"Oh my Aunt"

Sweet Aunt Val passed away in the early hours of the morning, so yesterday's post was a little psychic. 2010 has not been a good year for my aunts and uncles so far.

Found this limerick that her late husband Ed had written for her:

"She's fond of martinis and cheese,
And she loses her glasses and keys,
But when I require
A snug chat by the fire,
She will always be willing to please"

Signs of ageing, taking time to die

My dear Uncle has been in declining health for a while. Somehow always knew it wouldn't be easy, smoked for year, particularly picky eater and his goal was just to drop over one day. Of course that isn't going to happen. For the past few years he developed lung problems other physical ailments plus dementia and probably manic depression took hold. He's the definition of curmudgeon yet also brilliant and caring in his own way. He's the closest relative my Dad has and was almost like a grandparent to me & my sister from that side of the family.

Found a comment I placed on the cousins blog about my time with them: Can’t quite go to iPod for Classical yet. So maybe it’s not completely lost.

I chalk that part to the influence of my Aunt Emily & Uncle Bud (Dad’s family) and their visits to to Tower Records in DC when I was in college. They’d pick me up and peruse for at least an hour and stock up. (”No, it has to be the Pablo Casals” “Check for all digital, either Sony or Deutsche Grammophone, your uncle is particular about Mahler”. Not even going to go into Grandaddy’s swing & jazz collections moving from records to CD. So surrounded on all sides of the family for me,"

There has been much drama and for some time haven't been able to visit him or my aunt. Dad called tonight and said Uncle is back in the hospital and probably won't last a week. Not sure what will happen next, he doesn't want a formal burial/funeral, however the family will get together eventually.
So been thinking of Mahler a lot. My uncle is a fan and I have memories of the house and enjoyment of classical music. I still recall watching concert on PBS with them celebrating the 100th anniversary of Carnegie Hall, shortly after Leonard Bernstein had died. Masur conducted the NY Phil in the 9th Symphony (I think, could have been the 5th). Just remembered how touching it was. Found a clip recently of Bernstein conducting the end of the 9th and the tears came. Hope for some peace for uncle this week and comfort for all.

And now I'm back

Looking for ideas and procrastinating on cleaning my kitchen and bathrooms not to mention paper work and laundry. Ugh! Lots of work to do and so indecisive on which. Work is work, so ready for a change which maybe in process however always take longer than anyone would want. Sort of on hold until that happens. Been in town for almost 2 months now and feeling a little restless. Will this always be so?

No exact travel plans yet, may have to wait to see what happens. Like to be in DC this summer as well as time in Florida with sister and mother. Possibly Atlanta to see family and overdue visiting Baltimore family which has had complications. Eventually may have Disney trip with friends in the fall.

More later!

Let's try this again!

It's been on mind for a while to start this up again. As well as "updating" my digital profile or whatever. Anyhoo, so here is the 411:

This is my personal blog of thoughts/observations/whatever is floating in my very curious brain. It will be linked to my personal twitter page. Probably a call out for help/guidance that won't work in 140 characters (or to those who don't not tweet).

Notice that neither features my full name. Not everyone knows about this and I protect my tweets.
I do have facebook profile, however that's mixed with personal & business people so this blog or personal twitter won't be linked there. I do have business twitter and a LinkedIn profile. If you know me, you already know about those.

So if you're here, welcome! Appreciate views and please don't refer to this on other "public" sites. I will follow the same rules with you!

Prickly Pear Margarita

That was yesterday's fun - or was it cactus - whatever it was - yummy! not to mention truffle fries! Good times - more tomorrow.

My 40th Birthday Tour

Most of you know may know this already, however I'm in the middle of crazy travel time which I've done to myself. However it's been fun so far!

- CC's 40th Bday Weekend in DC: included staying at fabulous house, helping out with Saturday picnic (which involved a fabulous roasted pig), Saturday evening at W in downtown DC with fab roof view of mall. Relaxing and eating with many friends.

- Las Vegas with Lady W and her guy P. Stayed at Paris, walked a lot, gambled little, saw "O" which was fabulous. Wonderful pedicure! Had good dinner last night and just back tonight

- This coming week, Labor Day weekend which ends with my actual birthday. Will be in FLL with my darling sister. Really looking forward to it.

Work is nuts and I'm tired of it. Nothing new there.

Hope it doesn't rain tomorrow so

I could wear my new flippy floppies!