Amazing Zippered Woman

Last week  I was preparing to post a wonderful Blog when the phone rang. A voice that I immediately recognized said, “Is this Shanlee?” It was none other than Al Frankin - calling from Minnesota. He said that he really enjoyed the songs I had written for the DIXIE CHICKS. He then asked if I would have any interest in writing speeches for him. (He is running for Congress.) Needless to say, I dropped everything and jumped on a plane for Dream World, Minnesota. After several days on the campaign trail, I had an epiphany. It dawned on me that my primary creative responsibility is to my dear Blog readers. I carefully explained my situation to Al and he seemed to understand. Sooooo, here I am - very committed to daily (at least more frequent) posting.

While on the road, I stopped in southern California for a weekend to help Meghann look for an apartment.

We found an incredible deal. This apartment has been gutted and everything is totally new - paint, carpet, awnings, appliances, bathroom fixtures and windows. The complex is beautiful and VERY quiet. Noise level (or lack there of) will be very important because Meghann will be working from home. This is the living room - very light and airy.

This is the deck off the living room, and also shows the outside of the dining room. All rooms have windows on two walls. I feel that an upstairs apartment is always safer.

This is the new kitchen. The workmen were finishing the stone floor. There’s great cupboard space.

Here is Meghann and Scott’s front door. We may need to dump the fake flowers. Carol and Stacey, Scott’s mom and sister, joined us on our search  for the perfect apartment. Carol and I both got a very good feeling when we found this place. We agree that it will be a great place for our kids to live.

The landscaping is beautiful and very well maintained. Lush plantings are everywhere you look. WOW.

These are the neighbor kids. There is a narrow lake that runs through the entire property. These kids can be found on or near the lake 24/7. That’s the end of my tour. The big move will happen on April 20th. I will be driving with Meghann from Salt Lake to Irvine. Scott is defending his doctoral dissertation on April 18th. He has accepted a post doctorate at U C Irvine. I will be holding their cat (one of my four-legged grandchildren) on my lap for 13 hours. Say a prayer.