I haven't written much lately -- I've been in a bad mood. I don't like what I write when I'm in a bad mood and it seems lately I have been in a bad mood more than I have been in a good one. I just don't feel like myself these days -- not happy with me, the way I look, the way I feel, just not happy about a lot of things. This, too, shall pass -- I hope!

Thanks to those that have commented lately. I appreciate your feedback. Nicole -- thank you and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Some comments I have not posted, but you know who you are and I thank you for them as well.

My son is busy back at Stanford. I don't know how he keeps up his rugged schedule. I guess I was involved in a lot of things when I was in school -- you forget when you get older how much energy you used to have! Alan's girlfriend, Jennifer, is in Shanghai this week on business. Last week she was in Mexico. I'm so glad she has an opportunity to travel with her job. When I worked in Illinois I got that opportunity and while you might not realize it at the time (because you are working) it is nice to see new places. It's even nicer to be able to go back to some of those places when you are not working! They are planning a trip to Hawaii over spring break.

The south has finally gotten some cold weather and we may be in for some icy conditions come Thursday. But it is nice to finally have it feel like winter.

Another Friend Lost

I received word last night that another friend with Alzheimer's lost her battle. I had the privilege of meeting two remarkable women several years ago at the Alzheimer's Public Policy Forum in Washington DC. They were a set of twins from my home state of Illinois -- one had Alzheimer's, one did not. As twins go I guess they were like all twins, pretty close and inseparable. The "well" twin dropped everything and took care of her sister. These two women fought the battle as hard as anyone and did some amazing things to help raise awareness about Alzheimer's. I heard from one of the twins last night that she lost her sister earlier this month. I'm so sorry for their loss and it is our loss as well. Thanks for being a part of my life and thanks for all you have done for the Alzheimer's cause. I know your family will continue the fight.

I've been in somewhat of a "funk" lately -- don't know what else to call it, but after learning of this tragic loss it gives this "funk" a different perspective.

Do these people know something I don't?

I'm hoping all of this is a coincidence.

1.Ten years ago I worked for a governmental agency here in town as the marketing director for special events. The agency also handled many other tasks for the city and we had about 15 employees. A friend of mine still works there and she called me and said "I have a present for you from Frances, I'll drop it by after work". (Frances being one of the employees there). I asked her why -- I haven't seen Frances in probably eight years. She said that Frances' New Year's Resolution was to thank all the people in her life that have treated her kindly and I was at the top of the list. She had thought about me a lot over the years and she said that I always did nice things for her and she wanted to do something nice for me. I was pretty shocked to hear this, but I thought that was an extremely nice gesture on her part. I always liked her and I guess the feeling was mutual.

2. When my son was in middle school and high school he was involved with a local community theatre group. He performed in many musical theatre productions. When he was in high school I joined him for a few of those performances so we could "experience the stage together". It was lots of fun for me -- probably not as much fun for him -- having your mom in a show with you when you were in high school. But that is beside the point. We obviously became friends with the director of this community theatre group but I haven't seen him in a long time. I've been to a few shows in the past couple of years, but haven't really spent much time with him to speak of. I got an email from him this weekend -- he wanted to have lunch or dinner to catch up. I was really pleased to get that email because I know how busy he is.

3. Out of the blue I received another email this weekend from a long lost friend. I haven't seen her for probably 10 years. She had gotten my email address through a mutual friend and wanted "to reconnect". We never had a falling out or anything, in fact it was a good friendship. However, we both went our separate ways both professionally and personally. We just lost touch. Now she is reaching out and I'm so glad.

So, is it just a coincidence that three people I haven't kept in touch with on a regular basis have contacted me? Or do they know something I don't?

I know it has been awhile since I last posted. I think I have finally settled back into my routine since my son returned to Stanford. Although, things won't be back to "normal" until my husband gets out of his cast and can drive again. I do o.k. getting around early in the morning when there are not too many people on the road but after about 10:00 a.m. I don't do very well.

My medicine and I have not been getting along so well the last week or so -- I hope it is not time to change again. I guess we'll have to see what the doctor says at my next appointment.

I wake up in the middle of the night and think about things to put in this blog and I don't write them down. So, by the next morning I don't remember. I'm afraid that if I wake up long enough to write them down, I won't go back to sleep. That's kind of silly, though, since I don't seem to go back to sleep too easily anyway. The doctor has me on a sleeping pill but I don't think it is doing much good.

Hopefully this blog will have a new look soon. My son and I discussed it when he was home and he has promised to do a facelift on it!

Before and After

A nice Christmas photo and then a few days later -- after surgery for his broken elbow.