Not a Creature was Stirring...

Not even a dog.

Finally at last. A quiet and well ordered house. My son left yesterday for college, and now I find myself with the cleanest and quietest house. He was not even out of the driveway and I dove into his bedroom head first. The windows have been cleaned, with fresh new curtains up on the windows. Anything that added to clutter was placed in a box and then into the closet. I then scraped off the dust and then polished the furniture. Got down on my hands and knees and got ALL the stuff that found its way into corners and under furniture (Don't ask). The sheets have been changed and a pretty spread placed on top. Ahhhh, the freshest of smells. The quietest of quiet.

Who knew I would miss him this much?

Madison is barking and she could use a good brushing. There's always something to be done and some dirty kid to deal with it. It really never ends. But thats the way I like it. For now.

Whirl Wind of a Trip: Providence RI

Jim, Dan, and I headed up to see his new campus yesterday at Johnson & Wales (J&W) (Providence, RI),and I L O V E it! The campus is a campus ( pretty and spacious), but the city of Providence is awesome (again stealing my niece’s favorite word). We stayed downtown near the downtown campus of Johnson and Wales, and were able to see that part of the campus as well. We learned that J&W owns just about all of Providence. Sio what might Dan’s tuition be paying for?

As you may know Providence is the capitol of Rhode Island and from our hotel room, we got a great view of the capitol building. The downtown area has its charming antiquated areas, cobblestones streets, and modern upscale buildings and areas. The shopping malls are several floors up, and several in number. I could go crazy here with a plastic card. The parks, the ones we stumbled upon, are again spacious, and the kind of place you could imagine yourself hanging out in on a Sunday afternoon.

We ate a place called Fire and Ice, and kind of bar with assorted iced drinks, and food that you pick out, bowl up, and hand off to the cook to grill for you! You can fill up the bowl as many times as you like, and the assortment of food abounded. We had a great meal. BUT, it is not the only place in town. In fact, there was an overabundance of places that would have had me checking them out if I only had more time, money, and room in the belly! BUT, I will be back (that’s a stolen quote from Arnold this time).

I’m happy that I got to check out Providence with Danny before he settles in at school. I will sleep better (yeah right) knowing he is in a safe area and in a good place. I hope he takes advantage of his new home, and explores every inch of Providence and beyond. It might be a once in a lifetime experience.

Free at Last!

Home safe and sound from the hospital...yet the saga does not end. I will say that for now I feel better and things are good! =)

Another Favorite Blogger!!

I must have a great influence on the budding writers in my family. My neice Jillian has begun a blog and she is calling Jilly's Jibber Jabber! I love that name. Jilly has an incredible, and dry sense of humor, so her writing should be fun and interesting. If you have been following my blogging for some time, I have shared much about her...now you can read her yourselves!

Although I still might have a thing or two to brag about, so my stories of JillyBean and her brother Joshua have not ended simply because they are now bloggers. How could they? What kind of Aunt would I be?

Good luck Jilly on your writing and adventures in the blogging world. LY!

Down and Out...Singing the Hospital Blues

I am writing this post from my hospital bed. It's all about an old gallbladder problem, that despite being yanked out years ago, the duct that remains is decided to rear it's ugly head. I hate hospitals.

I know this sounds somewhat strange coming from a nurse, but the truth is, unless I am on my feet taking care of the patient, I am no good at being one. I am feeling great as I write this, but few short hours ago, I was not so happy. Thankfully a few doses of narcotics and I am now back to being myself. I have had a meal after being with out food for many hours and I want to go home. However, the MDs have not yet made rounds (its 3pm) and it is now that I find myself a prisoner, and not a happy one. So thankfully, my hubby has a laptop that is available, so I could do school work and destress from not being able to do that. Being behind in that makes me nuts.

So for now I must be patient...and try and be a good one. Oy!

My Favorite New Blogger!

My nephew Joshua has joined the bazillions of online bloggers and will share his daily, or almost daily (depending on his life) activities and what's "going down" in his life (I just know he just read this and rolled his eyes).

Joshua has always been able share stories in a very animated way, and quite well at that. While he does not like to read (thanks to the schools for piling on the homework) and feels he needs better writing skills, I happen to think that there is this hidden talented writer in him, just eeking to come out! So I am asking my blog followers to take a peek at his blog and let him know you are out there reading. Maybe together we can pull that hidden Hemingway out of him!

You can find him here Joshua Jive

Summer Vacation With the Kids!

My sister Sue and I just took our niece Jillian and nephew Joshua on our “annual summer vacation with the kids” vacation. We went to Massachusetts and Connecticut. We stayed at the Bass Rocks Inn, Mass, which was very lovely and I would highly recommend it to anyone. The rooms were clean, roomy, and the food (continental breakfast) not bad at all. And for those in the need of a sugar fix, chocolate chip cookies were available all day long, with fresh coffee or tea to wash them down.

Day One: On our way to the inn, we stopped at Sturbridge Village in Mass. This is a quaint old village At Old where one “will come face-to-face with the past and the events that shaped life from the late 1700s to early 1800s”. It was a great place to unwind a little from driving and have lunch. The kids found it somewhat “awesome” so that was a plus. Sue and I enjoyed the visit too.

Then we headed for the Inn, settled in, and headed to dinner and a walk in downtown Gloucester. We visited the Fisherman Lost at Sea Memorial. We ate a place the Inn recommended (Captain Carlos), however we would not. The food was reasonable priced, however after eating it; we thought it was well over priced! YUCK. We did a little shopping while downtown, and then headed back to play pool, and enjoy each other’s company (which usually leads to a lot of laughing and silliness).

Day Two: We got up early and headed to Salem! We jumped on a trolley and headed to the House of the Seven Gables. Very awesome and quite interesting. We all loved this place. We then headed to the “Witches Brew Café” for lunch and had a great lunch! Nothing fancy, but when you have been walking and are hungry, it all looks and tastes good! And the chowda’ was oh so rich and yummy! The walk continued as we headed to the Salem Old Burying Point Cemetery, where we visited the graves of the 12 witches that were buried and one crushed to death. A memorial park was dedicated in Salem with a stone bench for each of those executed in 1692. Also buried here was one of the original pilgrims, Richard More.

