Sunday, September 30, 2012

Day 30-September 30, 2012

     I spent about seven hours behind the wheel today driving to and from Santa Rosa to pick up precious E'lora.  Mom and Dad get some off duty time, they're going to a concert in San Francisco tonight.  I delighted in listening to our "Free to Be a Family" CD.  Colin smiled when I told him, and he said, "I have two copies now."  He talked about hearing it with new ears as an adult.  "Here, Here!!!  Amen," shouts GrandMuM.    
     When I arrived, E'lora was in a darling blue dress with white cutwork and perfect little pleats.  She had a white bow in her hair and a little white shrug to wear if it got cold.  A half eaten red apple was in her grasp.  She kept busy putting her white sandles on and off during the ride.  She slept for an hour on our way to Aunt Margie's for a family gathering to honor Herm, Fred's brother who recently died.  E'lora got to meet many cousins and aunties.  Jade and Carson and Sara and, of course, Auntie Coke charmed her well.  She didn't like the dogs.
     The next leg of our drive home went well.  I had two suckers in her luggage for emergency entertainment.  Not needed this journey!  I forgot to change her before leaving, so she was pretty soaked when we got home.
     What a talker!  She was delighted to open up her suitcase and find her treasures.  "Hat, pink hat," she exclaimed as she put it on.  "Owl, bunny, puzzle!!!"  She emptied the puzzle, put in the 2, and said, "Where's the 1?"  She loves to ask "Where" questions.     
     "Couch," then she signed brown. 
     "Yes, a brown couch." 
     Another couch, the footstools are "tables."  She loves their buttons.  And she sure loves her Grampa.  She was insistent that he come and look at the moon with us.  Of course, he took her on yet another outside walk. 
     As bedtime approached, she was working all the angles to do other things.  She wanted to swing, take a bath, eat, go potty, brush teeth.  We did stop to brush teeth.  One round of toothpaste wasn't satisfactory, but GrandMuM said, "You can have more in the morning."
     As we lay down, she placed her head at the light coming under the door.  I moved her mattress closer.  She settled in with her behind hoisted in the air, like a marionette string had lifted her from above.  Her milk bottle is cradled in her arm.  Her first "sleep over" at Grampa and GrandMuM's, she's weaned now.  The kids will sleep in tomorrow....  They'll come sometime to fetch her and enjoy some R and R in R and R (Rough and Ready) before they need to return to work.
     As I lay with her, gratitude flooded my soul.  The joy of singing again that old favorite that I sang more than a thousand times, "Hush Little Baby."  I savored time to pray for fragile families in my circle of concern.  I feel God's leading toward supporting families in some way.  I'm old and wise now.  "Lord, help me to listen..."

Day 29-September 29, 2012

     Pleasure cruise on GuS to LaPorte by way of Oregon Hill Road with our new friends, Bruce and Gary.  This was after a tasty HUGE shared senior breakfast at Perkos.  The weather is summer warm, but the elevation made for lovely smells, scenery, and riding.  Both Bullards Bar and Little Grass Valley are way low in their levels.
     We were planning to do firewood after the ride, but it was just too hot.  After some home chores, like packaging up two more books that I sold on Amazon, we headed to The Ranch to pick up Old Yeller, the box trailer, for pine needles at the Partridge rental house.  The wiring needed fixing, so that took a bit of extra time.  Fred did an impressive job cleaning up and sorting out the wires.  It was a great feeling of teamwork for me. 
     Fred and I then picked up a redwood tree and crepe myrtle from Alice.  She got them from a friend who moved.  They are nice young trees in big pots.  I spied a family tree farm on our ride today and I thought, "Hmm, there's another idea for my retirement list."

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Day 28-September 28, 2012

     Driving into town before 9, headed to school to help, I got a call from Jenn that Alexa's preschool had called.  I turned my 10:30 health insurance appointment into a telephone conference.  GrandMuM to the rescue. 
     Her tummy was a bit upset, but she seemed ok.  She ate a ton to make up for what she lost.  I made her mint tea, like my mommy taught me.  We picked an apple from the tree that she enjoyed.  She ate two fists full of "numnums" from the garden. When I was having an afternoon chocolate, she raced over, "Cookie, cookie?"  I offerred her a bite and she took a huge one.  Two fisted ice eating followed.  She had a dozen of those. 
     "Read book, read book" mostly a statement with a little bit of question was heard all day long.  The pile was quite high in the living room by the end of the day.  What lovely words to hear.  We got out a tub of plastic dinosaurs and a pirate to join the farm animals.  She plays quietly with them for long stretches of time.      
     I managed a load of laundry.  I made stew with potatoes, peppers, and herbs from our garden, egg salad with twelve of the twenty eggs found under the coop, and homemade white bread.  I vacuumed before Fred got home from his dirt bike ride with Eddie and Juan. 

