Christmas at the Villa on Sweetwater

I am glad I attended the Christmas party this evening at the Villa. Joe was in this private care home in north Phoenix, borderline to Scottsdale, from September 2006 until August 1, 2007. I have thought many times about going back and visiting there, and just couldn't bring myself to do it and kick up all the old memories in my head. But when Jana, the owner, asked me to come to the party yesterday, I said I would do it. I knew it was a good thing for me to do, feel the emotion and the pain, and find more closure. It also felt like I was honoring Joe by attending. When I got out of my car in front of the house, I started crying and cried all the way to the door of the home, but once I was inside and greeted so warmly and everyone so happy to see me, I was ok. Little Pat who loved Joe and called him her brother, was just overjoyed and so surprised to see me. I was afraid she would not still be alive, but there she was and she just clung to me. Also when I walked up to Sydney and kissed him on his head, he saw me and smiled the biggest smile. I talked to him a couple times and he remembered me and was so happy to see me. Also, Bill who was in a wheelchair, was thrilled to see me and kissed me several times. Another woman knew I was Joe's wife, and another one did not remember me. I loved seeing the girls who work there and they were thrilled I came to the party and hugged me every time they came near me. I knew Joe was there with us and happy I was there. I loved seeing Jana and Peter, the owners, and their children again also, and had a great time talking to them. We had a delicious buffet of food- all was wonderful, and then we all sang Christmas songs, very off key and heart-warming, and then Jana gave gifts to all the residents. I am glad I went and know they were all glad that I came. It made me feel good. When I left, I cried all the way to my car and cried more when I got in my car. Not kidding myself it was not a highly emotional event, but I did it and am glad I did. I guess I needed to know that I could do it and that it would help my heart heal, and it was all good.

Thoughts and Images of the Holiday

This month has been varied in every aspect for me. I have honored Joe by placing his ashes in the ground in the Peace Garden at my church. My minister, Dr. Rev. Michele shared this with me and said a blessing and prayer as this was done. It was an emotional and healing experience. His ashes are covered with earth and stones near the base of a tree right behind the peace sign. I plan to place a small angel near his ashes.
This month I also lit my menorah for the first time and on each of the eight days of Hanukkah, I lit a candle and honored and prayed for each of the eight members of my family. I believe all paths lead to the One God, the One Power and Source, and this is now a new part of my holiday. It was so great to focus each day on either Joe, Frankie, Heidi, Deidre, Trevor, Zachary, Isaac or Emma Ruth, and bless each of them for their own special day I created for them, and to then bless all my extended family and friends. I loved this focus and have decided to light a candle every day and focus in the same way.

This evening I have been invited to and am attending the Christmas party at the Villa on Sweetwater, where Joe lived for almost a year. This will be a difficult event for me to attend, but I know it is part of my process of healing. I have thought about visiting this home and could not bring myself to do it. But tonight I will and I believe it will be a good experience.

Last evening I spent several hours with Judy, who I have known since she was 6 years old and my daughter Deidre was 5 years old. Judy is now almost 44 years old. We spent hours talking and then having dinner together and it was a blessed and wonderful time that we both enjoyed so much. She has known me since I married Joe, and one of her 4 sisters did alterations for me on the dress I wore when Joe and I got married. Their family has been a part of my life for many years and this was a wonderful blessing to spend this time with her.
This has been a good holiday month for me.

The night before, on Thursday, I had dinner at Durant's on Central in Phoenix, with five friends from the cancer support group I was in for almost 2 years. None of our six who got together are now in this support group. and we are all cancer survivors and doing great. We bonded and had such a wonderful group, and it is a blessing we still see each other every month over dinner or lunch and do email with each other. I am thankful for these friends! They are all kind of like sisters to me.

The wonderful memories of Life!

