We need more cowbell in the rain!

The last week has been one I'd never ever imagined, concocted, or even scripted in a dream in a million years!

Just the simple fact that I have a new text buddy who, most of the time is amazing.....yes, we've had a few rough spots but always seem to get back on track.

I had a schedule change due to vacations. A very nice change of pace! And honestly it seemed I was at the station MORE because of it as I would work, work out and then hit the Tribe game! Going to the Indians' games has become beneficial to my health as well as a great source of pleasure! I park at my office and walk over to Progressive Field. Those days I get a workout in, BONUS! The days I don't, I still get a nice downtown walk going!

One of the days I worked I totally overslept! I NEVER do that. I jokingly the day before told my relief to call me if I wasn't in at a certain time....sure enough, I jinxed myself. I got up 18 minutes before I was supposed to be at work! I called him and said, dude, I'm up but I may be a few minutes late!

God was truly on my side. I threw on an amazing outfit, gathered my lunch, and headed to work. I made EVERY SINGLE LIGHT! I was not speeding but it was a different shift than I normally work and the light pattern had changed. I got to work only a few minutes late and knew that I owed God a HUGE HUGE favor!

And then it was the Feast of the Assumption weekend! A family tradition! Sunday I went to the Indians' game which wound up being rained out and postponed. Even in a delay, I had the most delicious time at the ballpark. We played a few innings--David Huff was pitching a doozy! Then the skies opened. So I ventured up to the Terrace Club and just sat in my place on the floor watching other MLB games! 1/2 way through the delay, the most delightful little boy and his father came over to sit by me. He was a doll! We had the best conversation about beginning school and his lunch breaks at school....and how the administrators are quite annoying with how they quiet people down and get attention. It was absolutely awesome! He shared his fishy crackers with me and then when the couch opened, offered me a seat next to him on the couch!

He really was a doll and reminded me of my friend's adorable little boy, who hopefully one day I will meet.

Finally, they called the game and off I went to change for the Feast of the Assumption. I was NOT going to pass this up.

There may be a little rain in the air but it's tradition. I needed to get my Italian food fix on and light the candles we light every single year at Holy Rosary church!

I changed and headed down to Little Italy. I was meant to be there! It all came together! I was supposed to meet two friends but they got chased away by the rain. I wound up seeing my sports producer and his friend! Then I saw an old colleague, Commander Tom Stacho. I did my normal walk around and taste and squirrel away food to take home plus I grabbed some to give to my Aunt when I saw her at mass the following day....

But my highlight, besides lighting the candles and saying a little prayer, was visiting my friend's fried dough stand! ALWAYS a delight! And this year just made my week!

In the meantime, my new pal and I had been texting back and forth.....it was nice. But I was on a mission and he was going to have to wait. Especially after the skies opened again.....one downpour and I put up the umbrella. It lasted about 5 minutes and away the umbrella went! I went to Michael's stand and saw he and his lovely wife and children. After talking just a few minutes the skies opened yet again...but this was furious and would last longer. So he ushered me under his stand to safety and we all talked, shared memories, caught up, feasted on fried dough and made new wonderful memories.

At one point, it was apparent the rains would not be stopping for a while so the band in the center of the venue started playing to entertain those stranded.....and that's when the fun really began. A stand two down from Michael's had all of these instruments --cow bells, horns, tambourines, anything you could imagine. They started doling them out, passing them down so that everyone could play along with the band! It was magnificent. The kids had the most fun of course! This vivid image that will last with me forever IS truly what makes new memories --surrounded by friends, family, tradition, and the guts to live life to the fullest and make lemonade when you are handed lemons!

The Feast of Little Italy thru new eyes & old friends

When I embarked on my annual visit to Little Italy during the Feast of the Assumption, never did I envision the time I would have!

First and foremost, I was touring Murray Hill and its ancillary streets with two very good friends who frequent Little Italy but never have been to The Feast.

What a privilege that they chose me for this honor.

Lisa and Bob were just a joy to watch, like wide-eyed kids seeing something for the first time!

We went through ever nook and cranny including our tour of the new playground, ate pretty much one of everything and went back to what we really loved, and of course, carried out the annual tradition of lighting candles at Church.

I'm so glad I could experience this fun time with friends rather than alone.

It's hard. Last year Mom and I went to the Feast and shared so many memories. This year, I know Mom is looking down on us but she's not physically with us.

When Lisa and Bob left, I lingered and am sooooo glad I did!

I saw Mary Jo from the Terrace Club. Mary Jo Mont manages the Terrace Club at 'Jacob's Field.' She's like family, loved Mom, and will always have a special place in my heart.

Then I ran into my old pal, Tom Stacho, of the Cleveland Police Department. I used to work with him more closely through my job but he is now a bigwig with the force .....fortunately, I know exactly where to find him during the Feast!

I decided to stay for the closing procession, service, and fireworks. In recent years past, we've been unable to enjoy this tradition.

And finally, I revisited the fried dough stand of a childhood friend, Michael Rapposelli. By the time I went back, Michael had returned and for the next hour we walked down memory lane talking about the neighborhood, childhood funnies, old friends, how we were raised, what he'd like his children to get out of life, and reconnecting.

I met his lovely family. I saw his Mom, who I'd just put on tv a few nights earlier. I had always thought Mrs. R was so beautiful --and she still is! I saw one of his sister's, Michelle, and just had the most amazing experience.

I was in awe of the wonderful things he kept repeating about Mom and how he just adored her.

I know she's a saint. I know I love her more than life and always will. Over the years I've seen how others adore her. And through her death and the months that followed I have seen how people miss her. I guess I will never really comprehend the scope of all the lives she's touched. She IS my hero and my inspiration.

I can only strive to be 1/2 the person that Mom was...and that will be a major accomplishment in my book!

All in all, Mom IS with me every single day. I feel her, I speak like she spoke, I solve problems out of the blue, I hear how others miss and love her...I am reminded by my childhood friends the great things they remember about Mom, the good things about life when we were all young, and what we should keep alive from our history. I am reminded how Mom influenced others' lives. I pray that I am or one day will eventually evolve into becoming a shining example as Mom was to all.

And I am so blessed that I have friends--whether newer friends such as Lisa and Bob or older friends such as Michael --to keep me grounded, focused and in possession of what is really important in this life we are so fortunate to live.

XO