I opened up The Saratogian this morning and on the front page was a large picture of a wonderful person that I will call my friend: Terry Lee.
Terry has not been one of my friends that I call up to see if they want to do something or go somewhere. But to me, she has been more than that.
I first met Terry through my work as features editor and eventually society columnist with the paper. There was an instant connection.
But one of my most memorable connections were made when I was a patient - not once, but a couple of times in Saratoga Hospital.
For those who do not know, Terry has been executive director of the Saratoga Hospital Foundation for more years than she probably wants to admit. And, now sadly she is retiring and will, of course, be sorely missed.
During one of my somewhat frequent stays in the heart unit at the hospital, Terry never missed coming to see how I was doing. On one of the most memorable visits Terry came in my room just at the time I started to vomit. She never ran away, but held my head and patted me on the back. I was embarrassed but never forgot her act of kindness.
And, I'm sure it wasn't because we knew each other and were friends. She would have done it for any patient.
These were just acts of kindness that Terry showed over and above making the hospital what it is today.
Terry no matter what direction you take after your retirement at the end of October it will be a success. You deserve everything good in your life. So, now's the time to sit back and relax and know that your friends are near and will do whatever it takes to make your retirement a calm and wonderful one.
No one deserves it more than you.

I don't know what there is about it, I don't like the fall. Actually, that isn't really true.
I love the changing colors on the leaves; sometimes the warm autumn days and even pumpkins, scarecrows and tall cornstalks. And that's it.
After the heat of summer goes away for some reason every bone in my body shouts autumn and winter is on the way. My body knows. I'm telling you that is the truth. Maybe it has something to do with age - darn it!
But I don't let it get me down. This morning - as much as I didn't want to - I started exchanging my summer clothes for the fall and winter ones. What I really don't like are dark colors. I'm a bright-color wearing person.
The other night my husband and I were going out with friends. I was already dressed: winter white slacks with a fallish color blazer and white blouse underneath. My husband said the time had come to put the white pants away. I don't necessarily listen every time my husband speaks, but I do more often than not.
I got to get a little more backbone, but after being married for nearly 61 years it's a little difficult to change old habits. So off came the white pants and on came the black slacks. Ok, it did look better for the fall, but I'm still a bright-color person no matter what.
We all decided to try Augie's restaurant in Ballston Spa at its temporary site.
We weren't disappointed. Everything on the menu remained the same: the large portions of mainly delicious Italians dishes. One thing for sure I have enough leftovers so I don't have to cook all weekend. Maybe just make a nice green salad.
Augie was there to greet everyone. He's such a darn nice guy. All the waitresses were back at the helm being attentive with smiles and service as always. And, the place definitely seemed more spacious. We had a relatively long wait at the bar, but it didn't matter. Tory, the bartender at the old restaurant, hardly had time to breathe. But there's something about sitting at a bar that brings people together and it doesn't come from drinking. The time passes so fast.
Once seated, the four of us decided to share three appetizers - large enough to be dinner portions - and a main course enough so we brought the rest home. Augie's has always been known for portion size.
We ended by sharing the most scrumptious light cheesecake with raspberry sauce and to-die-for tiramisu. I feel the pounds already on my hips.
And, before you think Augie had anything to do with my praise, he has no idea.
For anyone who didn't know Augie's original restaurant - located in Ballston Spa - burned to the ground in August. He says he is going to rebuild. In the meantime we can enjoy his temporary site.
Maybe I shouldn't have written anything. I might have a longer wait to get in next time. They accept reservations for six or more.
So now that I have complained about the fall and upcoming winter season. I did end on a better note.
My new motto is bring on the cold weather. Who cares I'll cuddle up to our fireplace and watch my favorite sports on weekends  - mostly college and pro football. And all the Food Network offerings during the week.

Sometimes I wish the "Golden Years" hadn't arrived. Times when the back hurts; you get tired just bringing in the groceries; or you fall asleep in the chair during a movie you waited all week to watch.
But at other times being older has its rewards. One of them came last weekend when my husband and I traveled by train to the western part of the state to attend our granddaughter's baby shower.
What's kinda sad is I remember when she was born nearly 28 years ago. Now she and her husband, who live in Indianapolis, are going to be parents of a baby boy. Their due date is Nov. 22, which will be our 61st wedding anniversary. What a gift that would be. But chances are he will want his own birthday.
I look at Lauren now and can't imagine how fast she has grown up. She has her masters degree in education and teaches 3rd grade. And I can't help brag, she is a wonderful young lady who knows just how to handle her class. They, and the parents, love her. And I have proof.
Well, back to the shower. In my day the gifts would have consisted of a diaper pail for soaking cloth diapers; a crib sheet and cotton blanket (if you were lucky); a baby fork and spoon; and plenty of rubber pants and undershirts.
Now, it is more like you're opening a baby store. This shower was small compared to the one she is being given in later September in Indiana. Even though she received every necessary large gift: high chair, crib mattress, stroller, etc. I never knew there were so many adorable boys' outfits and so many neat items such as onezies, handmade blankets and pictures. Lauren has chosen elephants as the theme for her baby's room. So there was an elephant hamper and a neat painting done with a certain kind of shell in the elephant form. I could go on and on.

One last thing - well two actually. My daughter created the most beautiful decorations for her one and only daughter. She had everything decorated in blue (of course) that included balloons, a candy bar spelling out the baby's name, double-brownies with blue frosting and Italian cookies with blue frosting and a feast that was more like a restaurant opening.
The last thing that others may want to steal I thought was exceptional. On the original invitation it said instead of giving the usual baby card to replace it with a baby book. I don't think one person gave just one book. And, incredibly my granddaughter knew everyone. She said she was so thankful for the start of her baby's library. What a neat idea.
Now all I have to do is wait for the baby to arrive and I hope it's on my wedding anniversary. That would be the best gift ever.