     I was reminded again of the work of a mom.  Endlessly satisfying and deeply exhausting.  A good night's sleep followed.  A truly blessed day.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Day 27-September 27, 2012

     A car load of ladies loaded up for a trek to High Hand Nursery in Loomis.  It was my Mother's Day gift for Mom.  Laurie and Alice, Jacque and Erica joined in.  We shopped and enjoyed a delicious lunch.  Inspiring elegance, charming displays, a museum.  Japanese maples were the star of the day.  There were an awful lot of lovely succulents too.  Alice and I now have joint custody of a cute summer dress pattern.  Lots of eye candy all around.
    
     After school, prayer group at Linda's stretched out two and a half hours.  We'd missed each other.  It's easy to keep chatting. 
     A blessed day with eleven women.  And to top it off, I watched Fried Green Tomatoes.  It was on HBO.
    
    

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Day 26-September 26. 2012

     Tasks of routines, home Bikram yoga, a soak in the hot tub, laundry, and washing Xene, vaccuming her and the camper too.  Alexa's preschool called Jenn because her tummy was upset, so I picked her up.  Didn't get the cobwebs off the deck.  Some night time reading will complete the eve.  I love home.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Day 25-September 25, 2012

     Fred was off work today, so it felt like a Saturday.  We walked Karly together and did home chores.  Fred spiffed up the hen house and yard.  I sifted out three buckets of rocks from the garden soil.  For my birthday, Fred made me a nice screen to go over the wheelbarrow.  I dug up 18 potatoes from the couple of plants I had. 
     In the afternoon, I worked on closet organization.  Then we had a great bicycle ride with Mark and Mike.  The Champion Mine/Hirschman Trail loop, about 8 miles, over 700 feet of elevation gain.
     A healthy dinner and some TV.  Fred wants me to rub his neck....better go...

Monday, September 24, 2012

Day 24-September 24, 2012

     My retired friends, Renee and Max and Denise and Dan, they know how good it feels and I was delighted to see each of them today.
     The biggest part of today was searching and sorting math materials at my new school, Bell Hill Academy.  But, I savored preparing and planting the bed of kale in our garden.  I delighted in my trip to the Farm Store for bird seed and dog food.  I was surprised when Fred found 20 eggs under the coop, I found one petite brown egg this morn.  My grandgirls have been close in my heart and thoughts all day, but I haven't talked to a one of them yet. 

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Day 23-September 23, 2012

     A blanket of clouds kept the night time temperatures warm.  A beautiful fall morning on this Sunday.  It was lovely to chat with neighbor Stephanie on my morning walk with Karly. 
     My birthday gift from Mom and Pop was a pedicure and manicure by our friend Jenny.  Girl time at The Ranch was the biggest chunk of the day.  Ah, such a treat to have that attention.  I had some bank business to sort through, fax to figure out, and fun wedding emails from Savannah.  Fred was on a motorcycle adventure today, so I made myself my favorite Kraft Macaroni and Cheese for dinner.
      I harvested from the one volunteer grape vine in the garden.  Twelve pounds turned into about a gallon of juice, nectar of the gods!!!  I wonder if I can do something with the grape seeds that collect and fly all over the place from the juice extractor?  I'll clean up the outside mess in the morning.  I figured out to do this project on the deck from the mess two years ago.
     As I chopped chicken to marinate for stir fry tomorrow night, I remembered the lovely stir fry last Monday with Colin, Cora, and E'lora at Wright's Beach.
I think I need to talk to E'lora more on the phone, I really miss them.  I forgot to do laundry today, but it will still be there tomorrow. 

