REFLECTIONS IN AND ON A BUSY SUMMER

Eating our way through Italy
We found this devine spot on our wanderings in Tuscany
La Chiusa.    Montefollonico, Tuscany

Dinner at Mirrabella im ROME

Montepulciano

Summer is racing past us. I have't written much because I hate to jinx my good fortune of enjoying this time and feeling pretty well!   It's been busy summer with lake trips, two wonderful weeks (hot) in Italy, California and upcoming to Steamboat for Weddings... Quick trips to Quebec City and Newport RI.  It's been great fun. Mixed in with the inevitable Doctor appointments, physiical therapy, and other daily business. Let me NOT forget my favorite activity is spending time with Will, KA and WILLIAM 

Families together at the Lake

NOSTALGIA

 Many thoughts and memories float through my mind and carry me into reveries. I seem to be conjuring up old memories I haven't thought of in years - decades!  Holidays, traditions, the circle of a year, they knit it all together in a neat package.  July fourth meant so many thing s over the years. Cornells, Country club fireworks, fireworks with the PHILLIPS on our trips back east during early Dallas days- Gracie petrified of the noises when we were back in Connecticut. So many stories tied to one holiday. So many different people I was with during each of these adventurers - friendships I was sure would continue and memories that would be shared forever. Let me not forget the "All broad Kazoo Band" in Steamboat (marching)!

 Now I am celebrating the fourth with my new family and my old in Raquette lake - carrying on a tradition of both families that happily converge on this spot. Creating new memories and enjoying the moments making the memories. Whose memories they will be, and how they are processed over time, no one can tell.

 I am a bit envious of those who have stayed in the same place for many years., raised  their families together and have grand children together - Have the close ties of celebrations and sadnesses over may years that bind them close.

I do have sadness for all those that have been enjoyed and I am the only one with the memory - or feel that I am. So many wonderful people missing from my life on the continuing circle of time. For some strange feeling, in the midst of these two families I am feeling “lonely”. I am missing the joy and silliness we carried on with in these different environs - thankful for the incredible blessing I have found in my NEW family and my Anderson family.

Girl trips are another thing I miss. It was a luxury that I certainly enjoyed. A respit from family and obligations that i could come back from recharged. One year when we were in Dallas and I was at a spa in Mexico, David asked me why I liked it so, I said because I met talented women from all walks of life that I never knew were possibilities, David then said "Does that mean you are not coming back?" After I got over the shock of the asked that -  I said and meant it.. "I am coming back... BY CHOICE!

OLD FRIENDS

HA - all is not lost,,, this is me and my best friend in Shaker Heights,Jannie Bolton (Frazier) before she moved to California and I to Connecticut!  and the picture above is US three years ago in Coronado, Ca.  We got together at the beginning of the summer in California but I am afraid there is no picture.

 If you are reading this and having similar nostalgic moments that you want to share or I might remember,  drop me a line here or janbabsonanderson@gmail.com.

And then there is WILLIAM

Moving right along!!!

As we are beginning summer and abouto celebrate July 4th, I realize I should write about how well I am feeling.  This passed month has been a good one.l. My enery level and strength is not so good, but i have much to be thankful for.  I am also having difficulty with lymphodema and dizziness - BUT - still haveing fun and enjoying life. So lets get on with it.

I am currently at the lake with John and his son Thomas.   We will be joined for theo fourth by Sue, Morgan and her friend and on my side. Johnl, Will, KA and Willam.  I am really looking forward to it..  After that we have planned a trip to Italy - a little Tuscany, Rome and Florence.  Never been - looking forward to that, too

 In June, for summer. Solstice we went North as far as we thought we could drive for 3 nights.  We had never been to Quebec City - so off we went.    Had a magnificent time, great food, hotel, walking tour of the city, and a very unique weekend.  Lik being in Eurpope without the plane flight!  

With Sadness, reality hit when a friend I had gotten close to during this medical journey I am on, passed.  Too much to write in a Blog.  Just wanted to share a little of the reality of it all.

Hope summer finds you well and enjoying everyday.  Thanks so much for caring.

Jan