I love my life and I love my friends. Those two things are really a fact for me. I think I have the most interesting friends possible and I learn these "tidbits" when I least expect them! Here is the new one to me. I got this from my good friend Belinda this morning and find it all fascinating. She was in my cancer support group and has become a dear friend, and this is what she sent me after I sent the Bob Hope stories out on email. (which were sent to me by another friend who lives in Virginia):
A bit of interesting trivia for you. Bob Hope's Catholic Church was just down the street from where I lived and I used to go to his house for Trick-or-Treating on Halloween when I was a kid. He actually lived in Toluca Lake, about 1 1/2 miles from where I grew up, actually on the same street. On Halloween he would have his "houseboy" outside his front gate with a slanted table with a huge candy display - like you would find in a store. And we were allowed to pick out which candy we wanted. His mansion also had a partial golf course and a huge separate house for his writers. We actually drive by his home when I take a short-cut to our favorite restaurant across from Warner Brothers Studios called The Smoke House which was built @ 1946. That is where I am taking my daughter, Becky, for Christmas dinner and possibly Christmas Eve as well, I have reservations for both nights. It was my parents favorite restaurant and then mine, and now on to a third generation with my daughter and her boy friend who love it. We have celebrated New Years, and everyone's birthdays there over the years.

And since I am now into some of my celebrity stories, I also went Trick-or-Treating once at Gene Autry's house, he lived by my Godparents. My little girlfriend and I went Trick-or-Treating in my Godparents neighborhood (not far from my home) and rang the bell at one home which was set way back from the street with a forest around it. A surprised maid answered the door and called Mrs. Autry to the door. They were entertaining guests but were so surprised that we found their house (because they were so buried in their trees and set off of the street and obscure), that they weren't used to having Trick-or-Treaters find them and therefore had no candy. They brought me and my little friend into their living room and they all carried on about our costumes, we were little and a bit scared (my parents and Godparents had stayed out at the gate and didn't know what was going on). So then Mrs Autry went upstairs and came back with little bottles of her perfume from her dressing table ! That was the best and most unusual treat of that Halloween or any other Halloween ever !!! Well, I have been down memory lane here, your email about Bob Hope jogged my brain to all of those past memories.

I feel these wonderful memories need to be shared. I enjoyed reading this so much this morning and want to pass it on. Tonight my friends from the former support group get together for dinner at Durant's. Anyone who lives in Phoenix knows that just going to Durant's is another walk down memory lane! What a history that place has... as it has been there as long as I have been in Phoenix, which will be 45 years next June!
Last Saturday I had a luncheon at my home and three friends I have known almost all those years, were here. I first met Ruthie Dryjanski in 1968 when we were the only two girls in the office at the brand new Phoenix Suns team office! Ruthie and her two sisters, Jan and Sharon, came over for a wonderful lunch and visit at my home on Saturday for several hours and we had a great time.
Of course, all these stories just emphasize how old I am getting but that's ok....I am having a wonderful time and feel good, and that is what matters. We are as young as we feel, right?

Yes Virginia, there is a Santa!

A story came to me today that is just the kind of story I love to hear! I believe there are no accidents and all things are meant to happen for a reason. Another proof has fallen in "my lap" in the story I just received this evening via email from my friend, Rose, at APS.
This is her story:
"I am volunteering to write Santa letters back to children that have sent letters to Santa. I put my name in with -------- here at work and she said she received 130 letters from the post office & would send out 2 to each of us to write back. (there were about 60 people who volunteered to write Santa letters. This is sooooo weird........of all the kids that wrote letters to Santa, from all over the Phoenix--metro area, how many of us Santa letter writers would get a letter, they need to answer--who is their next door neighbor. Yes, one of the letters I have to write back to is --------the little girl next door to me. Right next door. I really don't know them, but I do know they write in chalk on the sidewalks--pictures & hopscotch--so I can mention that. She is going to REALLY believe that Santa is watching."

