Each wonderful fall weekend when we can play golf is a such a bonus. After an enjoyable and restful week in Alpine, WY, it was nice to come home and be able to play golf with the gang on Saturday. It was a truly delightful day with the sunshine and the gang. Yesterday, we played with Roy Kay (one of my former board members) and Bob Marler who is a retired Army Lt. Col. and a former HK Contractors Vice-President. Bob was interested in talking about Joe and his career. He is all about our boy and his Army career. He wants to meet Joe and talk with him. I hope it happens. He assured me that Joe will be safe doing his job. It was a good time. The guys asked me if I ever got tired of driving the ball down the middle and R piped up and said that I have to play in the middle so I have time look for the guys' balls. Made me laugh.  I also closed out my round of 85 with a chip-in for a par on number 18. Great way to end a season, if it's over. Right now, next weekend isn't looking too bad for weather.

The time in Alpine was relaxing.  I re-read Jack Kerouac's "On The Road." I last read it in 1980. It's funny how books affect you differently at different times in your life. This time, all the references to Denver had much more meaning to me since I've spent some time in Denver. I recognized the street names and places to which he referred. Isn't is interesting how we can watch the same movie or read the same book as another person and glean a totally different experience? I guess it's just that we perceive everything from our own perspectives and project our own experiences and feelings on what we see and read.

Last Wednesday afternoon, I had a blond hour. I went out on the balcony of our third-floor room to smoke. I was aware that the door's lock was quirky. I meant to take my cell phone and my room key, but didn't. Yup, I was stranded for over an hour. The maid finally showed up and let me in. She was Spanish-speaking and she just laughed at me. I didn't forget my key and cell phone after that. I got a good laugh from it and so did R.

R's crew enjoyed the lunch we bought for them last Tuesday. It was the last day they were all there together on the Alpine project. Some of them headed to Jackson the next day. It was fun listening to their banter. They are a bunch of real construction workers. I thanked them for looking out for R when he was sick. They said they knew he was sick because he was "nice." I had to give R some grief about not being nice all the time. I admire those young guys who can go out and do physical labor for 10 to 12 hours a day. They do a great job for R and the company.

R is in Jackson at Teton Village now. I'll go up the week after next. I've got all my doctor, dentist, broker and hair appointments next week. I can't wait to sleep in the fine beds at the Red Lion Hotel in Jackson. You can't imagine how comfortable their beds are.

Joe and his sweet bride are in San Francisco and Monterey this week. I hope they have the time of their lives. I'm thinking they're looking at making me a grandma. The last time we spoke, he made comments about wanting to have kids and a dog. Can you imagine what a fool of a grandma I would be? And... I think Patsy is nuts over her grandkids. Hold me down if I ever have a grandbaby. I'll be totally silly and out of control. I might even decide I like to shop again. The thought of holding a grandbaby in my arms gives me goosebumps.

From my more-than-you-need-to-know file: Except for the all-t00-frequent hot flashes, the menopause thing is going fairly smoothly. It's been nearly two months since I've dealt with Aunt Flo. I'm liking that part. I haven't noticed anything else going awry so I'm good with all this. I think a good attitude and a healthy sex life are good antidotes for menopausal changes.

December 5th, the day we leave for Jamaica for 11 nights, is getting close. Can't wait!

Damn...I've said way too much so I'm off to the hot tub and TV now. Sleep tight my friends and fellow scholars.