The kids and I went to Frankenstein’s Lab, and were supposed to be scared walking around in the dark, while high school kids jumped out to scare us. The only thing we got out of it was a shortage of good cash, and Jillian’s increased coughing from all the fake smoke. Their disclaimer reads: "In the case of our haunted attractions we wish our patrons to know that it is our goal to scare; we will not issue refunds due to attractions being too scary". How about if we were not scared at all?

Sue sat at Dunkin’ Donuts and had coffee, apparently the only smart one in the group. We then headed to a place where we had fun doing dress up witch photos! THAT was fun!! The day was done in Salem, so we headed back home. Back in Gloucester, we took in dinner at a place called “Lobsta Land”. I cannot even begin to express how good this meal was for all of us! We could have licked the plates clean! The day was done, and it was off to unwind with some pool, hot tea, and then some light TV!

Day Three: We got up early and after breakfast (and I can report the corn bread was the best Jilly and Joshua have ever had, except for their mom’s), we headed to Cape Ann, where we got on board a big boat to head out to sea to do some whale watching. And did we ever whale watch! We saw a dozen whales (humpbacks and minkes), including two mom’s and two babies! They came so close to the boat, you could almost touch them. WE all loved this and took many pictures! Very cool!! After this, we headed to Rockport where we took in a national park, Halibut State Park, which was once an Old Quarry. It was interesting, a great walk around the park, and the view out to sea and surrounding areas, breath taking! Good choice Sue.

Then we headed into the town of Rockport and spent time walking around the small shops, ate lunch, and nibbled at sweets. We saw Motif #1, which is a “fishing shack on Bearskin Neck is one of the most famous buildings in the world and instantly recognizable to any student of art or art history”. So of course, out came the cameras! We all had fun here. Then it was back to Gloucester, and to dinner! We ate at the Gloucester House Restaurant and had a great meal. Joshua was finally able to get his lobsters, and he loved every morsel! We then headed back for a relaxing evening of pool, and Scrabble.

Day Four: We packed up early and headed south to Mystic, Connecticut, where we spent the majority of the day at the Seaport. It’s a seaport, it has boats, and ships, and old buildings. The lunch was good, and the shopping not bad. I’m sorry, but it was not the highlight of the trip. BUT we can all say we were there!! After this stop, we were finally on our way home.
Sister Sue was in charge of this vacation, and without her great planning, it might have been a bust. She deserves a great deal of credit for organizing a fun and awesome vacation with me and the kids! Thanks Sue!

Where Have I Been?

Beeing busy.




This school stuff is keeping me quite busy, and getting Dan ready to head back to school is keeping me busy. Life. My time on the Internet has been devoted to sending out a few emails, yakking with Caitlin, or researching like mad. And I still owe people email replies! Jim has also been traveling a lot, so that puts all the household and animal chores on my plate. Not that I ever mind, but it does keep me hopping. So not much to report via this blog.




Beeing busy.

Jim's Stay in Grenada

I shared earlier, Jim took a week and headed to Grenada to help Caitlin get settled in her new apartment. I was glad he went, and he was even gladder (I know this is the right word, but it works well here).

He had a few odds and ends to do down there, and he wasn't able to do it without a trip to the hardware store. Now there are no Home Depots in Grenada, but whatever it was he found, he was more than elated to find it (even gladder). Of course, I knew sending him was the perfect idea, because 1) he loves to fix things up, and 2) Caitlin has her daddy still tightly wrapped around her little finger. So he fixed and got things that she needed without her having to even ask.

Caitlin took him to the campus and gave him the 25 cent tour, and then showed him the areas that she shops at for food and extras. The apartment is on a rather steep incline, so he got to do much exercising while there. He discovered that she is minutes from our American Embassy and that made him gladder still. "If you ever get into trouble or need help..."

Jim came home with a sense of accomplishment, and the knowledge that his little girl is safe, and that she has grown into a very independent young woman, who despite being able to do just about everything on her own, there's this little girl inside who still needs her dad at times, and he is very happy about that! In fact, he was very glad.

Vacation Time (for some)

It's almost time for me to take my annual vacation with my sister Sue, my niece Jillian, and my nephew Joshua. This year we are heading north to Gloucester, Mass. I have been north to Mass, but not to this area. I am so looking forward to time away with the kids and my sister.

In the mean time, Jillian and Joshua are in Canada with their Bubbe, and already, day two, Jillian reports the trip to me "awesome". The photo is one in which she has shared with us so far (there are others, but I chose this one as I liked it the best). I'm sure they will continue to have an awesome time for the duration of the trip, as Bubbe has lots of adventures planned for them. I wish i had a Bubbe to take me away. However, I do have a Jim, and he and I will be sailing away to the Bahamas in a few short weeks.

He just returned from his week in Grenada, and that will be another blog entry.

Rose Ridge Farm

My sister-in-law Heidi is very much into horseys. Now you know if you have read my blog for any length of time, that I am NOT a fan of horseys. However, I am a fan of those who are into education, even if it is all about horses, so I wanted to take this blog space and share Heidi’s passion for horses. And she is passionate about these beautiful numbskulls (except for Huey, who I adore). I do not mean to offend the horse owners that might read this blog, but seriously, they are not the brightest of animals.

Her web page “Rose Ridge Performance Horses” best explains her diverse background in working with horses and those that sit on them. I do wonder however, what is meant by “Young or old, nervous or bold, optimize your horse's ride and increase your versatility” which can be found at the top of her home page. Is she speaking of the horse, or the rider? If she speaks of the rider, she must have had me in mind, as I am both old and nervous, especially around some horses, most horses, except Huey (my favorite horse). Or is she speaking of an old and nervous nag? (Which again could be me again)

I am thinking she means the horse and if you are an owner of such horse, she will help to turn your horse into something better. She also promises to help minimize any conflicts. I once again guess she means between rider and horse, and not a horse and another horse. I have been out to the farm (obviously) and I have yet to see any real conflicts, although I have witnessed my brother get firm with those who have acted up (horses, not riders). “Be a good girl” he quietly whispers. Hmmmph. Like that helps.

The farm is a great place. I have never observed Heidi’s teaching, although she has taught my brother a thing or two over the past decades, so that should count for something. He can be as stubborn as a mule, which is similar to a horse. She is also a pretty funny writer, and you can check out her blog "Thoughts from the Saddle". So if you are in need of a good place for training (you or your horse), or even a nice place in the country for your horsey to live, give Heidi and Rose Ridge Farms a jingle. It’s truly a great place. I know firsthand. And tell Huey I sent you!

