I finally got an image onto my header, and began playing around with the colours for my header and dates. I realize for many people these are very basic changes they are capable of making on their blogs, but for me it is a learning curve that I am proud to be tackling. I figure that I'll play around with the basic options for another few days, and then I plan on 'unveiling' my blog by sending the link out to my friends and email contacts. I am still getting used to writing on a more regular basis, and figuring out what it is I want to write about and share in such a public forum. I am envious of those who began early in the blogging world, and therefore were less self-aware as those of us just jumping in now. But, regardless of my belated start, I am looking forward to this experience.
Rain and grey skies here in the midwest combined with a headcold that I caught from my daughter make me want to crawl back into bed with a good book, but I've promised myself I'll get out and accomplish at least some of the items on my list before giving in to the weather, my stuffy nose and sore throat.

A beautiful day in the northern plains, I meet a friend and take a walk around the local park. There was a time when that was an excursion that would take preparation and tremendous efforts. Now, with 2 children grown and out of the house, and the last two in middle and high school, I can tie my shoes, and throw on a jacket and be out the door in one minute. It almost reminds me of the sense of freedom I had when I moved into my first apartment. It took me awhile to remember that I didn't have to tell anyone where I was going (much less ask permission). Having my children grow up brings back so many memories of when I was a newly hatched adult. The feeling of unlimited horizons ahead of me, and no one to tell me what I should or shouldn't do. Stay up all night, eat a whole avocado for lunch, drink cheap wine, and throw up in my own toilet (not to mention cleaning it up later). All the good and bad and in between choices that I have made so far have brought me to this point in my life. It is an interesting place to be, and in general I am happy to say I have no regrets. Today, the sun shines in a cool blue sky, and I have a to do list of my own making, to follow or ignore as I choose. May you be as lucky as I feel today!

After a brief (well, maybe not so brief) time away, I am finding time and interest in returning to the idea of my own blog. Fortunately, as I been wrestling with other parts of my life, blogger has gone through some changes so I am going to be able to customize the look of my blog more easily (I am told). This week I intend to do a full redesign which I am hoping will also make me invested enough to want to return on a regular basis and use this blog as I initially intended to use it (more than once a year?) Now, I am sorting through images, considering color combinations and other design elements to be unveiled in the coming days. Good fortune to all of you as well!