Time to go . .

So today is the day we set out on our adventure. My sister flew in yesterday and we had a wonderful dinner out. We are having a home cooked meal before we leave today. We have been busy making sure we have everything packed. Going over things triple time. I'm sure despite all of our preparations there will be at least one thing forgotten. I hope to post tomorrow from England. Onward ho!!!!

Test

First Europe Trip

So I'm going to finally make it out of the country. I had originally planned on just going to Italy, touring from Venice, Rome, and down to Sicily. But what the heck, why not see as much as possible, the odds are I won't be able to get back there. So its London, Paris and Rome in a whirlwind 12 day trip.

I enlisted the companionship of my sister. I just couldn't go alone, I had to share this adventure with someone. I love my husband, truly, but he just isn't the vacation type. My sister is an early riser, understands the importance of go go go and far above deserves this trip far more than I.

Due to work constraints the only time I felt that I could get away for two whole weeks, with NO communication with the office was in the heat of summer. Besides, we have offices in each of the cities we are going to, theoretically I can go check in, NOT!!!! Argh - August, well what do you do?

I hope to post updates daily, via skype and my iphone, as well as pics. Looking forward to an enjoyable, but unlikely relaxing 2 weeks.

Watch for updates starting August 13th.

Bon Voyage!!

Genealogy

So I've gotten myself immersed in my family genealogy. Boy what a hornets nest I've stirred up . . . murder . . . outlaws . . . . unwed mothers . . . . illegal name changes . . . This is great stuff!!! I never thought family history could be this fun. Frustrating at times as I want answers NOW, but need to be thorough and check sources and ensure correctness. Searching is a tedious thing. Time consuming too. But I've found it so very rewarding. My family probably is getting sick of my constant calls with updates of my findings.

Now I've volunteered to take pictures for others at a cemetery near me. I've taken a few . . it's fun traipsing through the cemetery searching for headstones of strangers. Somehow ghoulishly fulfilling.

Updates to come.

The weekend

Another weekend upon me. I can't seem to bring myself to do anything though. I just want to sit and chill. But there are things to do.

I must make it to the bank before it closes.
I need to refill my prescription which requires a call to the doctor, yeah I know I need to come in, just refill my prescription OK!
The toilet still needs to be fixed
My bedroom is a disaster
The laundry needs done
I need to go buy that book

And here I sit, posting this damn blog. Maybe this will be my inspiration . . HA, I can hope. But I have been productive already today. I made blueberry pancakes . . homemade with fresh blueberries! I gave the bird a bath, I took the Christmas ornaments out of the front window, I washed the dishes. I mean, what more do I have to do. It is the weekend, right? When do I get to rest??

Well off I go . . . lets see what gets done . . . .

A New Year/A New Beginning

So another year, another chance to better myself. How many more chances will I pass up? I vow every year to improve, but alas, all seems to stay the same. Motivation, will, desire . . . they all seem to allude me.

What will the year bring? Heartache I am sure as by father-in-law had a stroke last autumn and is currently on a respirator, feeding tube and basically non coherent. I worry about my mother in law's health as she struggles to get on with her life while still having the strength to face her husbands situation. We help as much as possible, but she is so used to doing it all and it's hard for her to slow down or ask for help.

One of my better half's close friends recently was diagnosed with something similar to ALS. This is hard to deal with as he sees the deterioration that this disease causes.

I'm sure there will be upsides. I will relish these as they occur. It's the little things that come along that one overlooks that we should be delighted in. This is my resolution. Enjoy the little things. It is the finding joy in everyday that I hope will enhance my outlook, make me happy with my life.

I hope you too will find the little things in life to lift you up and carry you forward. Forward to the next little thing. It is only in this manner that one can endure life's ups and down.

Happy New Year to all! Enjoy!

Empty Nest

So at last I will be in the category of "Empty Nesters". Sigh, my son has taken the step to move into his own apartments. I have very mixed emotions on this. I wish him well, and I'm very excited, but also there is the overwhelming feeling of loss. He will only be 15 minutes away, I'll probably see him frequently but not everyday. I won't know if he's home safe every night. I must resist the nightly phone calls. I won't know if he is up in the morning in time for work. I must resist the morning phone calls. Will his clothes not be wrinkled? I think there will need to be a weaning off period. I figure that I will be over to ensure his apt is properly clean, provide home made food, ironing service and of course the never ending much despised "advise". I'm pretty confident that he'll do just fine . . . don't they all?

And then, what do I do with me? I have very little to look forward to now. What will I do to occupy my time. I think I will revist and "dive head first" back into knitting. There's also my sewing that I can try to get into. As empty as I may feel, I am also excited about this chapter of my life.

ONWARD HO!!!!!!