I went bright and early to the travel agent this morning to make plans for New York City in August.

It looks as if we got the hotel of choice, the Milford Plaza, which is right near Times Square. The question is now about which shows we are going to be able to get tickets for as part of the package.

I should hear from the agent within the next couple of days to hear what has been confirmed.

Unfortunately I think Michael will be in London when we’ll be there, but that’s the way it goes. I am disappointed but again I’m not surprised.

I figured he’d find some way to avoid seeing me, as I get the feeling that he’s more comfortable with this phone and e-mail relationship than he is with in-person meetings. He is a mystery to me.

I wish he wasn’t so important to me!

After going to the travel agent I went to the mall to pay bills, but of course I couldn’t avoid shopping! I have to say that I showed great restraint. I pawed through the sale racks, but couldn’t fine the bargains I wanted or anything that really called to me. I ended up just getting a fuschia rayon skirt and a black top that has little fuschia flowers on the front. The tops is one of those "fake-out" types that looks as if it’s a sweater over another sweater, but it’s all one piece.

The entire outfit cost $19.07.

It was also Cinique bonus time at Lord and Taylor, so I went to get some makeup to keep in reserve.

I spent the rest of the afternoon organizing stuff, and not feeling as if I’m getting anywhere. The place still looks as if I live in a pigsty.

I wish I could possibly get to the point where I feel as if things look good enough to invite company to drop by.

I work and work and nothing seems to look any different.