And so it begins............

Welcome to my newly created blog.

The inspiration to start a blog came from someone I "met" on my Caregiver's group online.
This lady just went through a double mastectomy, pictures and all. Her blog gave everyone who read it a very intimate view of someone battling cancer.

So, as egocentric as these blogs can be, I thought it would be an interesting project for me.
Those of you who know me will understand.

My life at this point is straddling between the abundant joy of Oma-hood, and the pain and sorrow of living with my husband's illness, and the grown children's absence and lack of interest.

I will try and tell more about my life before this when I have more time and inspiration.

Right now I am scrambling to get ready for my trip to Holland tomorrow.
It takes a bit of juggling and organizing to be able to leave for a few days. But as always, it's do-able. Things are coming together.

My sister is already tired from my ever changing itinerary. Every day I think of someone else I want to visit, somewhere else I want to go.

Most of all, I want to visit my two aunties. My father's and mother's younger aunts, both named Ans. I have not seen them in at least 15 years, shame on me! There are a few cousins we'll get together with as well, ones I haven't seen even longer! Now grandmothers themselves.

I will also catch up with one of my teachers from high school. A bachelorette, who in small ways inspired me. Of course I only recently discovered this, as when I was in school I was a nasty little student, could not wait to get OUT. But lately, thinking back, discovering many small nuggets of wisdom from folks, tiny snippets of the important and good things that happened way back then and at the time completely ignored.

One of my old neighborhood friends (yes, we're going to visit THEM as well!) told me about part of my old neighborhood being raised, to make room for new houses. Another part of the past ready for the scrap heap.

So this afternoon I will try and stuff my suitcases. My clothes, some books, many many gifts (argh), requested stuff (like 8 tubes of some special hair treatment my sister can't get "overthere" and is so very expensive) Some clothes for the little ones (again, not available there OR too expensive, darn that Euro!)
Etc etc. etc.
Got my gallon plastic Ziploc bag with my 3 oz bottles ready. Picked out the clothes to wear on the plane (cozy warm sweats!)
Then one more round through the house, put out the garbage, get gas, get a few more groceries, and hopefully I'll be able to get out of here on time tomorrow.

I'll try and write about my trip, and if I can figure this out, perhaps even put some pictures up.

Again, welcome to my murmurings...

Have a wonderful day!

SGMKJ!