Midnight Buffets

I have written before in my blog how much I love my little vegetable garden. Despite its tiny size, I have gotten quite a lot out of it each year. In fact, last year I got enough tomatoes to make 20 quarts of tomato sauce. Not bad, eh? However, this year I already know there will not be a repeat performance.

My tomato plants took off early, and before long, they were truly brimming with green tomatoes. However, by the time they began to turn their red color, I had begun to see the demise of each tomato. It seems, I am not the only one who was waiting for this year’s bumper crop. I have discovered my local chipmunks love them as well.

Each morning I head out to the garden to see what has gone on the night before and I find the remainders of slightly orange tomatoes strewn about the yard. The little pigs are eating ALL my crops! In addition, they do not even finish eating them! I can’t pick the green ones, although I should, and just eat them fried, but how many fried green tomatoes can one eat? I like the big red juicy tomatoes!

Even Daniel’s cucumbers have been nibbled on! We are running a midnight buffet in our yard and no one is leaving us a tip! Damn chipmunks. I wish they were not so cute.

Safe in Grenada!

Caitlin, Jim, and Migo are safe in Grenada, and Jim is helping her get settled in to her new digs. Migo did well on the trip, and was in fact, the "perfect service dog" all the way down. It was a long day, long flights, but they all survived.

Jim's inital comment about Cait's new apartment is "awesome", so I feel good about that. She is unpacking, and will start grocery shopping while Jim is there. 6 boxes have been mailed (I could own the United States PO with all the money I have given them lately), and hopefully some of them will arrive while Jim is there to help her carry them home.

Now I can spend my time getting Daniel ready for school. Next stop...Rhode Island.

Tick, Tock

I cannot believe my summer with Caitlin is gone! Where does time go? No, seriously, where does it go? I’m thinking we had a good time together, despite our jobs, conflicting schedules, etc. Our day trip to Cape May was fun, shopping in Atlantic City, and the occasional beach day added, making the summer better.

She’s headed back to Grenada tomorrow am, with Migo, and Jim, who will be there a week to get her settled into her new apartment. He also wants the opportunity to see what Grenada is all about, as well as the chance to do some exploring of the University. I know he will love it, and I love that he is going down there with her. I feel better knowing he will be on hand to get her and Migo settled.


Now I have December to look forward to when she and Migo will reappear for the holidays. But until then, I have Daniel to get ready for school, and I look forward to sharing this new opportunity with him. It also provides me the chance to miss one more kid...until Thanksgiving. I am not sure I am ready for the quiet.

Starfish are not Frisbees

According to an article by the Associated Press today, “Tourism officials on the Caribbean island of Grenada say they are concerned about dog owners snatching starfish out of the sea and throwing them like flying discs for their dogs to catch”. Besides adding to the end of a tiny life, the beaches are starting to smell of rotting starfish. That alone should compel people to stop, but they do not.

Caitlin assures me she and Migo will not be involved in the demise of local starfish. Phew! Not that I thought she would allow Migo to put something in his mouth that did not belong there. Nope. Not happening.

So, while in Grenada, she might show Migo a starfish if one should cross their paths, but that will be the end of it. He will be happy fetching his ball on the beach and snacking on appropriate doggy snacks. I know I would be happy doing just that if I were on the beach in the Caribbean. But then who wouldn’t be?

About Missing Migo

The truth is...I will miss my Little Migo terribly. I thought it would be easy to say goodbye to this little demon, but I look at the face, that face that begs kisses, and I know I am going to miss him. Thank goodness for webcams...Caitlin is hooked up from Grenada, so I will be able to see him, and her (I will definitely miss her) when I need a Migo fix (which will be everyday).

I know he will be safe, and I love knowing that Caitlin will come home to him after class. I know how I feel after a long day having those faces greet me at the door. Therefore, for her, I am glad he is going with her. Having a companion with her will make her life in Grenada more enjoyable. They are after all, family. And living with family is always good (unless it is not).

Caitlin has promised she will write about their antics while living there and those writings can be found in a blog called “A Golden in Grenada”. It will be fun, and fresh, (like Meegs) and filled with many wonderful stories. So if you like my blog, the chances are, you will loves hers too. In the mean time, I will keep you all informed of life here, without my little demon. Thankfully, there are three more cute faces left here to kiss.

Happy Birthday Lexy!

Officially a double digit midget...we always celebrate our pets birthdays. Why wouldn't we??

The birthday girl with her special Princess hat on.

Her birthday was celebrated in style with an ice cream cake for all. She got a few gifts that were immediately taken by Migo. Figures.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Had my dad lived, he would have been 76 years old today. I miss him terribly.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Old Lady and the Sea

Growing up at the Jersey Shore has allowed me to the opportunity to do some ocean fishing. I also grew up on a lake so we all had our fishing education at an early age, and our first poles were usually a stick, some fishing line, and another stick or piece of cork for the bobber. The art of digging for worms was something we all excelled at, and even finding night crawlers with tiny flashlights was something we all did with great proficiency.

Picture, if you will, four small kids lined up along the lake shore line with usually my dad or Uncle Ronnie right there instructing us on why we should not cast so close to each other and the trees, or ELSE. Picture again several lines all crossing into each other or hanging out of the trees that graced the lake. Thankfully, both our teachers had great patience.

My fishing at the ocean has always been from the beach or the jetty, although I have been able to catch fish no matter the place. I am not an avid fisherperson, but I have enjoyed it when I have been able to go. In addition, I am not the least bit squeamish about baiting my own hook, or scraping fish cuts off my hands. Yesterday, I had the chance to fish on a boat at sea.

My brother John has a boat, a big one, and Jim and I went to sea with him to spend some time fishing. I did catch one small fluke, but had to throw him back (fishing laws dictate size along the coast). Fish or no fish, I had an incredible time soaking up the sun, enjoying the smell of the salty air, and feeling the wet spray on my skin as we flew over waves and bounced along the current. We were also able to see a large pod of dolphins playing and feeding in the water and that added to the experience.

I hope to go again, although it might have to wait until next year as the rest of this summer is filled with landlubber activities, but I can always look forward to doing it again, and again. The open invitation is there.

