A few of their discussions on morality and policy went on continuously for days.The middle four hours of their workday was spent traveling and talking...to people. This involved anything from informal chats over tea with chance-met citizens in a hostelry they’d picked at random, to formal speeches delivered to vast multitudes. They attended formal social occasions of every variety and every size with persons of note in every field, and often visited schools, Healers’ hospices, and public works. I tried to remember the night and what had happened to lead up to this. I thought back to the previous day and remembered that John and I went to the lake. He took me out there because I had just recently moved to the area and didn't know much about my surroundings. We spent the day drinking and talking about whatever all day. Then it hit me. Oh fuck. I thought to myself. I cheated on Brian. A slight feeling of regret suddenly came over me. The damage - though minimal as far as I was concerned. You will have a very exciting time in Mexicomy 'accomplished muxe', I can't wait to see you in one of those wonderfullong multicolored skirts. You would like that wouldn't you sweetie?" Yes I would," I said sincerely as the new phase in my life was all of asudden unfolding in front of me. I was excited again as I left behind allmy passport inspection worries. 'Mexico we're coming' I said to myselfand turning to Pat I asked, "You know Pat, we're about to embark for amajor trip and I have no idea. "We sat for an hour or more throwing ideas around until Mary joined us wearing a dressing gown and laughing."Poppy wouldn't get into the bath by herself," she giggled, "So I volunteered. Then she didn't want to get out." I'd better go up and see her," but Mary put her hand on my arm."She fell asleep the minute we got her into the bed, David, in the middle of about twelve teddy bears."Karen joined us then and like her mother she was laughing."David you should have seen Poppy in the bath. It was.