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Another friend of ours has passed. Sandy went in for surgery last Thursday. Things happened and during surgery her lovely soul left us to be with God.

Larry and I have known Sandy for quite a long time. When we first joined the church, our children were small and she was one of the first people to welcome us with her beautiful smile and warm hello. When Larry and I re-joined the church after an absence, once again, she was one of the first people to welcome us back.

Sandy was smart, faithful, funny, a wonderful nurse, ARTist, wife and mother. I have so many things that I can share about her. She was one of the most approachable people I have ever known…

At our last Presbyterian Women’s Bible Study, held before covid19 hit, Sandy and I were part of a three person group studying part of our lesson. I loved her perspective and joy about life and faith. Oh….and Sandy smiled a lot.

Sandy and I belonged to the same Book Club too. This wonderful woman was woven into my life in many ways.

This morning is visitation and internment. Tonight is a memorial service at church. Because of Covid 19, I will not be able to stand and share sweet memories about Sandy, but I can say it here. Have I mentioned that Sandy smiled a lot?

Sandy, Your kindness was always heartfelt. Your Joyful spirit contagious and your faith strong. Thank you for being a shining light in my life. I will miss you terribly.

I am heartbroken.

On September 12th, 2020, Dream A Dream quilt will be raffled off. Please stay tuned for a schedule of the Komen virtual walk and raffle.

Please contact me at [email protected] for any information.

It is with thanks I announce who has donated.

Judy D.

Karen C.

Lisa A.

Lauren M

Amanda C.

Rosemary and David G.

Matilda M.

Kim S.

Lynn S.

Thank you TEAM BELIEVE for everything that you have done.

Love you beyond the moon.

Me

Last February, Larry and I had the first of our shingles vaccines. before 6 months is up, we were to get the booster of Shingrix. ( it is really just a second shot of the same volume, called a booster) We had the booster on Wednesday.

Booster on Wednesday, sick on Thursday. Its true. I was so sick yesterday, enough to put on my nightie and go to bed.

Before I went to bed , Lauren and Matilda stopped by while they were in town. Matilda had an appointment for a haircut. It was good to see them, and Matilda insisted that we play a game of…..UNO. (anything for my favorite girl, even if I do not feel well)

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I felt pretty bad when I took this photograph and honestly cannot explain the strangeness of it.

Today is much better. I am tired but ok.

Having the shingles vaccine and the side effects is much better than having the shingles.I promise.

Love you beyond the moon.

Me

Larry is cooking this week. That means that last night he took me out to dinner. We went to one of his clients restaurants and were the only people there.

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Social distancing was a breeze.

My dinner was fabulous. I was hungry.

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(We had gotten our shingles booster shots yesterday) But today I’m not feeling very well. That booster shot always makes me ill. (Yes, I have had it more than once.)

Larry’s client has the most interesting ART…..this piece made me smile.

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I wish you the happiest of Thursdays….

Love you beyond the moon.

Me

I started today, praying for our friends in Beirut, ( we have not heard from them yet) and our friends and family in Delaware and Philadelphia. Life feels overwhelming at times. Staying focused and strong helps so much.

On Saturday, Larry gave me a gift. He told me that He did not want me to cook all week. (How sweet is that?) He has been cooking every night this week (and Sunday dinner)for me.

When he was making the menu for this week, he asked if he could have my chicken parmesan recipe. I found it in the old recipe box and handed it over. He did ask a few questions……and last evening he served dinner, with the perfect wine…

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I am thankful for Larry. He has been taking care of me as I become strong again. His encouragement means everything and now, he knows how to make chicken parmesan!

This is the old chicken parmesan recipe that I have made since the girls were little. I cannot decide if Chef Valentine should post the recipe. Any suggestions would be helpful.

To have such a kindness done for me, is thoughtful beyond belief. I do not know how to express my feelings…..

Love you beyond the moon.

Me

A couple of days ago, on my Instagram feed, I posed the above, silly message, because I was missing my mother like crazy and missing her snickerdoodle cookies too.

Sweet Matilda and Lauren said that they would make me some, and bring them to me on Saturday. But that is not exactly how the story goes…..

I was at an appointment yesterday when I received a text that had no identification in my phone.. It read, There are snickerdoodle cookies on your porch. When I returned home, there they were! The beautiful snickerdoodle cookies.

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I wrote back to the unknown person on the text. Thanking her/him, for the wonderful surprise and please tell me who left such goodies? The only thing that they replied was….”You sent out the word and it was received….and Thursday is always cookie day.”

I replied, ” I am blessed beyond belief! Thank you secret cookie angel”

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I do not know who the cookie angel is, but the Snickerdoodles are delicious! I send out a message….Dear Cookie Angel, Thank you for the wonderful cookies and for the making the surprise so magical. I will remember it for a long time and promise to pay it forward……

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Love you beyond the stars and moon.

Me

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Yesterday, I spent the morning sewing, making an interesting dress that was more difficult than I thought it would be. Many pieces and mistakes by the designer.

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There was a big pattern piece mistake in the pattern, I fixed it and reported it to the company….and now my dress is finished. (Except for the hem)

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My wardrobe needs a huge overhaul….fun dresses like this will help cheer things up.

Last night, Larry took me to a new restaurant. (We wear our masks and distance, so finding places, NEW places to go makes me uneasy.) We found the nicest mexican restaurant not far from the house. there was one man at the bar and Larry and I at a table. We all had masks on. I call that perfect.

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It was so much fun going to a new place..a new menu and new vibe. Two thumbs up.

Matilda and I play a game online called Terraria and she is teaching me everything about gaming. (a huge task) And….yesterday we defeated the Moon Lord! It is a big accomplishment for both of us! This is what he looks like:

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It is true. This old lady is now gaming and defeating the Big Lords! (with my granddaughters help)

I love my life.

Love you beyond the moon and stars.

Me