The Wandering Widow-Day 3

For me, 2018 was a very good, terrible horrible year.

Oh sure, some years are better than others, but this one was shitastic. 

Our daughter married a wonderful guy and we were able to spend quality time with our funny, beautiful granddaughter. 

We took a month-long road trip and spent time with our son in Vancouver, Canada, with family in Monterey and four days in our favorite city, San Francisco.

Life was good- until it wasn't.

My brother-in-law finally succumbed to a long illness and my father was diagnosed with the same brain disease that took John McCain. We lost another close family member in the fall unexpectedly and of course...

My healthy, happy husband died suddenly of a massive heart attack. 

He took a walk on the beach and came home and collapsed on the couch.

He was, handsome even in death.

Of course, this doesn't make it any better for me- losing my favorite person in the world, my best friend and lover.

I'm dealing with it- because what other choice do I have? Mentally I am strong as hell, but over the last month, my body has rebelled and I've been as sick as I have ever been- as much as I tried to deny it.

But again, you move forward.

I am on a month-long road trip to try and get my inspiration and my sanity back. So far, I've seen some lovely scenery and the inside of an ER in Moab, Utah.

My darling husband would want me to go forward and be brave and happy. I'm going to do my goddamn best because I still have my family and friends and hopefully, 2019 with be kinder to us.
 

Day 6 - Blood is Thicker than Wine (Guest Blogger RTR)

Our two nieces came up to visit yesterday.

Great day highlighted by conversation, beach walks, Pacific 333, fresh peach daiquiris, BBQ lobster & trash talk! 

These gals came to play. They are a force to be reckoned. 

Another beautiful day at the trailer court. What a blessing to be here. Two minute walk to the Harbor. Three to the beach. I appreciate my life and do not take it for granted. My wife works her arse off- well not all of it- to round out our days with the proper amount of wine. Thank You!

The kids are enjoying themselves in Vancouver, BC. as depicted. They are a joy to behold!

Day 4- Unexpected Blessings- by Guest Blogger RTR

First off I would like to relate a truism about the 99 Cent store. Every time I visit, as I did this morning, without even trying, I get the best dressed award. This is not something I am proud of... just something I have noticed. But I am very proud of the savings.

On the way my wife called telling me our daughter needed a ride to the airport as her boyfriend was stressfully bogged down with business. What wonderful news for me. I would have the pleasure of seeing her off to Canada. Fantastic! And all went well.

As is custom, any time near the airport one must visit The Bali Hai Restaurant for one of their signature Mai Tais. Any one who knows my wife and I understand how we revere this tradition. And , of course, it did not disappoint. Wonderful conversation with new friends and of course, Olivia.

We invited our cousin to meet us for dinner at The Hills in La Mesa as we were, in town, so to speak. When she said yes, the day took another upturn. Great dinner with one of the nicest people I know.

Unexpected Blessings Indeed!