Kindergarten

J and I are scheduled to attend a meeting with Toe's teacher, the school nurse, and the school counselor tomorrow to discuss Toby's special needs related to his CF. I am in shock. First, because my baby is starting Kindergarten. Second, because there are so many protocols and things I need to keep in mind as we go in for the meeting. I have done my homework like a good girl and am now left to wonder if it will be enough. Launching into the unknown. Knowing that Toe is likely to get sick multiple times from this. I think it is worth it, though. He needs the social interaction and if orientation day was any indicator, he will love Kindergarten.

The good news: Kindergarten in our area is still a half day, so this won't be such a shock to his system. Toe is attending afternoon Kindergarten, so he doesn't have to wake up at 6am to do all of his breathing treatments and breakfast before getting to school at 8:20. We can get up at a leisurely rate and still get him to school. We'll see how it goes!

I'm pretty sure HE'S ready.

Role Model

My Dad's cousin Lenore turned 82 in June. She is one of the people I admire most in the world. She lives her life with passion and conviction. Here's a snapshot:

At 82 she is a yoga instructor. She started doing yoga under 10 years ago and trained to be an instructor in 2007/08.  She offers classes multiple days a week, specializing in yoga for those with physical limitations. She cares for a large garden - I think it's at least 1/2 an acre - and lives off the garden year round. She cares for a number of animals - most of them rescued. She keeps more than 10 fish tanks with tropical fish and amphibians. She is an outspoken advocate at both the city and state level for seniors and the poor ... She is active in mind and body and heart and I have learned so much from her. There is no way I can do her justice, so I will just share a few photos from our last visit.

If you are wondering, yes, she is the person who taught me how to make Pysanky (those eggs). She no longer produces any because she has a tremor in her hands. A terrible loss. She is very artistic and her eggs were gorgeous. Her life story could fill a book, but I'm not sure anyone would believe it. It is as incredible as she.

The New 30

I turned 40 this summer. Not sure where my 30's went. Not sure where this summer went. The celebrations lasted about a week and one hardcore friend sent me a birthday card every day of July (I think a few may have come in June, too). It was a variety of parties in a variety of groupings/scenarios, all just right for me. Thanks to everyone who attended and a special thanks to Miss Bluestars for throwing not one but three parties for me!

The barbecue the night before:

The Actual Day:

 The Hike/Picnic and Elegant Dinner/Slumber Party

After this, I crashed and burned for a few days. But the next weekend, we had another tea party with R and A!

Great times with great friends. I feel so fortunate.