Isn't this incredible? I LOVE it! It is truly meant to be. This little girl needs to believe in Santa and she WILL believe when she gets the letter from Santa! I know my friend must feel very honored to be able to do this, I know I would feel that way! A real Christmas story, and it makes me smile!

Rememberance and more.........

This evening Hansen's Mortuary had a Remembrance service for those who died this year. It was a very beautiful service. My friend since 1968, Ruthie Dryjanski went with me. Her mother died early in 2007. Interestingly enough, Ruthie was with me the first time I went to Joe's home and we spent an evening there listening to jazz and talking. It was the beginning of 6 months of "going together" then 37 years of marriage, so Ruthie was there from the beginning.

They read each name and the family members came forward and they were handed a gold bell ornament with their loved one's name engraved on the bells. Each family or individual then hung the ornament on a large and very beautiful Christmas tree. After the service, hot apple cider and pastries were served, and then we could take our love one's ornament from the tree.

This photo is Joe's ornament and it hangs now on my small silver tree at home. It was an evening of some laughter, some tears, and was very emotional. I am glad I went and especially glad Ruthie D. went with me.

The photo of the Hope Angel is a gift I received today from my friend Kathy. We met at Daphne's Greek Restaurant for a Hanukkah and Holiday celebration lunch, and we had delicious food...hot lemon soup that was unbelievably wonderful, fiery feta cheese and pita triangles, Greek salads, and other goodies. This beautiful angel was only one of four gifts Kathy gave me.

We had a wonderful visit and it was all fun!

Yesterday evening I had another wonderful dinner, conversation, and enjoyment with Gary Allhiser who was in town on business (he lives in Wisconsin). He is the son of a dear friend of mine, Arlene. I remember when he was in high school at Brophy and when Heidi, my daughter, was in grade school, Gary put a dollhouse together for her that I was giving her for Christmas. I have known Arlene and Gary for 44 years, so lots of memories. Now it was very hard to believe that he is almost 60 years old! He had photos on his laptop of his new home and also Arlene just bought a new home, so I got to see every room and view of the two homes in Shawano, Wisconsin. Gary and I had a wonderful visit and it was an absolutely delightful evening.

Once again, I am grateful for friends. Very grateful.

Love gifts

Today I wore a beautiful new amethyst and silver necklace to church on a new purple sweater.
I saw this necklace two weeks ago and wanted it but did not want to pay the price of it, so was thinking it over. There was only one like this, but knew if it was mine, it would be there for me.

I was cleaning out some drawers in a chest last week, and found stashed behind lingerie and gown and pj's, a billfold of Joe's with $ 142.00 in it. I knew it was my Christmas gift from him. So I now have the necklace. With tax, I had 3 extra dollars! Isn't that great? Sara Hosier who did a tarot card reading for me at Holistic Festival on 11/4 told me Joe would give me love gifts, like rainbows and other things. So I figure this was one of those "meant to be love gifts." He loved bringing me flowers and buying me pretty and nice things. So I know he is happy I have the necklace! And yes, it was still there when I went back a couple days ago!

This brought back another memory. The last Valentine's Day we were in our house, February 2006, Joe would walk every morning in the neighborhood. Since his dementia was getting worse all the time, I was afraid he would not find his way home. I made him wear a watch and told him what time he had to be back, and if he wasn't, I would come looking for it. (in fact this did happen a month or two later and we had to stop the walks). But this day I forgot to check the time and when I realized he was way past due, I become alarmed. Then suddenly the back door opened and in he walked with a dozen red roses and a Valentine's card! I was so stunned! He had walked a very long distance and crossed a very busy street to get to Fry's, and then bought me the flowers and card. I still cry when I think about it. What a monumental task that was for him at that time. So yes, I know he is happy I have the necklace! No doubts there!

