What I did on my summer hiatus Part I

Our victory with Obama spurred me to blogging again last week, and preempted this nice little summary I’d put together of adventures over the last several months. I’ve got too much to say about the last several months so this part 1 of “What I did on my summer hiatus."



I can see
After two years of cajoling, the MR convinced me that LASIK was the best 40th birthday present I could give myself. While researching possible eye centers, I ran into a friend who raved about a laser surgery place in King of Prussia, PA. Then I found out my optometrist was afflicted with the same group (Kramer) so all of my check-ups would be with him in the city. That cinched it. My only compliant...no AMBIAN! Everyone else I know got decent pharmaceuticals to dull the anxiety. What's that all about?

I couldn't be happier with the results. I've got 20/10 vision, which is far better than I ever experienced with contacts. When I'm tired at night my eyes are VERY dry and it feels like I still have dry contacts in. This is getting better a small price to pay! The joys of swimming and seeing the shore!

Indie 500
A good friend of MR’s, from his Notre Dame days, got married Indie 500 weekend. Actually the wedding was like a pre-party to annual Indie party his friends through. It was pleasure to meet all of his colleges friends as everyone was extremely nice to me and welocming. Didn’t go to the race though, I’m just not that into it, even though the party was a block from the track.

Summer Solstice
The MR and I had a short but wonderful visit with the Reelitz/Hall/Lack gang in Cedarville, MI. Celebrating a beautiful warm solstice sunset couldn’t be better than with our extended family on the shores of my spiritual birth-waters. Spending time with Michelle and Heather was great, and a rare chance to see them both together with MR by my side.

For the last year and half I’ve been able to see Michelle 4 times!!! Unprecedented in all our years living across the country from each other.

I’m so lucky MR loves the Cabin (and how could he not?). The love for him is returned by the Jan, Dan and the Halls, and this is a lovely thing for me to experience.

Of course Dan put us to work on his latest construction project: a garage/kids dormitory (seriously). A trip to the Cabin is never complete without lifting a hammer or shovel anyway. MR and I helped Chris, Dan and Joe (yeah Joe!) frame out the roof. The new garage will have more square footage than our house in Philly!

Summer at Mom’s
After a rather rough winter, Evie started to feel well enough to get out more by this summer. The congestion that plagued her from December on finally abated and I’d noticed a real upswing in her energy level come August. I do remember her energy returning quicker last summer, but I’m grateful none the less. She didn’t feel up to traveling Nehatwanta again, but we’ve had weekend outings, which always included mass on Sunday followed by a Bob Evans breakfast (buttermilk biscuit…yum). In September she’s had outing four days in a row without any serious consequence. It’s difficult going back and forth from Philly to Midland, but I’m blessed to be able to be here. (the pic is of the garden I've been tending at Mom's for the last two years.)