Tired, tired, tired

I had dinner tonight with a friend and watched a movie. But...I was so tired I kept falling asleep. I'm not very good company right now I'm afraid. I'm just way too tired. Work is kicking my behind. I was working on something today...all day...having formatting problems with it. Finally I had to get someone else to fix it for me this afternoon. She just sent me the file a few hours ago and now I'll be getting in the office bright and early to finish it up for a 9AM meeting. Hopefully I can get it all done. I will be playing beat the clock once again.

I've got other meetings tomrrow spread through out the day...the last one is at 3PM. The thought of a meeting so late in the day on a Friday makes me crazy. Last Friday I didn't get home until well after seven. I hope I don't repeat that tomorrow.

Right now, sitting on a beach somewhere with a good book sounds like a dream. That, or sleeping in on a Saturday morning...without Jazz patting me on the face to wake me up. That sounds good too. But...I don't think I will be enjoying either of those any time soon.

Today, I said goodbye to my friend Dennis. He is the guy who connected me with Hugh Cassidy, the metal sculptor. Dennis is retiring and moving to Mississippi. In the short time I've come to know him...well he is one awesome human being! The best of all kind. As it turns out, he had volunteered for years as a bereavement counselor with Hospice of the Chesapeake. That profession suits him very well. I'll bet he has been a great help to a lot of people.

And here's another interesting connection. I had called Hospice of the Chesapeake last year, the day before Kenny died. My friend Monica gave me the phone number of one of the volunteers. Although we had decided to keep Kenny in the hospital, I was at a loss for knowing what to do and how to handle the situation. You see hospitals are in the business of keeping people alive...and when it comes to the business of dying they are not nearly as well versed.

Under the circumstances, the woman from the hospice was a real blessing. She talked with me over the phone and gave me some advice that made a world of difference for handling Kenny's last days. For example, she told me that even the moments when Kenny appeared to be unconcious, he could still hear everything we were saying. And so, Lisa and I continued to talk with him. I told him stories about the things I would do to keep myself busy this year, like working in the yard and planting pretty flowers. I tried to think of anything I could to bring him some peace so he would know I was going to be OK.

I will be forever greatful to Hospice of the Chesapeake, the volunteer's advice and the comforting work they do. I've added their website to my list of favorites. I may even join their widows support group some time soon.

Now everything comes full circle. Dennis has shared my blog with his friends at the hospice and they may use it for their support groups. That would bring such purpose to my writings. I had set out to help others with my experiences...and I'm amazed at how events and connections weave people together.

In fact, consider how I got to know Hugh...through Dennis. It was only a few weeks ago that Dennis connected the two of us together. If the timing of my arrival for this assignment or Dennis's retirement had shifted by just two weeks, the connection would never have happened. A coincidence? Of course not! God is sure good and life is sweet! Dennis...safe journey my friend! Please keep in touch.

Can You Believe It?

I am at a loss for words. I know... That never happens!! How can it be?! Who knows, but even I, sometimes have few words to say. Right now I'm just putzing around my house, tidying up a bit and thought I needed a little break.

Work was pretty busy today and mostly rewarding, with a few bumps along the way. We continue to work on a new strategic plan and are racing along to get it and all the details done in time to showcase it at our leadership Summit. It's a pretty daunting task, but it keeps me busy and off the streets!! Ha! Actually about now, I would enjoy some time on the streets of Washington. I've got some sightseeing I want to do. But clearly it'll have to wait until after August 18th!

I've got all kinds of plans for the birthday weekend. Will definitely go to my metal apprenticeship Saturday morning. I wouldn't miss it for the world. Later Saturday night I'm supposed to go to Dylan's house for a party. He is my friend Marti's oldest son. Marti and I have known each other since Jr. High School. It's Dylan's wife Elise's birthday weekend too and Marti's was yesterday. It will be a tri-birthday celebration.

Sunday my family plans to go to a local wine festival. It's over near Leesburg and there is supposed to be live music and everything. That should be a fun way to round out the weekend.

