Complet Upheaval, major changes and a whole new world~~~

Well Sweet Things,

I think you thought I'd vanish, in a way I have.

There has been such changes in the last few months I'm still in a whirl.

Joe and I realized where is the perfect house.  And its the one right across the street from my parents that was being rented out.

I'll try and clear the confusion, this house is one my Dad purchased ages ago, fixed it up and rented it out, and he did this with other properties as well.

Last year Dad decided to deed over the properties to be divided fairly between myself and Sis with us receiving the monies from the rents---which went to repairs and taxes etc.  Dad did keep several for himself as income since they were paid off, and when he passes on they will be used as income for Mom.

Well the house that would be perfect for Joe and I is one of the rental one's and the people who lived in it, decided to move back east to be near the wife's family, so when their lease was up it simply went on a Month to Month and then they'd let Dad know when they were going to completely vacate it.

2 months ago Joe and I went over to the house, when we were visiting my folks, simply to find out what the family's status was, they were glad to see us because although most of their stuff was boxed and stored at a storage unit, they still had large items to go into a U-Haul truck later in the month but they wanted to show what they thought were concerns on the house.

Any house has wear and tear, and they wanted to be totally upfront with everything, and really in the grand scheme of things since they'd been living there for 12 years, naturally there'd be wear, so we went over everything carefully and said that Dad would go with them through the final walk thru.

Later that evening Joe said to me "Do you know that house is really what we're looking for."  And he was right.

We talked it over with Dad and Mom and they are thrilled at the idea of our moving in.

Ahh you ask, but what about everything else?  Joe's friend offered to buy out Joe's half of the property that they were doing the cars in.  We will get car transports for Joe's cars, and that will take a little time,  my house I'm going to be renting out to my friend Yoshi, she and her husband have been renting an apartment in Concord but it was so far away from work and Yoshi's Mom, so that my house would be a perfect answer, close but not too close, with several modes of transportation to the City.

I am keeping the Country property I love it too much to give up.  And we will continue to travel to it from time to time.

Joe has decided to completely retire, he has enough funds, and so do I, I'll be quitting my job as well.

Joe and Ted will be working on a car restoration work mini-business, I'll be helping Mom and Sis with their business, Dad will be busy doing the book keeping and paper work---Yes Dad is retiring  and Joe and I will be there when Dad has his cataract surgery to help out while he recovers.

I'll still be helping Heather with her education, I'm not so worried about her as she seems to be recovering from the lost of her grandmother and has a young man in her life, she has been selling her works and getting free-lance work while she is going towards her degree and pursuing a career in the field she wants to be in.

And in a way I'll still be traveling and Joe will be with me, Yes we have an Airstream trailer, and we're going to use it to look for items for Sis and Mom's business, patterns and things. 

We'll be looking into possibly a re-sale license to sell at various shows, or offer things to dealers for their shops. 

But will I give up the City?  No, it and the Black Bird, Sam Spade, the fog, the whole Noir of it will always be with me.  We will travel back and forth between my parents home and here, but now we will be in control of our lives, living our lives as we want to live, and enjoying it. 

At bit Retro, a bit Noir, maybe a bit Mad Men, but still our own  Fabulous lives.

I do not know when I'll post again, but I could not leave all you Sweet Things hanging, and dear Fram, I hope you are as happy as I am.

Kisses Sweet Things

Happy 2014!!!

Hello Sweet Things,

Yes, I am still here and there and all over the place.

Why?  Well now being an independent contractor for my type of work, I've been traveling, and working long hours as well, but that's one of the down sides of being independent.

Joe is not exactly happy about it but is being understanding.  He worries about me and I can understand that.

Seeing how 2013 ended and how 2014 has started in my part of the US my feeling is that it is going to be a very crazy year,  the lack of water here doesn't help, it's going to put a serious crimp on food prices.

And Hell HAS FROZEN OVER!!!   Did you hear about that Sweet Things?  

Well Hell, Michigan that is.    I had fun with that.   So if  Pig's start to fly we will be in trouble.

But today is my day off, and Joe and I are going to a Gun Show,  one never knows what one will find, no preconceived notions or expectations, just going for fun.   And I know there will be long lines at the Ammo counters.

Last time I went it was near the food concession and I asked "Is this the line for the Food?"  and they said no it was for Ammo,  the food line only had 3 people  (chuckle).  

