I am feeling a bit more hopeful this week, but still upset about Henry whose health is having serious ups and downs. It's breaking my heart. He's still very happy to see us though which gives me some comfort. He still flashes that truly bizarre smile. Our friend Evans says he looks demented. But he's having major problems getting around. If he would just stay on the first floor things might be better, but he follows us up and down the steps all day long which taxes his joints.

We're headed to Provence on Friday for a week in a villa and a night in Nice, where we spent a few really lovely days last year. We're hooking up with our dear friends from Munich Lise, Richard, Bev, Gary, Jen and Paul. Last year we stayed at Will and Tara's place near Avignon. This year we are staying further east - just outside of a village called Cotignac. We splashed out a bit this year renting a villa with a pool and a summer kitchen, where we'll probably be hanging the whole time. Last year's trip was great and I hope this year's is a repeat. We had so much fun shopping in the markets, sightseeing all day and cooking at night. We would load up on wine from the vineyards and "taste" the night away! Really relaxing. Throw in some fun games and it was a hoot!

I need to get away more than I can begin to tell you. The past few months have been so emotionally draining - it'll be good to be away from things, if only for a week.