapping up the epic and getting out of here on time to properly welcome you home. You better have some energy left for what I have in mind."

It was signed, "Love, C.J."

He glanced at the clock and toyed with calling her. When she answered he'd just start answering the e-mail questions. It was probably her night at the White House and he had no definite details about his return. The airline had him on standby and weren't optimistic he'd be booked onto an earlier flight.

P.J.'s frantic calls to come eat made the decision for Danny. He shut the lap top to stay focused on his son and the aroma of home cooking.

(TBC)