Jazz is over there now relaxing. He was very vocal this evening. Meow, meow, meow! Not sure what he was talking about. He has food, he has water...but he just seemed to be trying to tell me something. Maybe he wants to go home?

I've got news for Jazzy Boy! We are not going anytime soon!! I've still got too many people to see, too many things to do.

Kyle and Jessica's wedding plans are coming along nicely. I finally had a chance to send them some addresses last night. Jess is getting ready to send out the invitations. She is one VERY organized gal. She just keeps on checking things off for the big day.

Well I'm going to shut this thing down for now. Surprise...even with a loss of words...I still managed to find something to talk about. I know...you are really NOT surprised, are you? Have a good night!

Today Will be a Good Day

I am willing it to happen. The day will go perfectly. Work will click. I'll see some new old friends and something mysterious and wonderful will come to be. That's how I see this day. It's gonna be a good day!

I'm Whipped

Went to dinner tonight with my brother. Had a nice time. We walked to a place just down the street. $2 beers and good food. Perfect! I'm pretty tired though. Work is hectic...running through my days. Would sure like to take a break. Don't see that happening anytime soon until after this Summit August 18th. Gonna crash now...need to get some much-needed rest. Sleep tight!

A Year Has Now Passed...

I can't tell you the number of times I've cried to the song Landslide. I even started crying to this one before Kenny actually died. There is something called anticipatory grief...and yes, I experienced it...for over 18 years. This song still touches my heart...even today.

When Kenny and I met at 19, we loved Fleetwood Mac. Before we married we spent many evenings in his apartment listening to their beautiful music and lyrics. We loved their Bare Trees and Rumors albums. This song in particular, sung by Stevie Nicks, pretty much says it all.

A year has now passed since Kenny died and I find myself still wondering when this emptiness will leave me... Yet I know that I need to celebrate today, the life of this man who was so courageous, so kind, so funny and so adoring of me. I am blessed...so blessed...beyond my ability to describe it! Thank you Kenny.

Click on the arrow in the box below. If you can not see a music box, go to the internet and download Adobe Flash Player. Then you will be able to play Landslide, by Stevie Nicks. She dedicated this song to her father. And well, I'd like to do the same today. Love you Pop! Give Mom a kiss for me and be sure to hug her today and don't let go!

Fleetwood Mac - Landslide via Noolmusic.com

Rhonda is Coming!

Oh My Gosh! I just got off the phone with Rhonda and she will be here tomorrow night. She has a conference this week near the White House and she is joining Lisa, Priscilla and I for dinner! Oh My Gosh! I am so excited to not have to face this date alone. Not a coincidence...right? It will be one year tomorrow since Kenny died.

I spent the afternoon straightening my apartment, doing laundry, changing my sheets, doing dishes and hanging pictures. Expecting company is quite motivating!! I even hung my big "stuffed animal" lion's head on my living room wall.

It's a bizarre place...my little apartment. Now the lion stares at me when I'm paying my bills. Mr. Shrek is sitting in the living room too and I just bought some zebra print covers for my bistro chairs. And yesterday Carla gave me a cool brown and black zebra print rug. It's perfect for my bathroom. The colors blend nicely with the brown and blue towels and shower curtain I bought last weekend.

I suppose I'm getting a little ecentric in my old age. But, my apartment is funky and fun...just the way I like it! I finally got my box of photos from Priscilla and started setting them around too. I've got the one of Kenny with Chloe giving him goo-goo eyes. It's one of my favorites. It's on top of my fridge so I can see it from the kitchen and the living room and it makes me smile.

I got a very sweet voicemail today from new friend Leslie...she's a member of my "widows club." At least that's what we jokingly call it. It's a special society and not everyone can join...thankfully. For once it's a club that people are not standing in line to be admitted.

