Saying good-bye is hard, hardest when you are the one left behind. I try not to tear up or cry, because this is a joyful farewell, but....who would have thought, over 20 years ago, that we would be at this crossroads right now?

Friday is the last day for my dear friend and then she is off to the wilds of ... whatever wilderness awaits. Actually, it is quite a nice civilized place, but I think of her as an intrepid explorer of an unfamiliar land.

And I'm sad that she's leaving. I will probably never see her again, since she will be halfway around the globe. As long as my husband lives, anyway, since he could not make such a long demanding trip and I cannot leave him alone for that long.

I hope she lives long and prospers, in good health and joy. Fare you well, dear friend.

The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say.
--J R R Tolkien