It was R-E-L-A-X-I-N-G! And I love to relax, especially with family. Adding the sea only made the experience better.

Preparing for the "Empty Nest"

According to the dictionary, "empty nest syndrome is a general feeling of loneliness that parents/other guardian relatives may feel when one or more of their children leave home, and while it is more common in women, it can happen to both sexes". I have already started counting the days until both kids are out of the house for the next school semester.

I have dealt with Caitlin leaving many times, and it never gets any easier, even knowing she will return. But I have never had to deal with Daniel leaving, and I am not sure I am even close to being ready for that, for so many reasons. So yesterday, in order to start the process, I went to Linens and things and bought him stuff he will need for his dorm room. It was fun browsing through the linens looking for things that would be acceptable to the male student, in a male dorm. And I might add, there's not a lot of choices. Girls definitely rate higher in the linen departments. But I digress.

I am excited for Daniel, but at the same time, I have already started to miss him. Thankfully he and I have always had a great relationship, despite the speed bumps along the way. His laugh makes me laugh. He is one of the many shining lights in my life. What is it about our boys that tugs at a mom's heart strings? He's pure joy.

I just hope he cleans his room before he goes. Or I will after he goes. Fun!! Who said "empty nest" is all bad??

Lexy Has Cait's Back....

My daughter Caitlin has always been convinced, through her heart, that her dog Lexy will live forever. Her veterinarian schooling has reinforced what her head already knew; that Lexy will not live forever. In her heart, yes, and now on her back as well.

Caitlin decided a long time ago that she would have Lexy tattooed on her back, so that she would be with her, literally, forever. So recently, she went to see a local tattoo artist to see his portrait work. She liked what she was, made an appointment, and this past Monday, the tattoo was made.

The exactness of Lexy is almost eerie. The tattoo not only captioned her well, but she has this knack of raising her left eyebrow at us, and the artist even captured that trait! The colors are gorgeous and he, painfully per Cait) was able to really define the colors of a Golden. I have included both the tattoo and a picture of Lexy for your review.

I am fond of tattoos, having one myself, but I am truly in awe that Caitlin now carries with her a lifetime companion, and not only in her heart.

The History of American Nursing: Part One

I love this class! Oh sure it is a ton of writing, and reading, and posting things to the online classroom, but I do really do like what I am learning! Who knew there was more to my professional nursing history than just Florence (my idol) Nightingale, Clara Barton, Dorthea Dix, and everyone’s favorite girl, Cherry Ames! The myths of history are being whacked at one by one. I had no idea that male nurses go way back, I mean way back! And male midwives existed before females midwives really got started!

My mentor is a lovely woman from Washington State and the only one who ever even bothered to encourage phone calls to her!! It’s nice placing a voice to a person to a name! (If you get my drift).

My class essay or research project (so to speak) will focus on how home births went to hospital births and what impact this change made on early American nursing school curriculums. I know, dry for some, but I am finding the preliminary stuff kind of neat to read about. So that’s where I am at, for now. In case you were dying to know. =)

Taking The Right Course in Life

I am very proud to announce that my son, Daniel, has been accepted to Johnson and Wales University, in their culinary program. He has been stuck in the culinary world at a point at which he feels he cannot progress unless he has the next leg of his academic journey completed. (Unless a world renowned chef calls him and asks him to come and work for him, but what are the chances of that happening?) So, he’s got the offer of acceptance, now we just have to hope they can help him with the funds. And hope that this is the right school at this time in his life. There are other schools, thankfully.

I think a lot of his motivation in attending this school is in part because his best friend Kelly attended there, and still attends there. And, despite how things have gone in their relationship, I do thank Kelly for encouraging him and motivating him. Sometimes, parents are not able to get this accomplished, no matter how we lay life out in front of our kids. So thanks Kelly. Whatever the motivating factor is, I hope he can attend a school that meets his needs, settles in, and then kicks butt in the academic program. I hope, I pray.

In the mean time, he is working. And hopefully making the right decisions about all aspects of his life. Mostly about his future in the culinary world.

The Joys of an Early Summer Evening

“When life hands us a beautiful bouquet we stare at it in cautious expectations of a bee.” ~ Dean Kootz

This is also true when I am out trimming my beautiful butterfly bush. As I work to cut away the dead blooms, so the newer ones can be show cased, I am forever dodging the bees. Lots of bees. However, on this particular evening, I found myself enjoying the visitor who came to suckle on my blooms. But even after a Google search, I am not so sure I know what the visitor is; bee or hummingbird bee? It was huge, and if you watch the video below, perhaps you can see why I believe it to be more than the average bee type.

The point here is though, that despite my hectic life, I found myself fascinated and literally glued to watching this thing for quite some time. It darted from bloom to bloom, sitting long enough to take in the sweet drink from each pretty flower. If it had time to enjoy the sweetness of an early summer evening, so did I. And I am glad I did.

Phantom of The Opera!!

Caitlin and I were lucky enough this last Wednesday to be invited by one of my workmates to see a Broadway play. The leading role, the Phantom, was being played by the son of one the obstetricians that used to work where I do, John Cudia. What an awesome play, what an awesome group of voices, and what a wonderful time we had! After the show, we were invited to go back stage where we spent time with John. What a cutie! And his voice. See for yourself, watch the youtube video I have added to this post.

We then headed to John’s Pizza Place across the street from the theater, where they “Do not serve slices” which was fine since I had no interest in pizza. Our meal was great! The day in the city is like all days in the city...fun, interesting, and memorable.

Happy 4th of July!

I am knee deep in school work (hip deep this am), so this is going to be a simple, and to the point posting. (see the title)

School Days...Vacation is Over

As many of you know, I have been working on my Masters in Nursing for a while, and as of tomorrow, I am back at it again. I took a break (well deserved), and then another break, and now I have to get back on the horse and get it done. While I am looking forward to obtaining this long sought out goal, I truly dread taking the classes to get there. My head wants to rest. It does not want to think about writing long papers and organizing references. I’m feeling old and tired, and really just want to spend time reading novels and not text books, but...

I’m grateful I have the support system I do at home. Jim is done with his Masters (YIPEEEE!!), but is a constant source of “Go Wendy Go!” for me. As are the kids. It helps knowing I have that support. It’s motivating (and at my age, some days, I need it).

