A most important "Thank You!"

Today I'm feeling happy and grateful, so I wanted to put down into words what my special friendship with Corinne has meant. I don't want to wait to write this when I'm under stress or sad. She has cancer, so I will have to say "goodbye," but today I just want to say, "thank you!"

We have had so many adventures together and I have memories in my heart, and mementos in my home! Whether it was a stroll around Valley Fair way back in December of 2010, or a tour through the Winchester Mystery House just this week, I've always have a great time with her that really can't be measured.

Corinne in front of the house

Sylvia in front of the house

There is a ghost like figure in the window in the left photo, but not on the right!

I've never been that much of a shopper, but with Corinne we seem to find sweet deals! It started early on in our outings when I bought a fantastic necklace in downtown Campbell.

Coral and Turquoise find!

Of course one of my best deals was a Coach purse that I think was called "Candace" but I refer to it as my "Corinne!" I actually have items that make me think of Corinne each and every season.

Spring, summer, fall and winter I always think of Corinne!

Things aren't what really matter. It is the love, laughter, and real deep discussions that we've had that will make the most lasting impression. Whether it was going to Capitola in March of 2013, Happy Hollow in October of 2013, or celebrating her 60th birthday in November of 2013, I have so many fond memories.

Does this mirror make my hips look huge?

Corinne's 60th birthday celebration

I've lived in the same 10 mile area my entire life, but somehow I always see new things when I'm with Corinne. Whether it's going to Los Gatos to eat or watch a movie in the retro upstairs theater room, or a day at Great America, I'm bound to do something unique. 

What a cool upstairs theater

We did some mellow rides and then she convinced me to get on a roller coaster. Never again!

Another fun trip was to San Francisco. We walked around where the "Birds" was filmed and around Union Square. We ended up at a jewelry store where her cousin worked and got our rings cleaned.

Closer to home we have spent a lot of time at Santana Row.  One day we took a wonderful shadow photo that I later used to make a keepsake for us. We call each other "Kindred Spirits" so I wanted to document our special bond in a lasting way.

Some of the other items that I treasure, because they make me think of Corinne, are shoes I bought for Italy,  a red dress that I got at Ross with a senior discount even though I was not quite 55, a candle that Corinne gave me, and inexpensive bracelets that we found at Bloomingdales.

Most of our outings have been based on just trying to go out and have fun. But, our most important journey happened in September of 2015 when we set out to watch the vote on the End of Life Option Act.  Before we got to Sacramento we got word that the vote wasn't going to happen that day. We were encouraged to keep driving and visit assembly offices.  So with the blind leading the blind when it comes to navigating through the Capitol building, we spent 5 hours having Corinne tell her story. I'm so proud of that effort.  Corinne also wrote an article about the bill.  I recently drove her back to Sacramento so she could meet with a lobbyist, representatives from Compassion and Choices, and an aide to the Governor to emphasize the importance of getting the special session of the legislature closed so an implementation date could be achieved.  We are both happy that a date in June is now established.  Now we need to get doctors on board, and get people educated in end of life matters. No one should have to die without dignity.  

My latest outing with Corinne was definitely up to par with all the rest. After going through the Winchester Mystery House we went to Maggiano's and had Happy Hour flatbread and Lemon Drop drinks! 

Then we went to Ross so I could look for inexpensive wall art for my backyard fence.  Of course, we found some deals. That's what I do with Corinne!

Now I feel Corinne outside as well!

I can't wait for our next adventure. Whether we are eating, drinking, or just walking arm in arm, I already know I will treasure it!  I love my kindred and I hope this blog shows her in a small way what an enormous effect she has had on me!

Treasures when you walk out the door!

It's amazing to me how people can sit inside when it's gorgeous outside. Today was 73 degrees, near perfect in my mind. So I went for a little walk. I drove to the Perc Ponds near my house and was planning on walking to downtown Campbell for a delicious Mexican Mocha. When I got to the coffee shop I opted for a frozen version which was more like a milkshake. It probably had more calories and compelled me to keep on walking. I continued on to the Pruneyard shopping center and gave myself a little treasure hunt. I went in search of all 19 food and entertainment spots.

As I was walking around Campbell I noticed some decorated transformer boxes. I particularly liked the one titled, " Art outside the box. "

I also found interesting art near bridges.

I stopped at the bridge to take in the sounds and smells.  Don't blink or you will miss the bird flying into the picture!

As I made my way back to my car I almost stepped on this little fella.  Always yield to nature.

 And again I yield to nature!

My health app clocked me in at over 5 miles and 10,000 steps.

Motivated by the nice walk I didn't even wait to get home to start writing this blog. I sat down on a bench and typed away. Unfortunately I can't figure out how to get photos into my blog from the phone so I will have to wait until I'm home and on my computer.

I will have walked more than five miles, and exercised both my body and mind.

Win, win!

 I came home and completed my blog, but not before I made myself a Cosmo!  It's just too nice of a day to sit inside at the computer.