But these notes are from the trip Joyce and I took from my house to hers. This was her first (and only) road trip cross-country. I'm privileged that she took it with me.

Level_Head had flown to WV to spend a week with her for her birthday, then they flew back here together. As soon as she said she was ready we took off for our personal "Thelma and Louise" adventure. ( In truth we were more like ... )

and it's finally said "ENOUGH!" Actually, not with a shout but with a whimper. The first sign of trouble came a few months ago when a tension clip in the hinged lid came out. An aggravation, but not a disaster.

( It's a clam-shell ... )

I've just watched an interesting program on the Science Channel, "The Riddle of the Polar Sky". The Aurora Borealis has long fascinated me. I've only seen it once or twice, and that was as a kid in Illinois. One trip L_H and I look forward to is an opportunity to share the experience.

The program raised (at least) two questions in my mind - I hope someone "out there" knows the answers.

(1) Can you see the lights from the space station? Or the moon?

(2) Does Venus also have a similar phenomena?

Hope you're all having a SUPER day!

PS - have any of you seen both the Northern and the Southern Lights? Any preference?

Just five months ago (give or take a dozen time zones) I was having breakfast in the informal dining room of the Hotel Valadier, looking forward to a tour of the Galleria Borghese. What a killer day it turned out to be! The kind of day that drifts gently, allowing time to expand to encompass everything you want it to.

I haven't written about the Freedom Cruise we took last year - I should start recording some of the highlights as I go through my notes. But September 1, 2007 was especially delicious. Rose and I had morning reservations at the Borghese. We rented audio tour equipment and had the luxury of moving at our own pace, spending as much time as we wanted at the exhibits we particularly enjoyed.

( In my case, I was absorbed by )

... my friend Deb for a long time, and now I've run out of new experiences to have with her. She passed away - at home in her sleep - early New Year's morning.

We were in Vegas for New Year's. One of my favorite places had offered us 4 nights and L_H said "sure". They set the room up so he could work pretty comfortably and I took advantage of the proximity of the machines. We have several friends that live out there so we had a chance to visit them, see their homes, share a meal, and catch up on our lives. Everybody except Deb and her husband, Tony.

I had called her home several times and talked to Tony, but she was sleeping nearly all the time. New Year's morning we decided to pick up some flowers and coffee cake and just "drop in" but there was no-one home when we got there. I half-hoped that Deb had rallied and wanted to go out for some fresh air, but I was pretty sure that hadn't happened. We left the gifts, with a note, and drove home later that day. The next morning I heard from Tony that he was sorry, but.....

I regret that I didn't get just one more chance to tell her that I love her. I DO NOT regret that she didn't wait for me.

... I'd have starved long ago.;)

I watched an interesting movie last night on TCM - "Thunder Rock" made in 1942 with Michael Redgrave and James Mason. I "googled" the title this morning and came across some original reviews - many critics panned it as propaganda, shallow, too allegorical, and a host of other complaints. I also found many more current comments by folks (like myself) who had just discovered the work and enjoyed it for a variety of reasons.

For me, it played into a number of thoughts I've been pondering in recent months - how throughout history "current events" seem to foretell the "end of days" (at least on a local or personal level).

It can be difficult to embrace and extol BIG ideas and ideals in a small-minded world.

On a more immediate note my digital rain gauge has been replaced with a Honeywell Professional Weather Station! A mysterious man in a red suit gave it to me and my wonderful husband installed the outdoor components yesterday (before it started raining again).

As Empress of the Universe it's a delight to see the digital display of the results of some of my efforts. If you're enjoying the weather, you're welcome. If not - stick around - I'll get to your request as soon as I can.

I've written about my Mother-In-Law, Joyce. Visits to her home in West Virginia, her visits out here to ours. A cross-country trip she and I took 2 years ago.

A lot of happy memories - but unfortunately there will be no more posts of new memories. She passed away just over a month ago, on April 11th.

We were there at the time, with her niece Alicia and her family. They loved her as much as we do, and it was Alicia who cared for her these past many months. I believe they'll miss her as much as we do.

Some of you had the pleasure of spending time with her over Thanksgiving a few years ago, or on day trips to Union - you know what a SUPER, loving, laughing and caring lady she was. I invite you to remember her with a smile.

Day-to-day life goes on, but a little bit of the living has gone out of it.

More another time - much love to you and all you hold dear.

I just looked outside - we're "socked-in" - the fog is so thick I can't see the street out in front or beyond the deck out back. It's not a true fog - just the marine layer banging up against the mountains - but it makes my skin feel alive and prickly. I love it.

We have the most wonderful weather here. Yesterday was a perfect day for the airshow at the nearby Naval Base. The temp was in the low 70's, the sun was bright, the air was clear and there was a breeze coming in off the ocean. A perfect day to get a sunburn if you weren't careful.;)

Level_Head took some great pictures and movie clips - maybe he'll post them. The Thunderbirds had 6 craft up and did an extended program and he got some SUPER shots of them in action.

Best wishes to all of us for the best day ever.

We're having a little party this afternoon and it would be wonderful if you could all drop by.

( It's an informal, Sunday afternoon, open house - to celebrate: )

In fact, since my little "Hello" post yesterday things have been just spectacular.

Last night's supper was a belated breakfast - eggs, pancakes and sausages. Oh, and fresh-squeezed orange juice!

A little later I went outside to have a cigarette and look at the sky, and the sky was absolutely beautiful. We had the kind of star field we usually only see in the desert. ( Big Dipper and North Star - check. Orion - )