Saying that on occasion I'm a middle-of-the-road type of person might make me sound wishy-washy. I'm not the least bit wishy-washy. In fact, I can sometimes be too straight forward. Get myself in trouble.

This is especially true when it comes to politics because I'm a moderate, a middle-of-the-road type of person. I annoy the heck out of everyone.

But today I'm writing about a middle-of-the-road place that I'm especially grateful for.



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Because of David's engagement to Olivia, I've met the most delightful family ever ever, and have found my middle-of-the-road place among them. I would venture to guess that my age is somewhere in the middle between Olivia's parents and grandmothers.

Her grandmothers are Ruth and Ambler. During Olivia's graduation from W&L Law School, I had the privilege of spending a lot of time with her grandmothers and loved every moment. They're interesting and kind and funny and sweet and generous. I so look forward to seeing them again at the wedding. Here's a photo of these two amazing women:






Ruth and Ambler



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I also spent time with Olivia's Aunt Phyllis, Ruth's daughter. We clicked like an heirloom locket. Our time was fleet, so I was delighted to be seated with Phyllis one evening when the family dined and celebrated with Olivia. Here's a photo of this amazing woman:







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Yesterday my housekeeper picked up my mail and lugged in a hefty package. The return address indicated it had been sent by Phyllis.

I hope she won't mind, but I'm going to repeat the very words she wrote because I could never improve upon them:

I hope today is a good day for you! I'm sending you something I hope will improve your nights.

I've become a bit of a snob when it comes to my bed sheets and was glad to read in your blog that you too have a strong preference for bed linens of our youth; sturdy but soft. I have a hard time buying sheets *new* that suit me so I've started scavenging through consignment and thrift shops to find them. They're nicely broken in and feel good to me. Hope you will find comfort in relaxing onto what is familiar to us from days gone by. At the very least, I hope you know that I was thinking of you and wishing you a good night's rest!

Fondly, Phyllis


Here's a photo of the most beautiful sheets in the whole wide world! Thanks you, dear and wonderful and thoughtful Phyllis.






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There's so much more I feel I should write and could write, but sometimes words can get lodged in a person's heart and they don't want to leave.

Over the years I've been so fortunate to be included in wonderful families. I've been richly rewarded.

Marrying into the Bean family gave me two bonus sisters. To this day, I continue to feel close to them, a kinship. I know for a fact that my sisters-in-law have never ever said an unkind word about me - nor I of them. The manner of civility is huge - really, really huge - that over the years so much kindness has prevailed.

And now I have the Fritsche/Tart family.

Those words I referred to earlier are still lodged in my heart, but I think Olivia's family already knows how blessed I feel, how fortunate, how full of gratitude to experience a family that so willingly includes me. I guess I should also thank David for choosing well - and Olivia for saying, "Yes!"






The Family Fritsche/Tart