Tomorrow, I leave for the big trip! Not looking forward to the flights (16-18 hours worth), but flying first class should make a difference. Planning on seeing as many ancient ruins as possible. I'm already thinking ahead to the next cruise (Alaska). And would like to go back to Ireland. Will probably go to Virginia to look at ancestor type sites in Feb. And have put the word out that I will be retiring upon my return. I contacted the Navy college teaching programs re teaching on board ship. Or, it may just be nice to hang out and do nothing. My mother's surgery will be the first of the year. She wants to go to S FL first to say goodbye. Her sister's husband (the Flying Tiger) is very ill, and will probably not last long. I think this is a good thing for her to do. The kid's unit is imploding, and thank goodness, I am on leave. I expect a BIG mess upon return. And anticipate a nice Thanksgiving with family.

We met our latest grand-nephew yesterday. He looks just like his father, and is the most adorable child. My nephew is in the Navy and will be re-assigned to an AF Base in N CA next year. We talked about the new ship being constructed out of metal from the Twin Towers, and about the Navy in general. He encouraged me to apply as a ship board college prof. I ran the ship and sub college program several years ago, and really enjoyed it. This might be a good retirement gig. Things are quiet at work. I keep hiring people. We keep getting kids. The higher ups continue to want me to be at work at a time that would require a 2 hr trip in and another 2 hr trip back. It's a good time to retire. My trip is about 1.5 weeks away, and I have started packing. Can't wait!

The psychiatrist finally came back to work, after being in the hospital/out sick for two weeks. There is a lot of staff splitting with staff that do not belong to me, who are manipulating her, and she is wanting me to change my schedule. That would mean a two hour drive to and from work (four hours), and I'm not willing to do it. We've D/Ced the Eating, Schizoaffective, and Conduct D/O kids we had for over a year. New kids are rejects from kiddie prison, so they are severe Conduct D/O kids, and kids that no one wants. They are wearing my staff out. I've been under the weather with a couple of flus and my allergies are beating me up. On Saturday, my blood pressure went up to 160 something and would not come down. This was at the prison, and I only know because the nurse intervened. Anyhow, I have an appt to see my doc. My thoughts are this: I have overcome too much crap, to have my health compromised now. My mother has been to a couple of orthopedic docs, and will have a knee replacement end of November, or early January. She wants to wait until I am back from Europe. Speaking of...it is two weeks away. Yea!!! My newest great nephew will be visiting us next weekend. I have his picture on my bulletin board. He looks just like my nephew! Can't wait to hold him. Connor is on an "honors" swim team, and plays every other sport. He is one of the best things that has ever happened to me. I have his pictures in my offices, and just about every other place I look.