So true!

A long day filled with emotional downs and ups.

And, as an aside, you know the besties in your life who you really click with? Who really get you? Who even though you haven't seen them for five years, it's like you only saw them yesterday? When after you say good-bye your cheeks hurt from laughing? When lunch stretches to four hours because there is so much to say? When you have about a million private jokes? When you are on the same page about everything?  Well, that is these three. I love them like sisters.

We used to be one more. Our friend Janet was the same - only funnier - and today we came together to say good-bye. This morning I woke up so excited to see my girls and remembered there was one less of us and it was heartbreaking. So, there was a beautiful service in a church in Danvers, Mass, a graveside visit and then we tore ourselves away from Janet's sweet husband of 60 years, Russy, and took ourselves over to the Danversport Yacht Club.  See above  :)

Our beautiful friend, Janet. We love you and we will never forget you. 

CONGRATS SUE!!!

My beloved water aerobics instructor and friend, Sue, taught her last official water aerobics class today. She is now beginning a new chapter of her life. She has played an important role in my life, that's for sure. She makes me feel like she truly cares about me and loves me and I am simply mad about her. And she is funny as hell - important criteria for a friend.

thanks, Florence for sending me the picture!

Everybody I know in the Fabulous Florida Keys is crazy about Sue and all of us look forward to many more hours in the pool with her. Good thing we live in paradise and this can happen all year long. (including when she comes to Maine and swims in the Lake with yours truly.)

Cheers to you my friend; thank you for being the lovely person you are.  I love you to bits!  xoxoxoxo

I had my septic tank pumped last week. It is right in my little front yard and it was interesting to watch them locate it, dig a hole right over the lid and then hook the lid out. Yup, it was full. They replaced the dirt and I put down seed. Which never had a chance. Because I wasn't the only one who thought it was interesting. Every dam time I leave the house, Sophie feels she must recreate the unearthing of the tank. It gets worse and worse and this is what I came home to yesterday. I may have mentioned in the past that the dog has no moral compass. She thinks it is hilarious when I yell at her so I didn't even bother. Covered it up. Again.

Here is my sweet old girl, Lulu, sleeping on the sunny porch. Another inch and she would have been on the bed but it is new and they are both just a bit suspicious of it. . . Have I mentioned that these girls have issues?

And, I've been working my fingers to the bone the last few days, getting together an order for The Muse in Frederick, Maryland. Shout out, Whitney!

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY NEPHEW, JOSH! LOVE YOU!

Happy summer!

In the 40's again last night and I've got the heat on this morning, but surely it must be summer now because my dock is in! Yay! 

Well, this is the view from my hotel room this morning in Bangor. A beautiful day. I left work early yesterday and drove up to see Alison Krauss in concert!! Oh, and Willie Nelson. So excited!!!!

Came to Darling's Waterfront Pavillion for the first time and here is the walk in.

 Kacey Musgraves opened and she was so good!

And hey! Hold the phone! Isn't that my nephew, Nat, playing guitar?? Looks just like him!

It was a full house and I had fourth row seats, as you can see. I sat down, looked up at the stage and my jaw dropped. Fabulous seats.

the crowd

I love love love Alison Krauss, an all time favorite of mine and the main reason I drove up. She was so wonderful and the girl can play the fiddle. She did all of my favorites and I cried during Ghost in this House. My life. She was GREAT!

There were four ovations. The crowd couldn't get enough. It went from a sunny day into night while she was on the stage.

Ok, I know this is ridiculous but here is the only picture I got of Willie Nelson! This is him and his son playing a duet. Little did I know this was the last photo op I would get and then my camera's memory was full.

Anyhoo, he came out with his trademark braids and played the heck out of his old standards as clouds of pot rolled over the crowd. The duet he played with his son (Lukas) was called Just Breathe. Really beautiful. The man is 81 years old, people! It was a wonderful night and I stayed up way past my bedtime. However, no wet little noses to wake me up this morning (thank you, Wendy!) so I rolled over at 6am and got two more hours. Divine decadence.

Thunder and lightning overnight and it's a different day today. Muggy and foggy and the mosquitoes are delighted with such weather. little vampires

I'm having a lovely week so far. Monday I heard from friends and Wendy and Anne came by. Yesterday, my boss gifted me with this bling of a ring! I was speechless. Well, almost. It is a mystic topaz and the picture does not do it justice. Wow! I love it.

Then when I got home from work today, I received the new David Sedaris book from my sister and a beautiful package from my niece, Annie, containing this gorgeous scarf. I am feeling the love. 

And wait 'til you see what I'm up to tomorrow. Oh oh oh, I can hardly wait. I've been anticipating this for a month. Oh, tell you now? Well, sorry but you'll just have to wait.

And, remember the sweet little pink quilt and burp cloths for Monica's baby girl - because that's what the ultrasound said - that I showed you the other day? She had a BOY! Doh! Guess I'm going to finally have to unpack my stash and pick out some fabrics for a boy. The best laid plans . . .

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY GREAT-NIECE WILLA TODAY 

with lots of love from her Zia!