Europe

So... in a few days, BTM and I are on our way to visit friends in and see the great beauties of Florence and (briefly) Assisi, Italy. I really look forward to it... and we'll be spending time with my dear and long-time friends Sally and John. I will go with them to Newcastle-upon-Tyne, in the north of England, while B. returns home to his job (sigh).  I wish he could be "off" for a bit longer, but am so glad that he has a real job, in which his position is needed and respected-- and that he likes. Ten years ago when he was "dying" of cancer-- or literally, DYING of cancer-- I never thought he'd recover and things would come out this way.  How fortunate we are!
I'm also very proud of our son Andrew, who just finished his first year in law school at Vermont Law in S. Royalton, VT. He has an internship with the Justice Department in Burlington this summer, and I think he will do very well there. I miss him terribly when he's gone. But he's been here for a few days-- tomorrow is his 24th  birthday-- and we've been immensely fortunate to have a son who is so brilliant and so capable... and also remembers compassion and mercy.
I appreciate his abilities, his brilliance and humor. And everything! Happy Birthday, Andrew, dearest son!