Oh, Mother!

So yesterday my mom comes to CA to visit with friends, family and join our cousin for a week in Maui. Today she is in the hospital. Sister Sue, the nurse in TX, says their family has the flu or some such bug and that is likely what mom has - not food poisoning. She is staying the night in Los Alamitos hospital. Sue told me not to go up and later mom agreed with that plan. So, am staying away and hoping that is all it is. Pray she feels better by Sunday as that's the day they fly to Maui. If not, anyone want to go to Maui with Joyce? Side bar: she travels with one pair of undies, which she washed out every night. I'm just saying . . .!

Out of words

Barbara went home today, sniff. We had a great time sharing memories, eating Halloween candy (shhhhhhh!), laughing, and making Christmas placemats. You gotta love a guest who arrives with a suitcase bulging with fabric and crafts! We should have planned for her to stay a week. She's off this week to niece, Molly's, wedding on Saturday. Kinda wish I could go, too, and see all her family. And now, I am out of my words for the next week or so. I bet you didn't think that could EVER happen! Come visit again, soon, dear friend.

Since 3rd Grade

My oldest friend is coming for the weekend today. We met in third grade at Park Village School in El Dorado Hills, CA. We were pretty much inseparable until her family moved in eighth grade. I have missed her ever since then. We had daughters around the same time; her Annie was born the year between my girls. We will be talking non-stop all weekend and getting in lunch at the Hotel Del Coronado and quilting and who knows what trouble we can find! My heart is full. Friends - they're a good thing.

Musings on a Sunday evening

Busy, busy weekend - took Ash to Cal Poly Pomona on Friday to see the campus and talk with a counselor. Good news, she just needs two specific classes to be accepted for fall 2009 term. Loved their huge field of pumpkins surrounded by massive sunflowers. Then on Saturday met with Dan's mom and sisters for a meeting about her move to an assisted living home. She is ready and we want to help! Then, church Saturday night, pizza at Shakey's afterwards, then bed. Today was groceries, laundry, cleaning, making dinner, and Nights in Rodanthe. Great movie, take lots of Kleenex, Richard Gere still looking good after all these years. Now, need to get to bed so I can get up for a 5 a.m. teleconference with India. Have a great week.

On the run

I'm back from New York and working hard to learn my new job plus working 48 hours a week until Thanksgiving. That is a tough one - especially if I can't work Saturdays, which I can't for the next two weeks. I am enjoying learning new things, but it sure is humbling to never know where anything is or how anything works. But, we push on with the goal to learn and be a good example and grow the team. Today I am having a bone density test to help understand why my knees hurt all the time. Tomorrow is a flu shot. Friday we are headed to Cal Poly Pomona with Ash to discuss her attendance there for fall 2009. Saturday is helping Peggy with her move to an assisted living facility - she's on the waiting list and needs to go through her home that's been collecting memories since the early 50's. I have no words of wisdom today, except to say when you have a new job and don't know what you are doing: just show up and do the best job you can.

More from New York

Feet tired, musuem-ed out and there's an interesting story involving a NYC mouse. We had just ordered the famous fettuccine Alfredo at, where else, Alfredo's when I happened to see a little furry thing scuttle across the floor. I have seen that particular movement before and that night I spent at chez Helton until the little guy could be rounded up. (thanks, Dan) Anyway, I tried to ignore it, didn't say anything until I saw it again. Then, I calmly mentioned it to Dan and Carrie and drank another gulp of my Pinot Grigo. It appeared to head away from us, so I was willing myself to stay and be calm when it suddenly ran in our direction. I jumped up and ran out of the restaurant with Carrie in hot pursuit. Poor Dan had to explain to the waiter, who let us go without paying a cent, but he looked a bit bemused. Apparently, that is not such a big deal in NYC. Now, am wearing shoes and socks to all restaurants and scanning the floors anxiously. New York - it's a wonderful town. Still haven't tried the famous fettuccine - can you say take out?