but I'm ready to sit quietly for a bit and take a JournalScape breather before balancing my checkbook and paying some bills.

First this morning was the task of taking my car to the place where I always get it serviced and then waiting for the shuttle to take me to my work location. The waiting seemed very short because this time I had a crossword puzzle with me and I could block out Fox News at 7 from my conscious mind.

Then I spent a good two hours with my boss while we went over the long-term calendar (I'd like to take a week's vacation in March to spring clean my house) and then the shorter-term events and programs upon which we have to coordinate. I had already used my hour lunch dealing with my car, so I didn't notice how fast the time was passing.

My doctor's office called with good news. My cholesterol is down 40 points, into the normal range. I keep wondering if maybe they've confused me with somebody else.

And shortly thereafter I got a ride back to the automobile service center to pick up my car. I *told* them I thought a bearing was going out, but they pooh-poohed it. Well, guess what. A bearing was going out and needed to be replaced. Just because I'm a woman doesn't mean I'm a total idiot when it comes to mechanical things in general and vehicular things in specific. Humphf.

Then I took 2 hours of vacation so that I could visit a friend in the hospital. This friend went in for a routine laparoscopic gall bladder removal and ended up with an abdominal infection, raging fever, huge cyst to be drained, massive doses of antibiotic--and still peritonitis threatens her life.

I feel so helpless. I can't do much more than hold her hand and talk about the weather. Masked and gowned so I don't bring her any more invaders than she's already dealing with. I was shocked to see her with the shadow of death's wings over her. I hope she makes it.

Then on the way home I stopped at my church to step inside the sanctuary and have a little chat with the Universe. In my not-so-humble opinion, this young woman needs a break. I guess you could call it prayer, if you like.

Afterward, I went into the minister's office to give her the rubbing oil I got for her for arthritis pain in her hands. She likes to knit (so do I), and the pain is really hampering her. I have the same problem and found this oil to be really soothing and pain-relieving.

Onward to my home where I gave hubby his meds and his dinner, fed the dog and the cats and myself.

And here I sit, taking a bit of a break before tackling the money situation. Ain't life one surprise after another? I'm grateful I have the money to pay the bills. I'm grateful for the amount of good health I do have and for the ability to work for a living. I'm thankful to the Universe for all its blessings. There but for the grace of the Great Sky Being go I....