FORE!

This is one of the few times in my life when I have nothing to say. Too much is going on and the activity blocks most thoughts, clogs up the memory banks worse than bacon does arteries and causes a general mental shut-down. How about a demolition crew named Paolo, Hill and Able??? How about the number of golf balls collected from the back yard in one week's time standing at 51???

We are now homeowners again. Closing escrow was less painful than in the past although for stress, we had to turn off all media so we didn't hear the financial crash and burn news while we were getting back in the housing market. Our pattern has been to buy houses at times of dire financial plunges--first in 1973 just before the devastating inflation during the Carter years and interest rates of 10%; we bought again in 1980 with what was then called "creative financing" which meant you took out 2 mortgages for a combined interest payment of 15% and a huge balloon payment after 5 years; And again in 2008 where it feels we've come full-circle.

This last house is different--I refused to put in hardwood floors that are guaranteed to last longer than I will. I'm breaking out of my antique white mode which I have had in every house we've ever owned--I'm breaking the color barrier by painting the interior SPANISH SAND!! (The paint sample to the left looks NOTHING like Spanish Sand) Such eccentric behavior must be a sign of senioritis. But rest assured--I have only expanded to Navajo White for the trim.

A friend of mine since the 5th grade and I took our 85 year old mothers on a cruise to Alaska last week. At least this time we got one day of sunshine and it was while we were in Glacier Bay. It was one of the most awesome sights I've ever experienced. I got up before sunrise and stayed on the bow for 3 hours snapping photos. It was luscious.

We now have until the 8th of October to get the flooring and new carpeting installed, the lighting wired in and all the interior painting done. I will photo doc this process to the total boredom of my casual readers and breath-baiting interest of my regular 18 fans.

But first--back to National Jewish for my first "report card" on the lungs. Inhale, hold, spit, etc. I will spare you the worst details.