This has been a crazy summer- I mean it. I hit a wall and slid down to the floor. That was the bad part, but I’m okay now. I underestimated stress and was forced to take better care of myself. I laugh now, but it wasn’t so funny then. But the best, absolute exquisite part of this summer was connecting with a long lost and cherished friend. I wrote this in my journal: “As we talked today, I watched fluffy white clouds float across a bright blue sky. Young green oaks swayed in the warm summer breeze as I relaxed under their shade. My visual acuity sharpened by the adrenaline and endorphin rush, my heart beating wildly. I observed birds and planes flying in slow motion…” It wasn’t a summer evening, but a great memory and one of many I hope to experience in the near future.

Loved my vacation, but I missed you all! Lots of catching up to do! My most memorable summer evening happened just this past week, at our family reunion at Hilton Head…it was “our” night to cook…and I did a Taco Bar for all 18 of us…just before dinner…my husband’s brother and his wife announced they are expecting their first child in the spring…!! Nephew or niece number 7. I’m just thrilled because I have an excuse to buy baby things! Afterward we all took a walk on the beach, and commented that at the next family reunion their child would be almost 5, and they might have more than 1!! Our family reunions happen only once every 5 years…I loooovvveee a baby…especially when it is someone else’s!!! Hah!

What beautiful memories you’ve all shared. My fondest memory from this summer is introducing my two-year-old grandson to the beach - the feel of sand between his tiny toes, the taste of salty water on his lips, warm breezes caressing his arms and legs. We’re taking it slow. In my mind’s eye I see him running down the beach, splashing in the water, tossing a volleyball he rescued from waves to college friends. One day. Today we walked hand-in-hand to the water’s edge and placed our fingertips into the sun-kissed water. Small steps …

My most memorable this summer? Well, it certainly is a tie between seeing my son married to his beautiful sweetheart on a farm in Oregon with all our friends and family in July and dancing and smiling the beautiful night away…and seeing him, Rifle in hand, camo on, saying goodbye to her last week as he was shipped off to Iraq. Yes, he chose the marines as his career so he knew what he was getting into,and yes, we all support his commitment, because we support him. But these were 2 of the most poignant moments of my life. I only pray that he comes back to me and to his wife, soon and whole in mind, soul and body.

My best evening this summer was having dinner and drinks in the Plaza Major in Salamanca Spain with good friends! And pretty much every other night during our 2 weeks there was my best summer evening for that matter—-

I will recall the memories of my trip to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina for years to come. I went with 4 other good friends. We were there for a week, but my favorite evening was the second night we were there. We took a “gospel dinner cruise.” It was amazing. Soul food galore! Great gospel music by an amazing choir, and the best company.

The most memorable evening I had this summer is a phone call from a friend…I did not realize he was calling…It made my evening sleep really peaceful and loving…It was a toughtful surprize.

My husband and I had a delightfully warm sunset cruise up to the breakwater of Channel Islands Harbor in Ventura, CA and watched the sunset. It’s usually too chilly to really kick back then - but this warm evening was an exception - and beautiful!

Two evenings ago..the end of a hot summer day. A family picnic at the club pool..playing in the water with my grandson and getting my water arobics excercise. Later just sitting around the picnic table with my youngest son, his wife, our grandson and my husband of 45 years..The warm evening fading into soft night…family chatting..delicious food and plenty of it. What a great place to live!! How blessed we are. There is a quiet serenity here as well as a deep joy and love. Im so thankful to be an American and live in a country where we have the opportunities for evenings like this one.

Tuesday July 30, 2008 – Las Vegas Nevada I have been a life long fan of comedic actor and host of CBS’s Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. I adored this man in ways that were beyond the normal run of the mill fan. I had been looking forward to seeing him for months. We brought our tickets early to assure we landed front row seats. We packed our bags and headed off to the airport on route for Las Vegas! Excited about being on vacation, but more so because we were going to see THE Craig Ferguson in person. The evening came and with excitement in our hearts we headed off to the MGM Grand to see my favorite comedian/actor. The ticket clerk took our tickets and escorted us down the aisle to our front row seats. There he was…..I looked up at the stage and in living color, handsome as ever (but dressed shabbily) was my guy…..Craig Ferguson. I was all smiles, eager to hear what he had to say. Eager to hear his humor away from the censorship of TV. ………….I left absent the smile and unfortunately no longer a fan.