Dreams do come true

I think for 20 years or more, I have wanted to do a retreat at Unity Village, near Kansas City. I have read about the retreats and wished I could go for so long, it seems forever. I always knew one day it would happen. And it looks like that day is finally here. I received an email today from A Complaint Free World.org and clicked the link for a retreat, and guess where it was? You are so right....Unity Village, Kansas City! I called my sister Nancy, and she would love to go to this retreat with me next April, so we are going to get our reservations done this coming week. She lives about 2 hours from Unity Village, so she can meet me at the airport and we can go to Unity and spend 3 days and then I can go to her home for a few days also. I am very excited about this! I love this message and idea and feel it will be a really great experience. This movement was begun by Rev. Will Bowen who is minister at a Unity Church in Kansas City.
This is an excerpt from the website that is interesting:

Why Do People Complain?
Michael Cunningham, Ph.D., a psychologist at the University of Louisville, proposes that the human predilection for complaining probably evolved from our ancestors' way of crying out a warning when something threatened the tribe. "We mammals are a squealing species,” Dr. Cunningham says, “We talk about things that bother us as a way of getting help or seeking a posse to mount a counterattack."
When an attack is imminent, it makes sense to sound a warning. However, most people are not threatened and yet they complain 20-30 times a day as a matter of course. In so doing, they are sending out negative energy and drawing back to themselves negative experiences.
People complain because they have an unmet need. They may want to have a social connection so they begin a conversation with a stranger by complaining about the weather, a politician or local sports team. It sounds innocent enough but this is actually reinforcing the concept that "something is wrong in my world" and our thoughts then bring more challenges to us as a result.
Beyond the need to connect, many people have a need to be admired so they will complain about other's behavior as a way of saying, "I'm better than that person." Or, they may complain about the food at a restaurant as a way of trying to display their high standards.

Take living a Complaint Free Life to the next level. Spend 3 inspiring and transformative days with Will Bowen, founder of A Complaint Free World, at a beautiful retreat center in Unity Village, MO.

It really feels like Christmas

Sometimes I get all caught up in the card sending, buying the gifts, mailing the packages and forget why we have Christmas. I know this doesn't just happen to me either. It is how we are.

I may look at Christmas a bit different than most people, but I still like the reason for the season to be an experience for me. Today is only December first, and by golly, it has already happened.

My neighbor and friend, Tanya, called me this afternoon and invited me to go with her to the Franciscan Renewal Center to see a musical theatre production titled BUON NATALE, Saint Francis and the Nativity. The hook that got me there is that Renee Morgan Brooks sings at the Center often. I did not know this until Tanya told me and then when she heard Renee sing at Joe's service, she confirmed it was the one and the same Renee. So she mentioned Renee might be a part of this production and I said yes, I would attend with her.

What a delightful and magical evening we experienced. Renee was the narrator of the entire event (and did a magnificent job) as well as singing, too. All the musicians and cast were wonderful, all very talented. And the musical director was fantastic, as he acted in the production as well as sing several songs. Several times it brought tears to my eyes, and complete joy to my heart.

The key player was a young boy playing the role of Francis of Assisi, and I learned some history I never knew before, about the nativity and about Francis. Tanya had just been in Assisi this past summer, so this was all very special to her also.

Then with lighted candles we were part of a procession into the desert behind the center to see a real life manger and animals, walking through a multi-colored lighting of the palm trees, and our pathway was lined with candles on both sides of the path..... what a beatiful walk this was! It all ended with biscotti and hot chocolate. It was quite cold out in the desert tonight!

I truly felt like I had my "Christmas experience" tonight, and am very grateful for Tanya giving this to me.

A rare day!

It is raining- first time this much in Phoenix in 8 months- and has rained steadily since noon.
A real treat and luxury for us, and I know I am enjoying it. Only 63 degrees but 97% humidity (extremely rare here) and wonderful. You just want to stay inside and be cozy and snuggle. It is a delicious day. Since I have no one to snuggle, I will read, watch a movie, and get in bed!