So if it seems time lags between my blog posts, it’s no doubt because I am hard at work doing school requirements (The History of American Nursing) and will, when time allows, share what’s going on with me when I can. So keep checking back, and often!

My Life For Sale?

I recently read where an Australian citizen is selling his life through eBay. Is there anything you cannot sell on eBay? Apparently he has been jilted by his wife of 5 years (in a relationship with her for 12) and now he feels he has to give it all up as everything is a constant reminder of her and his life with her. (I would think a pill and some therapy might work, but what do I know?)

Anyway, it got me to thinking if I were to sell my life and all of its contents, what would I sell it for and who would even consider buying it? It does make you think. Of course, I have this problem of having 2 children, a husband, and four dogs, or could I simply throw them all in the mix? And where would I go once the final deal was made? I mean, I certainly have joked about selling them all and moving, but I still need a buyer. And I really should decide what I really want to take me when I go.

So IF I were to sell everything, I would imagine the list might look something like this:
First of all the buyer would have to live in New Jersey. Now that being said, I would have to summarize the good things about living in NJ. That alone might jeopardize the whole sale. I mean the taxes alone would be like selling a box of rocks.

Then there’s the house. It’s new and in great condition. No issues there, except that it is on a busy street and there’s the tiny issue of the house next door that is now housing old people, crazy old people. BUT we do have that new fence that keeps them OVER there. (Remember that blog?) And if the dogs are included, which they would be, the buyer would have to maintain the grass and all the shrubs in the back which is like having a nagging toothache constantly. Seriously.

As for the contents, those that I are mine; the list would be long enough to peak some interest in a potential buyer. First of all, there’s the whole content of my arts and crafts room. That might be fun for someone who likes to sew and glue and paste and color and scrapbook. I’ll even throw in the bazillion buckets and bins of material I have collected over the past 25 years. BUT the buyer would have to weed through a ton of stuff that might take up way too much of their life. I do have many collectables, none of which have any real value except the sentimental kind, which a buyer could eventually come to use for themselves. There’s some potential.

I have a BIG closet of clothes, all size 14, and all seasons covered. (I would have to take a few things, but the buyer and I could haggle that out, if need be). I am partial to my handbags, and I do own a few Coach bags, so that alone might be a place to think about a bid. The purchase would include my lap top and my iPod which is loaded with great tunes. I’m also throwing in my camera, and my cell phone (my friends are all in there and THREE important ICE (in case of emergency) contacts, so if the buyer is involved in an emergency, three competent people would be at their side to help them). I have a library full of incredible books. No one else here reads, so you are bidding on a huge amount of books! Quite honestly, this might be one of the highlights of the purchase. No kidding.

The job. Now if you are an L&D nurse, this might work out for you. I would imagine if your background is like mine, you might just slip into my job slot. (I haven’t yet asked the boss if she would be willing to replace the winner of my life with my job). It’s not a bad gig. Although there have been some cut backs (like everywhere), so this might not be an option for someone who is REALLy interested in working two days a week, 12 hour shifts, caring for screaming women.

Ok, now then the husband. He’s a great guy and makes a great salary, so you would not have to worry about financial security, although he might prefer someone who helps bring home a few dollars. I cannot list his bad habits, BUT if the buyer is serious enough, and makes a serious BID; I will fill them in ahead of time. (Hey, someone out there may not care about all the hair...) Sorry no take backs once you purchase my life.

Then there are the kids. Both are still doing the school (college) thing, so you might really think about that before placing that final bid. Good kids, but these day, kids = dollars. Even adult kids are struggling and need help now and then.

My siblings. Two GREAT sisters, so this is a bonus. I have two brothers and one has a boat! (I see fishing in your life if you are the winner). Family get -to - gethers are an added bonus. IF you are not a family person, please do not bid. I mean, that is IF you are looking for a Brady Bunch type family. If not, you might love this life of mine. Kooky family and all.

The mother. As the oldest, and as the one who knows all about medical stuff (so my siblings keep telling me, which really is a crock of bull since I only deal with women and their “v-jay-jays”) I am responsible for ensuring the medical health of my mom. So this means appts, appts, and more appts, and then educating her as to what to take and what not to take together. She is up there in age and can be demanding. (I might clean out the craft area if you bid knowing this fact).

The dogs. Might be the perfect lot for the “dog lover.” Imagine your life with FOUR BIG dogs! Wooo, hooo! Bid, bid, bid! This however would include taking one of them to the library four times a month as she works as a therapy dog. This non-negotiable. They are high maintenance dogs with all the hair, baths, pooping, etc. Remember BIG dogs eat big. (I bet I just scared off several bidders with that one).

My friends. I have a handful of incredibly wonderful freinds, and while I will share them I will not give them up. So you must be willing to share, and share nicely.

That's my life in a nutshell, cracked as it is. It seems the life for sale in Australia might be a better thing to bid on if you like all that excitement and travel. But if you are comfortable picking up after one man, two kids, and four BIG dogs, and hauling an old lady around every now and then, then perhaps my life might just be what you are looking for after all. Happy bidding!

Saving Gas = Having Fun

Like everyone else across the nation, and around the world, we are feeling the pains of higher gas prices. They stink (I could use a stronger adjective, but stink covers it as well). I no longer just “jump in the Jeep to run an errand”, but stratagize each errand and then each route in getting them done. We have no choice. Jim and I always car pool; that is he takes me to work when I work the longer shifts and then swings by and picks me back up after he is done at his job. This saves.

With the prices going higher and higher, it was now time to drag out Jim’s motorcycle and get it back on the road. So with a little bit of maintenance, and two brand new helmets purchased, he is now using it to run errands in town, and take both kids to work (they both work in town). It helps and the kids enjoy dad taking them to work on the back of his bike. I, too, enjoy the occasional ride into town to get a bag of groceries. If “going into town” was closer, we could hoof it, but...

Change is never easy, but this one comes with a little bit of fun. So the change has been easy to do and in the long run, helping to maintain the costs of getting around and getting things done. And we like that. Now if we could tackle the soaring food prices this easy.

