What Happened to May?

Wow, I can't believe it's Memorial Day weekend already - the kick-off to summer - my absolute favorite season of the year! (I'm sure those of you who know that I live in Sunny Arizona are probably questioning my sanity right now, but hey - I came into this world in the summer and many of my best memories are events that took place in all the summers I've enjoyed so far)... So, let's recap what I've been up to since my last post:

Mother's Day gave me the perfect opportunity to send my Mom a little something funny and with a purpose. With their house on the market and little in the way of activity, Mom had expressed her concerns about selling the house before another winter hits Vermont (talk about a place with hardly more than 2 seasons - winter for 10 months, fall for 2). I sent her something I hoped would help do the trick - Eco Joe! Mom's St. Joseph statue arrived and she quickly buried him in the front yard (following directions, of course) and made sure she asked St. Joe to help sell their home. Fingers crossed, we're all waiting for St. Joe to work his magic and get their house sold.

After 6 months working a part-time job at Macy's - I'm taking a break from the second job this summer. I cannot tell you how I look forward to having my nights and weekends free again! My last shift is on Saturday and I've already got plans with friends for Sunday!!! I am headed back to Queen Creek, Arizona - to enjoy the Queen Creek Olive Mill's little cafe, pick up a few bottles of their tasty fig balsamic dressing [makes the perfect marinade and dressing], and then a side-trip to a local farm for some fresh grown produce!

Not only have I recently won back my weekends - I learned this week that I've hit my maximum accrual for paid time off at my Firm - and now, I am taking a few unexpected vacation days in June! I've got a long and growing list of home projects to keep me busy on my bonus days off - but I do plan to squeeze a little mindless fun in the sun poolside with a good book (or two) Need a few good leads on reading material... check out http://www.goodreads.com/.

This month has been rather full with medical emergencies for a few important family members:

1. Aunt Jeanne - who ended up being rushed to hospital upon her return from a cruise... thankfully, she is now recovering and should be headed home in a few weeks.

2 Uncle Ed - now home after an overnight stay in hospital for an angioplasty... thankfully, tests show his heart is good and he's home and back sleeping in his own bed! I need to bake a batch of oatmeal cookies for him (I think home-made cookies have magical powers, don't you?)

3. Cousin Peg - My my positive vibes are headed to Peg, who is presently hospitalized and giving us all cause for concern... Hoping that she's on the mend and back home soon!

What else has been happening this May? Birthdays, Birthdays, Birthdays! So - I'd like to recognize the following people who enhance my life, simply by their being in it... Happy Birthday to Susan Baylis (where would I be without you, Sue!), Robert Gilmour (Mortgage Loan Officer Extraordinare and Super-Canadian - www.robertgilmour.com!), Liz Thompson (my cousin-in-law in NJ -check out her blog http://www.thisfullhouse.com/ - look, Liz a shameless plug!) and last but not least - my friend and the person who knows all my secrets - Cassie Mullen (also the smartest woman I know!)...

Love, Hugs and all great things to you! Make a wish - this one's on me...