Leslie wished me a good day tomorrow and said she is proud of me. She knows too well how hard this is. She also told me to celebrate the day...not to make it mournful. I have to admit, she has a point. I am so blessed to have been married to a man who loved me with ALL of his heart! In fact, he absolutely adored me. How lucky is that?

Tomorrow night, Rhonda, Priscilla, Lisa and I will raise a toast to Kenny. We will also think about the niece of my highschool friend Mary. It will be the one year anniversary of her kidney and pancreas transplant. Can you believe she received the gift of life at Hopkins the same day the angels welcomed Kenny home? Ken would be pleased that we can celebrate her new life...a second chance at living. Just as Kenny was so blessed ...not just once, but three times.

A Beautiful Day!

I'm glad that I had my metal apprenticeship appointment to get me up and out of the apartment yesterday. I was on my way bright and early, listening to Crosby, Stills and Nash...and well that's when the somber mood lifted. The scenery was beautiful, the sky was blue, and the clouds billowing...soon I was happy again.

The class went well. I learned to hammer brass in concentic rings to make a bowl, I learned to use the chop saw to cut some thick metal, I used the acetyline torch...and learned this simple rule: On is: Acetyline first, oxygen last...Off is: oxygen first, acetlyne last. I'll have to drill that into my head until it sets there forever. With the torch, I heated up an iron rod and hammered it into a point. Next I hammered out all of the edges to make it round rather than square. This one I had to do over and over. I wasn't quite getting it. Soon I would lose the heat and have to heat it again. "Strike while the iron is hot!" But, it was much more difficutl than it appears, so Hugh would shape the iron back into a square again...and I would start over until I got it right. In the end, mine was not as good as Hugh's but with practice it will get there...I'm sure.

I did enjoy my fist burned hand but enjoy is not the right word to describe it! I grabbed a piece of metal not realizing it would still be hot. Fortunately my reflexes are fast, I dropped it immediately to the ground and plunged my hand in the bucket of water. I tried to shake it off, I was embarrassed and didn't want Hugh to feel bad...but as he talked about the next part of the lesson...man my hand was throbbing! I was sure it would be all blisterd. But...amazingly today I can barely see where it was burned. Once again, God is looking out for me.

After my lesson I showered at Monica's and she fixed me this awesome salad with fresh tomatos. It's always great to have time to spend with my darling friend Monica. She is one of the dearest people I know...and believe me, I know a lot of dear, dear people. I'm blessed.

Next I ran by Priscilla's and picked up my file box and a few other things she was keeping for me. Then had dinner with Kyle, Jessica and Chloe. I left there and headed to Carla's. Didi, Carla and I went to see our old High School friend Terry at the hospital. He is battling a rare form of leukemia. It's another of life's puzzling mysteries. He is a gentle, sweet, kind, God-fearing man...who has a life-threatening disease. I won't even bother to try to figure it out. We spent some time there visiting; it was the first time I had stepped foot in a hospital since Kenny died and the equipment was all too familiar.

I spent the night last night at Carla's. I was too tired to drive back to Virginia. Sorry Jazz! He will be mad at me when I get home.

Now I'm headed to church with Carla and Didi. Didi's daughter's boyfriend is giving the sermon today. He is studying to be a minister and I can't wait to meet him. I've heard so much about him.

Later I'll have lunch with Priscilla and finally drive back to my apartment. I still have laundry and bills to do. I also just got a message from my boss and have some more things he wants me to pull together for tomorrow's morning's meeting. Boy...I'm busy!!

God I Love Fred Astaire

A friend sent me the following dance clip. It's Fred Astaire and Eleanor Powell from 1940. It's amazing and it was filmed in ONE unedited camera shot. It takes me back to my teenage years when Mom and I would spend our Saturday afternoons watching old movies, like Mickey Rooney, Fred Astaire, Shirley Temple, and of course good ole' Tarzan.

We weren't totally killing the day. Often times we would get out the ironing board and iron a ton of clothes while we watched the movie. And here's how we did it. We had an old green 7-up bottle with an aluminum sprinkler head inserted in the neck. We filled that bottle with water and sprinkled each piece of clothing until it was just moist. Then we rolled them up tightly and put them in a big old plastic bag to so they wouldn't dry out until we got around to ironing them.