Baby Robins and Gypsy Caterpillars

The park we love to walk is being destroyed. Well, the trees that grace it and provide us walking shade are literally dying before our eyes by the gypsy caterpillars. As we walk, we squish and kill all we can, but there are only so many we can get to and obliterate. I am glad that Jim was able to spray our trees, so perhaps they have a chance. It’s really been an ongoing struggle for many areas here in NJ, as it is in other states. It’s just in the last two years here that we are really seeing the trees die off and it is quite sad. The Pine Barrens, while predominantly pines, are also slowly dying as it was graced with many oaks. The next step is to lure the moths into traps, and Jim has strategically placed the traps around the yard, so we are doing what we can here to control the destruction. We hope.

Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. (Left to various interpretations, however I see ‘meek’ as helpless tiny things).

Now onto the baby birds. We have this silly Robin that insists each year on nesting in our arbor. Now while it is a great place to nest (the rain has little chance of getting to her nest, as do any other creatures, and the height is perfect), what concerns us is that on the day it is time to push the little ones out of the nest, she does so with a pack of Goldens hanging around. And this pack is smart and can hear the peeping going on in the yard. Last year we did not rescue the birds in time. =( this year we were one step ahead of the mother. We knew (how I did not know) that the day had come to teach them to fly. So we watched and as each little guy or gal fell down to the ground, we shooed them out past the fence and out of harm’s way. After all, they are ‘bird dogs’ and do not intend to hurt the birds, but the simple soft mouthing of them has not proved to be safe. Thankfully, the nest is empty, and the four little birds have moved out of the yard and on to safer ground.

“For the birds that cannot soar, God has provided low branches.”
~ Turkish Proverb

Summer and Tim Russert

Good grief, where does time go! Summer is here and we (I) have been busy out in the yard, and just sitting and relaxing on my deck (my favorite place on the planet, next to my bed). School is out around here, so the place is quiet and peaceful!

Jim and I spent time sodding (placing sod) the bare areas of the backyard. So far, they have taken and no one has dragged the live green carpets away (I speak of my four-legged yard maintenance crew), so I am happy. The results look great and we did NOT spend fortune (Thank You Home Depot) for the sod pieces. I also planted a few tiny evergreen-like trees in front of the shed, and so far no one objects to them. They are still there. (Yes, I again speak of the lawn maintenance crew). My yard is plush and green, thanks to all the rain and humid weather. So the view from my deck is enjoyable. (Truthfully, my deck would be enjoyable without a view).

I am sad this week because of the sudden death of Tim Russert. I, like many, truly found him a wonderful person, and have got to add that he had the ability to help me understand the intricate business of politics. “Meet the Press” was one of my favorite news shows, and if you know me, you know I am a news junkie, so my choice is important to where I get my news. In this riveting political year, he had the know-how in getting to the bottom of the issues with those who knew the issues. God bless you Tim! I will miss you terribly.


I have also been busy with my mom, helping her out (doctor’s appts) and then work has had me busy as well. I’m here, I’m good, as is the rest of my family...just involved in life and summer. Stay tuned for more from me....throughout the summer.

Online Friendships

"Constantly look for a new friend, a truly first-class person, one who has the courage to criticize, to demand your best self, a person who has different interests and different beliefs from yours, a friend for whom you can render a constructive service. Devote energy toward making such friends. Retain them, never let them go, and continue making new friends until you die." This quotation comes from William Terhune, a noted psychiatrist and founding professor of the psychiatric department at Yale University. (Bet you are wondering if Bill and I were friends?) This quote should be followed by all people.

I have many friends who meet the expectations of this quotation. I love them, and will cherish their friendships for as long as we live. I have friends from my childhood school days, college days, old jobs, my military days (ok, I wasn’t IN the military, but I did work and live among them), and from simply moving around the country because of Jim’s job. I have friends online and offline. Over the years I have gained many new friends, thank to the power of the internet.

There are those who debate the value of online friendships, believing them to be phony, or a waste of time. Someone who is not online on a regular basis, or at all, has a hard time understanding a friendship formed on the Internet. Ask a member of an online cancer support chat room about online friendships. Many would report they would be lost without their online friends who provide them with hours of support. Ask a nurse who is struggling through an online class how important an online nurse friendship might be (I have many good nurse friends from classes).

One of the friendships I treasure is my friend Michele who I met online years ago in a writer’s forum. We chatted about various things through the forum, and then eventually through emails, and until this day to have an incredible friendship. We met, we talked, and then I suddenly realized I had met someone who has the same sense of humor, the same values, and some of the same interests that I do (I know she feels the same about me)!

Michele is as real as my offline friends. Real friendship is about support, sharing, laughter, and loyalty. Michele is this and more. We have been friends for a long time. IF my memory is right it has been 8 years. She lives out west, not where cowboys live, but far from NJ! Her emails always seem to come at a time when I need to laugh. Her writing of her life’s adventures ALWAYS makes me chuckle, and not at her, but with her! She is truly a treasure of technology. Thanks Michele for being my friend.

Happy Father's Day Daddy!

Those who have read my blog are aware that I lost my dad years ago. With Father’s Day tomorrow, my thoughts are, of course, of my dad.

There are days that we celebrate simply because it helps the card and flower businesses thrive, and Father’s Day is no exception. I have long been a proponent that we should celebrate these days every day, and not simply one day a year. (Being a mom, it is my belief that every day is Mother’s Day). Life is short and we just never know when we won’t be around or those we love won’t be here to celebrate these special days.

I miss my dad. While I know these words are simple to express, they are heartfelt, and I know I speak for my siblings as well. I think we would all love one more hug, see one more of his smiles, and even hear one more of his grouchy outbursts. I’d even love to taste one more dish of his spaghetti. (His sauce was outstanding).

I miss my dad for so many reasons. I often think of him and say to myself, “he would like that show... he might like this dish I made... he would love to have seen his grandchildren do this or that...and he would love to sit on my deck and enjoy life”. My dad lived a hard live as a kid. In fact, he was an abused kid and how he survived still makes me wonder today, but he did. He served in our Navy, married, and worked as a policeman, a postman, a florist, a butcher (deli), and various other odd jobs, to keep busy and to keep five kids fed and clothed. To some he might not have been the “model” father, and it has only been in my adult life that I have come to understand the man he had grown to become. He did his best. He loved us all in his own way, and being able to love did not come easy to him. I know that now, as do my siblings.

