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Lisa Laskin's avatar

ITALIA, bene! And Beauty Nails - I'm there regularly. Transitions abound, I'm there with you!

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Diane Carroad's avatar

So many transitions! Except for your cat, they all sound wonderful! So kudos! I had my very first pedicure about 2 months ago and it's lasted a long time! I found the process intriguing... was clueless what "gel" was! I'm in a wedding (not the bride) and ordered my second one. I do wish I could find a deal like your car but bought a 2019 Corolla. Learning much about compostable supplies at my synagogue where I'm on the Climate Change Committee -- unfortunately, the roof is too old for solar. Enjoy the shopping trip! Mia's wedding will be so special. And thank you for riding again. Let's hope brain cancer will be cured in our lifetime. Keep pushing those bills, Melissa!

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Joanne Lannin's avatar

What an inspirational essay! I'm envious of your trip to Italy. I'm hoping there's a hybrid in my near future.

And I hope you have good luck finding your dress!

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Ellen Hume's avatar

I got my mother of the bride dress at the Quinciniera shop at the Chestnut Hill Mall for $137.00. this might work for you too?

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Melissa Ludtke's avatar

It was hard for me to believe how long ago it was that I last traveled in Europe, Italy, specifically, and so I am really eager to get back there -- and this time hopeful that I will do better with speaking the language. Thanks for your lovely comment. M

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Melissa Ludtke's avatar

And who knows with my cat; this seizure might only be her third life!!! And she's got six more to go. But it was startling and frightening to watch, as I realized that my furry companion might not be with me much longer. As you say, the rest of my transitions, at least the ones I'm already undertaking, are wonderful to have happen, and I am eager to find out which other ones might happen next. Glad you are on the Climate Change Committee -- watch out for toxic sludge, which is happening with what my city's officials continue to refer to as our "compost" system. On we go, together, M

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Melissa Ludtke's avatar

I totally lucked into this hybrid after a friend of my daughter's called me a while ago and asked if I had a mechanic who would look at a used car that she and her boyfriend were considering buying. And I called my longtime mechanic who mentioned that I should let Sara know that he had this incredible Prius with very few miles driven and in mint condition that he was selling. Sara took her used car to him, and he thought it was fine for them to buy, but I then had my own sights on the hybrid which I went down to drive and bought on the spot. The day before I had had no intention of buying a car!!! Part of my openness to change. Loving it. Melissa

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Melissa Ludtke's avatar

Thanks, good to know. If my Cambridge stand-by doesn't come through, we might head over there.

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Kathryn Porterfield's avatar

I love the Italy trip plan! Travel in retirement is so enriching and enlivening. Discovering new and old places. I just returned from my first river cruise, on the Seine from Paris to Normandy. Delightful and delicious. Enjoy!!!

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