Yes, I still miss Halloween. I won't go on and on about it. Part of what makes life precious is that it has an end. Mine, yours, everybody's life ends. I doubt I am the first to make this corollary or parallel: It is better to have lived and died than never to have lived at all. (Usually.)

        It is still Memorial Day Weekend. I enjoyed some things in my life, and I didn't enjoy others. I got some exercise.

        Back to work!

        Shannon Rose sent a few e-mail forwards for entertainment and informational purposes.

        I attended a retirement party for my former boss.

        I got sympathy cards from Vickie Estes and Tracey.

        I got sympathy e-mail from Sofia Wick. I also found out that Sofia and her family are moving to Cleveland this summer due to a scholarship Scott has at Cleveland State. Sofia said that although she grew up in the Cleveland area and has relatives there, she feels like Cincinnati is home now. She's going to miss Cincinnati.

        I talked to Vickie Estes about her own grief over her mother's death.

        Dr. Donna Summers called about my pet loss. She has been through the same thing on several occasions, including one within the past year.

        I had another moment of finality and tears when I picked up Halloween's remains in a cat-shaped urn at the veterinarian's office.

       The quarter and year ended on a bad note.

        Marcie Ehmann sent an e-mail asking how I was doing. Marcie was looking forward to the end of her school year, and she was looking forward to special times with her daughter Claire.

        I got sympathy e-mail from Monica Figueiredo. Monica also informed me that things are going very well for her family, and her family will be moving to India for a couple of years.

        I got sympathy e-mail from Kimberly Condit, a big animal lover herself. Kim had only just received the Newsletter because she has moved.

        My printer at home broke down. That was okay. It made me find some old photos of Halloween. Some of the photos were from 1992, when Halloween was just 2 years old, very active and healthy.

        I was ready to take a ride on my bike for morning exercise, but I found that my front tire was flat. D'oh! I went for a walk anyway.

        Later I went to the Cincinnati International Airport (in Covington) with my mother to pick up my sister traveling from California. It was an okay drive. I did the driving.

        I drove my mother and my sister to a bus stand. They are traveling to Chicago with a group including my other sister.

        I got a very nice sympathy card from Laura and Richard Merlini. I know they understand my grief. [It's getting better, but I still really miss the dear little girl.]

        Shannon Rose sent an interesting e-mail with photos. Instead of the lion lying down with the lamb, it was a tiger lying down with piglets.

        I bought new tires for my bicycle, and while I was at it, I bought a basic model bike rack for my car.

        I got pictures in the paper mail from Dr. Donna Summers. She had been to Europe recently. I also got a postcard from Donna about Halloween. She expressed something I have been meaning to say: We should take the lessons of unconditional love we get from our pets into our lives with others. Like others, Donna said that Halloween would be waiting for me in Heaven. I certainly hope so. She definitely had a soul that I hope is eternal.

        An instructor at UC gave me a large blow-up framed picture of Halloween on the computer. It was a sweet gesture. I am glad the instructor settled for the
picture instead of surprising me with a new kitty like she was at first thinking. I just am not ready for a new pet yet. It may be a while. I will know when the time comes again.

        Below is the best picture I have of Halloween and me together. There's no need to guess why this man is smiling.
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        It was a sad day for me. My best worker (since Ryan Tobergta) worked her last day and won't be able to work this summer, unlike was possible all the years past with graduating seniors. I am left with less reliable choices.

        Another worker called to say she had appendicitis.  She was in the hospital to have the surgery. She was not going to be able to work today.

        I picked up my mother and sister from the bus layover spot. They had a very good time in Chicago. They saw the play version of The Color Purple.

        The quarter and year ended with a thud.

        At least I had fun with K.F. and Tracey at an Olive Garden restaurant and at a Half-Priced Books store.

        I went shopping for a new phone for our house with my mother and sister (the one from California who is visiting). I took care of some other chores. By the evening, I was too tired to attend the housewarming party that Ryan Tobergta was having.