Those were the days! And heaven forbid we should REALLY relax on a Saturday and just watch a movie. In those days, relaxing was unheard of! But regardless, it sure was fun and seeing this old clip brought back some fond memories of days gone by. Of course, I would easily roll back the clock and do it all again. In a heart beat! Even the ironing part! Love you MOMMY!

A Change of Perspective

So ya know, maybe I'm not so happy after all. It kind of hit me now. I was standing on the subway platform this evening waiting for a train and had plenty of time to think. The train was late and as I waited, the crowd got thick with people wanting to get home. When it finally arrived everyone shoved in...no one was willing to wait any longer, including me.

I pushed myself and my computer bag into that train and stood there crammed in with a divese crowd of people. There was really no need to hold on, there was no place to fall, since we were so tightly packed together. Yet, even though there were people all around me, I was alone. That familiar feeling came over me once again...I am all alone. I imagined that most of the people on the train were hurrying home to someone...a spouse, a friend, a parent, a child. But not me...well except for my kitty cat. Thankfully I have Jazz. Not sure what I would do without him.

I can't explain why the loneliness hit me today. Maybe because I'm tired. It's been a difficult week and the pace will continue the next few days and weeks until our leadership summit mid August. Perhaps it was just that I finally stood still long enough to think and allowed the loneliness to creep in. And just maybe that's why I don't allow myself to stand still for very long. I typically run through each day cramming as much in as I possibly can. That way I won't have time to think.

But...now that I have...it's hard to believe Kenny has been gone for a few days shy of an entire year. That's twelve months...TWELVE months! 365 days! How can that be? It's really hard for me to fathom. And, I'm not sure I'm so happy after all. I was just trying to fool myself. It's going to take just a little bit longer. I guess that speaks to the shifting emotions of being a widow.

Could I Be More Tired?

"Finn" and I high-tailed it out of Baltimore as soon as we could break free after the meeting, and headed to Annapolis to Kenny's Mom's. I had to pick up my Jazzy B! We stopped on the way and had a cocktail...it was our reward for an exhausting, but successful two days! Then we made our way over to pick up the boy.

Kenny's Mom was excited to see us and unloaded her fridge on us two girls. We ate and talked and laughed about Jazz. She told us all about his antics while I was away and he seemed to be perfectly happy spending the two days at her house. Over dinner, Jazz was doing his best to grab our attention and kept coming up to me...and reaching out to touch me with his paw. Needless to say, he was happy I was back. After a little while we loaded up the car with all of Jazz's paraphenalia...including Jazz, tucked inside his shoulder-strapped carrier...and headed home. I needed to drop off Finn in DC on my way to Virginia and it was getting late.

It was raining pretty hard when we started our trip...which made it even more precarious to maneuver our way through the DC streets. My vision at night is not the best and add to that the slick, rainy streets and well...it was just not good. I dropped off my friend at her home, just off South Dakota Avenue, and made my way down Bladensburg Road, to 395 South. Luckily I found my way just fine and was home lickety split.

I had to make two trips from the parking garage upstairs to my little apartment. One was with Jazz and his litter box, the next was with my suitcase and computer. Boy it felt good to finally be inside and lock my apartment door. Jazz is happy to be home too!

Tomorrow I have a follow up meeting from the two-day offsite. Me and a few of the Execs are getting together at eight AM to continue working on the Strat Plan. I have to get in there pretty early to print a few documents for the meeting. Phew! I am so-o-o tired. I'm sure I will crash on Friday!

How Can I Be So Happy?

Tonight, after our meeting, a bunch of us walked over to Little Italy for dinner. On the way, as we road down the elevator, I caught a glimpse of the Hopkins dome in the distant skyline. All I could think is, "There it is." It's the place that for so long had been our home away from home...

