Remember me?

It's been a long time since my last post. I'n about to turn 75, an age which I never thought I would reach, and one which makes one reflect on one's journey, choices, paths both taken and not taken.

But I'm not going to do that here! I'm going to try to catch everyone up on what's been happening the last 6 years without putting anyone to sleep.

One thing that hasn't changed is that I'm still teaching/helping people with their Apple devices - iPhone, iPad, computer and a new addition, the Apple Watch. I still love what I do. I've always loved teaching and sharing, but I have also learned that I am what is called a Geek. Or a techno nerd. I just love working with and learning about these devices and their technology.

In addition to that, I love my clients. They are almost without exception interesting, fun, appreciative, and are constantly challenging me to learn more about all you can do with these devices. I'm helping once client submit his book (after I helped him write it on his computer) to literary agencies. I helped another client figure out how to submit her creations to websites so she can reach more potential clients. I've helped people design their websites. I've helped many clients design and order their holiday cards. And so on. I've had many new challenges, and one of the things I love about Apple is how intuitive their devices are, it's easy to figure things out (I hear my sister say to me - easy for you maybe!).

I email a monthly newsletter to clients and friends with Apple news, tips, articles, etc. I have also added Bookkeeping services - I have two full-time clients for whom I keep track of all their income and expenses and then generate reports for them to take to their tax preparers.

All of this keeps me busy and also gives me a social life. What I mean by that is I no longer drive (I have trouble lifting my right foot/leg which is not a good thing when driving) and therefore teach out of my house. My clients come to me. Which means I have little parties every day. Well, not exactly, but it's almost like that because I enjoy it and them so much.

The really big news is that my daughter-in-law, Brenda Rodgers, has moved down here to the Bay Area (East Bay) from Seattle and is now my caregiver. She comes once every weekend and not only does my grocery shopping for me, but also helps me with whatever I need help with, ie does the laundry, changes my sheets, takes out the garbage, etc. I couldn't live on my own anymore without her help. She also takes me out into the world. I have a transport wheelchair which is light and folds up easily, so we pop that into her car and off we go. We go to the movies, out to eat, visit friends, etc. I don't use a wheelchair at home (I have a rollator for that), but having the wheelchair gives us peace of mind. We don't have to worry about my leg suddenly not working anymore, which used to happen. I'd be with friends and suddenly they'd have to lift my right leg for every step. Not fun. So now we can do whatever we want to (that doesn't involve stairs) for as long as we want to. I also have a friend nearby who has become an essential part of my life - he shares my passion for music, dance and theatre and is very good with the wheelchair. We have gone to many incredible productions together. People tell me they not only don't mind taking me out in a wheelchair, they actually like it because we get special treatment, get seated first in restaurants, get great seats in theaters, and it helps with parking because of my handicap placard. I'm happy to oblige!

The third part of the triangle that is my support system is my sister, Trish. She has moved back to Oakland, which is not far from me, and also helps me and is always available when I need her. I'm very very lucky. I had my Village when I needed it back in 1980, and I have one now. I also have other wonderful friends in the area, and my clients are always offering to help me, get me something if I need it. How lucky can a girl be?

Other news. My cousins on my father's side (the Druce/Droshnicops) reunited for the first time in a long time in May 2015 for my cousin Joanie's wedding. Back in the day when I grew up in New York, everyone lived close to each other and we would get together often, not just on holidays. We all liked each other. Well, it was our parents who did all the planning and as we all moved away and our parents passed on, we got out of touch. When we met at the wedding, we discovered we still liked each other and decided to have annual reunions. We have stuck to that plan, meeting in upstate New York, PARIS, the Berkshires and then just a week ago in Florida again for my cousin Joanie's stepdaughter's wedding. Unfortunately my sister and I had to miss that one. Hopefully we won't miss any more of them. I LOVE my cousins.

What else is new? I watch a lot of tv and boy is there a lot to watch now - good stuff. There are so many streaming channels now - Netflix, Amazon Prime, Acorn, Apple TV+, Hulu, Britbox, MHz. It's overwhelming. If anyone is searching for something good to watch on tv, just email me. If you haven't watched Fleabag, Killing Eve, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Kominsky Method, Grace and Frankie....do so now, go past GO, trust me, you'll thank me.

I also read a lot and can also recommend some books to you. My only complaint in life is that there just aren't enough hours in the day!

OK, I think I can hear some of you snoring. Thanks for listening, or rather reading. Let me know your news. Come and see me if you're in the neighborhood.

Happy New Year and best wishes for a healthy and happy new year.

Laurel

P.S. I just read this to proof it and I see that I use the word LOVE a lot. Well, I'm not replacing it. It is an accurate expression of how I feel!