Closure

Today was a day for closure. It was the Celebration of Life for my best friend, Rae. The service was family only but included me. The Does from the Elk's Lodge where she was a member, did a nice ceremony. Individuals spoke of their relationship with Rae. My Sorosis President was there also, and encouraged me to say something: 

           
Rae was my best friend for 33 years. Our connection was lunch on Fridays, followed by shopping. When I first met Rae in the 70's, she had a page-boy hair style with slanty- shaped glasses. The next time I saw her, she had a curley Afro and huge, round, Sally Jessie Raphel glasses. A total make-over. I loved make-overs and here was one right before me. I thought this gal was wonderful.

We loved shopping and her quest for yellow shoes was unending. We were fashionistas before all others. When we shopped she would say, I'll wear this for Sorosis Women's Club. Soon, she was inviting me there as a guest, and when it was not so easy for her to drive, she sponsored me into the Club so we could go together. She never dreamed I'd be raising my hand to volunteer for so many postions there.

I was a Republican and she was a staunch Democrat but she lived long enough to see me vote Democratic.

She was one-of-a-kind and the world will be a duller place without her.

Love you, Rae. Your BFF

Christmas past

On my daughter's blog, http://mamabegood.blogspot.com/2010/01/recycle-reuse-resled.html  she reminisces about the Christmas that she and her sisters had velvet hot pants and knee-high boots. This is one of the bonuses for living in Florida. It was the time when the sorrow of divorce was easing and the prospects of a new life were on the horizon. It was just me and my four chicks, (well, one was a drake) and our dog, Samantha. And then, there was fashion and boots which still thrill me today. For this, I am grateful.

Happy New Year 2010

Can you believe the "0's" are gone already? Where did that 10 years go? Well, a great deal of it in cyberspace. But, look at all we learn and how we connect. I must admit that I check my Facebook page daily but am not as faithful with this gratitude journal.

I'm looking forward to an active year of family, friends, and gardening duties plus volunteering and fund-raising at my Women's Club.

I say I'll take fewer photos, but maybe I'll just print fewer and make DVDs of the rest. I've just seen what too many albums look like at my Mom's move to a smaller space.

Hubby and I will go on dates to the movie theater. And, maybe this is the year we will get out the bikes again. Sure miss those rides.

Wishing all who may look in on this page a Happy, healthy New Year. Take time to smell the Angel Trumpets.