So this Father’s Day, like many to come, I will celebrate my dad through my own memories of him. I loved my dad and I miss him terribly.

When Someone We Love is Hurting

When someone we love deeply is hurting, be it a friend or family member, it’s not so easy, at times, to find the right words, or even the right approach in helping them. Even if we believe our insights or valuable advice might help them, the task can be daunting. There are no rules to follow in helping someone, except you use your heart and let it guide you. You also have to have the ability to listen and be nonjudgmental. Perhaps not always easy, but necessary. (The nonjudgmental stuff)

I strongly believe that we have to reach out with unconditional love. A hurting person may display intense emotions—tears, anger, bitterness, frustration, or sarcasm. We may feel tempted to withdraw from such emotional displays, but we need to draw near to the person who is in pain. Especially when it is someone we love dearly and want to hold in our hearts.

I believe we have to understand, rather than fix the hurting person’s feelings. We may mean well when we try to persuade a hurting person to "cheer up," but suffering is often an integral ingredient of life’s experience. We must acknowledge a person's pain, not try to put an emotional bandage over it. THIS is not so easy for a mom to do. I struggle with this all the time.

I believe we have to find specific ways to be supportive. People who are hurting often struggle in asking for help or guidance. The smallest expressions of love and demonstrations of caring can mean a great deal to some who is hurting. There's an old expression: "If we don't demonstrate our love, it doesn't do anyone any good." Hurting people need expressions of love they can see and feel.

I believe that when we share our own struggles with others, we demonstrate the ability to be open and the ability to communicate things we might struggle to share. I've found those that are hurting benefit tremendously when they can talk with someone who's transparent about their own struggles. Such honesty breaks down the barriers of isolation that suffering often erects. Loving someone is easy. Watching them hurting is not easy. Sharing with them is not always so easy. Being able to help them when they are troubled uses both love and the ability to share openly feelings we might otherwise keep to ourselves. No one wants to see someone they love hurting. Especially when you are a mom.

My Favorite Tomato

When I was a kid growing up, my dad and mom had a huge vegetable garden. It started out small, but after many years, and the need to feed five growing kids, the garden took on more space and got more prolific with its bounty. We had all kinds of food growing in the garden; things from simple lettuce to huge quantities of tomatoes. The garden was really looked after by all of us (we kids had the task of weeding), and mom and dad organized and then did the canning or freezing of all that grew there. However, for some reason, when I think of that garden, I tend to think of it as my dad’s garden. I have no idea why, except maybe he spent the most time, there, constantly ensuring things were appropriately taken care of; weeded well, watered well, and plants tied up to ensure no rot would occur. He was a master gardener, as defined by many dictionaries, he “was one who exhibits style, skill, ability or other characteristics of gardening” and he did, and well.

My dad was known for his tomatoes, and he would share with many neighbors and friends. It wasn’t unusual to see him out there with a small brown bag collecting veggies for a friend. His tomatoes were what New Jersey tomatoes are known for...BIG, red, fleshy, sweet, and juicy tomatoes! When I moved to Germany, this was one of the things I knew I would miss, but because my dad was who he was, I got my tomatoes via the US Postal Service, neatly packed as if they were fragile pieces of glass. Home never tasted so good! My German neighbors could not believe I got tomatoes mailed to me, until they tasted them, and they, too, fell in love with the taste of them.

With the bad press tomatoes have gotten lately (and rightly so), I have had the chance to think back and remember my dad’s delicious tomatoes. The FDA has proclaimed the Jersey Tomatoes safe to eat, (and salmonella free), but if they had tasted my dad’s tomatoes, they would not only claim them safe, but deliciously irresistible! I have always grown tomatoes in my garden, but I have yet to perfect the perfect tomato, but then I am not a master gardener. I also think it’s more than the tomato I miss. I miss that gardener too.

Heavenly Treat

It's been a while since I have shared a recipe of any kind, and after baking these oh so delicious morsels, I had to share this one with you (even if you despise Martha, these are worth your time). Don't they look yummy? Add one tall glass of cold milk, and you might think you are in heaven! Enjoy!

Double Chocolate Coconut Cookies, from Martha Stewart's Cookie Cookbook

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened Dutch process cocoa powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups white-chocolate chunks (~9 oz,)
1 3/4 cups sweetened flaked coconut
1 3/4 coarsely chopped walnuts (~6 oz.)

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Cream butter and sugar until smooth, about 2 minutes. Mix in eggs, one at a time. Stir in vanilla.
2. Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into a medium bowl. Mix into butter until well combined. Stir in chocolate, coconut and walnuts.
3. Using a 1 1/2 inch ice-cream scoop (or if you don't have one, like me, use a heaping teaspoon per cookie), drop batter onto sheets lined with parchment paper. Space 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly, then cook for 10-12 minutes or until set. Let cool on sheets on wire racks for 2 minutes. Transfer cookies on parchment paper to wire racks to cool completely. Can be stored in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 1 week. Yields approximately 5 dozen cookies.

The Social Mentality of Geese

After seeing a story in the news in which an old man was run over by a car (hit and run) and no one, NO ONE stopped to help him, I am further convinced we are living in a very ME, ME, ME world. What the hell has happened to our moral compasses? Why have we stopped looking after one another? Personally, I cannot even imagine NOT stopping to help someone in need, no matter the circumstances. And it has nothing to do with the fact that I am a professional nurse.

I often think about how a flock of geese works together and wonder why we cannot all be like a flock of geese. There's power in a gaggle of geese that you just don't find in a lone goose. For example:

Fact: As each goose flaps its wings, it creates lift for the bird following. By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater flying range than if one goose flew alone.
Lesson: Those who share a common direction and sense of unity can get where they're going quicker and easier because they're drawing strength from each other.

Fact: When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to fly alone, and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front.
Lesson: Stay in formation with those who are headed where we want to go; be willing to accept their help and give help to others.

Fact: When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies at the point position.
Lesson: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership. People, like geese, are interdependent on each other.

Fact: Geese look after each other. If one gets sick or wounded, two geese follow it down to protect and feed it until it either recovers or dies.
Lesson: Stand by each other in difficult times as well as in good times.

I am sad for the elderly man that got hit and then did not get immediate attention from those standing nearby. I am sad for those who felt they could not reach out to him and hope that if they ever find themselves in the same situation, that someone, like me, will be there to help them. I do like this ME world we live in and hope it changes. And soon.

