The Search for Huggy

It was insidious. The time thieves crept in on cat-like feet, quietly and sneakily taking away first hours, then weeks, until ultimately months passed without a blog entry. Work, volunteer work, taking care of my elderly mother-in-law who now resides with us, and taking care of my "hospice pup" took me away from Wendy's Warehouse.

Whoever (s)he is, Huggy has called me back to this secret pleasure of mine -- the blog! My daughter and her boyfriend read Huggy's comments and told me I HAD to get back to my blogging. We're so impressed with Huggy's eloquence; it almost intimidates me because I can't write half as well. But, this is about musings and wanderings, not about professional storytelling....so, I guess I'm back!

Who is this magical motivator? My daughter's on the case -- trying to uncover more information about who this person is. How do we find Huggy's blog? We'd all like to read more from this sumptuous stringer of words.

Thank you, Huggy, for rallying me back. More to come. . .

Unintended Consequences

I enjoyed my first cruise over the holidays to the Caribbean. Beautiful sunsets, tropical breezes. Food provided for me 24/7. Room cleaned and serviced often with every whim and desire answered and met. Entertainment available with many options to choose from.

The ship was the host and I was the parasite......just like the bedbugs in my cabin.....whom I carried home with me.......ugh.

We enjoyed a girls trip to Seattle, WA last month - my sister, daughter and I. There was the usual parasailing, kayaking, sight-seeing, and lots of walking. Along with the wonderful bonding and sharing.

While there, I also found my passion - sailing! My dream now is to move back to Erie, PA and own a 29' Hinckley sailboat. Ah, now that would be heaven....my husband and I sailing on Lake Erie.

After all my travels, I'm still convinced Erie, PA is the best of the best. An undiscovered, gem. A hidden jewel. The best-kept secret of the northeast.

I'm heading to Erie on the 17th. It's the best time of year to be in this wonderful city! Cool lake breezes on warm summer days! The smell of freshly cut grass teases the nose while the song of seagulls plays in the background.

Heaven!

Find the Joy

Noise all around. Moving, continually moving. People coming and going. Demands, requests, conversation. Up, down. Bend, lift. Work, drive, shop. Technology advancing, better, faster, don't stop!

Pause....the cheerful twitter of a sparrow. The bark of a dog. The monotonous purring of a mower. Simplicity. Joy.....

Erie, PA - 2009 Dynamic Dozen Women in History

Congratulations to my big sister, Barb Ertl (pictured)! She's been selected as one of the 2009 Dynamic Dozen Women in History in Erie. I'm so very proud of her!

The awards are taking place on April 14th.....unfortunately, the same date of my daughter's 25th birthday. What's a good mother/sister to do? Of course, my daughter comes first -- even if it's only 10 minutes together, she wants me to be here in NC......however, my sister thinks that birthdays come each year while her award is once in a lifetime....

Such a problem, having two very special people celebrating separate special events on the same day!

Wishing everyone a peaceful new year!

Time is the Best Gift

Have you ever felt guilty for "doing good"? I'm a care partner volunteer through the United Way for families living with Alzheimers. There are two lovely gentlemen, neighbors, who are on this journey together. They and their wives have been living with this for a long time. The wives are their primary caregivers - 24/7 without relief. I'm going to give them a break for 3 hours each Saturday. The guys and I are going to hang out, play cards or checkers, go for walks - whatever they're up for.

The wives will be able to use the 3 hours to do something they don't normally get to do....like visit with their grandchildren, get their hair done, shop without having to worry about hubby wandering off, going for a drive on their own so they can scream if they want to! Things we take for granted every day. They're also grateful to have someone new to talk with - and their stories are so interesting.

I feel guilty hearing their gratitude - getting to make their day makes me feel like a million dollars - I think I'm actually getting more out of this than they are....

Please give someone your time today...even if it's just 5 minutes of undivided attention. You'll make yourself feel better at the same time.