My trip to New Mexico

I just got back from my summer in New Mexico and I had a wonderful time I can’t wait to share some of my experiences.  Here is one picture from the bike trips that I took each morning.

Welcoming Each Other

A few days ago, I attended a gathering out of respect for a dear friend. I had not been in touch with most members of this family for quite some time. I wasn't sure what kind of response there would be regarding my visit. As it turned out, it was quite a wonderful, warm and loving experience to be welcomed as though I had never been absent. It made me realize how important it is for each of us to welcome one another every time we see each other regardless of the passage of time or changes in roles. So, make it a point to welcome 'old friends' and acquaintances. If you have not yet experienced the joy of being welcomed, you will...and if you never do...do it anyway and know you've provided joy for someone else. That will be YOUR JOY.

Velcro Rocks

And they say that duct tape fixes everything!!??? Just a note to thank the inventor of Velcro with sticky back. It has held up my stuffed letters high on a wall when duct tape wouldn't!

One with the ocean

I decided to leave all my work and worries behind me and head for the ocean for the day yesterday. The weather was spectacular. As I was sitting on the beach reading for leisure (new concept) and people-watching, I felt the urge to brave the waves. I grabbed my boogie board and off I went...a huge wave pounded me and OFF WENT MY GLASSES! Wow! I couldn't believe I got in the ocean with my glasses on!!! Oddly enough I wasn't hysterical at all. I walked around until I found a shop with reading glasses. They did fine for the reading I wanted to finish.
Today, my son found a place in town that was open AND that could have my new glasses ready TODAY! When i told the salesperson my story, she said, " I'm going to have to give you a 2 for 1 special. Do you want a spare pair?" I asked about prescription sunglasses and she was happy to oblige! A few hours later, I walked out of there looking pretty darn good with my new shades! Okay, it wasn't plan A, but it came in a close second!!!
I may just have to remain calm every time something crazy happens to me!

Brain Kudos

I started back to work the other day after having my 1st summer off in decades!
I spent the whole summer playing with my new grandson! What a treat that has been.
There have been so many things I haven't had to think about until 2 days ago and its been wonderful.
Twenty minutes into day 1, already my mind was flooded with all the details of preparing for a new school year. Even though it was a little overwhelming at first; I became totally impressed with the workings of the mind! What an amazing organ our brain is!!! It steps up to the plate on demand with no notice! Very cool!

What's in a Name?

I officially and legally changed my last name. No I didn't recently get married or divorced (already divorced). I decided to let go of my previous names that had been borrowed from my father and 2 husbands and create one that would be mine and only mine until I 'check out'! I took the first couple of letters from each of my kids' names, put them together and VOILA! The funny part is that I have gotten such an interesting variety of reactions to this! I had no idea it was going to create such a ruckus! Everything from "How cool is that!" to "Really?" to "Is that legal?" to a facial expression of extreme shock and no words!
Sometimes a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do!!! I love it and so do my kids!!! Are there any better reasons to keep it?

90 Minutes of Bliss

I spent 90 minutes today lying on a heated table. My hands and feet were doused with emollients, slipped into a plastic bag and then covered by an insulated mitten and sock! Steam was being shot into my face. Then the fun started. Layers of goopy stuff was massaged into my face and neck followed by hot towels that removed the goop. Then...to be perfectly honest, I can't remember!! I had totally 'checked-out' somewhere during the process! It was amazing. So, if you have never experienced a professional facial...do yourself a favor (yes, men get facials) and make an appointment as soon as possible.