Thanksgiving Revisited

Right before Thanksgiving this year, I wrote a true happening that occurred in my nail salon. This was the episode of two women talking about how they hated Thanksgiving. It was called to my attention today that I was being critical of these women (I wasn't, I was just happy I was not like them, or thought as they did), and that just a year ago I had said I also hated holidays.
After thinking about this, yes, I know I did say that. I was referring to all holidays though, not just Thanksgiving, and my reason was because my husband was in a nursing home, and I was alone, and I missed the once festive large gatherings we had every year. Especially on Thanksgiving- my parents would always be with us and my children and my husband, and often other people as well.
I did hate that I had to go to a nursing home to have dinner with my husband, and did hate what was happening in my life. I hope and pray that by now I have accepted it all, and know it is all good.
When I said "I Hate holidays" it was because all of that was gone. I missed it and it didn't seem like fun and joyous for me anymore. I did have another friend call me about that blog, and told me to write "I love holidays" 100 times! I did it 10 times, and by that time had a change of heart, and knew being negative about anything was not a good thing, so I stopped the old negative thought immediately.

What the two women in the salon were hating was buying the groceries, cooking the dinner, and then cleaning up the mess. Those were things I NEVER hated and things I loved doing. I LOVED all the preparation for Thanksgiving (and all holidays). I think there was a misinterpretation of what I said a year ago concerning what I did not like, and what I thought about what these two women had said.
So just explaining this, in case anyone else thinks I was being critical. I definitely did not agree with what the two women said, and have not changed on that at all. When I heard them talking, what they said made me cry, because I wanted that back and I wanted my old holidays back, and they are gone. I wanted a big group and the preparations and the cooking. I was, and still am, thankful I was never like them. I actually felt sorry for them not critical of them. I loved what they said they hated.

Today I am learning to enjoy what I do have. And for what I do have, I am grateful.
I had a lovely happy Thanksgiving this year and am thankful. I also fully expect to have a wonderful Christmas.

Blessings.....as usual

My Thanksgiving Day was absolutely perfect.

We all felt sadness because Joe was missing, but we still had a wonderful family day together, and we were thankful for that. My daughter, Heidi, grandson, Trevor and Heidi's friend, Jimmy had a fun day. Heidi and Jimmy cooked the absolutely perfect dinner and everything was beyond delicious. We all went to Heidi's friend, Mary Lynn's home, for dessert shared together with Mary Lynn and her college-age children. The day was sunny and gorgeous and we even sat outside on patio for awhile and enjoyed Heidi's newly designed waterfall and goldfish pond.

Yesterday I was invited to another scrumptious, delicious dinner at Jay and Shirley's home. They have been friends with Joe since they were all in grade school, and they have been my friends also, for many years now. Jay prepared the most delicious fried catfish ever, and he also can create one of the best salads I have ever eaten, Another friend of theirs, Claire, shared this wonderful meal with us. We had some hours of talking and sharing, and it was all good. I really enjoyed the entire evening and felt blessed.

Life is good.

Thanksgiving thoughts

The last time Joe was in this home was last Thanksgiving Day 2006. It was not easy that day and we knew it would be his last time home, and it was. As much as I miss him, and I miss him terribly, I don't want him back like he was, and know he would not want to be back like that either. I would only want him back like he used to be. That is the Joe I miss.
So even though this Thanksgiving is not as I would like it to be, I still love Thanksgiving, and am grateful for what I do have. I have a daughter in Tempe who is cooking a fantastic dinner and I am invited. I have a grandson I will be happy to see. I have family. I have gratitude for these things. I know I am blessed.
A strange thing happened today. I was at my nail salon, getting a pedicure and overheard two other women talking who were also getting pedicures. They said to each other how they HATED this holiday, that it was the worst holiday ever, and they wished there was no such day as Thanksgiving. All they have to do is cook and clean and they hate doing that and hate the holiday.
I was totally stunned. I was also very, very thankful I am not like them, nor do I think like them. Thank you Universe for this! I love the holiday so much and love having a day to remind us to be thankful, and more than anything LOVE all my past memories. I cry when I think of past Thanksgivings, when my parents came to visit every year, and all my children around the table, and I always got up at 6:00 am and stuffed the turkey and got it in the oven so when my family woke up a few hours later, the house would smell wonderful! I will never forget those days, and I am happy and grateful for the holidays I have now and very grateful for my family and all my blessings. I have always loved the cooking and every detail of Thanksgiving.
I sat in my chair at the salon and thought all these things and started crying. Yes, I am emotional and I don't care. It is who I am. At least I can feel and I can love, and I can cherish Thanksgiving. And tonight I baked pumpkin and cranberry bread, and my little condo smelled wonderful! It truly smelled like Thanksgiving!