I have been visiting my family and I am happy that they are in good health,  Sis and her boy friend are doing well  he has his own little business and Sis has been helping Mom with her financial side of her business in vintage and vintage style clothing, Mom has branched out a little doing period suits for men or tailoring them to the gentlemen to fit just right. 

Dad is doing well and is in good spirits, he'd like me to come down in a month or two to help him go over some papers,  he has discovered he is having a bit of vision difficulty, and his eye doctor said that Dad is developing cateracts,  so he may go in for surgery to remove them, he's a good canidate for it, his health is good, so we'll know eventually when the date will be set.

Joe and I are still looking for a house that's a bit larger than my place, but I think I'll rent my place out for a while before I consider selling it.  The house that I would have liked was taken off the market by the owners who decided not to sell. 

I still see my friends and we all try to get together,  we're planning to get together for Chinese New Year like always, and Joe and I plan on going to the Film Noir Festival in S.F.

We've been to my country house and it's holding up well, but I think this year it's going to need to be painted, I'll ask my care takers who would be good for the job.  Renting it out for weddings and small events as well as having the college use it for education is working out very well.   The local Historical Society still meets there when it's small meetings,  there has been talk of having fund raising tea parties there to help preserve other historical places,  so I'll need to go up for those meetings.  But I don't see any problem about it.

My traveling has slowed down quiet a bit, its either for work, to my folks, or my country place, Joe says I need to travel for fun.  So I need to think on that, some place we can go together, and enjoy.

Now Joe is teasing me, time to grab some coffee and a nosh then to the Gun Show.

Kisses Sweet Things 

I'm still on the prowl~~~~

Hello Sweet Things,

Oh yes, I'm still on the prowl, although marriage has taken up some of my time, it has not completely domesticated me.   Oh no.

After our little mini-vacation in the Santa Cruz mountains with the coyotes, (so very interesting), work has been keeping me very busy, even though now I'm a free lance contractor, but things have not been dull, other people with children taking vacations, a crisis here and there, the idiotic BART strike and now the possible threat of one.

Its enough to tick me off, and my Joe knows exactly what I need to do to let off steam, just shoot 500 rounds or so at a target or two or three and I'm back to my ususal loveable self.

In the next couple of weeks we're planning to take a trip up north to the wine country as well as a side trip to my country place, to check on things, make sure its ready for the winter,  I didn't have a chance to go there at all this Summer so I missed out on a number of things up there, but my caretakers and the historical society group have been keeping me posted,  I intend to be gone for 3 weeks just enjoying the delights that Fall can bring.

That's not to say that I've not been enjoying myself around here, I have, Mom and Dad came up for a couple of weeks and stayed at our house, taking the bus and being tourists, Joe was their guide while I was at work, and we'd get together for dinner in the evenings, even having fun playing Mexican Train Dominos,  Mom is deadly at that,  took them to the local Flea Markets and antique shops Mom of course was the big buyer and Dad looking Dapper in his Fedora and period tie and clothes, he has totally gotten into the Retro thing,  I asked him about his co-workers what do they think of it and he said that it has inspired a few of them to do Gatsby parties and dances,  seems to make the work place happier.

I know Sweet Things, how domestic, but its FUN and that is what is important.

No Joe and I have not given up on the Gun Shows but if some idiotic law makers have their way the Gun Shows may disappear if that bill passes in Sacramento.

But we did go to one this last weekend,  Joe spotted a well-balanced .38 police speical, antique, but in beautiful shape and I made arrangements to purchase a 1905 Smith and Wesson, .38 nickle plating, engraved, genuine pearl handle with a serious history provenance.  The ammo lines were unbeliveably long, and I do mean long going down one of the corridors,  at first I thought it was the food line but that only had 3 people,   so the food line would cross the ammon line and everyone knew which was which.

We were laughing at the Zombie ammo boxes and bought a couple of t-shirts that declared we were Zombie hunters, well if one can't laugh at one's self who can you laugh at.

Joe spotted something that he felt we needed on the fireplace mantel, a clock, hand made in wood, with a special secret compartment.  He bought it, I like it.  And we bought one for Mom and Dad to take down to them at Christmas.

