Don't usually write twice a day, but...

what a great day in a strange and pleasing way. After I got the wash done, walk and watched some a.m. TV, I was off to visit the parents. Stopped by the grocery store on the way in - buy some rolls for them and some ginger ale and salsa for me. I am getting used to eating at home more now that the school year routine is over - and that is a good thing. Parents gave me a report on the luncheon they had for friends on Thursday. Good visit. I had thought of walking to Blue Back to see if any new stores/restaurants were open, but I decided against more walking and came home.

When I got home, I called my brother to confirm that he and his wife were in Tanglewood, MA for the outdoor concert and fireworks - a beautiful place! So, with their blessing, I was off to their backyard to sit by their pool and swim and read. Their pool is so secluded a "clothing optional" feeling took over the afternoon for me and it was an incredible feeling in the water and in the lawn chair. Great afternoon!!!! Too bad nobody their to share the setting with...but a great feeling nonetheless. I am also loving my book - "Confucius Lives Next Door - What living in the east teaches us about living in the west." Great thinking about what works about the eastern way of thinking versus our western ways.

I can't wait until my brother and his family go away for their Maine vacation - I am volunteering for house/pool sitting post haste!

Also, when I was wearing clothes, I was looking sharp today in my "lifelibertyhappiness" T-shirt and my stars and stripes Old Navy flips flops - both gifts from one of my beach visitors. I love both and my friend! She knows me better than I know myself when it comes to conspicuous consumption.

Former life thoughts came to mind today when I heard Jesse Helms died this a.m. on the 4th of July - how ironic! I remember his line "Why build a state zoo, just put a fence around Chapel Hill". It was also interesting to read David Brinkley's biography showing how Jesse Helms came into the public view to counter balance Brinkley's liberal voice on Wilmington NC radio. Who would have thought - he took that platform and made the most of it. Also interesting that he died the same week of Rush's mega contract - Helms paved the way for him and his buddies...

I am now home and having a glass of wine and all and all feeling pretty - "I am a lucky girl". A great way to spend a holiday and only reinforces my more life less work post 7/1/08 life. It is not the first time I have tried this - but it feels more right this time.

Nothing but good thoughts for the two more days in my long weekend. I wish I could think of a stronger phrase than "I am a lucky girl", but I think you get the message that "life is good" in my silly life way.

I hope you are enjoying this holiday as much as I am.