Friday the 13th

I was just looking through my blog, and see that yesterday's blog was number 400. Wow! I knew I was chatty, but that surprises me. Now it's a habit, and even though I don't often have special news to report, it's become a daily journal, and I sometimes refer back to remember when something happened or just to reread what I wrote. I'm glad to have it as a resource to look back on, and as time passes, it will serve when my memory doesn't.

I went in to Towson today and was fitted with a silicone prosthesis and mastectomy bras. My reconstruction surgery won't be until near the end of the year, so I'll have this to use for the next 5 or 6 months. Luckily, my insurance company pays for the prosthesis and 4 bras, since they are expensive. The bras each have a pocket on either side so that the prosthesis can be slipped inside where needed. There were two professional fitters who helped me to get an accurate fit. Very nice women and quite helpful. I'm pleased with the natural look of my new bust line. The prosthesis is weighted so that it fits naturally. It's comfortable and feels fine. I was a little surprised at the heft of it when I removed it.

Cathy and I went to Carolyn's for crafting today. Sharon is visiting with out of town relatives today and couldn't join in. The three of us worked with polymer clay, making some clay box lids that we stamped and then baked. Mine was a tea cup and saucer that I will paint now that it's baked. Carolyn has an enormous number of crafting materials in her studio, and we were like kids in a candy shop with too many choices. It was a lot of fun. We snacked on fresh strawberries, apples with caramel, nuts, cheese and crackers, Rice Krispie treats, jellied candies - and cold drinks. We had a lot of room in her studio to spread out and work. Carolyn's whole career has been in teaching art, so we were in good hands. She works quickly and efficiently, has all the necessary tools, and knows what she's doing. How can we go wrong?

I was very saddened today to hear that Tim Russert, the Washington Bureau Chief of NBC news and moderator of Meet the Press, died suddenly today of a heart attack. He was only 58 years old. I thought he was an excellent journalist, thorough but fair, and obviously well respected by his peers and fellow journalists and throughout the world. I spent some time listening to the tributes offered up by his colleagues, who seem bereft and shocked, knowing they have lost a very special and talented friend.

PHOTO: My African Violets in our kitchen window. Taken before Ming Poo knocked off the taller crackled glass vase and broke it. Now it's less cluttered, which is probably what she had in mind when she knocked it off. Click photo to enlarge.