Looks like I’ve failed the test. Yes, the test to keep my blog up to date. Last year was a killer and I don’t know where the time went. So here it is February 2019 and where am I.
First–as some may know my son passed away suddenly in Aug 2018 and that hit me hard. We are not guaranteed tomorrow so I am here to say hug your loved one every day because you don’t know from now to the next minute what will happen. 
Second–My husband and I had planned a road trip before our son’s passing so after his funeral we came home and proceeded to pack our car and left for the west coast. What a wonderful trip and time together with the hubby. Loved every minute of it. We saw so much of the country starting out in Arizona, Utah, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and back to Texas. I even relived part of my trip to California with my mother when we traveled along Route 66 in Arizona. Some of the sights I remembered and some I did not. When I told my brother about it, he remembered different scenario’s. That is okay as we don’t all share the same memories. 
Three–I thought my book was finished but my friend, editor, and publishing buddy said I needed to take another took at it. I had two books in one. She was right. I value her opinion and she was correct. So I proceeded to work on my how to book “The Stranger in the Polka Dot Tie” How I Found My Father.
Four–Yes, the book is finished and in the hands of our formatter. Now I’m trying to set up book signing dates, put together the second book, and get our taxes together for the hubby. Whew.
So now it’s back to work and moving forward. Until then my friend…………………..
sandraleecleary 
I enjoyed catching up with you, but I’m worn out reading of all the ground you covered. You’ve made a lot of memories though and that’s what it’s all about. Congratulations on finishing your book!
Sandy as usual you write very well.
I had to read back to other stories of yours in this blog as I was fallen behind in reading your blog. Sometimes life just gets in the way. But wait. Life is wonderful and is suppose to be the way. My grandchildren are growing so fast I can’t keep up with them. When I can fill my weekends with them, my heart is full. I know one day they will grow up as did their parents. Less grandma time then. Will relish those memories for sure!
Mrs. Cleary,
I read your blog. So many heart felt condolences. I am very spiritual, and lost my father, last December, to prostate cancer, and Mom a few years earlier. He ‘earned’ the cancer from serving twice in Vietnam and being exposed to Agent Orange. I just turned 48, and I’m the only brother who had been here with Mom and Dad, directing medical help, ER visits, Hospice, selling Mom/Dad’s house, cars, and picking up the ashes from the Neptune society with Dad, when Mom passed, then just Dad’s by myself, when he passed. Surreal. I know they are singing now in Heaven….(kind of hope only Mom is, as singing was not a passion of Dad’s 😛).
I remember a quote from a Near Death Experience book that I reflect on, often: Death is only a temporary separation from Eternity.
Prayers and Respect,
Mike Middlebrooks