Over the years Kenny and I had watched Hopkins build new hospital wings and add more and more buildings to the sprawling complex. We even watched a new parking garage go up...and years later be torn down. We saw so many changes there and in the surrounding neighborhoods. In fact, we watched as Camden Yards was built...and saw that entire area change as well. Eighteen years of driving in and out of this City...brought us an ever changing view of Baltimore.

And it feels odd to be so close to the one-year anniversary of Kenny's death...and yet feel happy. In fact, it makes me feel guilty in a way...like what is wrong with me? How can I possibly be so happy? But I am. And thankfully I know Ken would be relieved. I know he is rejoicing that I am finally doing better.

It's been a long, difficult year. The hardest one of my life. But things are looking up in a strange kind of way. That's not to say that Monday will NOT be difficult. Of course it will be, as it will for anyone who knew and loved my Kenny.

But, I am doing my best to stay on the upbeat about things. I know that's what Kenny would want. I can hear him saying, "Luce, it's OK, it's been so hard on you. I want you to be happy; you deserve to be happy." I know that's what Kenny would say.

What a View!

Here I am in Baltimore again! I hadn't been here since Kenny died and it felt a little weird driving into the City for something other than a trip to Hopkins. I arrived last evening, checked into my hotel room, threw open the draperies and...WOW! A view of the harbor...and on the Government rate! That never happens!! What a beautiful sight and...there it was...the old familiar Domino Sugars sign all lit up in neon. Love it!

On my way here, I dropped off Jazz at Kenny's Mom's house. This time, I put him in the carrier and didn't hear a peep from him. He settled right down and took a little nap as we drove through DC, then Maryland...on our way to Annapolis. We got there and he walked around a bit, but he sure remembered the place. He sprawled right out on the kitchen floor...made himself at home. That's good. Gives me one less thing to worry about.

At Ferne's we had dinner together and it was nice having something homemade for a change...chicken, macaroni salad and fresh tomatoes. Perfect. Then I headed here to Baltimore.

When I finally got to the hotel, I shoved my suitcase into the room and headed out to the harbor place. Still docked in the harbor was the U.S. Constitution. It's a big old civil war era sailing ship. I remember going on it as a little girl with my Parents and Grandparents. Not sure how old I was, but I think I was about four or five.

The shops at the harbor were buzzing with people. I walked around, bought a few things and just took in the sights and sound of it all. I spent some time just sitting on the dock, talking on the phone with my sister Lisa. I sure love being back here. I appreciate everything so much more since I've been gone. The Baltimore Harbor is awesome! What a spectacular place.

Here I am now getting ready for the big meeting. It's a strategic planning conference with our VPs. And I'm excited to be here...yes...I know...I'm a bit of a geek! But this stuff is right up my alley. Well...better get going. This should be a full day...

I Wore Myself Out!

Today was even more tiring than yesterday. First thing this morning, I sanded the bathroom vanity and polished it with gel gloss. It's made out of cultured marble and it had been all scratched and dingy from previous tenants here. It was bugging me; it just didn't look very nice. Now it's practically brand new! I did the same to the stainless steel kitchen sink, but used steel wool instead. Yesterday I had picked up some fine gauge steel wool at the hardware store. I buffed it with that, then polished it too. Now the water beads up and it doesn't get those nasty water marks and rings.

Later I drove to Old Town Alexandria...which is only about ten or fifteen minutes from my apartment. I puttzed around picking up a few more things to make this feel like home...a shower curtain, a basket to hold towels in my bathroom, a bedspread and blanket. I also found a cute greeen metal table to use in my living room for an end table. Slowly but surely things are coming together here.

I got home this evening and had to haul all the stuff up from the basement. I borrowed the cart from the front desk. Then I finished drying my sheets, made my bed and got the rest of the laundry done. I opened a box of kitchen stuff...finally. It had been in the back of my car since last week. I got everything out and washed that stuff too and put it all away. Now I'm tired...exhausted really, and can't believe I have to go to work tomorrow!! Not only that, but I still have to pack for the meeting in Baltimore. I will be driving there after work tomorrow...first I'll drop of Jazzy B at my mother-in-law's. It will be a busy day, and an even busier week for me. The project will really crank up into high gear the next several weeks!

