Exhausted

I can't believe it's already December 7th. Friday, Saturday and Sunday I worked hard on finishing the house for the cookie party...and making cookies. Joni, Catherine and Sue all came by and helped over the last weekend or so. Don't think I could have done it without them. Sunday was very fun. I'll post pictures tomorrow. There is still so much to scan and put on the blog from October. It's just been so busy for me. It should start to slow down soon.

Lakeland is working out well, but we walk so much. I'm not use to that any more, I'll adapt. Still seeing lots of old friends who ask about Dave or just give me a hug. One nurse asked about Dave and didn't know he had died since he didn't come to the hospital, she said "he must have died at home"....yes. At that moment I felt so proud of what we had all done. Allowing Dave to be with his dogs and friends and family. We did good.

peace, love, groove

Didn't realize

Still so happy to be home with my job. Today I drove less than a mile in 3 minutes or so, others had an hour drive in the ice. We're moving to a new office. Lot's of fun. Can't wait to make it our personal space. The one thing is...... seeing old friends and talking about Dave. I didn't realize that could be so hard. Today it was. I found myself starting to cry. I think part of it is I held so much at bay trying to do what I had to and now that pressure is gone. I do miss Dave so much.

Thanks for all the continued support you all give to me. Annual Christmas Cookie party is this Sunday. Busy is good.

peace, love, groove

ends and beginings

Pictures: gravy time; plus turkey time; Mark; Ben learning gravy duty; Bob and Katie; Jean, Erik and Ev; Mark and Jennie; moving the ramp....x3; the Maki niche before the plaque; angel looking over Dave.

Okay, So the new update...sorry it's been a few days. Thanksgiving at the other Maki's was great. Good food and Ben Maki is learning gravy duty to take over for Dave. Thanks Ben...it's in good hands. Friday at 10am we went to Riverview Cemetery to see Dave's ashes put in the niche. Wow! Of course I had to touch the container several times. It was very low key. For lack of a better song, I sang the one that had been in my head for 2 day...... "Brand New Key" as I gave everyone a hug. Maki's, YaYa's and Mister Edd were represented. It was very cold and windy....but we made it through. Then we came over to our house for brunch and I got help moving the deck ramp and a couple other things. I went back to the cemetery on Saturday to make sure everything was back in place and took a couple pictures. The plaque should be here soon.

First day back at Lakeland today....lots of hugs and support. Thanks everyone! It was a good choice and I'm happy. Have to admit I had a few tears.....missing you Dave.

peace, love, groove.

Dinner last Tuesday

Pictures: Catherine, me and Michelle; the ginger bread house.

Dinner at Tippecanoe Place in South Bend. The rooms were beautiful, food was very good, company was great!

Traverse City trip

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Pictures: Julie and Lee at Red Mesa Grill; Joni at Red Mesa; dinner at Poppycocks; Julie's meal; Lee's meal; Joni couldn't resist the babysitters (the adults are hiding so their not in the picture).

Great memories from my last business trip to Traverse City. So many good restaurants there. Joni couldn't resist taking some pictures of our dinners. Red Mesa Grill has the best Margarita's in the world...well in Michigan for sure. Thanks for going with me Julie and Joni!

Done......Done.....Done

I know.. a turkey is done, I am finished. I can't believe a whole week went by and I didn't have any time to write. Lot's to catch up on. Yesterday was my last day in sales....back to a clinical job Monday. Last week I made my last trip to Traverse City. Had 2 inservices that day (GR and Holland) and then met 2 of my YaYa friends in Holland and they came along. It was so fun to have them with me. We ate and drank all evening, had a great room with a bay view and then they sat in the car all day Friday while I did all my stops coming back lake side. It was good to get done and SO fun to not have to drive alone. Monday night I had dinner with Catherine and an old friend Michelle at a beautiful restaurant in SB. Great to be with them. Tuesday I had lunch with 5 of the nurses that have the same job I did in Kalamazoo. So great to spend some time with them. They are a group of beautiful, inspiring and smart women. Hang in there friends! Wednesday I had to turn all my "stuff" in at 11:30. Car, printer, computer etc. My trunk was full. Best thing is I don't have all this extra shit in my house. YEAH! Then lunch with current and old work friends in GR. I had 2 beers for lunch...how fun. Linder gave me a ride to Holland and Catherine brought me home. A new chapter has definitely begun.

Today the Maki/Smiths are having dinner at Phil and Loni's. I plan to bring all the cards and letters I got so everyone can look through. Have some more thank-you cards to get done too. I just keep thinking the last week how rich Dave left me. I'm more than thankful. Love you Dave.

peace, love, groove

Leaves....falling down

Pictures: the maple tree is turning..the leaves are falling; camp fire in the front yard; fall clouds.

Busy day getting things in line for my job change. Went to the Humane Society today and gave them some things....towels and old leashes. I also sponsored a large cage for a year in honor of all who came and helped us in Dave's last month or two. I didn't have enough room to put every one's name or even initials..but know it's for all of you. Meals, sitting with Dave, taking him to appointments, bringing by and loaning us equipment, helping getting him to his chair and to the car....... I just didn't know how to really thank you all. So I hope we all will be helping some cats and dogs at the local Humane Society. There will be a sign that says "Dave Maki's PLG friends". Thanks to you all from the bottom of my heart.

love, peace, groove,

Lee