Home Again

I just got home from New York, where I met my new grand nephew, Michael, played in the woods and played in the city. Saw a lot of people, both family and friends, walked until my feet swelled, spent my purse empty and had a terrific time.

First off, I snugged in at my sister's house in Valley Stream and played with the baby. We also went to the beach, where I got a bit of a sunburn and toured an old mansion on the North Shore of Long Island. I even went to my sister's cancer support group with her. Then into the city to meet up with my High School buddies, which is always hugely entertaining. We went to a comedy club, where one of my friends did a stand-up routine. What a hoot. Then out to dinner, and stayed with Christine at her apartment in midtown. Spent a day playing in the city, saw a Broadway show, ate more fabulous food. Then upstate to visit Astrid at her little retreat in the woods. Saw 14 white tail deer on the way there. Then that night, the fire flies came out and that about blew my mind. They were everywhere. I hadn't seen one since I was a kid. Spent some time with Christina, visited the Roosevelt home in New Hyde Park and the Presidential Library there, went shopping, ate dinner at a truly funky restaurant, wandered around Woodstock. Then back to the city for one more night with Christine. Had dinner with Vicki, drank a little too much and had a fantastic time. Stumbled back to Christine's apartment half drunk and happy as could be. Last stop saw a photography exhibit, which was illuminating to say the least, had pizza at Fresco and got on the bus for the airport.

Kind of a whirlwind ten days. There wasn't a dull moment, and everybody was gracious and loving. It was simply great.

Got off the plane in Seattle and Richard was there waiting for me. Stepped outside and took a deep breath of the Northwest air and about fell over. It is so clean and fresh, I couldn't get enough of it. Drove through town with the windows down. Wandering around town yesterday, I couldn't get over how lovely Spokane is. I am glad to be home and glad that I live here.

My garden is completely overgrown with weeds, but the tomatoes are on and it looks like everything is growing nicely. My dog was leaping out of her fur with excitement to see me. The cat was more demure. And Tre lost his other front tooth while I was gone.

whew

I'm glad they're all not like this one. I've had a rough day from start to finish. All day I've been irritated, not at anything in particular, just irritated. With myself, with life, with whatever. Whew. It's damn tiring being in a funk.