my funny valentine

Douglas really out did himself this year. I was surprised by a lovely "Angel Food" candle, gorgeous flowers and a dinner out at a small restaurant on the 13th..(always ahead of our time). Then on 14th he said we would go by the hotel project to check on things and lock up and he had a surprise. We ended up on top of a friends building in downtown with the best views , and one of the highest, in the city. I was so happy. We watched the sunset with a bottle of wine us three and watched the sky go form pink to dusty purple-grey then dark. The funny thing is this friend and his wife ended up buying mine and mark's old store " A Far Away Place". It is a small world. Then we came home for a healthy dinner I made for him with yams, greens and chicken in butternut squash sauce. What a great day. We even treated ourselves to two vintage coats from a small thrift shop and two funky old tables that need some love. You know I love my mid century modern tables and chairs. I might use them in hotel but they will look great at home !! What a splurge. Then it was back to the computer.

All is coming along on the projects. The miles building exterior remod is turning out to be rich and opulent with these lovely iridescent tiles and the copper colored awning. Doug's copper door will be the cherry. The hotel is getting more complicated with HVAC and elevator. Now he wants solar on the roof too for hot water and a cafe will be coming soon too. It could be next winter before it is up and running. Today we are having our weekly power design meetings. I am excited to be on the conceptual and design end from the logo, branding, signs, menu, purchases etc. I have learned so much and even wrote the business plan for the hotel which was a real challenge but is good. Our client has placed enormous trust in us, especially Doug. I have the lucky job of mostly being on the computer, phone or in the home office. For the first time in my life I even have carpal tunnel in left hand. Doug walks from job to job and back to office four times a day.......but he loves it.

I stopped the pain patch and had a rough week with getting pain under control ,fatigue,itching and walking on sidewalks does not help bone pain on those little fractures(infarcts througout body) or joints. The yoga class really stretches me too and I hurt but we are trying to use milder forms of pain management. So far it's not working so well. I guess itching is better than being in pain. When it starts to keep me in bed or down on the couch for two hours every afternoon(like past week) and keeps me form going out walking, then I have to ask myself "why not use opiates if they help?". I met the Dr. down here and I like him. I still go to my acupuncturist every week and make stinky tea with dragon drool and bug butts, but it seems to be useful and I always come home and have the deepest sleep after a treatment. I guess the past two years has played havoc on my nervous system being in pain and always on guard. This helps me rest and helps with the pain. The gas is another story for another day. Chinese herbal tea is known for it's stinky side effects; while cooking and after ingesting. Just ask Doogie. All in all I feel stronger and look better-healthier every day. I even gained a couple pounds and muscles.
I find time at night to read and almost done with 500 page "Einstein". fascinating read.

For all you friends and family that check this out I love you and thanks for caring !!!! I know I have not contacted many friends while in Asheville but I will as time and energy allows. I only have so much social energy to give and lots of people with whom I want to share our friendship.

Namaste