How Could I Have Missed This?

I've been too preoccupied with my day-to-day life, Easter and preparing for vacation. Clearly. How else can I explain my overlooking this HUGE news story about two of my favorite most pitchers … EVER?

"(Kerry) Wood struck out two in a scoreless inning Sunday during his third appearance in four days, and the Cubs scored seven runs off Greg Maddux in a 7-3 victory over the San Diego Padres."

"Maddux was in a good mood, even after yielding six runs in the first inning. The 41-year-old right-hander, who has 347 wins, thought he was better than his final line showed. He said he was pleased to endure a 40-plus pitch first inning that included a three-run double by Ryan Theriot."

To read the entire article, click here.

So both of the pitchers who hold special places in my heart are happy and enthusiastic about the upcoming season. God love ya, boys!

Spa Sabbatical -- Almost Here!

I made these reservations back in January. I don't think I believed my vacation would ever really arrive. But it's almost here!

Chateau Elan is a winery and spa just outside of Atlanta (where it's in the 60ºs). I have my own suite (I'm on the first floor, and here's the view from my bedroom), and am looking forward to a antioxidant body exfoliation, wellness massage, makeup lesson, moisturizing bath with vichy shower, champagne and chocolate mani and pedi, hand therapy, neck/back/shoulder massage (especially for us keyboard addicts), and ultimate facial.

There are also restaurants to gorge myself in (meals included), a fitness room to work it off in (I am bringing my workout togs), and beautiful grounds to wander about.

I haven't decided if I'm going to finish my latest Lincoln book (The Day Lincoln Was Shot … hm … how do we think it ends?) or a light and romantic chick lit tome or maybe just a huge stack of magazines. One thing for sure: I am most certainly bringing my sandals. I'm not a big fan of hot weather, but this winter has gone on too, too long and my beautifully painted toes will deserve to see sunlight!

Today I've got some vacuuming and floor scrubbing to do. Litter boxes to clean. The plumber is coming by this evening to give me an estimate on repairing the pipes under my sink. I've got to pack and take a trip to the ATM (meals may be included, but gratuities and souvenirs aren't). It's more than I feel like doing, but what the hell. I have nothing but relaxation and pampering ahead of me!

Alone time is very important to me. It's important as I plan and repair and rejuvenate. It will be good for me to simply be somewhere new, with its own sounds and colors, and no easy access to my every day life. I get a clarity from adventures like this. I love my friends in Key West and look forward to visiting them each New Year's. But I also need a solitary vacation like this one.

Easter at arm's length

My mom is a natural-born hugger. And yet today, all we did squeeze each other's shoulders in greeting. I shook her hand in farewell, which made her laugh.

You see, she has a bad cold. A juicy sneeze/hacking cough cold. And I am leaving on vacation in a matter of HOURS (see the ruler at the very bottom of the page). I don't want anything to spoil my Spa Sabbatical. So I got home and toasted Easter with a big glass of Airborne.

My niece was a joy today. Funny and enthusiastic and enjoying her looong week off. She annoyed my sister (her mother) no end, but isn't that teenage girls are supposed to do? My nephew, on the other hand, made me want to scream. Even though he's a big boy/second grader, he has taken to using baby talk when speaking for his ubiquitous Pokemon characters. And since Pokemon characters can only say their names, you can imagine how obnoxious this became after awhile. The phase cannot end soon enough. I sooooo miss the good old days of Thomas the Tank Engine!