WHERE HAVE I BEEN

I'm Back. Friday just disappeared. Who knows where. Maybe a black hole. I finally made contact with Maria on Saturday. A friend told me she was in her apartment. If she was sleeping, I did not want to wake her, but I pounded loudly anyway. I knew that if I didn't connect soon she was would wonder if we were still friends. She had been sleeping and came to the door in a sweatshirt, pajama bottoms and hair very wild. She invited me in so we visited for quite awhile. The doctors have no idea what is causing her blood loss - no leaks anywhere. Fairly sure she is just not producing sufficient blood. Again, they don't know why. They took her off iron and now she is tired all the time. Her bones are becoming more brittle and she needs to be careful about falling. She will not use a cane and thinks she can do everything she did last year. I have no idea when she thinks she will be getting old, but her friends think it is now. She disagrees and no one argues with Maria. It will turn into an argument and if she loses or does not back down she will ignore you for weeks. Yes, she holds a grudge. I try to find the right time and way to confront her as gently as I can. She was open this day and we talked about slowing down.

She plans portions of my life for her and others benefit. I have a van that seats seven. That makes me very popular, plus I like to go places and do things. She has planned a trip to Skaget County for the tulip festive. I am happy to do it, but there will be a little bit of walking if we stop at one of the gardens. Two passengers need walkers or canes. Maria needs a cane but may not take it. I think I'll take mine as a back up. I needed it when my back was out several months ago. I enjoy all these women (my Harem, some call it). Most are old enough to be my mother. 92 year old Janet is a blast. She goes back to volunteering next Saturday with Hospice. She loves caring for the old people. She does not know that she is one - and really, she isn't.

Anyway, Maria goes back for more tests on the 31st. She has told them she will not take some of the test they recommended. She will argue about it until she gets there on the date, but will change her mind - always does.

I'm not a big college basketball fan, but love the NCAA tournament. I'm always a fan of the underdog. Watched nearly four games and read my historical fiction novel during breaks. Almost done now. Kind of exciting! Anxious to find out if Abe Lincoln is kidnapped or killed. Very suspenseful.

Went to church this morning at the little neighborhood church about 1 1/2 blocks away. Always a small attendance at the first service, but they can sing. So loud I think I should start wearing ear plugs. It is also very inspirational. After the service I offered the original of my colored pencil drawing titled "Beloved." It is 4'x2' and a view of Christ from heaven so you see the crown on the top of His head, the out stretched arms with curled hands appearing to encoumpus those below him - his mother and John are looking into his eyes on the left and a Roman soldier on the right has his back turned away representing those who reach out to receive Christ and those who reject. I'm happy it will be on display next weekend.