Cloudy urine collection instructions, a priceless phlebotomist, a loving affirmation, & a road trip

~Friday~  I was up and logged in to work at 5:30 this morning, and I’d sent three e-mails by 6:00. At 7:30, I ran out to my doctor’s office to have some lab work done. When I walked into the bathroom where I was to “produce a sample,” my first thought was, “There really needs … Read more

What’s a blog, HardLox hard knocks, breakfast at Green Sage, blog catch-up, & two affirmations…

~Sunday~  Before checking out, I checked my e-mail and Facebook. I saw on Facebook where my friend Kathleen had been to see Tosca, and we had this “conversation” about it, which resulted in an affirmation: This morning, I put on my: and in the elevator of the downtown Asheville Marriott Renaissance Hotel on the way … Read more

A granularly scheduled Biltmore Estate, 0 to 259 in 30 minutes or less, and a Lobster Trap…

~Saturday~  I was up and at ’em at 7:00 this morning, and by 7:40 I was on the road to Durham to pick up Robert. We stopped at Biscuitville, where we nabbed three sausage biscuits and a cup of coffee, before heading out of town to Asheville. We arrived there between 11:30 and noon, and … Read more

Drinking my way to the east coast, a Nu Skin buddy, lives after death, and pocket rockets…

~Sunday~  After a SSS and packing for my imminent check-out, I met Anna over at Wasatch Bagels Cafe, where for breakfast I had a 9-grain bagel with egg and cheese on it, along with a cup of coffee. Back at the hotel, I checked out, and Anna drove me to the airport early for my … Read more

Beating Hurricane Earl out of the Outer Banks, some screaming scareyoke, & a barista’s back…

~Monday~  We were up at 9:00, and down to see our girl Shirl by about 10:00. Once again, she followed behind us cleaning and straightening up. At one point, I went back for something, and she was bent over near me—with her buttocks too close to my face for my comfort—as I reached for a … Read more

Some solitude—a day of taking in the living and reflecting on death and dying…

~Saturday~  My mom was one of seven children. Her oldest sister (Rita), and her oldest brother (Raymond) died many years ago; however, she’s lost three of her other four siblings in 2010: February 4, 2010, her baby sister. Annette L. Casmiro Annette, 72, was born on June 26, 1937 and passed away on Thursday, February … Read more

Brunch at Donna and Rob’s, an uneventful return to Raleigh, and some Scareyoke…

~Sunday~  I woke up at 10:00 and called the front desk to request a late checkout of noon instead of 11:00. No problem. I rode out to Donna and Rob’s for brunch, where the Gregory’s still were, anticipating their 3:00-3:30 departure to the airport for a 4:45 flight. Russ, Pam, and Jan went for a … Read more

Mental health, Charlotte bound, a test drive, some Filet Mignon, & Raleighites in the Queen City…

~Friday~ I took a “mental health day” from work today and slept in. At about noon, I decided to drive to Charlotte today instead of waiting to go up tomorrow morning. I checked the hotel online at which I had a reservation for Saturday and was easily able to add tonight to it. I had … Read more