Memories

I worry about memories -- I know they are going to become more distant to me. I was thinking about this over the weekend -- we were telling Alan and Jennifer what we used to do before they were born -- i.e. make pizza dough from scratch, not use shortcuts while preparing dinner, etc. But, today, I was cleaning out some things from Alan's bedroom and I ran across something Alan did in the 6th grade -- it is his "autobiography". You can just imagine if he did it in the sixth grade how interesting it is!!! I had to take time out of cleaning and sit down and read it. I laughed....I cried.....I realized how much I didn't remember......I understood how important some little things we used to do were to Alan.....and I actually saw a glimpse of the man he is today. I'll keep this forever -- what a treat to find.

A few more photos

My brother gave me new skates for Christmas so I had to try them out. Alan and I went skating in Atlanta today and then visited with Jennifer's family. I'm posting a few photos from our outing, some at Jen's house and a final photo of Alan, Ralph and I before he left for DC. Alan gave me a nice gift certificate to a spa for Christmas so I'll be able to enjoy that soon -- but I promise no photos of that!

Holiday Aftermath

In this photo, Katie Felton, Chris Felton, Alan, me, Josh Darnell and Melissa Darnell.

This Christmas has really been good. Not too much overload this year as in year's past -- that has helped me a lot this year. I didn't do much decorating so there isn't that much clutter around the house. I didn't have to cook a large meal which reduced my stress. And, we didn't plan much so that made it pretty low key. It was nice to have Alan home for a few days -- it was pretty quiet and we all had a good time. Alan leaves in the morning for DC. We are going to Atlanta ice skating today (my brother sent me new skates!) and to meet up with Jennifer's parents and sister for a meal. I hate to see him go -- it is always nice to have him home even for a short time.

The photo above is from a lunch Alan and I had yesterday with my friends Chris and Josh and their wives. If you have been following my blog for long you will know that Chris and Josh used to work for me. Chris now lives in Ft. Lauderdale and is in med school. Josh is in the army and was deployed to Afghanistan last year where he suffered some major injuries last February. He has had a long and rough ride with many surgeries and a long stint in the hospital but we are glad to say that he is recuperating very well and will be getting a medical discharge this spring from the military. We all worried about him so much -- I'm glad to see him doing so well. The three of us don't get together very often but when we do we find a lot to laugh about. I'm fortunate these guys still keep me in their lives.

Hope everyone had a great holiday. I'm looking forward to the rest of the week as I'm going to try to devote much of it to getting rid of a lot of clutter around the house and getting a little more organized.

Happy New Year to everyone!

Christmas

I'll post some more photos soon but wanted to get this one up. We had dinner with some friends yesterday and this photo was snapped by their tree. Unfortunately, our beautiful daughter-in-law was in transit from Washington DC to Atlanta at the time this photo was taken. Hope everyone had a great holiday!

Happy Holidays

to everyone. I've been a bit stressed out this week so needless to say it hasn't been a good week for me. I guess it is anticipation of the holidays, Alan being home and all the "extra stuff" around the house. Had major panic attacks while out trying to run some errands this week -- too many people for me and I was out later than I usually am. Have to stick to that routine you know.

But, I haven't really planned much while Alan is home and he won't be home that long, so it won't be much of a problem. I have help if I need it and knowing that makes it easier.

I do wish everyone a great holiday season. I've enjoyed getting your cards and letters at this time of the year-- I really love hearing what is going on with everyone.

Have a great one!

Winter

My son and daughter-in-law got to see a lot of snow yesterday -- with the big storm that hit DC. I know it was a record one for the area -- and the largest snow amount they have ever seen. Jennifer takes great photos so I thought I would share a few on this site -- thanks Jennifer. I'm sure there will be lots of snowman building today. One thing about the south is, snowmen don't melt, they deflate!

Weekend

Yesterday was a long day. It started by helping the UGA Women's Basketball team put together bicycles for underprivileged children here in Athens. There was a potluck lunch to go with it. After that, we attended a charity tennis event that featured Serena Williams, Joshn Isner, Sam Querry and Melanie Oudin. That event was over 3 and half hours long. It was really drawn out. After having the first event, by a few hours into the second event I was long gone mentally. I was so tired, I wasn't sure who was serving or even who was playing at that point. Just too much for me in one day. Thought I could make it, but obviously didn't do so well with it. Some photos are above -- oh -- NeNe from the Housewives of Atlanta is also pictured. She sat right in front of us and lots of people were coming up to get their photo taken with her and to get her autograph -- really distracting I might add.

Deaths during the holidays

It is always sad to lose someone, but especially during the holidays. Right around Christmas my friend, Kathy, who I visited with in Cape Cod this summer, lost her sister. Maureen, to cancer. Her sister lived in Peoria where we grew up. She was diagnosed and several weeks later lost her life. I guess it is comforting to know that Maureen didn't suffer.

Right after I returned home this week, a long time school friend and friend of the family died. He went to school with my brother and had been ill for awhile. He suffered a stroke and had many complications after that. He was only in his mid-50's. Doug was a fire batallion chief with the Peoria fire department. Today, after his funeral there will be a long processional of firemen that worked under him and others around the area. A great tribute to a great young man.

And, then, a few days ago another friend passed away here in Athens -- only 58 years old. His daughter was Alan's first girlfriend in high school and they have remained close. We visited with his daughter who now lives in NYC when we were there for the US Open. It was such a shame to lose him -- he was very prominent in the UGA music department and his accomplishments outside of teaching were enormous.

I'm much more emotional now than I used to be and these have hit me hard -- perhaps because they were all around my age -- you just never know. Rest in peace my friends.

Back from Illinois

Well, I cut my trip short by a day because of the big storm that was heading toward the midwest. I'm glad I did because most of the flights have been cancelled for today. I was ready to come home. While there I had an infection and had to go to the emergency room for treatment. Not fun, but manageable. When I went to the airline counter to change my ticket the lady told me I looked a little "frazzled and panicky" -- I told her I just needed to get home. I hurried to put stuff in my bag so we could get to the airport and everything was kind of moving a little too fast for me. When I reached Atlanta there were lots of thunderstorms so by the time I drove 1 1/2 hours to the house I was tired. I had a hard time concentrating and I went to take my pills and mistakenly took the morning pills instead of the evening pills. Unfortunately, their is one pill I take in the morning that causes insomnia -- so I was up most of the night.

But, I had a good visit with friends and family. My brother is holding his own. I met with my friends Pody and Rick from Champaign and Joe and Rita who used to live here in Athens.

Pictured above are my friends Pody and Rick, me with my great nephew Oliver (isn't he cute?) and my two brothers.

More soon -- after I have rested!

Illinois

On Saturday I'm off to visit family in Illinois. Haven't been back to see my brother who has been ill for awhile so will visit him and his kids and my other brother and sister-in-law. Always good to see the nieces and nephew. Will write again soon.