Robert Parker

overcast, foggy, wet snow, temps freezing

Going nuts getting things done. Heading to Montreal tomorrow, so need to be all sorted out here before we leave. Michael and I have been going flat out. Loads of laundry, packing (dear Lord how can my suitcase be full??? My plan was to just bring two bathing suits, a cover-up and books - what is filling up the suitcase???)

You won't believe it, but we've book a butler-level suite at Sandals. And, among other things, he actually unpacks. Hope he also packs up.

Five sleeps to the trip.

Robert Parker died earlier this week. So sad, and so young...just mid-70's. I started that last sentence with "poor Robert...' but took out the 'Poor'. We all die - but wow, did he ever live. Great life, I think. Doing what he loved, and respected for it.

I remember reading the obits of Paul Newman and realizing I couldn't feel badly that he'd died, because he'd lived so fully.

I think, after the Sandals experience, I can die happy too. Just, please Lord, not before!

Thank you for all your lovely comments about the Edgars. Feeling better - these bruises don't last long. But kindness always helps the healing. Thank you!

This Friday Michael had a morning eye doc appointment in Montreal, the I'm off to see our nephew Charlie play in a hockey tournament. He's visiting from Toronto. Friday is also Michael's son's birthday. He's coming to the apartment for drinks, then the two of them are heading out for dinner. A friend, Ron, died on Saturday. he was in his 90's and had also lived a rich life, filled with art and friends and delight. His funeral is Friday. Shaping up to be a busy day.

Breakfast Saturday with Mary - our sister-in-law (charlie's mom) and her mother - Chez Nick's, on Greene Ave.

Did my first Skype event this morning with students at Alexander Galt Regional Highschool in Lennoxville. They'd read a few of my books, and one student even wrote a poem about Bean. I asked her to email it to me. it was amazing. Such fun to speak with them about books and writing and choices...and to hear the questions they had.

What a fabulous thing Skype is - to actually see people from a distance in real time.

Kirk just called - he's on the way with the upholsterer to take the sofa and two arm chairs from the living room. The ones I've mentioned before...made of stone. Better then than me lifting them. Must dash. It is after 4 and I'm still in my pajamas. Another great thing about Skype...who knew I spoke to a high school class while wearing pajamas???

Take care - speak tomorrow.