Another Surprise!!

Okay, so we are rolling into 9 (unbelievable) months since Mike died and I thought I was doing quite well.  And, actually, for the most part, I am.  However, tonight Amy, Shawn and I went to dinner at a lovely restaurant in Wilmington.  There was, though, a table of 3 women and 3 men, all about my age.  Wow!!  Until it was in my fact, I forgot how much I miss the camaraderie of a group of friends, all in the same age group.  Don't get me wrong, the kids have been wonderful to me in Ohio and in North Carolina.  It has been great spending time with my sisters and my friends!  All of the grandchildren have been wonderful to me.  But, you know, there is a connection with friends and couples of your own age that is so nice.  It is called a generation gap for a reason!  Seeing that group of 6 tonight just through me for a loop because it made me realize how much I miss that, not only for me, but with Mike.  So, I guess I am definitely not finished learning - which, I guess, means I am still alive!  Thanks for tuning in.  Ricci 

I Only THOUGHT I Was Coming Back

The weather was beautiful over the weekend and I waited tables at the Treehouse Bistro (a little Tapas restaurant everyone should try!!)  Everyone was in great spirits and I was able to speak volumes about Mike and how nice he was.  Many of the customers had met him several times and quite agreed (well, I guess they actually had to - what else were they going to do??!!)  It was busy again Sunday, but colder.  Today, however, was another beautiful day in the 70s and Shawn did not have to work, so we played golf again!  Friday, it seemed to me that my game was coming back!  Whatever you do, you must never let the golf gods see that you think you have a handle on the game because they certainly will show you that you do not!!  The game was really quite bad, but since I parred the last hole, I will absolutely return to the game.  Next weekend, I will be waiting tables at the Treehouse Bistro again, so if you are in the neighborhood, be sure to drop in.  I guarantee you will enjoy it.  Thanks for tuning in.  Ricci

Golf Again - Finally!

Today, in Carolina Beach, it was sunny, 70+ degrees, and Shawn (younger son) and I played golf.  Beer, hot dogs, a few pars, a few bogies (some really BAD holes), but a clear indication that my game is coming back.  Hooray, hooray!  There hasn't been a good game since Mike died and none at all since October, but the game is on the rise again!  I was afraid I would not want to take my clubs across country, but I will do so and hope it just gets progressively better!  This life is actually pretty good.  There is very little structure, but there is also almost no stress and no deadlines!  I'm thinking the gypsies had  the right idea.  I guess we'll see how I feel by the time I go to the west coast and back.  Hope there is sun and warm temperatures at your house.  Thanks for checking in.  Ricci

No Valentine

Well, Valentine's Day came and Mike never appeared.  It is interesting - other people have said they have had visits from their departed loved ones, but, no, not me.  And I even believe in ghosts!  Oh well, maybe the departed one has to believe in them, too!  Anyway, since Mike wasn't here, I just gave myself a visit to the nail shop and got a manicure - bright pink for spring arriving.  And I actually waited tables in the Treehouse Bistro - a place everyone should visit for the food, the wine and the great friendly atmosphere.  While it is not hot here, it was definitely nice enough to take the dogs for a walk on the beach several times this week (with a light jacket and jeans, of course!).  Tomorrow, I will be playing golf with my son for the first time since October.  Hopefully, at least part of my game will return.  I haven't hit a decent shot since Mike died, and I don't know if it was me, or a curse from Mike for never having liked to fish.  Perhaps he has forgiven me and I will able to beat Shawn soundly - as every mother should.  Anyway,  I still miss Mike like crazy, but am in good health, happy to be visiting North Carolina - and ecstatic to be away from SNOW!!  After visiting Florida in March, Gretchen will be flying into Tampa from Texas and we will drive down around the south end of Florida and through the Keys before going on to her house.  This could be the end of a beautiful friendship because I, like Gayle King, love to sing in the car along with the CD's - and I can't sing either.  Well, after reading this, perhaps Gretchen will pack ear plugs!  However, you will hear from me quite a bit before we take off.  After all, I have to keep reminding you all - and myself- that life really is good.  Thanks for tuning in. Ricci

Free At Last

From the snow, that it!  "Almost Heaven, West Virginia" is what John Denver called it!  Except for whitewater rafting, I normally would not have agreed with him.  However, yesterday, when Gina and I crossed into WV,we started singing the song!!  Absolutely no SNOW!!  What a treat!!  In fact, Gina thought it was such a treat to finally have grass instead of snow higher than her body, relieved herself about 10 times in 30 minutes!!  My niece thinks it is cold here in SC because it was 35 degrees this morning and is only going to 50!!!  HOORAY!!!  There is sun and Gina and I were actually able to go on a mile long walk!  What a treat that was!  So, while yesterday was a sad day, we were brought a little happiness by the sun and green grass!  I guess about 30 states have been eliminated from consideration for settling down in any of them!  Life is pretty good!  Thanks for tuning in.  Ricci

Out of The Tundra (PLEASE!!!)

Tomorrow it will be 8 months since Mike so rudely left me. (Not that he could help it; I just get a little testy when the 7th of any month rolls around)  So, in testament to him, I am leaving the frozen tundra called Ohio.  I have had lovely visits with my son and his family, my sisters and friends, but I am really tired of being cold!  So is Gina - she turned three on the 5th of February and has let me know in no uncertain terms that the cold is not her favorite place!! So a short stop to see my niece in SC, then to visit a friend in Charlotte, NC then to the beach in NC to see if they have escaped all of this!!  My oh my, I really don't know how anyone lives here.  I mean, I know I did as a kid, but my senses must have been dulled because I could not do it anymore!  Had a great visit with our friends, Marilyn and Jack in Euclid (luckily, we did not have to leave their house!!).   When Mike went to Fenwick, he earned a black oiled wood letter sweater, which he gave to me, and it has saved me because I have worn it almost everyday, along with all my other clothes.

For those of you who have read this before, Janet is now in a "boot" and well on the way to recovery!  And I had an unexpected pleasure of having lunch with a cousin from New Mexico, who just happened to be in Cleveland at the same time.  Obviously, we don't see each other very often, so it was quite a treat! 

Next month I will be rolling into 69 years of age and while I feel like I am 30, the mirror sends me terrible things to see most mornings!  Therefore, if either Ellen or Oprah should come across this blog, and would like to give a major makeover to a wandering widow, I would  really, really, really like to be a candidate.  I would even be willing to work for either party to work off the cost.  - Oh well, just a thought.  I started this tonight to tell you all something, but, for the life of me, I cannot remember what it was.  When I do, I'll check back in.  Wishing you all sunshine and warmth.  Thanks for tuning in.  Ricci