Friday, Friday...

Finally, it's sticking in my head that it's Friday. It should since I was able to do all of the things I enjoy on my occasional Fridays such as the following.

First, Bubba went on his weekly pilgrimage out with me and Dahey for breakfast. I can't remember exactly when we started this, but it's been going on so long, the staff remember when we hauled him in the restaurant in his carrier as a baby.

Next, I went to see my friend Giacomo. He survived vacation which included visiting the multitudes of sisters in his native land near the Erie Canal. Not just one sister, but the entire flock of them, along with mom and the requisite contingent of nieces. He was still reeling from being the lone male around and getting all the "attention." In his family, it's not always good to have attention...

Following that, I also saw some of the coffee people I haven't seen in ages. Dahey told me I need to get a medical file, since most of the oldsters are now answering my "How are you?" with all sort of medical complaints and requests for advice. It's hard to be blunt with them when a) they're old, b) they know your entire family--grandparents, parents, etc., and c) a few of them can tell you about your odd habits when you were younger. (just in case you think you're getting too smart for your britches!) For the most part, they're happy and for now, healthy, and I thank God for that. Besides, a few of them even love my zucchini bread!

Whenever I work evenings, or if I happen to be off, Dahey and I usually go somewhere for lunch. This is a good thing because we get to try new restaurants without having to bring our small restaurant critic along. Today, it was soul food near a place I used to work. This end of town was quite scary when I worked there, but every time I come back now, it's getting better and better. The food was magnificent. I thought I died and went to heaven when I got the smothered pork. The portion was so big, with the mac and cheese and the green beans, that I put half away. It probably won't last too long tomorrow.

I keep looking ahead and try to prepare myself for going back to work. I really understand when some of our older nurses say, "It was really hard for me this time to go back." This little vacation has been wonderful. I have made contacts with people I haven't talked to in years all over the world. I have had lunch with friends who I don't normally see, even though they live within two miles of me. I realize more and more how lucky I am in my life, as crazy as it sometimes can be. It has been a thoroughly amazing time.

Tomorrow I get to do a few more things, then start preparing for the return to work. We'll just keep cruising along...stay tuned!