Updating Pictures and Other Stuff

I probably should update my blog picture. It is about 5 years old and life has really taken a toll on my visage since then. On the other hand, I actually LIKE how I look in this picture - so screw it, I will sacrifice accuracy for vanity!

Today was kind of a red letter day for me. 365 days ago I came very close to not seeing 364 days ago.  Thanks to a highly excellent cardiology team at Albany Medical Center, led by Dr. Anthony Nappi and the prayers and positive thoughts of more people who cared about me than I ever suspected, I survived.

This has been a challenging year. The fall of 2012 saw numerous trips to the emergency room and several hospital stays. A 50-year enslavement to nicotine ended - and yes I do still often want one. My husband and I sold the house we had lived in since 1978 and moved to Florida, to join our oldest daughter's family. This meant leaving our youngest daughter behind in New England - a painful choice. My 98 year old mother finally had to give up first her driver's license and then her ability to live independently and moved into assisted living, also in Florida.

I don't watch the news much anymore. I decided screaming at the television was not contributing to improved health. I watch a lot of cooking and home improvement show and have discovered "Kelly and Michael Live" , "Let's make a Deal" and "The Talk" (love all the ladies but ADORE Sharon Osborne). Spend time with the grandchildren. Work when I cannot avoid it. Miss a few very dear friends in upstate NY (are you reading this Art, Mary Ann G., Yetta Jean, Mary Ann McG, and most of all Wanda (Louise) and Bill? )

Things might change, but I don't think I will be ranting much in the future. Right now I am just feeling good about being alive and near people who care about that.