I am a Mermaid

Hello friends near and far. I have successfully completed my 3rd swim across Cayuga Lake. The lake was warm, as were our female hearts as we doggie paddled, frog kicked, side stroked, breast stroked or free-styled slowly back to the Ithaca Yacht Club. I think by now Hospicare has met it's goal. Thank you to everyone who sponsored my swim. It is such a great cause! The only thing I regret is letting the photographer use my picture on the Ithaca Journal web page. There is a picture of me, in an ill-fitting wet suit, swim cap, goggles, flippers and socks (for goodness sake!) hauling my heaving and tired self up onto the dock. It is NOT a flattering picture. I look ridiculous and strangely rectangular. I must be related to Spongebob Square Pants. But I bet Spongebob never raised money for Hospicare. He probably wouldn't let anyone take a picture of him in a swim cap though.

The weather has been beautiful. I spent the day yesterday visiting my friend Cathryn who is recovering from open-heart surgery. She looks good, and we watched her kids race in sailboats as we sat on a deck over looking Chaumont Bay. She has come a long way in the past 2 months, but still has a way to go. She is an inspiration.

It is hard to believe that soon the leaves will be changing colors here...there is a coolness to the air at night these past few days. I have about 3 weeks before I head back to Japan, and I have mixed feelings about it certainly. Fall, along with the changing leaves, didn't happen in Tokyo until later in November. September and October were brutally hot. I am bracing for the heat and humidity in Tokyo. But currently I am drinking in the open spaces, the bird song, the friendly hugs in town, and the cool breezes.

I know that once I get over there, I will have lots to do. Tokyo Here and Now and the Chiba Singers' Concert. It's just the putting myself on the plane that might be a little difficult. But for now- I am enjoying my status as a mermaid.