We drove down winding roads with sprawling farms and rolling hills in Western Maryland on our way to visit Falling Waters, the house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. I’d never been to that part of Maryland and was in awe of the beauty as we drove to our destination.

It was a lovely couple of days out there, a much needed break from everything that had been falling down around our ears lately. They were all good things, mind you, but they took up a lot of our mental energy, which can be as difficult as expending physical strength.

Our summer project was to settle my parents into their new home. Thankfully, they are happy now, but I spent a lot of time worrying whether this would ever happen. It was an adjustment on all of our parts. My parents had to work out many details of settling into a new city. They didn’t count on the merry-go-round that customer service situations often turn into. My parents weren’t used to spending hours on the phone to get basic services like newspaper delivery or telephone connections. And I didn’t realize that every one of their worries would become one of mine, too.

 When I reflect upon the last three days, I smile with tired eyes and a laughing mouth. My husband and I had the privilege of hosting our granddaughter Dina, and I don’t know what to talk about first. It was a dream come true and something I’ve always wanted to do and had only imagined how wonderful it would be. But I really had no idea. Our daughter came to drop off Dina and to visit for a while. She brought along her two-year-old, who is something else entirely. Leah has these zees, round little cheeks that you want to kiss over and over. It was a delightful time that was enjoyed by all, but secretly, both seven-year-old Dina and I couldn’t wait until everyone left so our special time could begin.

My husband and I went out to dinner last night with some cousins. We went to a popular Chinese restaurant, which was pretty crowded for a Tuesday night by Baltimore standards. The restaurant had a warm ambiance, from the cloth tablecloths and napkins to the cozy arrangements of tables and booths.

When we get together, my husband and his cousin enjoy reminiscing about the Baltimore of old. “Remember when Greenspring Shopping Center on Smith Avenue used to be a private airport?” I didn’t live in Baltimore then, but I like listening to the stories of those long-ago days. While we were eating our first course, we noticed some familiar faces at the table next to ours. My husband made introductions, and the gentleman recognized our cousin’s name. The next several minutes were spent playing “Jewish geography,” Baltimore-style. The stories went back 60 years, but to these reunited friends, the years rolled away as if we were all transported back in time. It was delightful to watch.

We’re acclimating to condo living and meeting a lot of very nice people. That’s not something we bargained for. Neighbors are friendly and kind, and we are still able to maintain our privacy. I’m meeting a lot of women my age, which is an added bonus, along with the elderly people who have lived here since the condominium community was built. Our next-door neighbor is the oldest resident in the complex; she’s 97 years old. She is highly respected in our community and not just because of her age. She’s a lovely person with a regal bearing. She’s someone I want to help since she lives alone. Interestingly, I find it extraordinary that I don’t stay in touch with her just because of the chesed involved. No, Mrs. Berlin has become my friend.

We decided it was time to replace our kitchen appliances. At the time, we didn’t realize what an undertaking that would turn out to be. We learned a new term, called “supply chain.” I was reassured from the store that our order was next in line, but didn’t understand it really meant that our appliances, which were ordered in July, wouldn’t arrive until December. I spent an inordinate amount of time on the phone and sent copious emails inquiring about these machines. No one had any answers, and I began to wonder whether I would ever see them.

I’ve gotten out of the habit of swimming. I was in the pool for the first time in many months, but Baruch Hashem, once I was in, it felt like I never left. Well, almost. Before my long hiatus from the pool, I could swim 12 laps in 30 minutes without an issue. Yesterday, I was wiped out after pushing myself to finish 10. But I’m determined to get back into the groove again. It’s been too long, and I’ve run out of excuses.

I was so proud of myself after I came out of the pool, and it felt good to be exhausted when I went to bed last night. Swimming does that to me, but it would be better if I reminded myself of that fact more often, to help me stay on track.