Sunday's weekend report.......

It was a good weekend. I accomplished quite a bit- got all my Christmas cards bought and addressed and ready to go. Spent a good portion of weekend doing more cleaning and things in the condo and running errands, but it was all good. Today Heidi and Jimmy came over and Jimmy did several things for me, and then we all went to the Hole in the Wall for a late lunch.

Sat outside by the pool on their large patio and even threw our bread crumbs to the birds!

We planned Thanksgiving at Heidi's. I am bringing the pies and making a salad. Probably sounds boring, but it wasn't-I enjoyed all of it. The weather is absolutely perfect and I love this time of the year.

Sometimes new beginnings hurt

Today is another one of those days. It hurts. I sold Joe's bed on Saturday and
am working on turning that bedroom into my office and putting a twin bed in the room.
Today I am cleaning out some drawers and the closet and packing the rest of Joe's clothing and things into bags for Goodwill. When Nancy and I cleaned out a lot of his things last March (things we knew he would never use again) it was not that hard. But now it is, because he is truly gone. I was ok until I picked up his soft flannel pajamas today and then I fell apart.
Anyone who thinks we don't change, doesn't know or understand life. I change daily it seems.
That's what life is really..... a series of changes, and we darn well better change with it, or we sit in a corner babbling. So I am doing my best today and knowing the truth, that it is all good. I would not want Joe here like he was. I would not wish that on anyone. So I accept the changes, but that doesn't make them easy. They aren't. It is just so much harder than I ever thought it would be...knowing he is really gone. I am so thankful for the many, many years of treasured and cherished memories. Don't think there's another one out there like him. And that is really what I miss and long for. I talk to him all the time and I have no doubt at all that he hears and answers. And I ask him- is there anyone else like you? But I already know the answer.

The joy of the pool.........

My PC says it was 89 degrees when I went to the pool, but I don't believe it. The pool was totally shaded by 4:15, so need to go a little earlier. I am sure the heat was turned on but was quite low, and there was a breeze, so my shoulders felt almost cold all the time they were out of the water. What a joy to be able to finally get back in the pool and do my exercises. I really did enjoy it, even though I would have liked it a bit warmer. Today my hip joints began to hurt, so that really got me back in the pool. Tomorrow I will get a massage, and next week will see the chiropractor. Know the real problem is that my body is out of alignment, and I have been way over 2 weeks not in the pool. The pool really keeps me pain free, but right now I need all my resources to get myself back in shape. I tried wearing thong sandals on my feet today, but my right foot did not like that either. So back to more support until it is 100% healed.

What a fall this has been. Have never known a time of my life with so many deaths. First, my friend Carmen late August, then Joe in early September and then Carmen's husband's mother and Carmen's mother have both died, and Phil (my sister Nancy's husband) has now lost 2 of his brothers, one in August and one this week. (Nancy said he was dying 2 days ago and have not heard anymore from her, so that tells me they are probably out of town). Then today Esther writes me that her half sister in Lake Havasu has died this week. I knew or had met all of these people except Esther's sister. Maybe this is just what it is like as you get older. I remember Joe and I used to say every time his mother called us, it was to tell us someone she knew had died. Now here I am, going through the same thing.

