6710 Grand

Something AWFUL happened this week. It's not your typical tragedy.  But a tragedy just the same. On Monday, I learned that I had a Tuesday meeting in Scranton.  What's the big deal?  You might say.  Well, Monday's are "Sanctuary Days". Days I spend on site in Dalton to manage meetings with my team, visit the animals and otherwise stay connected to the mission.  Tuesdays are NOT days where I do that.  But on rare occasions where I need to be in Scranton for 2 days in a row, my amazing husband often suggests that I stay overnight in Clarks Summit to avoid the drive and get a little "me" time.  I relish these moments.  I'm afraid to hope for them.  But they are glorious. I have a specific hotel that I frequent.  It's not fancy.  It's not glamourous.  But it's mine.  It's the Hampton Inn in Clarks Summit.  Along the "strip" in NEPA (past the "notch" for those who know), lies a simple, clean, efficient hotel.  I'm n...

I hate extracurricular after-school activities.  HATE them.  They're going to KILL me.  Why oh why do my children need to play multiple instruments and sports?  WHY is there such a thing as an after school art club?  I don't understand. It was not like this when I was a child.  Sure I did Girl Scouts (mostly for the camping), but we met right after school and the meetings were AT the school so I could just walk home (we did that back then).  I played softball for a couple of seasons--and walked--and practice was once per week with only ONE game a month.  I really wanted to do gymnastics so I went (walked!) to the YWCA on Saturdays.  I was driven to piano lessons but would have happily given those up if mom and dad were too busy. Not now--oh no.  Now, we must be driven to all things and none of them are right after school...which is probably better because if they were my kids wouldn't be able to do that anyway.  Now they're all ...

In the criminal justice system... It's iconic. It's familiar.  It's ALWAYS ON! And I miss it.  We cancelled our cable a few months ago.  I can no longer watch Law & Order every night on a variety of channels.  It's a little depressing.  Iris asked me this evening if I'd seen every episode.  I can honestly say I don't know.  Sure, I've seen a lot but all of them?  No, probably not.  Even the ones I have seen, I don't know.  I've seen a lot but even the ones I know I've seen, I can't always remember what happens in the end. Sometimes I run across a movie that's really like a 2 hour Law & Order episode.  I can't wait to watch it.  What is it about this show that just captivates me?  I don't know.  I just know that I hope it keeps happening no matter how many times I see each episode of every version.  I.  Just.  Love.  It!