From time to time I check the New York Times obits, that I have bookmarked. On the side of current news, is a historical list of notable past deaths. I saw today that Lionel Barrymore died at 76 on Nov. 15, 1954. He looked older, he acted older, he was the very epitome of ancient. I am now 6 years older than he was at his death. With that cheery thought, I clicked out of the obits.

The news on the car is that Ed is using it. He loves it. He says the Isuzu, 2001, runs great although it needs help. The gas gauge doesn't work, so he has to fill it every 2nd day or so to be sure he's not running low. We just had the rear raise-up panel fixed so it doesn't crash on my head. There are rust areas that must be dealt with before they wear through the metal. He is considering having the entire car re-painted, but not yet. A belt having to do with the A/C squeaks and Ed said it would cost a lot to fix. This is the car I am now using when I need wheels. Yesterday, my friend, John, who walks Buster, and whom I look in on periodically, said he could tighten the belt that is causing the squeak.John says no big deal. So I’ll drive it over to his place and have him check it out. I personally think we should replace the Isuzu, but Ed will hang on to it until is falls apart on the road. It is his way.

I am debating whether to pull myself together and arrange a boat parade party. The parade is scheduled for Sat., Dec. 14, which is not so far off and that daunts me. For those unfamiliar with water areas, people who own boats decorate them with neon and circle the waterways waving at everyone on land watching. I had hoped it would be more like Sat., the 21st which would give me a lot of time to agonize over how to do it. First off, I have to have outside help for house cleaning and I have to choose how much and what kind of food, and I have to invite my 20 plus prospective guests right away, and if I do that, there is no way out, and I have to really do it. Ed is overwhelmed with guardian duties and doesn’t want to have a party. First off, he has to file his guardian project papers now covering every available surface. Yes, it’s a pain. I am sure that is what is coloring his mood about the party.

It has been so long since I had a bunch of people over, I have forgotten how to do the food. I’ll have to cull my memory. Haven’t done roast beef before, and I think that’s easy enough to do. Plus I will buy potato salad -- no way I am going to make that. And maybe smoked salmon/cream cheese/onion/tomato/bagels, my own Greek salad. Should I add cold cuts? My rotini pasta with a fantastic sauce? Any suggestions? Snacks., i.e., cheese, dips, chips? Beer, wine, soda, orange juice, borrow the huge coffee urn from bff and gtf (go-to-friend) Nadine. Cookies or ice cream cake or both? Plus chocolates because everybody loves chocolates.

More on this as I struggle with the decision.

And ...A nice thing happened yesterday. I got a handwritten note regarding my published Op-Ed on the misuse of religion in politics from a fellow who has made a reputation on Pine Island as a conservationist. Ed knew who he was. I didn’t. I saw the envelope and guessed right away that it was about my Op-Ed and my initial reaction was “uh, oh, some religious nut has sent me a hate letter.” But no, the guy was highly complimentary so I am encouraged.

Then I thought I might invite him to my possible boat parade party. I like connecting with like minds.

xx, Teal