just because it is beautiful...

things have not been so good lately

Two Thursdays ago, our elderly dog passed away. It certainly was not unexpected given his age (15 1/2 is a VERY long life for a Labrador retriever), but it has not made it any easier. The few times I have left the house since, I am still surprised when he does not meet me at the door, and am still waiting for the warmth of his warm body curled up on top of my feet every time I sit down to use the computer.

About the same time I think that my thyroid finally died from the radiation treatment I had back in January. At least I started showing all of the symptoms of hypothyroidism rather than hyperthyroidism. In fact I felt so rotten that the doctor wrote for me to be off of work for a week so I can rest. Rest I have - it is all I am capable of doing right now. Even watching television or reading a book is mentally taxing, and I nod off constantly. We will not even talk of me trying to drive - I am so tired I weave around like a drunk and it is a miracle I have not been stopped by a policeman yet.

I get to see the specialist again next week, and can perhaps start on synthroid depending on what my blood labs show. And then I will hopefully have rounded the back turn and be on the home stretch for healing and being well. I really want to feel better.

a spring wedding

On President's Day a dear friend called, to say that he and his fiance are going to get married in late April in New York State.

I am so happy - if you could pick out your family, Erik would be my big brother! It is wonderful that he has found true love and will be getting married!!!!

I have a long weekend off approved from work for that weekend, and have made a motel reservation in Newburgh.

I just hope that my health will allow it, and have my fingers crossed for my next set of blood labs and endocrinologist visit. Maybe a miracle will happen, and the exhaustion will abate a bit.

and here's the Captain!

No one ever thought anyone could rival Stevie Yzerman in pure class or in leadership ability, but Nicky Lidstrom - one of the greatest blue liners in NHL history - has somehow managed to do just that.

In honor of the Red Wings victory over the Predators

This is the song they played at the Joe when the Wings scored their sixth goal...

A PERFECT Detroit Winter Evening

On Wednesday Dan and I spent a perfect winter evening in Detroit.

We parked on the street (for free) in Greektown, and ate at a good Greek restaurant (the Olympia) in historic Trapper's Alley. We drank hot tea with lemon, and both had saganaki (flaming cheese) as an appetizer. OPA!!! So a classic Detroit dinner.

Then we hopped on the People Mover, the monorail that snakes in a big circle through the downtown core. It only costs fifty cents each way. We rode to that historic shrine, Joe Louis Arena, to see the Detroit Red Wings play against the Nashville Predators.

The game was great - the Wings won, and it was Kris Draper night in recognition of his recent thousandth NHL game. There was even a good hockey fight - featuring Marion Hossa of all people. Who knew he could throw punches like that? Thankfully he did not hurt his hands or wrists. And our beloved Captain, Nicky Lidstrom, scored two goals!

After the game we rode the People Mover back to Greektown, where we heard a busker playing some sweet hot sax.

The rain and snow held off until we were nearly home.

Classic - perfect - Detroit winter evening.

Valentine's Day

Last Saturday was Valentine's Day, and Dan and I had a very pleasant evening.

The new furniture arrived on Friday, and - after eating a delicious dinner at Ichiban's, a Japanese restaurant in Ypsilanti, we spent some time cuddling on the love seat in front of the fireplace, listening to . It was very relaxing, very wonderful.

One of the best Valentine's Day we have had in quite sometime.