I can't believe it was 20 years ago today when we lost Elise. She would be 52 now. Hopefully she is watching out for her sister. DD was admitted to the hospital last night. Her new PCP saw her in the afternoon and sent her for a blood transfusion based on a hemoglobin of 6. She saw a gyno in the ER and was admitted at least for observation at this point. There will likely be some sort of surgery within the next week.

Today we leave the boat mid-morning and take a water taxi to St Thomas where we will stay for 2 nights. We have a reservation at a fancy restaurant tonight. Boy has there been a lot of good eating and drinking on this trip.

Have a satisfying Saturday!

Last night:

Liz, what a wonderful group photo of six handsome, happy people! Who dressed y'all? The white/cream on everyone is genius! Your yachting photos have been a joy to see. You really do look wonderful, girl. You so deserve it.

I'm glad to know that your DD is now getting the medical attention that her situation deserves. We're all hoping she gets the proper treatment and recovers fully.

I've been absent from here this week due to granddog sitting and walking and running around town on home remodeling errands. And although we're not in the Caribbean, we've found ways to enjoy ourselves.

Last night was one of the best times I've had in a while. DH and I went to the wonderful museum in town (which we're members of) for their monthly "After Hours" event. Last night's event was structured around solo performances by string members (violin, viola, cello) of the Louisville Orchestra. The two men and two women who performed at various galleries around the museum were unbelievably amazing musicians--technically and interpretatively. Their performances occurred in specific galleries that paired music and art from the same eras, e.g., Baroque, classical, romantic, modern, etc.

At some point I realized I was crying from the impact of the beauty I was hearing and seeing and the recognition that human civilization is one long history of horrors and victories, destructions and creations, vengeance and altruism. The night may be dark, but the sun always rises. I felt a peace and a release I haven't experienced since January 21st.

Ann your words about the music and our cycle of hope and despair have moved me so, and brought some comfort too.

Edited to add: I read it to DH to bring him some comfort too.

"Remember that all through history, there have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they seem invincible. But in the end, they always fall. Always."

The art/music combo sounds wonderful Ann! We need to do more cultural events!

"The night may be dark, but the sun always rises": The best way to look at life.

Oh wow, A hemoglobin of 6?!!! I'm so glad she's in the hospital. That is crazy low. I hope she has surgery soon.

I guess I never put it together how close the day you lost Elise is to your birthday. So many emotions. May her memory be a blessing. Especially that mega watt smile. How beautiful she was.

Love your picture.

We're on our way to coffee soon. DH woke up and said he needs a news black out today. I think its a good idea. He really admires Fareed Zakaria's analysis, so he is not going to watch anything but local news until Fareed's show on Sunday morning. After coffee, we are going to brave Costco on a Saturday afternoon. Might be the craziest thing we've done all week.

I am having very minimal amounts of side effects from the infusion. So relieved. Tonight we are going to hear a season sampler concert of the Minnesota Orchestra. The tickets and ****tails are deeply discounted, hoping to tempt people attend, and then sign up for season tickets. Our Orchestra is world renowed, and a huge source of civic pride. We really should take advantage of this opportunity more frequently.

Liz, I had the same response to the synchronicity of your birthday and Elise's passing. I know her memory is a blessing to you--and it is to all of us who've gotten to know her a bit through you this last decade or more.

Glad your infusion went well. Yes, Costco on a Saturday is nuts! Enjoy the Orchestra tonight!

A news blackout once a week could be a very good idea these days.

Yes, Elise died shortly after my birthday. In fact she had a crisis in the middle of the night on my birthday and had to go on IV morphine. We thought we would lose her that day. A friend brought a birthday dinner to me at Elise's home that night. But 14 years prior to that DS arrived 2 days before my birthday. Five years later my mother died the day before my birthday. And 3 years ago DH and I got married on my birthday. Lots of March ups and downs.