Hospice of the Valley called me today just to check on me and see if I wanted anyone to talk to me, and would even send someone to my home. They are so wonderful! I declined but I appreciate. I think I am doing fine. I have my moments, but that is normal.

Feeling good...feeling thankful!

I woke up this morning after 9 1/2 hours sleep, feeling rested and wonderful. I began on second night in Illinois sleeping like a baby, all snuggled under blankets, my favorite way to sleep. This seemed at the time (as I slept wonderfully the rest of my nights there also) like a miracle and I wondered could I take this home with me. And I have! The last few months were so stressful for me, that sleeping became a real luxury. I have more energy and feel great. And this morning there was no pain in my feet at all. The rest of the good news, is that I never gained any weight during the 7 days I was gone (another miracle to me) and weighed the same on my return home as I weighed when I left. I was truly amazed at that! And more good news, today I have lost 3 more lbs. since I have been home. The bags under my eyes are getting smaller too. Well, that is my good news and good feeling for this day, and I feel happy. I give much thanks for all of these blessings. I learned long ago to say thank you for everything. Sometimes that takes more effort than it does at other times, but I still do it. I say thank you for everything!! Because it ALL Good. Even when it does not look like it is, it is meant for our highest good.
"Give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation."...Brian Tracy
"I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled in wonder.".....O.K. Chesterton
And on a lighter note: "Just think of all those women on the Titanic who said, 'no thank you' to dessert that night. And for what?!"......Erma Bombeck

The Universe said stop!

I am home but am home bound, not a good thing, but maybe what I need. Last night my right foot was swollen so much, that it was double the size of my left foot. Sharp shooting pains every time I walk (feels like electrical currents), so life has come to a stop for me right now. I learned what I definitely cannot do, and have learned it the hard way (per usual for me, it seems). My wonderful mail delivery person, Darrell, has told me the rear tire on my car is way too low for me to drive on it. So as soon as I am able to meet AAA at my car, will get that corrected. Decided I might should wait until I was able to get another tire (if necessary) and that is not going to happen today. Can't even go to the pool, which I wanted to do with in 24 hours of arriving home. Oh well. The Universe must be telling me to slow down and take care of myself, so guess that is what I will do (no other choice really!). I did get very good news from Emerson Theological Institute. Had a phone message from the president, Dr. Pizelo, saying my final paper is being reviewed, and I do have a written exam yet to take, but my name is on the list of graduates for next March now! Yea! One lifetime goal accomplished, or almost accomplished. At least, I have completed all the work! My new goal is to be able to walk again (with no pain)!

Monday evening with Zach.........

Finally, Zach had a night off (no date, no football game, and didn't have to work), and since it is was my last night here, it worked out perfectly. I had a very laid back day and stayed home all day until Zach and I left at 4:00 pm.
Zach and I went to two stores of his choice, Dick's Sporting Goods and the Gap, and he got 3 new shirts and a new pair of shoes, all from grandma (me), as early Christmas (since I am never around him at that time of the year.) More fun for us both this way. Then we went to dinner (just the two of us) to California Pizza Kitchen and he had shrimp fettucini and I had lettuce wraps. We had a very nice time and I was glad to have some time alone with my almost 17 year old grandson. He also took me over to his girlfriend's house and I got to meet her, and take a couple pics of them. She is very cute and sweet. (her name is Angela)
After we got back home about 6:00, I then went with Brian, Deidre, Isaac, and Emma to the library for music time (singing, storytelling) all by this wonderful man named Alan Lieberman. He played his guitar, sang his own made up songs, and Emma Ruth started running all over the place to see the other little girls, and dancing! So cute!

This morning is packing, watching Frazier on TV, and playing with Emma. We leave for Chicago airport about noon. Home tonight in AZ! I have something wrong with my foot, so am leaving in pain. Oh well. Small price to pay for a wonderful trip.

Blackberry jam for Joe......and more.......

