Leah's Journal

30 December 2003

My final period of active duty as a Naval Reservist is almost at an end. It has been a good one..........with a lot of liberty! My efforts were not required from 24 December until 29 December and this will probably be a short week also. Still, I am getting a lot accomplished here in the Reserve Liaison's office addressing the needs of demobilized Reservists relative to evaluations, fitness reports, awards and letters of appreciation/commendation.

I spent Christmas with Eileen and her family for the third year in a row. On Christmas Day, we went to the Floto's Open House - an annual event. The hostess was in a panic when I arrived because the guest who is usually responsible for the turkey gravy wasn't there. I was asked if I knew how to make gravy. Since I usually figure that I can do just about anything, I answered in the affirmative while culling deeply into my memory and remembering Mother during her gravy-making process. I called for an empty mayonnaise jar - no other kind would do - and some flour. MaryAnn's flour was really nifty and dissolved in the water in a flash........NO LUMPS!!! To my complete and utter amazement, the gravy was perfection! Thank you, Mother!

Last trimester's grades are in - I could not have done better - go figure.
Since surviving enduring stress beginning in mid-November, I have done a lot of relaxing here. Have enjoyed, or at least seen, four movies so far. Lost in Translation, Calendar Girls, Something's Gotta Give .......and another one whose title escapes me. Something's Gotta Give was really funny as was Calendar Girls although I don't think the critics were as enamored as I......at least in the case of Calendar Girls that is based on a true story..............after talking to Rita, I checked the newspaper and remembered that I had also seen Mona Lisa Smile. It was a pleasant bit of fluff.

I had to buy another suitcase to accommodate all of the 75% off stuff that I bought at the Exchange. It is better to pay for an extra suitcase than it is to pay an overweight charge at the airport and the suitcase cost less than would the charge. United Airlines permits two checked bags at 50 pounds each.

I am thankful daily that Mother's "episode" has resulted in no apparent damage. In vain, I have been trying to have a conversation with her doctor. Have left countless messages and have had two talks with his office staff. He is supposed to return my calls - nothing yet. I feel as though I have failed the rest of the family in my position as "family medical contact". I'm not giving up and will phone again this AM.

In the meantime, some award citations need my attention...................