Thursday, November 1, 2007

bad news first, then good news

A very sweet lady named Leone, who was my first piano teacher in San Jose passed away this week. Her liver and kidneys have been failing for about 3 years, so it wasn't a surprise. Since moving back to the south bay, I've made an irregular habit of popping in and visiting her and her husband Bill. They've been pretty much housebound, so having visitors is a good thing. Bill likes to tell tales of racing at the Hellyer Velodrome 'back in the day'. Seeing as he is about 85, that was a long while ago. He's at peace and happy that she has 'gone home'. I'll be attending her 'gone home' celebration this Saturday at the church we attended when I was a wee tiker. There will probably be lots of "Wow, you're Sarah??!! I remember when you were this tall" (hand held at waist level). But, it will be good to go and give Bill hugs and love from the rest of my family.

In MUCH better news, I just got an email from my adviser that the last section of my thesis is signed off. Hooray! I'll be all graduated in time for racing season '08. Yeeehaw! Now I just got to work on making my spine happier....

11 comments:

Lorri Lee Lown -- velogirl said...

sorry to hear about your piano teacher passing, but happy about your thesis.

EB said...

Visits like that seem small but can make all the difference for people. I'm sorry you lost a friend.

Congrats about the thesis; that is great news!

Itinerant Rick said...

Are we representing your parents or are they coming up for the 'coming home' celebration?

Congrats on getting the thesis all delivered and signed off. Phew. Now you can relax a tad bit more. Great job!

Velo Bella said...

congrats!

Anonymous said...

i just heard today that our neighbor who lives behind our home passed aways six months ago...cancer...sad...we always get persimmon from his tree and our dogs steals pears from his tree that hangs over the fence...sorry about that news...

CONGRATS!!!! and to Rick too!

chatterbox said...

vg, panda, vb and flandria - thanks!

c-rick - now we'll have more 'couple time' woo hoo! Oh, and I'm pretty sure we're representing for the parentals. I am not expecting them to drive up, but they could surprise me!

Chris said...

So after you graduate, then what? You left us all hanging unless I have missed something.

Kim Ladd said...

There's a select few people from days of old that I have kept in touch with. I think it's important to hold onto those relationships. I'm sure your piano teacher was greatful for the friendship.
Looking forward to seeing what you can do in '08 now that you're thesis free!

rdlola said...

Deepest sympathies, Sarah, I remember many memories you have shared of her.

CONGRATULATIONS on your thesis! Hope you will get a ride in this weekend...it's beautiful out here!:)

chatterbox said...

thanks, kim!

chris - no hanging. I don't really have any big plans as of yet. I just did a big job change, so hopefully will stay put for a while. The degree was just to enhance what I've already been doing, generally.

thanks, rdlola, even though I can't figure out who you are (please enlighten me). We did go on some nice rides this weekend.

chatterbox said...

Wait, I have a guess...is that Lynn?