Here and There

We all have best friends, thank God . . . what would we do without them? 

One of Erin's new pictures from Madrid.   She and Donaleo are in Spain and have a few stops to make before moving on to start finalizing their trip and heading back home.  

My beautiful daughter Christine, on the right,  and her friend doing their bit for the art walk .  The jackets are a new idea, maybe a fourth of July inspiration.

This brings back a memory of a trip Christine took us on a year or so ago when we went to visit the lavender fields in Washington state.    I'd like to make that trip again and walk through the fields of lavender.   

I was invited out to lunch yesterday and friend, Melody, had not been to the new restaurant which is doing a thriving business even though I find it a bit on the pricey side.     The food is beautiful to look at and scrumptious to eat.    One never gets pass the special and yesterday was no exception as we had a chicken patty with special cheese, tomato, lettuce served on a delicious bun, along with a green salad.    Melody is the office manager at the doctor's office and we have had some wonderful conversations over the years as I waited my turn for my checkup.    We hit it off so to speak, and Melody asked if I would have lunch with her one day and yesterday was the day.     The conversation flowed, the laughter prevailed and it was a delightful time for both of us.    We promised to do it again.   So, do not hesitate to reach out and make a new friend to share a lunch with  as it can only make your life richer and your spirits soar.

     I went on to read to Russell who was sad yesterday.   He was having one of those down days when his mind wandered to days of yore when life was worth living and he was head of a bustling family and full of energy and life.   Ninety-five isn't much fun when you feel alone.   He understands life goes on and his family members are busy living theirs just as he did, but, he has no idea how to cope with the aloneness he feels now as memories tease him into wanting more than he can have.     As we often say, 'life isn't fair' but we can only live it the best way we can and pray for acceptance as the walk to the garden gate is within sight.   He is failing and it is both a blessing and a curse;  life has a beginning and an end and each of us has to walk our own path.    So, today start walking and put a smile on your face, get some of your chores finished as the weekend is coming up fast and you have things to do.   Make one of them reach the top of your list and call a family member who is 'old' in body, yet filled with a spirit of love for you.   Give up a few seconds of your time and as the old song goes . . . 'make someone happy and you will be happy too.'
Oh, don't forget hugs....lots of hugs....they work small miracles.   Hugs to all.