Mom and Sis are coming back the middle of this week and are planning to go to the Vintage Expo in the City I'll be going with them, we're going both days, and Joe will join us on the 2nd day,  Then Tuesday we'll see them off to go home, they are taking the train which I think is good for Mom and Dad.

Joe is still working on one of the vintage cars but he's making arrangements with a friend of his to buy a building to store the cars in, I know which one it is, it has living arrangements upstairs so his friend can live up there, I asked Joe what sort of mis-chief is he getting into and it seems they will buy old cars, restore them and then sell them, a hobby that will pay for itself.  And he acknowledged that we really don't have enough room for what we want to do.  I said as long as the building is fire safe I have no objections.

We've joined a few organizations like the ART Deco Society, the Film Noir Society and we're looking into other things that we can enjoy our Retro-ness, we still play pool, Joe would also like to join SASS, but I fear that the things we enjoy will force us out of my home because of space constraints and I do not wish to lose my San Francisco view.   I've talked this over with Joe and he agrees, even he enjoys the view and doesn't want to lose it, so we'll also be doing a bit of house hunting, but I'm not going to give up my home here, I may rent it out for more income.   But I told Joe if he's buying a building and we eventually decided to buy another house we'll have to look into our fiances to make sure we're not setting ourselves up for a fiancial problem and he agrees to that as well.

I still enjoy my streets of San Francisco, but I do wish the rains would come to wash them down.  The Fog is returning and I'll be happier when these things they referr to as racing yachts leave the Bay.

I've been over the new bridge and although the ride is smoother I look over at the old bridge and feel a certain nostalgia for it, its grittiness, its workman looks,  they say that pieces of the old bridge will be sold as momentoes and I want a piece of it.  Joe has gone on the walkway of the new bridge and taken pictures of the old one for memories, its like an old, old friend who will eventually fade away, parts of its original use have disappeared over the years, and in a way I mourn its end, the new bridge is too sleek for me, too space age, its over all design reflects the Western span and the Golden Gate, but its not the same, I don't feel a connectedness to it.   It doesn't fit my Noir feelings.

I guess I can't explain it any better than that.

Now I need to go,  and take the Transbay bus to work,  I'm working till late tonight, fortunately Joe will pick me up so I don't have to risk the streets, Joe says there are too many crazy people loose now, maybe they are the Zombies that people are worried about.

Kisses Sweet Things

A Happy Announcement~~~

Well Sweet Things,

I know you may have been wondering why I haven't posted for a while.  Well I've been making plans, lots of plans, and still more plans to make.

Joe has retired from the force, a good move for him. He is going to be working for a private agency, but we are going to take a bit of time for ourselves.

You see Sweet Things I'm getting Married.

Oh not an elaborate wedding just a simple one, down at my parents home town at the Catholic Church my Mother and Dad attend.  No white dress or anything like that, just a simple evening ceremony with a couple of close friends of ours who could come, my family, and nothing more, my sister will be maid of honor and Frank will be Joe's best man.

I have a nice cream color suit with a wonderful vintage style hat my Mother made, Joe in his best suit and tie.  And everyone in suits and dresses.  We've paid for our friends transportation we're all going by train and we'll pay for their hotel rooms as well. 

Ted my sister's fiance, is arranging rental cars for our friends and they will meet us at the train station in two vans.

So on June 1st I will be a respectable (HAH!!) married lady.  

It was a long time in coming, Joe and I had to have a serious discussion on certain areas, and we've come to a comfortable meeting of the minds. 

And for our honeymoon?  Well Joe made a serious investment, as a matter of fact he paid for the whole thing and I approved.  We have a vintage airstream trailer with a shower/toilet combination, of course the vehcile that is going to pull it is modern and up to the test.  So we are taking the entire month of June to travel and we have places we want to see, all those old wonderful tourist traps. 

So Sweet Things, it is possible that the Fablous Diva will disappear for months on end, but every once in a while she will make an appearance.

Sweet Fram, I hope you have or will find the one who is your soul mate.  Kisses to you My Darling.

Kisses Sweet Things

As she shakes the snow off of her recumberant body~~~~

Hello Sweet Things,

Yes it is I, the Fabulous Diva, I have been silent for far too long.

So what have I been doing?  I am now an independent  working woman, setting my own hours and fees, I'm fortunate that my income from my investment portfolio is very good and my retirement package is excellent, and my company has hired me back on an independent contractor basis so I'm making more.

