NPR and Teri Gross

I was in the kitchen double spooning cookies onto parchment when the guests on "Fresh Air" shared something personal that took the air right out of my lungs. Then I found myself sobbing for a breath. I can just hear my father saying the very same thing.

I had a request to amend and complete:
A young mother had been told that she had 3 months to live with pancreatic cancer. (it was an interview with a couple who are wine columnists. They share bits of their private lives in their columns) She and her husband had two very young children. She spoke about how everyday she told (in small ways) the children and her husband goodbye.
One day when her parents were over to their house, her father said that he would pray to his god that he could take her place so that she could stay with her family. Four months later they discovered that she did NOT have cancer after all - it was a congenital "flaw" - her father had been ill during all of this and hadn't wanted to worry them. He died a short time later.

One stalker to another . . .

Okay, so maybe I'm a stalker to keep track of who's reading my blog, but I'm curious - always have been. And even though I do want to know . . . I still get a bit creeped out when someone unknown (as yet unlabeled) reads my entire blog from end to end. I usually have a clue and I figure it must be someone who knows me or knows of me - why else would they spend nearly 2 hours scanning my posts?
I know for a fact there are better things to read out there.
Today the short people gave us a taste of what's to come in the next 9 days of school. So talkative and easily distracted!!
I hope I can make science "pop" tomorrow. Yup, that was a pun, but you won't know until I tell you.
love,
me

Walking the Nixon

Backyard pictures taken, bags packed, and then it was time for Liseanne and her J to drive F down to Roseburg to meet her J at his folk's.
Once we had waved them out of the driveway, N and I hooked Nixon to his leash for a walk in the park. Afterwards, I removed my Santa hat and we hopped into the car to check at Joe's for N boots. Then we stopped at Thompson's for dinner. Usually when we see the parking lot that full, we head elsewhere, but with just the two of us we thought the odds would be better for finding a seat. We could've bellied up to the bar, but after 10-12 minutes a table opened up.
I wasn't as impressed with their nutbrown ale as I usually am, so I changed to good old Terminator for my second pint.
This morning N's been busy in the kitchen for over an hour - shredding, chopping, rinsing, cooking. I can't wait to eat the results! :>)
love,
me

Escapism

We all do it, don't we? How many hours should be allowed each day or each week? It's probably healthier when we engage in it with others as opposed to seeking it solo 100% of the time. And it's probably most important to balance it with doing social activities with the bulk of your time going towards your responsibilities.
There should be some overlap. It probably depends on whether you're a happy, mentally healthy individual who enjoys people and life.

Stay tuned for next time when I ponder acts of love.

Trail Band

I learned two lessons last night. It's not good to wait until the last minute to find someone to use our 2 extra tickets AND it's important to check the time a concert begins before you give someone a last minute invite. {sigh}
Other than that, it was a great show. That's one of the many things they do well - entertain the audience. They played material from their new Christmas album, told stories, played interesting instruments and had two special guests. One was Linda Hornbuckle.
I had an urge to go out for dessert afterwards, but N went out to buy us some ice cream instead. Much more economical. Plus F wasn't alone as long.
N's getting ready to go out and do leaves. Their numbers are dwindling - finally. I'm keeping an ear open towards the washing machine.
Normally, I would be at the Greens Show with friend Shirley, but they were invited to see a show on the south coast. Hopefully, she can rest on the ride there and back. Maybe we can figure out a way to make it tomorrow.
love,
me