September 22nd is the beginning of an important week. I start the complex process of being evaluated for a double lung transplant.

I know I've slipped a notch or two in the breathing department, but I continue to live my life like a healthy person albeit, I tire.

It's confusing though. Given how I choose to live my life, would I be tired anyway? I hope that made sense.

I try to pace myself. One activity each day away from home is my limit. It's the limit I choose.

Hindsight, I look at my recent trip across country, up coast, down coast, and back across the country. Mind you, this doesn't include about 1,500 miles of driving.

I think I need a brain transplant too. I'm nuts.

Or maybe not.

****

For years I've had a slobbery obsession/delight/crush on the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. Remarkably, I still do, which is a miracle. My granddaughter and I started our odyssey from Monteagle, TN with a 5 hour visit to Vanderbilt in Nashville for my clinical trial infusion. THEN we drove 4 1/2 hours to St. Louis to spend the night. The next morning we toured the Arch (from hell). It was constructed 5 years before the Disability Act. I lost count of the number of steps I climbed that day. It.Was.Insane. I cried twice from sheer exhaustion. The first time was when I realized I was in deep do-do regarding mobility. The second time was when I misplaced my battery charger. I became somewhat catatonic as I watched my oxygen gauge decline and I had no recourse but to let big sloppy tears run down my cheeks. A nobody clerk approached me and in very even tones, told me to sit down - that she wouldn't be back until she found the charger. She was true to her word. An angel.

St. Louis was a manic depressive experience. Though we had a GRAND time - the only tearful moments of my entire travels happened at the Arch, which I have forgiven. I love the Arch.

*****

I'm a bit tired tonight. I went grocery shopping today and have prepared some foods for a very very special houseguest who's arriving tomorrow. My friend, Linda Leaming, is coming to the mountain as a guest speaker at our book club, which meets on Monday. I could write from here to next Sunday about the personalities involved - I am over-the-moon excited about it all!

I am so blessed to have such fabulous friends. Tomorrow night I host cocktails before dinner with Sue who just returned from Vanuatu, Linda who lives part time in Bhutan, and Diana who is a sculptress and curator.

My friend, Sue, once asked how I met Linda Leaming. I told her that after reading Linda's amazing book Married to Bhutan I sent her an email. It was that simple. I sent an email and now have the most marvelous friend for life.

PEOPLE! There's so much out there and it's so easy to access.

I once told my family that magic doesn't happen by accident. It takes work. And sometimes it's easy work. I've had a magical life. A little bit tinier than I'd like, but I'm okay with that... I was busy rearing the three most amazing children ever ever. Doesn't get much better than that... or more magical.

But to borrow a phrase: JUST DO IT!

I'll close with photos for now because I'm weary. Very tired. Pooped.

Let's pray the evaluation at Vandy goes well. I think you might miss me. I am such a pain in the cantaloupe. :)




The view from our hotel room the evening we arrived



The next morning - It really is magnificent!




Abby looking out of one of the tiny, tiny windows at the top of the Arch





Abby with Grand





I think I forgot to tell you all I got a dramatic haircut that I LOVE!