Iris and Lenja

About a week ago, my college friends Iris and Lenja came to Mathews for a visit.

We met at UVA in August 1982, which astonishingly means we've been friends for over 35 years.

(Thirty five years?  How is that even possible?)

Lenja (pronounced Len'-ya, rhymes with Kenya) lives in Cambridge, England, 

and Iris lives in McLean, Virginia.

During their visit we went to Bethel Beach and later had lunch in the Court House at Southwind.

It was warm enough to sit outside.

It was a wonderful visit.  We're already planning our next reunion, which may include a hiking trip through Portugal--once I'm done with my chemotherapy treatments next year.

Speaking of chemo, it's going reasonably well.  I've had two treatments thus far (one every two weeks) representing one complete cycle.  I'll need five more cycles, meaning I should be done in April.  Aside from some exhaustion, I really can't complain at all.  My white blood cell counts are very low, though, which just means I am more prone to infections and have to take precautions.  I'm supposed to steer clear of crowds and sick people and wash my hands frequently. 

Staying away from crowds is thankfully not a problem here in Mathews. 

Not a problem at all.

I hope all is well in your world.

Boats and Other Good Things

These boats out of water caught my eye

as I was driving to Bethel Beach a while back.

This one in particular seems slightly out of place.

In other news, this past week has really been a whirlwind of good things, not the least of which is reconnecting with someone I haven't seen in 35 years. There will be plenty more to tell about that in the weeks to come, as usual I have enough swirling in my head to write a book. And when my daughter goes away to college, I'm going to do just that.

Speaking of my daughter, she traveled to Tappahannock yesterday to interview for a scholarship that would pay $6,000 per year if she wins it. Even if she doesn't win it, I'm very proud of her for taking the time and effort to drive the hour for the interview on her precious day off from school.

Friday I reconnected with one of my very scarce first cousins, Mary, whose son was undergoing a risky surgery in Georgetown to help correct a situation caused by a very rare genetic disorder. He came through the surgery just fine, and we had a marvelous time catching up with each other. That night I visited my friend Iris, who lives in McLean. Our 30-year college reunion is in June.

I cannot believe I just typed that number. I've been out of college 30 years?

Another nice surprise was receiving an email from two readers in Vermont.

Who knew I had two readers anywhere, much less in Vermont?

I always enjoy hearing from anyone out there, it makes me feel there is a purpose for continuing on with this silly website. I do it mostly for my own entertainment, but if it brings a smile to someone else, all the better Anyway, that was a nice surprise.

So, for now, I'm venturing to say that in spite of the awful year that was 2015, which included major upheaval and a near-death experience, 2016 is going to be my year.

So far, we're getting along famously.

Cormorants

These cormorants were enjoying a sunny day off Aarons Beach recently.

I've been busy busy busy just doing the usual, every day things.  I'm struggling with the fact that summer is over and only three (likely short) months stand between today and Christmas.

Next Wednesday Daughter turns 17.  She's requested dinner at her place of employment (and my favorite local restaurant) Merroir. She's juggling a very full workload at school these days, and we're both eager for the college application process to be behind her.

Otherwise, it's just business as usual around here, nothing too exciting or out of the ordinary.

And that's just fine with me.