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Day 22-September 22, 2012

     GrandMuMMing and gardening filled the morning.  Fred and I tag teamed Alexa, she helped him in the garage and I changed the poopy diaper.  She loves the sun gold tomatoes, she adores the water, and she's not afraid of dirt or animals.  I planted my pea starts, let's hope for the bounty of two years ago. 
     Firewooding in the afternoon.  I spent most of my time on the splitter lever, but I got some loading and unloading in.  The whoosh as the the pine chunks flew past my head into the truck bed was rather exhilarating.  I kept my elbows tucked in.  A team of three makes the work efficient, Eddie, Fred, and I.
     I tasty healthful dinner with garden fresh choices closes out the eve with a good movie on the Sundance channel.  Oh yes, this morning I also made a cold cucumber soup from Moosewood.  Zucchini turkey burgers on the grill, chard, peppers, and the little tomatoes Alexa didn't find, pita from the Bodega Bay Farmer's Market topped with my red pepper cashew sauce, coleslaw from Mark's cabbage, and brown rice.  Yum!
     I was up over four hours during last night.  I predict I will sleep well tonight.

Friday, September 21, 2012

Day 21-September 21, 2012

     Friday.  Watering chores barely done, then off to town for errands and volunteer time at Bell Hill Academy.  I gathered some Carl's Jr lunch orders and chatted with my dear friend, Sharon, over our old lunchtime tradition.  I began sorting math manipulatives.  More sorting and unpacking is needed.  It was delightful to greet the children.
     I picked up Alexa and we enjoyed a play date with Tamir here at the house.  They both enjoyed the chickens and the swing.  Tamir squirted all of us with the hose while watering the garden.  Alexa is having a sleepover tonight, giving her mommy a little break.  Another day filled serving family and friends.  And how they bless my life and days.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Day 20-September 20, 2012

     I left home at about 6:30 this morn and returned about 8 in the eve.  Today was a day to take Pop to Roseville to the skin cancer center to cut on his nose until they got it all.  Four times the doctor took a slice or chunk.  Now, this was another treasured day.  I cherished being with Pop, we even enjoyed In 'n Out for lunch.  I brought it back to the office and the aroma set off quite a bit of conversation.  It is rather rare that I go through the drive thru, but I did today.  We shared our fries.
     I spent most of the day reading Tail of the Elephant, The Emigrant Experience on the Truckee Route of the California Trail 1844-1852.  I even grabbed an afternoon cat nap in the chair.  I began to put to pen my 250 plus ideas for retirement.  I have 25 things written down so far.  I wrote birthday thank yous and chatted with the old folk getting their skin cancers cut off.  It is an interesting community experience there in the doc's office, not too much different from the Willie Nelson concert last week.  Folk are a cherished commodity.
   Gramma Alice provided tasty pasties that we enjoyed at the Ranch when Eddie and Fred returned from their bicycle ride. 
    

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Day 19-September 19, 2012

     This morning I was unpacking from camping, preparing my shopping list, general catch up.  I always said retired people shouldn't be allowed out on the road at lunch time.  Well, wouldn't you know, that's when I was ready to head to town to shop. 
     Family dinner for Pop's 75th.  I made a tasty lasagne, nice salad, and another delicious peach cobbler.  I popped on the tellie when I was unpacking groceries and cooking.  Oh my gosh, Jerry Springer is provocative!  I don't think I can handle the mid-day lawyer commercials.  It was fun watching my Tevoed "Katie" shows while I cooked. 
     Jenn and Alexa, Mom, Pop, and Eddie gathered to celebrate.  YUM!!!