Joe is still in the retirement process, his last day to work will be January 19, then he is free and considering what is happening not a minute too soon,  he has been covering a lot of shifts especially for those who have families, so right now I don't see him as much.

Heather's parents have moved into Lillian's home, it's paid for, Heather's mother works and the income is more than enough to cover taxes, insurance, utilities, upkeep.  Heather's Dad found work granted at 2/3's of what he use to make, but he is not complaining, he has medical and dental benefits and that is what counts.

The "little Beast' has been adopted by them and Heather is glad, her art work has been selling and she has received several commissions to do Portraits of several children, he portraiture work is fabulous and she has decided to do painting like Owen Smith and one other painter whose name escapes me but I know that he did a famous painting called "Nighthawks". 

But what she does is use her digital camera and takes photos of places, events and people and uses all of that as references for her work, even looking at old black white photo's for ideas.  What helped get her commissions is a painting she did of Lillian, working in a country kitchen but with a little girl helping.  There is such warmth in the painting as to reach out to you, and next to it is a portrait study in oil of Lillian, neither are for sale but it helps show what Heather can do.

She is still going to the University and working towards her degree.

Because Joe is working so many shifts I told him he could "crash" at my place or his little studio but since I won't really be seeing him I'm going to spend Christmas and New Years with my Family.  Joe said he didn't mind, Heather's folks have invited him over for both holidays---especially New Years, that is if he's not working, but they said he can come over for left overs if he needs to and unwind.  Heather's folks will keep an eye on my place until I return.

I will be taking the train again, I will not risk driving during the holidays, so I will leave tomorrow and enjoy my trip. 

If I sound tired, I am.  So much has been happening and I'm still adjusting.  This intense cold is hard to shake, even with a roaring fire and hot soup, I need the comfort of family this time of year and I know it will be a very warm and happy holiday time.

Happy Holidays Sweet Things---Kisses.

Easter Doings~~~

Hello Sweet Things,

I'm posting from my parents home, took the train down here on Thursday.

Mom and Baby sis left on Monday by train to get things back on par. Dad missed them a lot.

I had hoped he would be able to come up and visit but several of his staff were ill, flu, so he's been putting in extra time.

We are going to make sure that he does take this whole week off to rest, his co-workers are back and have taken up where Dad left off, so this is a good thing.

We went to early mass this morning, so wonderful. And for once I was not wearing black or very dark colors, but tropical coral and yellow with splashes of green and white, it had me thinking of taking a trip to Hawaii, which I might do this year.

Baby sis looked wonderful in her pale yellow and spring green dress with matching hat, Mother made them just as she made my outfit and Mom looked so dignified and graceful in her dress of spring green with pale yellow trim and matching hat.

She is even sewing up gloves, said she had to master that skill, she had bought some old gloves that looked good but had serious moth holes that made them un-usable, so she carefully took them apart and designed the pattern.

Now that Dad has been home and sleeping regular hours he looks refreshed. We just had pastry, coffee and juice for breakfast, and won't have dinner until early this evening. Ted is with his folks right now and they will join us in a few minutes.

Mom has packed a light picnic lunch in case we get peckish and we are all going for a drive in our Easter outfits in just a few minutes, where too I'm not sure, but Dad will be driving one of Ted's vintage and Ted will be driving his other vintage car, we'll stay in touch via (cell phone) but Ted and Dad want to take us for an old-fashioned Sunday drive and damn the high gas prices, Ted's folks are also dressed up vintage style as well and although it's a little chilly we'll be fine. No rain and plenty of sun. Even Trixie the dog is coming.

Lillian and Heather are with Heather's folks for their Easter gathering.

I felt bad leaving Joe behind but he's not retired yet, although he's started the process, it will take 3 months to complete all the paperwork to get his benefits and retirement pay. So he's covering for an officer with family that has family coming to visit. He said to go and see the folks, when he gets off duty he'll join Lillian and Heather later so he won't be alone.

I've been so busy with work and family that I've not had a chance to sit down and post, but I have to say I'm doing well. Joe, Heather and Lillian are doing well and so is my family. Mom's little business is keeping her busy just enough to make life interesting without overwhelming her.

The Vintage Fashion show was wonderful, Mom and Baby sis made some excellent contacts and found some beautiful things as well as dress patterns.

