I know...I know, I've been a BAAAAD blogger!

As my husband pointed out to me, I've been terribly neglectful here. The only excuse that I have is that it has taken a LOT of time to catch up after my week with my family. Even though I brought work along, I was just emotionally drained.

The, of course the London bombings happened, and with my eldest stepson living there, we were a bit freaked out. Thankfully, we didn't have to worry for too long! Me being a news junkie, I devoted a bit of time to soaking the news up.

I've been having a lot of trouble getting my emotional equilibrium back. Reading was't doing it, though it was wonderful to read the latest Harry Potter novel in one day. Family wasn't doing it.Work wasn't doing it...I just felt out of it and really emotionally and physically wiped out.

Something surprising reenergized me this week.

I've been a Duran Duran fan for a lot of years and have managed to see the boys a few times. I wasn't able to get tickets for their summer tour when they went on sale so I figured I'd miss this show as well. Mark and I tried to get to their 2003 show in DC (it was on our anniversary!) but unfortunately, tickets were sold out. We even stood in line in the freezing cold, hoping for tickets that had been released at the last minute. When we made it to the box office, they had literally two seats left-- one in the front row and one in the balcony. We didn't want to be apart for our anniversary, so we didn't go.

We had a lot of close calls...we were in CA when they were playing CA in 2003, but we were leaving that day...we almost attended a show earlier this year but couldn't swing the time away, etc. I had really hoped that this summer was 'the time', but when we couldn't get tickets, I was realistic. As you know, we had other events that were much more important.

Anyway, I digress. On Tuesday, it kind of hit that my boys were going to be nearby, and I was a little bummed. Mark refused to do lawn seats (good thing he did!) and there weren't any seats to be found for any sort of a reasonable price.

On Weds. morning, he called me from work and reminded me to check Ticketmaster, to see if any seats had been released. Lo and behold, I found a set of 12th row seats. They were a little off to the side, but that was okay! We made the purchase and arranged for him to come home a little bit early from work.

When we began the hour drive, it was with the knowledge that the weather could be severe. It sure was! Twenty minutes into our drive Mother Nature gave us a brilliant light show. It was dramatic, but very stressful to be at highway speeds during it.

We arrived at the venue just as the opening act went on and were very pleased with our seats. When the show started, people started to move close to the stage and with Mark's blessing, I joined them. I ended up spending much of the show a scant few feet away from the band!

The show was incredibly impressive and it was just wonderful to see my old faves in the original lineup.

When I left the show, I felt as if my emotional reserves had been recharged. I don't have that worn out feeling any more. I really thought I needed a vacation (Mark, if you're reading this, honest I *do* need one ;) and I'm still mildly amazed that one evening of fun was enough to relax and rejuvinate me.

My grandmother 

My grandmother's obituary

I wanted to share this so that you got to know a little something about my grandmother. I've removed a few names, etc for privacy reasons. This obit. is copyright my family and was published in the Providence (RI) journal.

*****, MARGARET L., 93, formerly of Revere St., passed away peacefully to be with Our Lord at Crestwood Nursing Care Center, Warren on June 26, 2005. She was the loving wife of the late Arthur of Pawtucket.

As well as a devoted wife and mother, she was a longtime volunteer at the Pawtucket Memorial Hospital; she was a past deaconess of Darlington Congregational Church, Pawtucket and was a past member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was formerly employed by Crown Manufacturing Co. and Darlington Fabrics.

She is survived by her two sons; Glenn of East Providence and David (Marilyn) of Warren; three grandchildren, Lisa of East Greenwich, David (Jennifer) of Manchester, CT and Bree (Mark) of Centreville, VA; one brother, Wiliam of Pawtucket. She was preceed in death by two brothers, Robert and Alexander.

The Six Flags man and the gas station

I kid you not...the bizarre comes to visit my doorstep at the STRANGEST times.

Last Sunday at about two in the afternoon, Mark and I started our journey to Rhode Island. We found out that my grandmother had died early in the day, but we both had a couple of work loose ends to tie up before we could leave, so after a visit to the grocery store, the bank, the gas station, quickie haircuts and the WORST haircolor I ever had (don't ask lol!).

Anyway, we got on the road about two in the afternoon. We've done this trip so many dozens of times that we know where all the good, bad, and ugly rest stops are, and where to get a good meal inexpensively. One of those places is a WAWA gas station/conveneince mart. You know the type. They have gas as well as a deli counter, prepared sandwiches, etc.

We walked in and ordered our sandwiches, then waited for them to be freshly made. Mark broke off to look for sodas and I was checking out the coffee counter when someone tapped me on the shoulder. I turned and did a double-take. Standing before me, complete with big ears and huge glasses was the guy from the Six Flags commercial. You know the one...the old man wildly dances. He has huge ears, a huge gummy smile and huge glasses, a bald head and wears a suit. There's a catchy song playing behind him... yep HIM.

I kind of shook my head and wandered over to Mark, asking if I was seeing things, but no, he'd seen this creature exit the Men's room. There was a rush of 'Is it really" going throughout the people at the WAWA and he quickly got his coffee and left without saying a word.

What a strange start to the week!

We lost my grandmother June 26

My grandmother lost her life last Sunday. My husband and I spent much of the week 500 miles away from home, in Rhode Island. We're back now and I'll be posting a travel blog post soon. There were a few lighthearted moments among the sadness.

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.