• added about 15 new items to my blog roll.  THE CRAZY BABY MAMA reads some really good shit
• sat in my EDDIE’s chair doing a bit of work while NANI wrote more thank you notes.  today she hit #80. she still has probably 150 more to go.  she writes an individual memoir to each person that sent a condolence note or signed the book at the funeral.  it’s a daunting task.
• listened while NANI shared the story of how she and EDDIE met.  i’ve heard the legend hundreds of times but i never get sick of it: he was stationed in texas and their mutual friend MARG invited them both over for shabbat dinner.  EDDIE offered to drive NANI home.  the next weekend they were supposed to go out on a date but NANI was sick with a bad cold and wanted to cancel.  EDDIE, having already marched 26 miles that day (i’m pretty sure this part is pure legend) offered to come and sit.  so there she was in bed, in blue and white striped pajamas, her hair in pigtails, and there he was, bare feet propped up while he sat beside her in a chair.  NANI FANNY (NANI’s mother), was fairly certain that it wouldn’t last, EDDIE was too well off (meaning, he had a car) but after meeting EDDIE only once, NANI’s father proclaimed, “she’s going to marry that man.”  it should also be noted that there’s a parallel story that involves EDDIE spitting MILK OF MAGNESIA out all over NANI’s front porch – but somehow that story didn’t come up today.
• took NANI to the cemetery.  EDDIE is buried next to NANI FANNY (well not, directly next to her, there’s room for NANI in the middle – you might think this is morbid but somehow i find comfort in the planning…whatever) so we obviously visited both graves.  as we were leaving the house NANI remembered that she wanted to bring fresh cut roses from her garden but there was only one of the quality that she required and so we brought just one, rationalizing EDDIE probably wouldn’t want a flower anyway.  the cemetery is huge with rolling hills.  the graves are all completely flat because during world war II (apparently) there was a fear that the japanese fighters would be able hide behind the gravestones.  NANI FANNY and EDDIE are buried on a steep hill and while that means its difficult for NANI (i told her she basically went for a hike) it does make for a beautiful view.  once i had NANI stable, i got down on my knees and laid my hands on the warm grass.  it still doesn’t feel real.
• watched NANI eat an entire hamburger
• met the LA RED HEAD for fro yo at TWIST.  i freaking love this place and i love spending time with her.  i know i didn’t share a lot about my time away from blogging but this girl came through for my family in a major way.  when i told NANI i was meeting her for yogurt, NANI said, you the SINGING RED HEAD (guess who’s got a new nick name?).
• chatted with DIDDY – so glad she’s back in my life

alright, NANI’s about to get out of the shower which means it’s time for dinner – in bed.  cuz that’s how we roll.