Days 15 to 18-September 15 to 18, 2012

     A fulfilling journey to the coast.  Saturday morn we traveled to Santa Rosa to swoop up E'lora and Cora to join us for a tour of Sturgeon's Mill, an old steam powered lumber mill in the redwoods near Sebastapol.  Old slow labor intensive technology preserved by a wonderful group of volunteers.  Cora headed to work, Colin and Trevor joined us to eat Japanese at Sushi Hana.  As the sun set, we froliced in Ives Park while Trevor strummed his guitar.  We parked the camper for the night across the street from Colin's bakery, Wild Flour, in Freestone. 
     Sunday morning, E'lora and Cora joined us for our bakery visit.  The garden there is always inspiring.  We drove to nearby Salmon Creek School to wander their redwood forest trail.  We also enjoyed the creek overlook, flourishing school garden, and fun-filled playground.  In Bodega Bay we visited the farmer's market.  The nearby children's bell memorial was tender.  We checked out Bodega Dunes and Wright's Beach for campgrounds.  We drove back to the bakery as Cora needed to get ready for work again.
     Fred and I parked at Miwok Beach to eat lunch and watch the surfers.  We strolled the beach for a couple of hours after a nice little afternoon nap.  Up Coleman Valley Road about a mile to park for the night.
     Monday morning we went back to Bodega Bay for provisions.  Wright's Beach is our camp spot for this night.  A bluff trail begins here toward Goat Beach.  Colin, Cora, E'lora and Raj arrived in the early afternoon.  A tasty lunch after a hike, then relaxing in the sun and sand watching the waves.  E'lora likes rocks, we sort them into piles of tiny and little...  She is learning not to throw sand.  The kids gave me Home Dairy.  I am tickled to try new things now that I'm not teaching.  I'll scout for a local source of excess milk.  We all lay down with books at about 8, time for the baby to go night night.  Our camper reading lights by our pillows are perfect for nightime reading.
     Tuesday morning we explored Shell Beach while I baked peach cobbler for Trevor's birthday.  This is a stunning coast view setting!  E'lora was fascinated by her shadow on the trail.  She spies all flowers and describes them by color.  She's talking all the time.  When you understand her point, she shakes her head and says, "Ya, Ya, Ya..."  (short a sound).  Her eagerness to communicate is amazing.  I especially love the message she sends when she rests her head gently on my shoulder, and when she cried broken-heartedly "Gampa, Gamma" as she was strapped in her carseat in her car and we got in the truck.  It was naptime.  On to the taco truck in Guernville for lunch and PeeWee golf.  E'lora toddled about on the course for we were the only ones there!  It was a great round. 
     My cup overflows with the joy of being with my kids.  My heart is renewed in nature's beauty and grandeur.  Many blessings to count each day.  For example, the truck got almost 15 miles per gallon on this trip!  Fred credits the new air filter, I credit the light load.  I love our little nest on the road.  I had time to read The Tao of Willie cover to cover before passing it on to Trev.  I felt so good after my shower Monday morn.  Meals are especially satisfying prepared in the camper.  Travel was good even though we left at quitting time.
     Hot soup and a Woody Allen movie, Melinda and Melinda, or some name like that, ended the eve.  The hot tub was nice and hot for Fred.  I slept great back in my own bed at home.

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Day 14-September 14, 2012

     A day to spend with my mom, it was wonderfully memorable.  We went to her physical therapy, BYOB wine shop, lunch at Fudenjuice, meet friend Susan while I dropped off a book, find a hairdresser available for walk-in, and pick up Alexa for a couple of hours. Then we gathered at Gramma Alice's for the five girls to pile in the car to get to the Willie Nelson concert early for good seats.  We got them, had to fight to keep them, and enjoyed a lovely evening of music as the five fellas joined us later.  My birthday celebration continued.

Friday, September 14, 2012

Day 13-September 13, 2012

     Happy Birthday to Me!  Double nickels today.  Yoga class, a visit to Sierra Moonshine to buy yeast and my first hydrometer, redeeming Staples Rewards, spending a gift card on a lovely hanging plant, and a stop at the Ranch for fresh peach pie at lunch. 
     Then home to just be.  I brewed up my first batch of peach brandy.  I made a batch of red pepper cashew sauce.  We grilled up some fish and zucchini from the garden and I enjoyed it with a good bottle of wine.  Fred came home bearing chocolate and wine!  I received many nice cards and calls and some sweet thoughtful gifts.  After I'd gone to bed, both Colin and Trevor called.   

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Day 12-September 12, 2012

     A leisurely morning included walking Karly with Robert and fixing my special granola and greek yogurt with fresh peaches for Marcus.  I started out to make a zucchini cake, but with only two eggs, I made a loaf of zucchini bread instead.  I worked on my Safeway shopping list before we picked up Fred at the mill for Wonderful III lunch. 
     I had a ball playing ping pong with Marcus and Robert.  Marcus was dripping sweat!  I lost, but it was a great competition.  They headed toward Cousin Jeff and Tina's house in Quincy. 
     Lentil soup for Fred's temporary crown and tender gums.  I've started packing for our camping trip to the coast.  I would say the speed of life has been cut in half these last 12 days, it feels healthful and good.

