Another quiet week

This week wasn't bad. First three days were hectic getting the boss lady ready to go to PA to give her quarterly report to OPM. I worked on her Powerpoint briefing for nearly a week and must say, this is the smoothest one has moved along. Although I took it to the wire, there were very few changes. We printed 20 copies of the 21 page brief and sent her on her way. I had Wednesday afternoon, Thursday and Friday to myself.

Last Sunday was Slavica's birthday so on Monday we had a little celebration for her and one of the admins whose birthday was Monday. We got a big cake, hid it in a corner and with everybody gathered, sang the traditional "Happy Birthday" song. I had bought several garlands, a Happy Birthday sign and a child's paper crown and decorated her office door before she arrived. She does not like attention but I think she was tickled that somebody had fussed. The blabbermouths in the Assignments section ratted that I had done it. :o) She has warned me that my birthday is coming and that paybacks are in order.

While stringing the garlands, I had to step up on a chair and when I lifted my right leg, something snapped. I wasn't able to apply any weight on the leg to stand on the chair. I had to use the left. I did hang all the decorations but by noon, I was in agony. By the time I got home I couldn't get away from it. I couldn't sit, stand or lie down. David paid me my usual Monday appointment and when he arrived he put the table down and I was almost in tears. I said "Please put the table up - I need help now". He said "Oh my gosh, you're in pain". He worked on me for about 45 minutes and did free up the bone on bone pain. but there were a lot of knots in my leg from the muscle spasms. It's been a very long time since I've been that tied up. With David's skill and patience, he has helped me manage my pain for several years now.

Yesterday BJ and I had dinner together and then went shopping. The church mission team is returning to Russia in 3 weeks and I wanted to get some clothes for Lida, my 18 year old 'daughter'. We are corresponding weekly by email. She goes to a free internet cafe to send her messages and I use the online translator to read them. At one point, she asked me if it was true that I had said she was like my daughter. I told her it was true and I felt we had a bond between each other, from the first day I met her. As the messages keep on coming, she is now writing to Mama and that tickles me. My prayer is that she gets a chance for a better way of life than in Ivanovo.

Fall truly is here. There is a stretch of parkway on the way to my office and the leaves are turning now. Yellow, orange and red. Very, very pretty. I want to try to get to the farm market this weekend to find some Nittany apples. I was first introduced to them about 20 years ago by my first AA sponsor. They are crisp, juicy and delicious and always remind me of a new start.

Something must be wrong with me - nothing to complain about again.

God bless you all.