I could use a few more hours to chill this evening, but I know I've got to go hit the sack so I can recuperate. I'm glad I got so much done today and it's good to be settling in. Jazz is happy that I'm here for a change. He is right next to me as usual. He follows me around like little a puppy-dog....er...a...sorry Jazz...I mean cat!!!

Too Tired to Blog...

Not too often am I too tired to blog...but today I really am! I spent three hours this morning, outside in the heat, learning all about metal sculpting with Hugh. What a dear of a man! His wife is too. Today for my first lesson, I leaned to use a number of tools and he had me practice cutting, chamferring, grinding and hammering different pieces of metal. I even took a stainless steel spoon, hammered it flat..then used a ballpien hammer to texturize the steel. In the end, I bent a nice curve back into the spoon. It never occured to me that you could take an ordinary stainless steel spoon and turn it into a piece of art!

After we had been out there for a few hours working in the heat of the day, Hugh's wife Barbara, carried out a tray with ice-cold drinks for us. She had stirred some mineral water into apple juice and it sure was refreshing on a hot steamy day!

The lesson ran a little over the three hours...mostly because Hugh kept remembering one more thing that he wanted to show me. I got to see his larger-than-life sculptures...all "found metal." He had welded them together into all sorts of things, mostly people, birds, and dragons. I also got to see some of his daughter Eva's originals. One painting I recognized from her web site.

Once I was headed home, I called Martine and she invited me out on her boat. So, I stopped at K-mart and bought a bathing suit, towel and sunglasses, then headed over to the Marina in Edgewater. I spent the rest of the day with Martine and Jeff tooling around on the South River. We ended up anchoring on one of the creeks and spent some time there swimming.

By early evening Taylor (their son) and Ashley joined us. I finally got to see Martine's little grandson Tristan. He is ten months old and is a real curly headed cutie. After we got off the boat we headed to La Fiesta, the local mexican restaurant and had dinner together. Tristan entertained us by doing all sorts of cute things...but especially by saying "Uh oh" then looking down as if to see what had dropped. Each time he did something cute, we would all bust out laughing. It was a perfect, but exhausting day!

I just got out of the shower...that was great after feeling sticky and gross all day. Phew! Tired! I'm turning in now...

Eva's Dad

Tomorrow morning I am going to meet Eva's father, Hugh Cassidy and I am humbled. Not only is he a talented muscian and accomplished artist...but he is Eva's father and I have been a fan of hers for so many years. She was taken from us in her thirties...a treasure gone way too soon. Meeting her father..well, very simply, how do such things happen?

Hugh will teach me welding and everything about "found metal" sculpture. I really can't believe I am so-o-o blessed. It would be an honor just to meet him, let alone have him share his talent with me! What can I say? Kenny can you believe it baby?

T.G.I.F.

It's been a long and exhausting week! Thank God it's Friday!!!

Two Touching Comments

Brad posted a comment today about Erin and his faith in God. You can find it at the bottom of Tuesday's post: My God. It pretty much sums up how I feel as well. And for anyone who doubts God's existence...well please refer to Brad's message. I believe it may prompt you to reconsider.

Also, see the comment I got on yesterday's post from another dear high school friend, Colleen. She went through a serious battle with cancer a few years ago. I am happy to say she is healthy today and is back at life again...full throttle. Most of the year she lives in Saudi Arabia. Now that's interesting. Oh, I'm sure the stories she could tell!

To Brad and Colleen...two treasures!! God Bless you both!! I am honored to know you and call you my friends!!

Rushing a Bit

Not sure where the time went this evening except that I didn't get home until about 6:30 PM That means I put in nearly a twelve hour day. I was in the office by 6:30 AM and hitting it hard. One of my assignments is kicking my butt. Nearly impossible deadlines, but I'm gonna keep on workin' it. Hope to "git er done!"

