Weekend Update

Well, another weekend has come and (almost) gone... Our weekend was basically quiet and uneventable - which is just the way I like it. Jim had to go into work for a few hours yesterday morning so instead of lounging around in my PJ's until the early evening (my standard Saturday routine), I got up when he left and got showered and dressed. I then walked dowtown (4 blocks) to the Albany Saturday Market. I was there by a little after 9:00 am which meant I was in time to get a pie (or two) from "the pie lady". Last week I didn't make it until 11:30 and she had long since sold out of everything and called it a day. I wasn't going to miss out again. Sure enough, I was on time and got not one, but two pies: 1 Marionberry, 1 Boysenberry. Take my word for it - These are the very best pies in the world! The crust is golden, moist and flaky and she finshes it off with a sprinkle of course sugar. And the fillings, the fillings... amazing!!!!! I think the Marionberry is my all time favorite. Yummo!!

With pies in hand, I headed to the post office to check our P.O. Box. As I crossed over Washington Street I noticed a couple walking 2 cute dogs. To be honest, as I often times like dogs more than most people, I didn't really look at the people since I was focused on their dogs. Imagine my surprise when I looked up I found the woman, with a big grin on her face, giving me a very warm and friendly hug. It was then that I realized she was someone I once knew. In fact, 10 or so years ago, she was my best friend. We have not spoken in over 10 years. Back then, we had a "parting of the ways" which was not only painful, but so surprising that it took me a long, long time to be able to trust women again. During the past 10 years, our paths have crossed a handful of times - and each time, she would look right through me and make no ackowledgement of me whatsoever. So, when I say I was surprised to be on the receiving end of her hug, I really mean SURPRISED! We had a very pleasant (and comfortable) conversation for about 5 mins. She introduced me to her husband and her dogs. Come to find out, they just live two blocks away from us. She then told me that she had, for some time now, wanted to reconnect with me but wasn't sure how I would feel about doing so. She then asked me if I would like to reconnect with her. I thought for a second and then said "sure" - and I meant it. Who knows what will come of this, but it was a very positive encounter. I guess this is a season of reconnecting and having people that I love and care for re-enter my life.

The remainder of the day was spent puttering around the house and doing crossword puzzles.

This morning I got up around 11:00, showered and dressed and then drove into Corvallis. I poked my head in briefly at "Happy Trails" and said hi to our good friend Tommy and spent a few minutes catching up. (Tommy is the person that introduced Jim and I more than 12 years ago. He also officiated at our wedding.) I then headed around the corner to meet Tania at 1:00 at Evergreen Indian Restaurant. Yummy! Since I have been on leave from work since June 22, its been more than 2 months since I have had indian food. I was definitely having withdrawals. We had a nice lunch. I managed not to overeat (a huge accomplishment) and then we walked over to the Corvallis Post Office so tha Tania could check her P.O. Box. Since Tania had homework to tackle (she's working full-time plus taking courses at OSU this summer), we said our good-byes and I head back to Albany. After a quick stop at Bocherrini's for a Grande Iced Americano (my fave), I picked up the Sunday paper and went on home.

Since getting home, I haven't done much of anything except play "Wheel of Fortune" on my cell phone, catch up on my email and blog reading, and make some updates here. Jim is off with his friend Don and so it's just us "girls" here at the house. There is plenty of housework to do - isn't there always - but I think I will ignore it a little longer and head into my studio. I promised my little sister Annie that I would paint here a picture of a field of sunflowers for her bedroom. It will match this painting of a sunflower that I did for her in 2005:

Annie's Sunflower

Tania also wants me to do a painting for the blank wall in her office. And Judy just commissioned me to make an Art Doll for a good friend of hers. Plus, I am planning to have an "Open Studio" event in the Fall and I need to make a number of different things to show and sell. I better get busy.