We’re taking mom’s car - a VW Passat - in to the VW dealership Thursday. The check engine light keeps coming on. Uh oh! It’s been fixed with new parts 4 times now by 2 different mechanics. It’s the car I drive mom around in and the car I drive as my car’s heat/air is out and I haven’t had it looked at yet. My thought is that will cost a lot of money to fix. Money I’ll need to save up for. Head in the sand. Lots of car trouble going around here on the forum lately.

I bought a vacation package from Hilton dirt cheap almost a year ago when I stayed there a couple of nights. Why? I don’t know. Senseless really. They caught me at the right time. Anyway, it’s 4 days and 3 nights at your choice of 12 different places that includes New Orleans, Las Vegas, the Berkshires, Orlando, Scottsdale, Lake Tahoe, etc. With everything that’s gone on the past year, it’s almost expired and I haven’t used it. The only possible destination I could possibly fit in at this time is….the Smokies (my second home). That would make 3 trips to the Smokies this Fall/Winter. Don’t get me wrong. I’m grateful. I’d just much prefer the other places I’ve listed. Places I’ve never been. I’m reminding myself that this past year was tough and there was no way to use the package before now. I sincerely hope it works out that we can go. Fingers crossed.

I feel like the me that existed before my brother got so sick and I became heavily involved in keeping him alive. Actually, I feel better than the me that was. I’ve become stronger, wiser and bolder. It’s an incredible feeling and so very welcome. Long time coming.

I hope everybody has a peaceful day.