Ok everyone, my check is written, the envelope sealed and the stamp is on. As soon as the mail gets here it will be off. I hope our contributions to the Blogstream will help John in getting the new server. Thanks to all you guys who blogged about this so I'd be aware and get off my butt and do something.

We are going on vacation October 5th for the week. We're driving to Norfolk VA and going on a cruise to the Bahamas. I'm almost feeling guilty to be taking a trip. We planned this a year ago with another couple (and we've got it paid for thank goodness). The mindset at the time was no dealing with airlines and a sort of celebration as we anticipated the sale of our house by now. Well, it didn't work out that way. We're going and we're going to have a good time rain or shine. Once we're back we may be settling in for a long cold winter (we moved from a home with electric heat to one with OIL!).

Tuesday night I broke my Toe . It's not the same foot I fractured my ankle on, it's the other one. It's the disturbing long toe next to my big one. Right now I have the two attached with masking tape and cotton balls (ran out of bandaid adhesive). At least I can walk on it. It's always something.

Back to work
Take care everyone. Bohemian

Sometimes I'm amazed at how my daughter can just show up after weeks of emotional detachment from me and just "need" something and completely turn my day upside down. And don't I go and change my life around to accommodate her. She's not around a lot, hard to converse with, includes me in little and I just jump at the chance to be mom for the day. (I read where teenagers go through that distancing period so as to prepare themselves to go out on their own -- Or maybe they're just being punks).

So today I have my day planned. She shows up we have to go do this, do that, get this, get that, etc. Doesn't really matter what it is, the point is "I" went right along with it.

I figure one of these days she'll move out and I won't see her much so I have to get it while I can.

Have a great day.

Wally Lamb is one of my favorite writers (most notably for "She's Come Undone" and "I Know This Much Is True"). I recently read two more books of his. Actually, the stories are written by Women of the York Correctional Institution (Connecticut's Maximum Security Prison for Women) who participated in a writing class he taught there in 1999. There are two books, the first "Couldn't Keep it to Myself" and then "I'll Fly Away" (further testimonies). Wally Lamb edits and makes the introduction.

He originally agreed to go to the facility to teach a two week class. He ended up teaching about fifty sessions and the first book was a creation of that experience. It's a captivating read. From his introduction to the very last page. Even the story behind the cover photo is interesting. He states that while driving to the prison the first day he fumbled with the radio dial and heard the Newark New Jersey Abyssinian Baptist Choir and was overwhelmed by the message in the then unfamiliar song that eventually became the title of the book.

I am blessed to have NEVER experienced the pain and disillusionment these women experienced that led to their incarceration. The stories are not specifically about the crimes they committed but more about how they became who they are and what how they survive and move forward under the conditions within the prison system.

These are two fascinating books that not only give you insight on prison life but how the system is not working.

Take care everyone, Bohemian.

All week I've been feeling out of sorts and melancholy. Today was the worst. I went to my friends funeral. His name was Paul and he was 57. He'd been on kidney dialysis and had a bad heart. (At 50 he had a quad. bypass). After an amicable divorce 12 years ago he chose to live in a small apartment and pretty much just get by. I started working with him the month he moved out. One of the things he did, was take in people who needed a place to go after getting out of jail over the years. Always woman of course, but he'd give them an address and use of his car. In return they'd take care of the house, laundry,cook, etc. Once on their feet they moved out, but still remain friends. For two years he let one woman's daughter live with him to keep her out of foster care. I gave him advice when he asked and clothes for her. He supported this kids needs the entire two years. It was weird, but he had a good heart, that's just how he was. I think she filled his need to take care of someone too since he'd never had children. When she went back to her mom he missed her sorely. I have to say I was so comforted by the extraordinary turnout for this man's funeral. He had many lifetime friends. Four men got up and gave beautiful (and funny) tributes to their friendship through, school, work, etc. His ex wife and he had remained friends right up until he died. The young girl (who is 16 now) and her mom were there as well as some of the other woman he helped along the way. It was one of these women who found him. He once told me he felt like it was a way he could give back. Clearly he touched a lot of peoples lives. I will miss him.

Yesterday I went to a baby shower. My friends daughter is having a baby in October. She's 20 years old. The father's family included many gals who had children young. There's something to be said for that. I didn't have my kids until I was 31 and 34. It worked out well for me, but sometimes I envy these young moms and grandparents their energy. I'm keeping up with them pretty well. Or at least giving it my best shot.

On Saturday night we went to Naylors Vineyard in Shrewesbury PA. We've been there about four times this summer. It's beautiful and they usually have big bands so lots of older folks come out and dance. I love watching them. You can just see how comfortable these older couples are with their "moves". The owner (who is 80 years old) had his mother and family there to celebrate her 106th Birthday!!! Yes I said 106!! Isn't that something?? She made a little speech and was sharp as a tack. She's either going to be on TV or mentioned Wednesday with Willard Scott.

I got a call while at the above mentioned baby shower. A guy friend of mine had died. He was only 57. He had bypass surgery at 50. Recently he had to get a defibrillator put in and had to go for dialysis 3 times a week. I'm feeling bad that I didn't keep in better contact with him. I went to see him at the hospital a couple of months ago right before he went home. We were going to stay in touch. He didn't, I didn't. Now that time is lost.

I have so little opportunity to blog anymore and it seems somewhat callus to segue into movies........but..... I've been to a few lately and want to comment on them. "Mama Mia" was great fun. I've been to the play twice but last night I saw the movie. It's just a lot of fun. The scenery is gorgeous. Other than the daughter character I didn't think any of them could sing well but it was still a good movie. "Burn before Reading" -- EXCELLENT, very funny, go see it!!! A while back I went to see "Bridehead Revisited". The BBC version was better. It should have been better. Last one for today: Saw the DVD "Prudence" -- it's a fairytale type movie about a girl born with the nose of a pig. I rather liked it. I like anything James McAvoy is in these days.

Take Care.