Dear Reader:

In the excitement of getting ready for my Maine trip I find myself scattering thoughts behind me like squirrels randomly scattering acorns.

I have started  several different endeavors- getting halfway through them before starting something else like…half-packing my suitcase, calling in to order and then trying to find time to go to Charleston to actually pick up more medicine, rising earlier to beat the heat while trying to water everything in the yard and garden…while squeezing in a kick-off Maine adventure lunch with Anne and an afternoon out with Gin-g and Sue Anne to finally see Downtown Abbey….absolutely loved it.

When things do calm down somewhat between calls, visits, texts, and emails…my mind is filled with reminisces…..I remember October is breast cancer month and fond memories  of our annual family Race for the Cure warms my heart while still making me a little sad that it changed so drastically to the point where the timing no longer worked.

Mandy told me yesterday little Jake got to wear a pink shirt instead of his normal blue uniform shirt to school because the Fire Truck was coming and they were combining fire safety with breast cancer month….a great idea. (I miss seeing the big PINK firetrucks at the race each year.)

Then….deja vu….I was driving home and had gotten to Five Points at the long red light…a police car was in the right lane next to me…the policeman had his window down and nodded…I nodded back and then I recognized the pink ribbon icon on the side of his car…I pointed to it and took a picture…he smiled, honked, and with two thumbs up…turned right onto Main Street leaving me smiling all over.

Then I had to giggle when I drove past my neighbor Jane’s yard yesterday (nobody was home) …her yard had been “flocked for funding” for breast cancer month at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center! 🙂 I was able to give to this organization…worked out perfectly.

The hardest part for us women, of course, is trying to decide what to take and what to leave…I keep packing and then re-packing as I change my mind about a pair of pants or not taking heavy shoes or a heavy jacket to weigh down the suitcase….so many things to consider…including all my medicine bottles that take up a lot of room.

I am sure I will have completely exhausted myself by the time we leave…but it will all be worth it when the plane lands in Portland, Maine and new sights, smells, and tastes await. My heart is way overdue…yearning for new experiences…along with  people, places, sounds, and surprises!

Each evening by supper…I am so tired… so I light my candle, admire my garden flowers, and remember Sue Anne for the adorable white pumpkin. Then I take a deep breath and let it out slowly….life is so good!

Today when I looked up at the tip of the Confederate Rose bush…the original white bloom had turned a deep dark rose color….a magical bush interlaced with history.

So until tomorrow….”Anticipation of pleasure…is a pleasure in itself.”

“Today is my favorite day”  Winnie the Pooh