Ep 13. Ray's Journal

Ray Barone is a successful sports writer who is married to his high school sweetheart, Debra Barone. Together, they have three children and live across the street from Ray's parents, Frank and Marie Barone, who frequently meddle in their lives.

In season 5 episode 13, Ray's Journal, Ray receives a special gift from Debra - a leather-bound journal for him to record his thoughts and feelings in. At first, Ray isn't sure what to make of it, but he decides to give it a try. Over the course of the episode, Ray starts to write down his thoughts and experiences, including his frustrations with work, his feelings about his family, and even some embarrassing secrets.

Meanwhile, Marie discovers that Ray has been keeping a journal and is determined to read it. She tries to sneak a peek at the journal whenever she can, but Ray catches her in the act and confronts her about it. Marie insists that she just wants to know what's going on in her son's life, but Ray is understandably upset and feels violated.

To make up for her mistake, Marie offers to do something special for Ray and Debra. She suggests that they all go on a weekend trip to a bed and breakfast, which Ray reluctantly agrees to. However, the trip doesn't go quite as planned. Frank spends the entire time watching TV in their room, while Marie is constantly hovering over Ray and Debra and trying to control everything they do.

As the weekend goes on, Ray continues to write in his journal, but he becomes increasingly paranoid that someone will read it. When Debra accidentally comes across the journal, Ray freaks out and demands that she give it back to him. Debra can't understand why Ray is so upset, but when she realizes that Marie has been meddling again, she decides to take matters into her own hands.

Debra confronts Marie about her behavior, pointing out that she's always trying to control everyone and never respects their privacy. Marie is hurt by Debra's words, but she ultimately realizes that she needs to change her ways and start treating her family with more respect.

In the end, Ray decides to burn his journal, realizing that it's not worth the risk of someone else reading it. He and Debra reconcile and Marie promises to give them more space in the future. While the weekend may not have gone exactly as planned, the family ends up coming closer together in the end.