Quality of Life

Dear Readers,
I am just back from a trip south ~ while gone, I received a phone call from the daughter of a long time friend saying my friend had died peacefully. The daughter lives in Paris as did her Mother for many years. Sadden, I look back on my friend's life and all the reasons she is my friend~ I so admire her for the quality of children she raised and life she lived. She lived a many faceted life ~ and shared her secrets with me over the many, many years. She and I had totally different political views which I overlooked as she overlooked mine. She had too many other redeeming qualities and I assume she thought same of me as well. I will miss Cay.

All that said, and mentioning I have been away for this past few days ~
took an early morning flight down south to check on my elderly Aunt. God Bless her, she has entrusted her well-being into my hands as did an Uncle for the last few years of his life.

I look back on those years, and my responsibilities to my Uncle as being one of my finest accomplishments. With him, it was a monthly flight from Key West, Fl to spend time and shop with/for him. With my Aunt, at the point, that won't be necessary. Thank God. She is still in her home and I phone daily, so this keeps me close to her.

I found my Aunt Dot doing well...very well indeed. In fact I will say she looks fabulous to be rapidly approaching 90 and becoming her sassy self again.

We give thanks for Mike who was willing to move in with her so that she can stay in her home.
He is doing an outstanding job. He manages her, the house, lawn, food and over-see her medicines, Doctor's appts etc.. He's a great cook and loves to help her. He has actually brought her back from the brink of death.

It was heart-warming to see her laughing and happy. Met with cousins as she has no children, and some of us worked on legalities for her and then went on a shopping spree to enhance her life~ We met with her Doctor as well.

We showered her...new dresses for home wear, new shoes, hair cut, closets arranged and then, yesterday, we put the icing on the cake, so to speak ~ we bought for her the largest LCD, HD flatscreen TV they make...

She once was a pro golfer and of course an avid follower of the game plus football season is almost here. Seeing her new flatscreen, was amazed and thrilled~

She looked like a million dollars and everyone was HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY!!!
What a wonderful four days in my life.

Hot Air Ballooning on Daughter's Birthday

Ballooning over Northern Virginia

Aug 16, 2009.

This the top of their balloon while we were above them

Their pilot took them low enough for him to pick a flower for Birthday girl....

Today was the day we celebrated all of Birthdays...we sent all daughters up in Balloon together.

I went along with other friends in another balloon for photos of them in flight.
There were 11 of us who went up in 3 balloons....there were 7 balloons in the air total. Of course, it was so, so fun.

They LOVED it and thought everyone should have that experience in their lives.