It was cold and rainy almost all day. When it is dark and cloudy and no sun, I can get depressed very easily. It is why I can only visit places like this. They are great for a brief time, but I would always feel depressed with so many days like today. It was also Joe's birthday today, so that even made the day harder to deal with. Deidre bought a jar of Joe's favorite jam-blackberry and sat it by his photo and candle on the table. But even with these two factors going on, I had a nice day. I think I was just determined to have one, and I did. This morning Brian, Deidre, Isaac, and Emma and I went to the Apple Villa in Batvia, and had a wonderful breakfast together. Along with everyone's breakfasts, Deidre always orders an Apple Kugel, which is incredible, so after my omelet, I had a small wedge of the kugel. I had been here once before, so knew it was delicious. We came home after eating as the rain was coming down even more. Then about 3:00 this afternoon the rain stopped and the sun tried to shine, so we all got into the car again and went to the Japanese Tea Garden and museum. The house was built in 1800's but remodeled and increased in size in 1907 when Frank Lloyd Wright was hired to do this. It is quite incredible. It sits on 350 acres on both sides of the Fox River and we really enjoyed the tour. What a beautiful area. This was in Geneva, Illinois. So many little cities and you just pass through one right into another and then another.
Tonight I got to see Emma Ruth dance. It is the funniest thing ever and we all just laughed and laughed. She is so tiny and so cute. She swirls her little arms and twists and then raises her arms up in the air over her head, and she sticks her little butt way out. She is a riot.
Today the whole family (not me) dressed in RAIDERS clothing- even Emma was in a little Raiders cheerleader outfit, Brian and Isaac had on Raiders shirts or jackets, and Deidre even had on Raider shirt. Emma was the cutest, of course.
I only have one more day here- how the time has flown by! Of course, it is 2 days just for travel time, so was only here 5 full days plus the travel days.
I am going to miss them all, but will be glad for warmer Arizona weather!

Another fun day in Illinois.....

It is reminiscent of growing up as a child in the Midwest and snuggling under piles of blankets to keep warm at night, to be here and do the same thing once again. Deidre and Brian just this past summer turned their full basement into a bedroom, living room, dining room, exercise room, bathroom and storage room. All very, very nice, but much, much colder in the basement! So I only come down here to sleep and use Zachary's computer. But it has been great sleeping in the cold, yet being more than warm enough, as my sleep is so much better! Amazingly better!
This morning Deidre dropped Isaac and I off at the Elburn library ( the most fabulous library I have ever been in!!) and we spent over an hour doing the fall Crafts class and made all kinds of fun things! Isaac made a Halloween mask, a bookmark, two decorated items to go on the refrigerator (with magnets attached) and I helped him and also made a decorated Halloween witch to take home for my refrigerator and I made a Halloween necklace for Emma. Then we spent time in the library and he played with friends with all the toys they have there. What an interactive and fun place. Then Isaac and I did several Halloween games with each other that the library furnished for us to do.
After taking Isaac home, Deidre and I went back to Portillo's (again) for lunch
and had a fun time eating their fabulous hamburgers and onion rings. It is such a fun place to go and always packed- the most popular spot anyone could ever imagine. She said she always wanted to take her dad (Joe) there and he would have loved it. They serve these huge glasses of beer, and he would have loved that as well as the hamburgers. Tomorrow would have been his 76th birthday, so we both kind of dread tomorrow. It will be hard for us both.
She is fixing Mexican food for dinner tomorrow in honor of him as he loved Mexican food.
This entire day was wonderful and Deidre told me she really enjoyed it and so did I. Brian was home all day and will be off work tomorrow, too, so that has made it easier for Deidre and I to do some things together. What a super father and husband he is- just a fabulous man. He is so great with Isaac and Emma and as busy as he is, he shares all the work with Deidre and is just great. Lots of teamwork here and it is nice to see it.
So...it is colder outside than I am used to...but much warmth in this family...and all is good.