December 18th

I woke yesterday to discover I'm sleeping well and totally changed time zones.  I had a great sleep and was ready for a wonderful day.  I wondered about Julie since she was already up and found that she hadn't slept well so I decided to come a little later. 

Pam and I went to Mom's grave and it was good to remember her.  Pam has told me a lot about her and I see how much I missed.  I lived with my Dad and Step Mom and didn't get to know my Mom.  I've been so blessed to be here with Pam and really get to know who Mom was.  As a child I stuck to the background since I didn't like strife and did whatever it took to minimize it.  Now, I see, I missed out a lot not being with my Mom. 

I needed to deal with some Real Estate stuff and then I was off to Julie's.  I'm so glad I have my audio books to read on the way.  For some reason there was traffic but, since I listen to books, it's just part of the trip.  Julie had just gotten up and we were both tired.  Julie hadn't gotten much sleep.  She had forgotten to take her pain meds when we went to the nail salon.  Once she was behind the pain it's difficult to get ahead of it.  Julie wants to go to Dicken's Faire on Saturday.  She's doing so well I'm sure she'll do well if she's willing to stay a little loopy taking her pain meds often enough.  She was trying to stretch them out to 5 hours instead of the 3 that was prescribed.

We stayed around her place and worked on her puzzle.  I had some Real Estate stuff to work on too so got that done.  I left about 4 since I wanted to get some Christmas shopping done.  Again traffic was bad but I stopped in Pinole and went to 2 stores and found everything I wanted.  I was going to stop at The Outback for dinner but missed how to get into it.  I went to the next exit and found the Sizzler which was better since they have a line and you eat after ordering.  I was glad since it wouldn't take that long to eat and it was good.

I was glad to get home and relax.  Somehow I was very tired and glad to be home.