HOUSEKEEPING

Just a random post about a variety of things today.

First, a big thank you goes to my neighbors, Deb and John Paisey, who hosted a swanky and delightful "Academy Awards" shindig for the neighborhood. The food was great, the conversation lively, and the decor was perfect. They even handed out swag bags to the guests!  The best part was hanging out with neighbors with whom we raised our kids.

It's sad commentary on the pace if life that our post-childrearing interactions are frequently shared from the seat of a riding mower now. We still wave as we pass one another's driveways, but we rarely drive down them as we race off to work or on errands. When the snow piles shockingly high, or when power fails, we rally together, and when tragedy strikes a home, we pull together, but I have to admit that Tom and I have been sorely negligent in this area, and we are vowing to be more involved neighbors.

I've been posting snippets from, "The Dragons of Alsace Farm,"  on my web site. Those who follow  the blog or my web site know I've struggled over the title, vacillating between "Rabbits" and "Dragons" these past few weeks. "Rabbits" refers to the rabbit hole of dementia, which one of my characters, Agnes, suffers. There are also dragons on Alsace Farm, but you'll have to read on to understand them.

I've started a new blog called "The Rabbit Hole Diaries," that deals with the ups and downs of supporting a loved on with dementia. I hope you'll visit it or pass the link on to a friend. I'm encouraging sharing of information and experiences.

I'm so spring-hungry! We didn't get any snow to speak of here in Maryland, and the cold is therefor unwelcome. So I'm ready for warm, sunny days and FLOWERS!!!