Day 11-September 11, 2012

     On the Today Show this morning, I was reminded of the tragedy of 9-11-01.  A survivor and his family were being interviewed, the 9-11 Surfer.  The struggle each individual has to comfortably live within their own skin was highlighted.  As the fella quoted a friend that perished that day, "Each day is a cherished gift."
     I felt bounty in the garden this morning when I gathered two nice sized zucchini.    
     I felt blessed as I spent some time unpacking at Bell Hill.  I organized the math cupboard and musical instruments for teacher use.  There remains many boxes, but I see great progress.  Again, I felt like a rock star on the campus as kids shout out, "Mrs. K!"  It was fun to help my new friend, Renee, serve lunches.
     I sold another book, and wrote a note to my granddaughter.  I wasn't able to reach her by phone.
     The German "sons" froliced in the pool while I trimmed back the shasta daisies and berry vines in the pool area.  I enjoyed the German beer that Robert and Marcus brought from their local village.  Eleven of us gathered at the Ol Republic Brewery where we enjoyed pizza and a fruit tart with our tasty local brew.  I do love beer!  It is my bread group for healthy eating.
     We stopped at Staples for some shipping tape on the way home.  They had already closed, but outside the door stood a former ROP student and mother of one of my first graders.  Savannah asked, "What do you need Mrs. K?"  She popped inside and brought out a roll for me.  Robert and Marcus were amazed.  They said that would never happen in Germany!  They told the story of how a lady paid for their parking at Bridgeport on Sunday because they hadn't brought any money.  The generous spirit of America is another treasured blessing.

Monday, September 10, 2012

Day 10-September 10, 2012

     This morning began with responding to assist my daughter-in-love.  Unexpected needs rise up in our lives, I was grateful to have the time to be present and help.  My heart holds tight to the desire that my children and their children find their way to live comfortably in their own skin.  Each day is a treasured gift and some days are harder than others.
     With zest I mounted my bicycle this afternoon to join Fred, Mark, our German son and his pal on the trails of Loma Rica Ranch, 7 miles and almost 700 feet of elevation. 
     The garden received a good soaking, the chickens gave no eggs, and some laundry still rests on the line.  Well, it's time for me second session of dewaxing my ears today.  It was a beautiful sunset.

Day 9-September 9, 2012

     This Sunday morn I just didn't feel well, that aching feeling a bug can give.  A day of quiet home rest, six loads of laundry, catch up on the messy desk and office, packaging three books sold, and setting up my flat of sprouting seeds for their next phase of growth.  After dinner when we sat down for a movie, Bridesmaids was just beginning.  That was followed by Thelma and Louise.  And I slept great all night. 

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Day 8-September 8, 2012

     Alexa let Grampa and I sleep in.  Today was filled with GrandMuMMing and preparing GG's 73rd birthday dinner.  Fred made amazing pork ribs by first smoking them on the old smoker we got at a garage sale and then finishing them in the roaster, cooking them in a slow moist heat.  I made my homemade rolls, roasted potatoes, and a nice vinaigrette for our salad.  Having my son and his family present was the best part of the evening for me...  and I know my mom understands this. 
     I love that Fred took Alexa with her to the motorcycle shop so I would have some time alone at home.  It's village work.  Someone needs to watch the baby, and that happens all the time, except when she's sleeping.  We now have 4 eggs....

Friday, September 7, 2012

Day 7-September 7, 2012

     "Chop wood, carry water..."  Today began with watering the deck plants and garden and helping with two loads of firewood, one from Wildwood, and one from The Ranch.  Ah, a good start. 
     Our first egg from our ten chickens arrived today.  It was a nicely shaped medium brown egg.  I think I know who.  The Plymouth with the biggest comb, we have six that all look alike.  She has been nesting while the others scratch about.
     I picked up my granddaughter from her new day care at the local community college.  All girls.  They were sitting together for lunch when I arrived.  Alexa helped me prepare for our lake afternoon with the boat.  Our German son and his buddy enjoyed tubing and skiing.  We had a lovely scenic boat ride.
     She's having a sleep-over.  We'll all sleep well.