Things in my little home town have been upsetting, that maniac who killed 7 students at that private university, the grandson of a respected retired city council killing a elderly man the grandson is a paranoid schizophrenic had really gone off the deep end as they say. A fire near my house that killed the home owner and his dog. And of course power outages caused by birds and a Mylar balloon.

It was interesting reading the 'tweets' one of them said "boom+power out+police sirens=zombie invasion?" but the news paper said that no zombie invasion was on the police log. I have no idea what is this thing about zombies unless it's the way people feel that is what the world is coming to.

I can hardly wait for the weather to get warmer, I need to go to my country home although things are going well my caretakers would like me to see things personally and the historical society wants to rent the house and grounds for a special event in July, so I'll have to go up in a week or two and I have a new car! And Joe is fixing up the old one for me to drive around town.

So much happening and so much to do. So much to comment on and think about.

But right now Dad is calling for me to "get off the phone" as he calls it. Right now when he said that I felt like a teenager---what a good feeling!

Kisses Sweet Things.

A slight cold and an update~~~

Hello Sweet Things,

Well I have a little cold, or it might be allergies, I'm going to see my doctor in an hour, fortunately her office is close by.

My Mother is visiting me for a few weeks, and Baby sis is using the commuter flights to come and visit, she came up Friday and left on Monday. We went to the Oakland Museum White Elephant Sale, and had to get there very early, Lillian and Heather drove us and since Lillian has a handicapped placard we could park in the handicapped slot, so Heather, Baby sis and I went hunting for coffee and pastries. We all had so much fun and I found some things I can put into my office, Joe was on duty, so he went on Sunday.

Mom and Baby sis found things for their "business" Heather found some very interesting artwork and Lillian just enjoyed herself at the jewelry counter.

I just love it, and the next day Sunday was so nice that we went to the Antique Faire that is held once a month. Mother found patterns and things that she could use, Sis found some vintage clothing as well.

Then Monday Sis flew back home but she'll be back in two weeks, we are all going to the Vintage Fashion Faire in the City. And I hope to be better from this cold or allergies or whatever it is.

Joe has made a decision~~~he's going to leave his job, he has had it~~~not to worry he has another one lined up, he has enough to retire on and with this new job he will be in an excellent position financially. He's also moved into a new studio apartment, that's in easy walking distance from my place. I thought he'd want to move in with me but we both admitted that my place is not big enough for both of our interests, but the studio is more of a holding place and it's close by. I can understand, sometimes he needs his own "Man Cave", a place he and his buddies can get together without imposing on me, I hadn't realized that he felt that way. But yes, during the games they can let off steam without worrying about doing any damage by accident. But he's keeping his cars here.

In a way I'm glad that he's changing jobs, but he will still be in touch with his friends, and still be in the know with what they are going through. It relieves my mind.

And what have I been doing? Working Sweet Things, Working! Maybe that is why I'm not feeling so well. I want to travel, to drive someplace in my new car, but the demands of work are preventing me from doing it.

But to be able to have Mom here is a pleasure, and she's not alone, she and Lillian go off on their little excursions and Mom always comes home with a find.

Now I must go, my appointment is in a half hour even though it's only 10 minutes away, but I don't like to be late.

Until later Sweet Things. Kisses

Fall is Here....

Hello Sweet Things,

Did all of you see that fabulous moon in the Autumn sky and on the Autumn Equinox too, I could feel an energy that was almost primeval, I even felt like howling at the moon like a wolf.

I received so many postings inquiring as to how I am doing, I could not ignore them.

I won't be posting as much, life has become so busy for me, that to take a little time to breathe is precious.

I'm still with the same company, an upgrade in position, plus a raise and I have an assistant, very nice young lady whom I'm going to mentor.

Joe and I are still doing fabulously, we get together as often as we can, given our crazy schedules. And when they don't quiet mesh he works on his jeep. I warned him about not getting grease on my carpet.

Lillian took a fall, the good thing no broken bones, thank God for thick carpeting, but she insists on living independently yet. Her sons have looked into those alarm things you wear for just in case. A very good idea.

This last Thursday evening I took her to see "The Man who shot Liberty Valance" on classic film night at the theatre. There is something about seeing a film on the big screen that one is familiar with, you discover subtle nuances that the director is trying to get across. That in the end, I wondered --- Did the John Wayne character really shoot Valance as he said he did, or did he just say that so the Jimmy Stewart character could go and do the good that he could do? We only have just the one man's word.

