March 1

March 1 and the air was balmy this morning when i went outside to feed Charlie the cat. Sad to think that 34 degrees feels balmy, but it was true. The air had a lightness to it that was wonderful!

The weekend was full of things that make you think! My mother in law Joyce turned 80 years old last Thursday so we drove up for a visit. We took her to dinner and then to Naperville North High School to see their presentation of Pirates of Penzance!

My brother Jim has been the choir director there for years, and this year is his final one. He's retiring at 54 years old after teaching since he was 21. The program was full of tributes from a variety of students and parents. I thought it was great - but I find myself to be envious because I've never had a great relationship with Jim. I've always admired him and what he's accomplished, and I envy the obvious love he has for and gets from his students.

Anyway - the show was wonderful and even Dan liked it! The girl who played the part of Mabel - she is only a sophomore. Such stage presence and an amazing voice! she sings for the Chicago Lyric Opera - what a life she will have with the gifts she's been given.

Sunday we went to church at the Palos Presbyterian Church - the church where Dan and I married nearly 28 years ago. And there was a little surprise birthday reception for Joyce afterwards with her friends. Joyce has attended this church for decades, and some of those women have been her friends for just as long. How nice to have such continuity. I doubt I'll have that kind of reception at 80. The women I regard as my best friends are scattered all over the country.

Anyway again...we left after the reception and drove to Lafayette to meet up wth Tim and Mary - they think they've found a house to buy and wanted our opinion. It looks like a good match and I hope it works out for them.

So this weekend? an oustanding finale musical for my brother, a 80th birthday party, and mebbe the house where my middle son and his Mary will make their home. Endings and beginnings.

Plus I had a good weekend with my husband as we drove around! AND oldest son Josh showed up at the birthday reception with his fiance Megan AND Sam was at home when we arrived. I got to see all 3 of my boys this weekdn PLUS a great many of my favorite people. AND a few babies! A good weekend overall!