Birthday

Yesterday I turned one year older--66!  Wow, that realio trulio sounds OLD.  Family and friends made it a very special day.  Glenn and Donna treated me to breakfast out, followed by an afternoon at the winery with my two "boys" and their sweeties.  Many people consider money to make life livable and enjoyable, but to me, it's having my loved ones with me that make life wonderful and exciting.
In the midst of celebration some decisions were made...  The family decided that October 13th, a Sunday, we would all trek to the hunting cabin and lay Larry to rest.  Another major choice was made.  Our annual stay in the Keys would continue and the family will come down for a visit.  How I will get there by myself is in question, but I have faith that will be answered in due time.  The boys also are selling our van and buying a new vehicle.  According to them, it's necessary--too many miles on the van and too little tread on the tires.  The suggested vehicle of choice seems to be the Toyota Highlander, so this week I am to test drive it.  Me and cars have never ever had a close relationship---all I care about is reliability on the road.  I realize it might seem as if the boys are "running" my life, but so far their decisions have met with my full approval.  The family has my well-being at heart and I love them all dearly!

The Expected...

After 20 days, it arrived---the expected "troubles", but they came sooner than I thought.  I had to call an electrician to do some work inside and out.  What do I know about electricity anyway (except when it doesn't work)!!!  Today, I ran in tire trouble with the van.  Had it worked on and fixed by the tire guy in town.  Again, what do I know about tires??  God forbid that I get a flat on an interstate or such!!!  Now, I await the next aggravation to slowly sneak up and bite me on the &%***s !

Paper and Phone

Who would have guessed the amount paper work that is required, the forms to fill out, the requests that need to be addressed?  Then there are the limitless phone calls to be made and the  "bizillion" questions to be answered?  And, how many trips to the bank does one really have to make without really looking like a complete idiot? Today will be #4 for me!  Larry prepared me as best as possible, but time wasn't in our favor to discuss the life insurance policies: where they were, which companies, etc.?  And how does one know how many there are? By now I have completely dismantled every file folder in our two-drawer cabinet.  I'm still looking for the safety deposit box keys...where oh where would they be???  Eventually it'll all work out; I know Larry guides me in the right direction.

An Ending...A Beginning

Today is different than all other days that came before.  Today I am on my own.  Today I realize that my status has changed from "married" to "widowed".  During Larry's last few weeks, I have been surrounded by the love and support of family and friends.  Never have I ever been so well-taken care of--- realio trulio pampered.  But now, the house is so very quiet; Max has been like glue all morning long.  He misses Larry, too.  Life goes on.  You put one foot in front of the other and proceed slowly but surely.  Errands need to be run, laundry awaits, followed by the mundane routine of everyday life. Larry had prepared me well, making sure I knew the day-to-day operation of "his stuff"--knowing what kind of oil is needed in the weed-eater, what chemicals to put in the hot tub, how to start the difficult blower, and the list goes on.  The love and support has not disappeared; it's there if I need a lifeline thrown to me.  I shall take life one day at a time. I will survive.