Black Widows

Dear Ones,


Shoe Tree out in the county discovered on one of our adventures

I can't believe I'm half way through with this first clinical. We had our midterm evaluation last Friday and they are willing to put up with me for the next 4 weeks of the clinical. We've had a couple interesting cases this week and my CI has left me to try and figure them out and come to him for confirmation. Next week I'll start working with H more since his student finished up this last week. This will give me more independence but with that comes more anxiety...wish me luck!

Last Monday, I came home from work and Grandma Berta (the lady I'm living with) asked me if I wanted to go with her to the movies that night. Yes this tiny town has a theater, only two screens but a theater nonetheless. So I agreed and she told me to hop in the car so we could pick up her friends. Two other women joined us, who are also widows. They've all grown up together in this small town or the surrounding communities. They call themselves the "Black Widows." They tried to get me the senior discount at the theater for hanging out with them but it didn't work. They told me about every person that walked into the theater and what they were like in high school and the recent gossip. It was hilarious and I'm afraid to admit that I really enjoyed being part of their crew even if I don't fit the requirements.

Topaz (Japanese Internment Camp from WWII)

They've invited me to join with them on other adventures. They took me on a driving tour of the surrounding towns where we drove through every cemetery and they pointed out their husbands and families or the stories/legends associated with certain names on headstones. (Aunt K, you would love some of the charming old homes on our tour!) I joined them for an afternoon drive in the country and for a small trip to pick up a grandchild. They have already started planning my Thursdays (my day off) for me.

My weekends have been a good time to relax and visit with friends and family who I don't get to see. Last weekend all the cousins on my dad's side who could make it got together for dinner and games which was a blast! I am paying rent to my aunt and uncle with chocolate, broccoli or whatever else they'll accept. Life is sweet here for me.