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Day 6-September 6, 2012

     A lovely gaggle of ladies gathered at Lower Scott Flat to kayak, chat, and celebrate a friend's birthday.  The five of us gathered around our camp table in the shade.  We enjoyed the nice pasta salad luncheon and other goodies I prepared.
     I had half an hour to regroup at home before heading to prayer group.  I've got quite the mess here at home including piles of unfolded laundry!  I was going to try to do yoga class tomorrow morn, but I think I'd better face my mess first.
     After prayer group I headed up to enjoy family dinner with our visiting German son at my step-son's mom's home. 
     What a lovely day with treasured family and friends!  The sheep are still here.... 

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Day 5-September 5, 2012

     I took Xene to the dealership for her scheduled maintenance this morn.  I shopped my way home leisurely, Traders Joe's and Ross.  In and Out cheeseburger and milk for lunch while I read my Better Homes and Gardens magazine.  Laundry continued. 
     The funniest thing.  More sheep appeared.  I think they are a sign.  Two black-bellied Barbados males have been hanging around for a day.  A sheep showed up for a day 3 weeks ago, then its owner fetched it home.  She was the friendliest little fella, she appeared on the deck looking in the sliding door window and hung around for a day.  "Can I stay whitch you?"  One of my 252 ideas is to make pecorino cheese.  These sheep are of the dairy breed.......  I never knew!  Our neighbors with goats and sheep and chickens and rabbits have given us some lessons.  They are gated into our lower pasture now.
     My evening has included cooking up a storm to make a nice girlfriend birthday picnic for our kayak adventure tomorrow...but that's tomorrow.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Day 4-September 4, 2012

     This morning I fed fish emulsion to the inside and outside plants.  Laundry continued.  Held a nice long phone conversation with Auntie Carol.  I balanced the August budget and began my retirement blog.      
     In the afternoon I took off for 7 errand stops in town, 'twas great satisfaction to cross off each task completed.  I ended my time in town with Bikram Yoga class.  My ice bath in the pool felt good after the sweat.
     I was keenly aware that today was the first day I didn't go to work when others did.  Deep gratitude and satisfaction, a beautifully wrapped gift of time.

Day 3-September 3, 2012

     Homemaking day today that included starting kale and pea seeds in a flat.  The smell of sheets dried on the line is a favorite thing.  I continue to sell books on Amazon, a fun little activity that began two springs ago when I was home recovering from pneumonia.  It is my special fund for friend trips.  The "girls," our 10 chickens, enjoyed the corn cobs from last night's dinner.  I keep asking them who is going to lay the first egg.  Homemaking, right up there with "chop wood, carry water," a truly satisfying day.

Day 2-September 2, 2012

      Today involved rock scrambling and shale sliding as we hiked to gaze again at the steep gourge of the main river channel.  We then followed a deer trail to access the river, unspoiled beauty.  After that we piled in the truck to find Secret Lake, no signs, only logging roads and trails.  Lily pads, mammoth granite slabs, stillness broken only by the jump of a fish and the slight movement of water at the inlet. 
     When we got home, I began a google search to begin to learn more.  Sometime soon, I'll head to our local historical library  ...251 ideas... 

Day 1-September 1, 2012

     Today I found myself doing one of my favorite things, hiking to a new place.  We drove back roads to an old summer cattle camp in the High Sierras.  From there we hiked across meadows, through forest, and across the middle fork of the Yuba to remnants of English Dam, built by the Chinese in the gold rush days.  It was blown up in June of 1883, probably by anti-mining interests.  We camped out under the stars, a cold crisp night with an almost full moon.  I'll always remember Fred's giggling fit as we lay down.  He was telling me the seventh grader's comment when he caught Fred passing gas near the camp cookstove.  "Do you need to wipe that?"  Treasured time with old and new friends and family.  Wonderous nature and fascinating history all in one day, a wonderful way to begin retirement.
     Is I was walking, I decided I would begin a blog journaling the daily events of this first year of retirement.  I have given myself a year to regroup, reorganize, and consider the more than 250 ideas I have of where to send my energy next.  Each day is such a precious gift, and I am grateful to have this time before me.  This record will help me in the process of seeing my next steps, or I should say our next steps.