God has a plan

And somehow my name has been scratched off of the "God's memos' list!

So my friend in from out of town has had a setback....after having hernia surgery, he broke his foot a few days later.

He will be in town for 4-6 more weeks.

Yes, God has a plan. All I can do is trust He knows what He's doing.

With this unfortunate incident, I personally am gearing more toward the "he needs to spend some more time with his 86, soon-to-be 87-year-old mother" theory.

But remember, I've been 'whited out' of the memo list.

I know that since he's been in town, my life has been a train wreck. I need to get this derailed train back on the tracks. Though I'd love to take advantage and spend quality time with him while he is stranded in town, I have to stay focused on my Lenten goals, my nutrition program, my personal obligations, and taking care of me.

I'm conflicted. Mom taught me to help friends, to take care of those who need, and hence, I always neglect myself. I have to pull back a bit and start taking care of me. It's the airplane rescue theory. Pull down the oxygen mask and place it on yourself first and then help your neighbor.

Now, I'm so blessed. Each day has hills and valleys. In the midst of the chaos, I was brought to tears over the weekend as I received a text from a dear grade school friend. All she said was 'what a nice surprise....' attached to a picture of my sister and 2 nieces. Sheila's daughter is in a wedding on the same day my niece is getting married. No, they are not in the same wedding but they WERE at the same dress store and all met each other. Kind of funny. Sheila's daughters call me Aunt Dani...and when the girls were talking about me, I think my real nieces were amazed to hear that!!

The entire meeting story warmed my heart and showed me, yet again, what a very small world we frequent. After the text picture I was fortunate to share a lovely night with Sheila and her entire family over the weekend. Her son's meal to die for! I feel like I am part of the family and at home when I spend time with these friends!

Again, in the midst of the craziness, God helps me through as my Aunt and I head to Mass for my Uncle...on St. Patrick's day! What a terrific way to begin this holiday/holy day! And then to breakfast! Yes, though I'm on my nutrition kick, I could not pass up the Soda Bread & Corned Beef tradition! Come on! You only live once and some don't even get the full use out of their warranty.

I think I've gotten a few derailed cars back on the track, but I've a loooong, loooong way to go!

Perfect end to a magical week

We've always been lucky when it came to vacations.....Mom showed us the world!

I can't believe the places we've traveled, the wonderful experiences shared, and memories made with my entire family!

When we get together, we make new memories but recount very, very funny old stories too bringing smiles from cheek to cheek.

This vacation mirrored vacations past.

Even with Craig's unexpected emergency surgery, A-W-E-S-O-M-E!

Rounded out the week doing whatever we wanted! A little sun bathing, walk in the metroparks, Legacy Village Concert on the Green, seeing very dear friends, REPEAT!

This whole week, my friend Craig (one of my best buds) and I threw our 'vacation rule book' out the window and had all new experiences. We hardly stayed to script to what we do everytime he comes home to visit his Mom.

As a final sendoff, I took him to an old haunt with a different name.....Kalies on Mayfield has delish breakfast so instead of stopping near the airport, treated him to a home cooked meal before he hopped on the plane, which would be serving NO food!

And for the 1st time since he left "the Cleve," no tears, no sadness when he walked through security and I made the long walk back to my car. Now, I DO cry because Hopkins Airport is so awful. The only restaurant they have where 2 people can share a meal before one departs is Dunkin' Donuts, on the outside of the security gates. AWFUL!

I had such a blow out week across the board with all of my family and friends, no regrets, no arguing with Craig, it was a great sendoff....knowing I'd see him again soon...knowing my life was rich, full of love, excitement, hopefully many more days and years of new memory-making ahead...I did not need anyone to make my happiness--just my own peace of mind and faith in God!

Now on the way to the airport, a sad occurrence as Our Lady of Mt Carmel had an overflow crowd as they closed their doors for the last time.

Dropped Craig off....more sun bathing......Indians.......a nice Father's Day dinner at my sister's with surprise special guests --THE DOGS!

What a perfect ending to a magical week!

Steel drum, hot dogs, apple pie, and ......

Ok, so I stray from the normal saying of 'baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet.'

Never a dull day in our lives. Never a free day. Oh, what I would give to have 24 hours of absolutely nothing to do. Unfortunately, it does not usually work out that way.

Today was fun, however.

Special celebration at Mass where we sang a few songs in Swahili....then onto the Annual Parish Picnic!

Today's theme: The Caribbean.

Jam packed. So many people showed up, it was wonderful to see.

As parishioners entered the grounds, they were serenaded by a Steel Drum Player....and the sweet smells of hot dogs & hamburgers grilling, beans and rice, and too much food for any one person to ingest in a sitting.

It was a family affair with many members gathering for lunch....and finally giving my niece her long overdue birthday gifts!

Then off to the Notre Dame Cathedral Latin Chicken Dinner!

So soon after lunch?

Well, we'll get takeout and savor the fresh barbecue in the confines of our own home!

An absolutely beautiful, sweltering summer day --one of the waning days of summer.

A relaxing drive....a spin around the grounds to see if there are any crafts to buy.....pick our fresh apples, maple sugar candies, apple pie and then our fresh barbecued ribs and chicken dinners!

Home just in time to watch the Indians and the Browns......and then eventually delve into another amazing meal which we did not have to cook!

Ah, the life!

Good luck Nick & Missy

And because I am a bone head, I have no pictures of Nick and Missy!

Nick and Missy were servers in the Terrace Club at Progressive Field.

Being at Progressive Field often is a treat in a number of ways.

We enjoy a hobby we adore.

We spend quality time together.

We relax and escape from work or other issues for 3+ hours.

And we have an extended family--the people in your section, your usher, the vendors, and the folks who work up in and frequent the Terrace Club.

We knew Nick better than Missy. What a gem. Always bend over backwards for Mom. He continuously had a smile on his face and was one of the most pleasant young men we've met.

Missy was also a waiter/server.

They are moving to Houston, Texas after both finding fantastic teaching jobs down there.

Houston's gain is our loss.

However, Nick said he'd be back to visit next summer....gives us something to look forward too, especially since our Indians are not doing it for us this season.

We wish them well and the best of luck in their new venture!