Joe says I'm thinking too much like a forensic detective. I don't think that's a bad thing.

I did talk to Lillian about her situation, but she is determined to have her own way, I can't argue with her, just do my best to keep an eye on her.

My family is doing just fine, had a chance to visit them in August, and go to my country house during the 4th of July weekend. I feel a little sad because I can't visit it as often as I would like, but my caretakers are taking very good care of it and Buddy the dog, patrols the grounds and rounds up the goats.

The funny thing is when I'm there and going over paperwork in my "office" he curls up at my feet. We think he's guarding me.

There has been a few weddings there which helps bring in a nice income to offset taxes and maintenance. The historical society still prefers to hold their smaller meetings at my house, I don't mind, keeps it in use.

Right now I'm planning a nearly week long trip into the wine country, I'm thinking of re-stocking my 'cellar' with some special wines, and just enjoying the fall season.

It seems like every 4 weeks or so I need to get out of town, just to decompress and to make sure I'm not missing out on life, just living, just being alive!

I find that more and more I enjoy the changes of the seasons, and all the little things it brings, this morning I woke up early, and enjoyed the play of the changes of colors in the morning sky, of the blues, pinks and golds, the promise of the heat that the sun will bring, the play of the light on the Bay waters, the feel of the slight breeze on my skin. And a indefinable scent that tells me it's Autumn, I wish there was a way to bottle that scent and uncork it when needed.

The demands of work has me putting in longer hours, but I have an excellent team and I try to think of any possible problems. The higher ups did get upset with me because I took a little longer on making a decision but I told them that I felt I didn't have all the facts at hand and I was right, saved us a lot of money.

Lillian said I should get a housekeeper or maid, to ease my work load at home, I told her that I wasn't sure if I could find one who would understand the living arrangement that I have with Joe, bold woman that Lillian is she said that she had one in mind who doesn't blush at anything.

Her name is Esperanza, she comes to Lillian's house and does cleaning, laundry etc. and some cooking for her, I talked to her and we've worked out an arrangement, since Lillian is right next door, so I won't have to be concerned with cleaning house and doing some errands like picking up dry cleaning and such. Nothing heavy just to keep me ahead of things. Esperanza is happy because she needed another 'client' and this works perfectly. We talked about all the business arrangements, since she is self -employed she takes care of her own business needs. So I don't have to worry about that.

So many changes have been happening to me, to my family and friends. I'm doing well, just so very busy. But I have noticed a lot of changes here where I live and where I work, many not good, stores closing, more homelessness, people driving their cars in a way that is unsafe and a rudeness among young people and those who have a false sense of entitlement, who seem to be drifting and a demand to protect their own space.

But at the same time I've also noticed especially among the professionals and service people, more courtesy and consideration, a trying to understand another's problems.

Joe says that although some crimes are down, there are others that are rising that is not being reported out there.

I have a feeling or sense of desperateness, greater anger, and disregard for people and property, I would guess the best way to describe it is an evil selfishness----yes, evil selfishness---that is what I'm feeling, but I refuse to allow it impact me in a negative way. I still enjoy my city, for all its grittiness, it manages to capture one's imagination.

I'll still walk it's fog swept damp streets, the haziness of it's neon signs, as I wrap my trench coat tighter around me to keep out the Bay cold, as fog horns sound in the night. It's time to prowl again, perhaps not as often, taking in it's ghosts, it's memories of mysterious nights, fog enshoulded buildings that seem to appear and disappear, as if moments of time overlay the areas, and once again hunt for "the black bird, Mr. Spade."

But now I must go, things to do, places to go.

Kisses sweet things and to you too Sweet Fram.

This Might be my Last post~~~~~

Hello Sweet Things,

This maybe my last post, at least for quiet a while.

So much has been happening in my life of late, that it is hard to keep up with it.

An update----Baby Sis has now her degree in Business she is going back for her Masters, she and Ted are still engaged, but are thinking of only having a very simple wedding, all very homespun and down to earth, taking in the economy and everything.

She and Ted are doing a side business in regards to vintage items and collectible cars.

