Commercial-free Spotify

 My son has gifted me commercial free Spotify and it might be the greatest experience ever. Don't get me wrong, I loved my iPod, but Apple really screwed me with that- killing iTunes as I knew it after I uploaded hundreds of CDs... bad form.

And now... music heaven- I have found all the music I have looked for (save one song on one album- seems an odd omission but what can you do!)

I love listening to the songs from every decade of my life. Songs I danced to, songs I cried to, songs of pure joy and celebration. It is a long way from me at twelve recording my favorite songs on my tape recorder straight from the radio- always missing the first bar or so... 

Our first stereo had an eight track tape player. Our car had only AM radio. I lived thru the Walkman, 45s, cassettes, 12 inch dance records, CDs, iPods and this has to be the closest thing to musical heaven... until the next innovation. 

Thanks, John. You were right!

Twelve years on...

 My last real relationship ended twelve years ago today. It occurred to me when I was writing the date today. And in so many ways I am doing so much better that that poor broken girl who had her heart broken. She could not have been convinced at the time that it was just a blip on the radar to a better life.

So many adventures since then, so many changes. 

I have so many things to be thankful for...

So many people to be thankful for...

I am surrounded by love.

And so grateful.

Paddy's isn't going anywhere

It is a great day when you go to a place to say goodbye and find out your place isn't going anywhere. A good time was had by all.

 

Saying goodbye to Ashley

 Always young, always beautiful. The love of my nephew's life. Rest in peace.

Aunt Irene

My aunt Irene died today and I am heartbroken. She is no longer in pain, no longer suffering. My sadness comes from the fact that I can't be there to say goodbye in person. 

I love you. 

 

New York for Christmas

Flashes of my trip to New York for Christmas

Seeing my nephews

Seeing my siblings

All the girls

Dropping in on my sister's in-laws

All celebrations

 

Randy Campbell

 

The baby of our Peace Corps group, Randy Campbell, was a glorious gift in my life. He toured the world and explored new cultures and had adventures I could only dream of. And he made friends everywhere. His spontaneity meant that I could get a call at 2pm and have the joy of him for dinner that night. Such joy. 53 years just doesn't seem like enough time. I love you, baby brother. You are forever in my heart.

On the fifth of December, Randy and his dog were killed when his van was hit head on... and I can't believe it. My heart is sick and sad. I miss you and love you, my sweet boy.