The Nursing Shortage: My Concerns, Your Concerns

I do not usually write much about my job as a nurse, but in light that it is an election year and our country is facing a severe nursing shortage, you will have to bear with me for the next few paragraphs. I feel I have to voice my concerns, not only as a nurse, but as a person who is aging and a person who one day might need a nurse in her very old age at her hospital bedside. (Side note: I expect to be a crabby patient).

First of all some unsettling and even frightening statistics: (at least they are for me)

Recent nursing stats from the U.S Dept. of Labor:
* Nationwide working nurses : 2.5 million
* Average age of nurses : 47 years
* Expected nursing shortage nationwide by 2020 : 36%
*116,000 Number of nurses needed immediately at community hospitals and clinics nationwide.
*23% Anticipated job growth in the nursing field over the next decade, making registered nursing the fastest-growing career in the nation.

Most of my peers within my own nursing department are in their 50’s. Most are anticipating retirement within a few years. Some will hang until they are in their 60’s, like me, although I do not see myself at the bedside. Many of them do not either.

There seem to be no solutions coming from Obama, Clinton, or McCain, let alone any politician. In fact, McCain at a primary rally at a NJ hospital openly admitted he had no idea a nursing shortage even existed in our country!! The one politician who has spoken out about health care, Ted Kennedy, is on the receiving end of health care now after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. Perhaps he might help even further upon getting out of the hospital, although he might just be too busy going through cancer treatment. I hope there is not a nursing shortage that day.

One of the problems that does is exist is that we have an over abundance of people wanting to go into nursing, but a very limited amount of nursing programs and nurses willing to teach those students enrolled in programs. Why? Salaries. It all comes back to the dollar. Universities are not willing to pay enough, especially to those who do not have their doctorate to teach. I’m working on my Masters in Nursing Education with the hopes to teach, but sadly my pitiful MSN will not allow me to teach nurses at institutions that offer higher levels of education to nurses. And I have very little desire at this time to pursue my doctorate. It stinks. It makes no sense. (My being allowed to teach, not my wanting to get my doctorate). So I can offer myself to lower educational programs, and will. (For a decent wage, that is).

Until things change and we get our politicians on board, little money is being put back in nursing to ensure its future. So here’s what I am asking you to do. Write your politicians and make sure they are aware there is a nursing shortage and get them on board with helping to put funds back into schools that will “pump out nurses.” One day you are going to wish you had a very well educated and not so tired nurse at your bedside. Trust me.

Sorry for the length of the blog. It could have been even longer! This is an issue that is very dear to me. The video helps to explain the issue....

I Miss Germany...A Lot!

One of the things (and there are so many) that I miss about living in Germany, especially this time of year, were our (almost daily) trips to Luisen Park. This park was in the center of Mannheim, and covered a huge amount of space (101 acres to be exact). The park contained so much for us to do, that we could never fit it all in one day, although we did try! There were all the typical things one would find in a park, which included the trees (many varieties), flowers and shrubs, and dozens of walkways to stroll.

Of course, what would a park be without playground equipment to entertain the little ones? And this park had a diverse selection to choose from, no matter your age or what you felt like doing on any day. There were typical slides and swings, to castles whose walls you could scale to save the damsel in distress. And heights were not a concern for the Germans. However, I had a problem watching my two year old climb at least 25 feet in the air. But he did it, and quite well. They both did. There were dry playgrounds and those that had enough water to keep you wet and happy on the hottest of days! (And bathing suits were not required for those under 5). My kids would hear we were going to the park and would strip down to bare skin within seconds flat!

There was also all kinds of wild life which included the following: birds, turtles, fish, alligators (yes those too), and even an area that housed farm animals. The kids had it all. And of course, what is a park without food? So we could dine on bratwurst and follow it with ice cream. And if you got tired and wanted to just sit, you could do so in small boats that pulled you around the interior of the park, so you could watch wild life in its natural habitat. I prefered watching the Germans in their natural habitat. =)

Every June, the park would have its celebration of the beginning of summer by hosting its “Sommer Nacht Festival.” There would be tons of food, bands, vendors selling their wares, and the night would end with an incredible display of fireworks; nothing I have yet to find here in America that even compares (except maybe the ones in NYC on the 4th of July). I miss this extravagant kick off to summer. I miss strolling the park and watching the kids play for hours with their German peers. I miss Germany. I miss the simpler times.

Hemingway's Paris, My Paris

"If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast." ~ Ernest Hemingway

I have just completed reading “A Movable Feast” by Ernest Hemingway. He is one of the authors I have come to love over the years, and have even read several of his books more than once. I recently took the time to read this book for the first time, and I was immediately transported back to my vacation in Paris in the spring of 1985.

A dear friend of mine, Sandy, came to visit us when we lived abroad. She had been traveling through the various European countries and enticed me to visit France with her. I had two small babies, and at first decided my place was at home with them, but Jim surprised me with a Mother’s Day card filled with French Francs so off we went!

We took the midnight train from Mannheim, Germany and arrived in Paris in the early morning. The next several days were spent exploring the highlights of Paris. I have to say this was one of the many trips I took in Europe where my gastronomic curiosities began. This is where I learned about turtle soup and snails, with much coaxing from my friend, but enjoyed each delicious bite. From eating in the outdoor cafes, to long walks through the Louvre (seeing the Mona Lisa), the nightlife of Paris “City of Lights” (seeing the Folies Bergere), and absorbing the local culture, I loved each and every minute of Paris, and can fully understand Hemingway’s love of it.

Past and present merge and I realize that what this book really represents for me now is an atmosphere, an attitude, a youthful feeling about Paris, about the possibilities of life, and a very dear friendship. For here is Hemingway, in the autumn of his own career, writing about the spring. How ironic. His descriptions of Paris match my memories of a wonderful time.

We all have our own Paris. It may not be thought of as geographical geographical; it's the place where life first came vividly to bloom for you, where you walked out the door and fell in love, where you couldn't believe the exquisite beauty of the buildings, or even having the chance to share a great time with a friend, whose friendship has lasted a lifetime, long after our trip to Paris in the spring of our lives. I will always have Paris. I cherish my friend and her friendship. And I am truly thankful, for both.