I always love Olivia & Elliott. Especially in this episode.

It's the episode from Law & Order: SVU last season* when Olivia ends up with Elliott's wife, Kathy, under the most trying circumstances, and helps deliver Elliott's baby.

We know why Olivia behaves with such gallantry, even if she would never admit it: She loves Elliott. Not just in a carnal way, though there is quite a bit of tension between them. Not just in a romantic way, though I sense there is plenty of "if only" longing between them. But also in an unselfish way. She wants what is best for her partner. At the end, when Elliott passes Olivia visiting Kathy and the new baby for the first time, he stops, turns and pulls her to him. Watching the cavalcade of emotions cross Olivia's face broke my heart.

In this episode, the sweetness and pain of their relationship was exquisite. I really want these detectives to "partner" in every way!

* I guess USA Network has been running an SVU marathon all day. Damn! I was wasting time out in the sunshine, moving among real people, when I could have been indoors, parked on the sofa, observing one of my favorite TV couples.

It's a $ign of the Times

Checked on one of my IRAs and it's gone down 14%. This particular IRA is the one I opened back in 2003 specifically for my cats. (Yes, my cats. The beneficiary is my oldest friend, who knows that if I die suddenly, she's to use the money to care for my fur family in my stead. Otherwise, I'm using it for my retirement.)

The bank that holds my mortgage (WAMU) is no more. Now this. I'm not checking on my 401(k), where most of money is, because it will just upset me.

I know, I know. This economy is hurting everyone. I'm probably luckier than some because I have at least a decade till retirement so I have time to see the stock market rebound and I'll probably make my money back (eventually). Even though I'm not feeling overly enthusiastic now, I suppose it's possible I could even turn a profit. While only about 20% of my portfolio is in bonds and annuities, they are both dependable in a bear market and have actually made me money (though not 14%).

Breathe deep. Stay calm. Be patient. And be cheap and pay with cash whenever possible.

Saturday 9 -- Return to Sender

1. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper and mailed it? Maybe 10 days ago. It was a letter to my Cousin Rose. I always write to both her and my friend in Key West. I like that it requires a little more work and thought.

2. Can you change the oil on a car? No. Fortunately, I don't have a car so it never comes up.

3. Name three things you have on you at all times. House keys. Epipen (I'm allergic to bee sting). Ring on my left hand (it has no sentimental meaning, I just feel naked without it).

4. What’s your life motto? "What man has done, man can do."

5. What’s a word that you say a lot? That would be the "f word."

6. What were you doing at midnight last night? Sleeping on the sofa.

7. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought? "Oh, that zit is still there." It feels like it went away, but the red spot is still visible.

8. Who is your worst enemy? To be completely honest, me.

9. What does your watch look like? I have three that I wear often -- one with a lilac "alligator" band, one with wide brown band, one with a black "leather" band. I also have a dressier silver watch with a blue face

To play along yourself, click here.