November 2nd Ruth Wrote

And . . . it's Ruth again!

Well, I learned more about roofs than I ever imagined was involved!!!! Thanks, Dr Dave. I can tell you're the scientist in the family. :):) Now I'll know who to call when the big oak out back falls on my roof! (knock on wood -- oak, that is!)

What a gorgeous weekend! My house was opened and aired out while me and Max (the cat) enjoyed the fresh air and sounds of summer (ie, children playing, leaf blowers -- o h , that's fall, I guess.) I'm glad it was my weekend off so I could enjoy the weather.

Grandbaby Josh is doing well after somewhat of a rough start with feeding, and Jen and Jason are trying to catch up on household tasks that they had hoped to do before the baby came along (he was almost 2 weeks early). All is well, and he is the cutest baby I've ever seen (sorry, Phil) :) When I've finished this email, I will try to send Al a photo to put on the website.

My good news, for those of you who haven't heard, I finally landed my third job which completes my 45 hour week. I really like having 3 different types of work -- the variety keeps things more interesting. The third job is in Nazareth, PA at the Northampton county nursing home - "Gracedale" (700 bed facility) -- as a contracted cognitive-behavioral therapist. My employer is Senior Behavioral Health Group. There are about 12 of us (2 at Gracedale), and we get together occasionally for a breakfast meeting where we exchange notes and discuss particularly difficult cases. I'm at Gracedale Mon & Tues and part of Thurs. On Thurs, I leave there around 2pm and go to Holy Family Manor in Bethlehem until 8pm (my long day).

I basically have every other weekend off, and Wed and Fri mornings I can flex to my liking with Sunrise respiratory rehab and/or staying home. I truly love my work!! The past 4 years have gone by so quickly and yet, in some ways, it's been so long -- tons of school work and deadlines, penny-pinching and financial uncertainty, job-hunting frustrations, lots of soul-searching and prayer . . . and it's all been so worth it!! I've also had lots of time to relax and do things I enjoy like jigsaw puzzles and reading and journaling -- like a mini-retirement of sorts . . . so now I'm ready to work for another 20-30 years :)

I'm looking forward to heading for Harrisburg again -- that baby is precious!

God is good.
until next time, Ruth