Bits and Pieces

I've been thinking about so many things. Too many things, actually. So I thought I'd clear the deck by addressing a few of these random thoughts here, getting them out of my mind and into yours.

On our recent trip to Eastern Tennessee we utilized the GPS feature in my new phone. I'd never used one of those before, and only seen one in use in a friend's very upscale SUV. I learned how to memorize a location, and to program a trip and destination in. On the way back we entered our home address and it called out every turn right on schedule. It even has a 3-D map display that moves as we move across the terrain. It shows side streets, names every overpass and exit, and can be programed to call out exits for gas at a selected price, special attractions, churches, food, motels, etc. Linda liked the display but didn't understand the workings of it. It also came with a female voice that after 1300 miles was a little wearing on the ears.

I was amused when we left the freeway for a food break and the GPS gal got concerned. But she guided us back to the interstate very effectively.

Thinking about flying to Boston in June, I wonder what she would do if we programmed the trip in for the road, then hopped in the plane. What would she do? Of course we can't do that. If I remember correctly, they ask you to turn off all cell phones upon boarding. But it was fun to think about.

Another item our trip brought out: we really don't pack well. (After all, we have the WHOLE van. Why should we pack conservatively)? When we go to Boston for 6 days, we will have to pack in one bag, carrying our CPAPs with us on board. And if Linda has her purse and I have a computer, well that's luggage limit for us! I guess we'll practice beforehand.

Michael sent word the other night that he was "OK" but did not elaborate. Laura posts every day or so and we keep up with her that way. Jennifer got a new job (with benefits) after so long without one, and seems to be very happy with the way it has started. Linda calls or emails each of our children daily. So I wonder why I feel so out of touch?

Been thinking about death a lot lately. Not in the mauldin, spooky, way. More in the philosophical, "What happens at the end of life as we know it?" sort of approach. Prodding my thinking in this area has been the blogging of my friend Becca Miles, whose mother passed away earlier this year. She has been blogging daily about it and the ways her family members have been dealing with that death. I don't think that I've come up with any new theories, but have been thinking about the subject more than usual. I realize we need to prepare for our own deaths, planning funeral details, last things, wills, etc. A number of those things are not yet decided and ought to be.

Things are changing for the better at the church. People are working together and trying to get along. The youth are planning a summer trip. A big fundraiser has taken on the life of its own. We are getting our communications back in order and are planning a new pictorial directory. We have had some membership growth. Now if we could just catch up financially!!!

We go to four doctors next Tuesday...the podiatrist at 8:30, the psychiatrist in LR at 11:15, our PCP at noon, and we go to the hospital for a second mamogram at 2:30 or so. I have hopes that everthing will be alright. We'll see.

I have enjoyed being around Linda a lot lately. We seem to have found a way of being together that is comfortable in a way that is both new and familiar. That's a good thought to leave on. I'm going to get to bed a little earlier tonight...see what Saturday holds when I wake up!