Dad is still with his company and a much happier man, he has embraced the Catholic faith, even with the Church's problems, but he feels that it is much closer to his way to celebrate God's blessings.

Mom couldn't be happier about this, her little sewing business is thriving very well, even in this down side economy. And their house is now truly a home, with a "Thomas Kinkade" feel to it.

Yoshi and her husband are managing Yoshi's mother's affairs after the death of her father, she is holding up well and now has cause to celebrate, Yoshi is going to be a mother. Her Mother is now so happy about this that it has eased the loss of Yoshi's father.

Lynda is going through with her divorce, her husband is shocked when she said he could keep the house, have full custody of the boys, no spousal support, just a little help in moving her things out. Since she earns only a little less than him but enough to live comfortably, she's only asked for 1/3 of their assets, the other 1/3 set aside for the boys. Her husband has agreed although he cannot possibly understand why she isn't demanding much----he really doesn't know that she's doing this to save her sanity. She will still see the boys, but has asked that her soon to be ex-husband be there. Like ball games and some parties and such.

My co-workers all have their ups and downs but on the whole are doing well, the business is doing fine and we are managing, although there has been some cut back and a little downsizing.

I sold one of my properties and have been in touch with the couple that has bought it, and things are going well with them. And I still managed to make a little profit.

My other country property is still my other home, being used as a meeting place for the local historical society, and with the grounds fixed up I've made arrangements with my caretakers for the property to be used for small Garden weddings, and small events. The historical side of it is also going well and is giving me a tax break. We now have several goats for weed abatement, and a cow for milking demonstrations---the historical society couldn't be happier.

My caretakers are doing well including Buddy the dog, it's like a weight has been lifted off of them. I'm planning to go and see them in the next few weeks, most likely during the 4th of July weekend.

I'm still living here in the Bay Area but may eventually consider moving permanently to my country house and renting out my bay area home.

Lillian is doing well---so well that I wish I could borrow her energy, we still get together to go to different events and movies and her family has been coming around more to check on her. She is planning to eventually move to stay with one of her sons who is building an in law house on his property, nothing much just a bedroom, living/dinning, with galley kitchen and a bathroom designed for elder or disabled persons.

Lillian and I are going to see the opening of that movie "Jonah Hex", we're both looking forward to it.

My dear friend Frank has met a lovely lady, who loves Cowboy Shooting and from the way things are going, it is very serious between them.

And Joe and myself----we are happy, very happy---Joe has moved into a smaller studio apartment that he calls his male haven but he does spend many a days and nights at my place, but we've agreed that it's best that we each keep our own places, his schedule can be crazy, especially with the summer events coming up. But he's much happier with his new apartment and it's location, closer to work and to me, less rent. He's considering buying a small to mid-size RV nothing too big something just right for long weekends with capability to tow a small trailer with a car on it---like a jeep. He's rebuilding a jeep from the world war 2 era, but can handle the stress of the 21st century. Love that Man.

The jeep is in my spare car space, like I said Love that Man. He's promised to keep an eye on Lillian and stay at my place whenever I'm out of town. Why not, he keeps his tooth brush in my bathroom.

So yes I will continue to go on trips by myself, when I feel like it. Joe understands and appreciates my need for independence, just as I know he needs his time alone as well.

We have both joined SASS the cowboy competition shooting---yes Sweet Things---I've become a "cowgirl". Joe likes the feel of it, he also wants to get involved with Civil War re-enactments as well---so this promises to be something very special for the both of us. Studying history from the 1840's to 1899.

I don't feel so rootless anymore, I feel centered, grounded. Eventually we may move to Arizona or Colorado, or we may just live in an RV or Air Stream Trailer and simply "Paint Our Wagon" with the sign "Any where or Bust".

All I know is that I'm happy and contented---the ups and downs in life I can manage.

I always fear the eventually passing of my parents, which must come as all things do, but to know that we are now on such loving and happy terms makes me feel just wonderful.

I just wish that all of you have that same contentment.

Sweet Fram I see that you are back---I wish to you the same contentment that I have found----I may not get married but I am in a relationship that gives me joy.

The fabulous Diva will still walk the fog enshrouded streets of San Francisco, she will still look for Sam Spade and the black bird, but she is no longer rudderless. And that is all she can ask for.

I may post again eventually, but if not---I wish all you Sweet Things the best of Everything.

Kisses.