This evening I walked a block up the street and had dinner at Noodles. I ordered Pad Thai and sat out at the street-side table to eat. Love that! There is so much activity here that it is never lonely eating alone. I was too busy watching all the bikers, joggers, walkers. I even kept an eye on the chauffeur waiting outside McCormick and Schmick's restaurant. Seems funny to see a limo sitting out there. I wonder if it was some politician or something? Probably! But I didn't linger around to find out. I finished my meal and headed back home.

Jazz is running around the apartment. He probably slept all day and now has energy to burn. I got a message that they are coming to paint my balcony tomorrow. Not sure why; I didn't even notice it needed paint. But, I'll have to put Jazzy B in the bedroom and bathroom tomorrow before I leave. That's easy, I can close off both rooms to the rest of the apartment and they know I have a cat. They also know I would literally DIE if anything happens to my Jazzy Boy! No worries!!!

I got an email from my friend Jane tonight. She is the one who is taking care of my house down south. Everything is fine...the plants are all fine. She's doing well and is taking good care of everything. What a blessing!!

My God...

My God...is it OK to say My God? I got a another message from Brad, my dear high school friend and he sent me several photos of his family and his darling Erin. She died one year ago today. I couldn't help but cry. I'm not sure when I've seen such a beautiful girl and I'm guessing if she had her father's spirit...well, what a loss. What a tremendous loss. I find myself wondering how people get through such an experience. But I know that Brad...back all those years ago in high school...had a solid faith in God, even while I was still questioning God's existence. I'm guessing his faith is what has seen him through. He still misses his beautiful daughter. Of course! And now...I miss her too!

I can not wait to see this guy and meet his wife. I know I will want to steal away for hours and talk with them. We have so much of life to share.

I hope this photo of his beautiful Erin...reminds everyone to treat life as a precious gift, not to be wasted. Dear Lord, bless and comfort this grieving family today and always.

My Grandma Green

I just got off the phone with my Grandmother. She is 94 years old and lives in asissted living in Pennsylvania. She said she was not doing so well today. She fell this weekend, has a big knot on her head and sore ribs...likely they are broken. I had no idea.

I called because she had just simply popped into my mind and I decided I needed to talk with her. Ater telling me how she fell and all the circumstances she said, "Enough about me Cissy, how are you doing?" And I replied, "Well, to borrow your expression, Grandma, I am happy as a clam!"

Pretty soon she forgot all about her sore ribs and was lost in my update. I told her all about my little apartment and how I love it here. I told her how everything is compact and convenient. I said, "This morning I took my trash a few doors down and dropped it into a chute never to be seen again!! Now that's pretty cool!" I explained that when I get up in the morning, my bathroom is a few steps from my bedroom; the kitchen is right across from that. I could tell Grandma was pleased that everything is going so well. She said, "Cissy, don't you remember what I told you?" That everything would be looking up you some day?" I said, "Yep, just as you predicted things are going very well for me now Grandma."

As for my apartment, I pop on the radio first thing each morning, get my coffee going and jump in the shower. There's a place for everything...and everything is in its place!! I like this "minimalist" living. In fact, my sister insists that I get cable so I can watch T.V. but I'm not convinced. I'm not a TV-a-holic. And I've found that with my laptop and air card I can get news on streaming video, HGTV tips and just about anything else I want. I'm going to take my time before I decide about spending money on cable. Besides, without T.V. I will be prompted to keep in touch with people more...read more books and get more exercise. At least that's what I'm guessing! Who knows maybe I'll even begin to write some "old fashioned" letters once in a while. Now wouldn't that be a good thing?

My conversaton with my Grandmother ended by me saying, "Grandma, just take it easy, continue to rest until you are feeling better. " She replied, "Oh Cissy, no need to worry about me. I'm going to live another fifty years!" And you know? I think she's probably right!