Happy First Day of Summer. If no one has told you they love you today, let me be the first. Consider yourself hugged.

It's 60 degrees, at 6:45 am, on a sunshine filled day in the Midwest. I can still see the dew which makes the green blades of grass sparkle as they dance in the soft breeze. It smells crisp and clean. We had a good soaking rain last night.

I didn't sleep that well. Got up and had a dish of vanilla ice cream with crunchy peanut butter on top (protein is important, you know). Have you ever noticed that it's the simple things that add spice to life.

Today's plan is to attend a one-hour CASA (see link) meeting with someone from the state and county. We will be meeting at the receiving home that has our three-year-old boy regarding permanent placement.

After that, I intend to drop in at the nursing home to visit my ex-mother-in-law. She's under hospice care and does not have many days left. You know, she's not so bad now that she's my ex. She was very critical when I was in the marriage and I was very people pleasing. That's not a good combination.

I got the feeling she thought I wasn't good enough for her son (is that what all mothers do?) and I took it personally. Today I know that her opinion is her opinion and I no longer need to take offense.

My other volunteer fun is with the Salvation Army. In fact, I've been named volunteer of the month and will have my picture taken today. I work at their thrift store one hour a day. It's the best place I know to get designer clothes on a budget. I got there because my doctor said I should walk one hour a day. I walked at the mall for a whole year, but got so bored I couldn't stand it. I asked for a walking job at SA. So I walk in the warehouse and get interesting things to put out in the store. SA's happy, I'm happy, and so is my doctor. I'm down twenty pounds this year.

It's nice to talk to you over this cup of coffee.

May your day be filled with blessings.

Sue

http://www.nationalcasa.org/