Way too much bureaucracy in education if I'm reading correctly. Just as way too many lawyers in US society.
OSB, never easy, but think of the physicians (esp. the ER folks without relationships) who have to do that daily.
M
M

Dear friends, I know it is Sunday and no longer Friday but I just felt the need to post that my lifelong friend Barbara has died. She is no longer suffering so for that we are all truly grateful. But how I will miss the dear and loving friend that always faced all the troubles and heartbreaks in her life with such good grace and gentleness.

I thank all of you who have responded to me these past weeks. You will never know how much it is appreciated.

A reminder to all of us to stay in touch with our friends no matter how busy we are, to hug them and to let them know how much they are loved and appreciated and honored.

Dear LoveItaly,

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Barbara's dear friend, during this time. May her family find comfort and peace.

Yes, our friends are special...

LoveItaly, I am so sorry for your loss, and treasured friends are a huge loss ... @};-

OSB and LoveItaly--My thoughts are with both of you.

LoveItaly--While you are grieving, maybe this will put a little smile on your face. I noticed a sign in our small town yesterday for an Onion Festival coming up soon. I thought of you immediately:)

LoveItaly, you have had more than your share of sorrows and troubles lately. My kindest thoughts are with you.

LoveItaly, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Having just been through a similar situation myself, I know that you really do feel a sense of relief knowing that your friend is no longer suffering. Especially in light of the problems she'd had with insurance. But that doesn't make it easy. She was very lucky to have a good, caring friend like you.

OSB, you too are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm so sorry you and your husband are having to go through that.

Thanks to all for your sympathies. We all feel terrible for the families involved.

..and to LoveItaly: I want to add my sympathies to you for your loss. I have never lost a close friend and dread the thought!

Do know that, although perhaps not all are close, you have many friends here on Fodor's!

Belle

Thank you dear friends, I was the one blessed to have Barbara as my friend.

And Belle, I just this moment read and realized what your husband has gone through with his employee. Work related deaths are terrible and I cannot even imagine how your dear husband felt having to deliver the news. My prayers to all of you. And to you also CAPH as you know.

Life goes on but sometimes there is a point in life when it does seem a bit overwhelming and sad.

And dear Patrick, I know you too are going through so much with your loved ones. I truly admire the way you carry on. You are an inspiration to me.

Hugs to all of you.

Rave.
Virginia Tech football team. Total points after three games, Hokies 141-opposition seven.

Rave.
The Georgia gas station on I-95 just south of the Carolina line selling gas @ 2.559. Filled up there Friday and today on way to BIL funeral in St Augustine. Most others along the way were 2.79/2.99.

rant.
I-77 westbound closed this afternoon at NC/VA line. Detour took an extra 1 1/2 hours from Charlotte to reach I-81 in Roanoke.

Our beloved LoveItaly, I am so sorry for the loss of your lifelong friend. I hope you can feel the hugs from all of your Fodor friends around the world. Remember that your dear Barbara lives on. She is in a happy and peaceful place and she is your new guardian angel. A thousand hugs to you, our dear friend.

Oh PM, thank you dear one. And you know what? Barbara was always my guardian angel..all my life. I would have never passed Chemistry without her. I would have never made it through other losses in my life including my dear husband without Barbara's strength, kindness and love. Thank you again dear PM, and yes she is now in a peaceful place. I even thought awhile ago I bet my late DH offerred her a glass of wine, they did so enjoy sharing a glass of wine and some french bread, cheese and salami, LOL.

Thank you for giving me a smile. And thank you for your very kind words. I am so touched by all the love and kindness, it truly helps.

LoveItaly, I am very sorry to hear the sad news. I know you were very worried. I hope you find some comfort in your warm and loving memories.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Oh LoveItaly,

I'm so sorry for your loss, I'm no good at condolences - It's probably my 'British Reserve'.

If I was with you I'd just give you a big hug to show you how I feel for you, old friends can never be replaced, they know everything about you without you having to explain anything because they were there!

Just remember the good times, and I bet you had a few :-)

love and stuff
Alyson x x x

Oh Simone and Alyson....thank you! And talking about British reserve, in a way that is my problem also....I tend to shut down. But this time I can't. Old friends, they know everything about you, how true! Sorry, I can't stop crying but thank you so much dear ones. And hugs back to both of you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Rave: The UK is almost here. And then the QM2 back home to our beloved NYC.

Rants: None or no one worth a mention, lol. Life is too valided to give the noise an ear.

Have a great week.

{{{LoveItaly}}} I'm so sorry.

Lee Ann

LoveItaly
I like the picture you painted of your husband and your friend having wine and cheese together! May you continue to find comfort in your memories and peace in God's love.

LoveItaly,
I am so very sorry to hear about your loss. A big hug goes out to you.

Thank you for giving me the reality check I need to cherish my loved ones and not take them for granted.

My heart goes out to you!

So sorry for the loss of your friend LoveItaly.