Italian adventure 🇮🇹

Well, this is the THIRD time I’ve tried to blog since we got to Italy. Every time I write one it gets lost! I can preview it and make corrections but when it’s time to post I can’t find it. I am going to blame it on the Italian Internet and not on my lack of skills😕

So here I go again - We had a pretty good flight over from SFO to Italy. I was grateful to pre board and get seated before everyone else got on. I got a little rest even though we did not get upgraded. Thankfully there were two empty seats next to me so I was able to sit sideways and was comfortable most of the way. I spent most of the time listening to a book, The Woman in The Window. It’s good and entertained me. I can’t wait to see how it ends. Very intriguing!

On arrival in Florence our luggage had missed our connection from Germany! That was not good news but thankfully I had my bag with me and had carried it on. I of course had all my medicine and some clothes and was feeling very thankful for my decision to keep my bag with me!

Later that night after a big mess at the airport, our wonderful friends from England were able to retrieve the bags upon their arrival and save us a trip back to the Florence airport.  Which by the way, was over an hour from our villa. We were all elated and the next morning enjoyed coffee out on the veranda looking over the gorgeous Tuscan hillside. Thank you Nick and Jane for helping us out🙏

I didn’t sleep well but the sun was warm and the instant espresso I brought was delicious. I actually have had many nights without much sleep. And unfortunately I’ve had nightmares too. I’m so sorry to cause Bob to lose sleep because of my screaming in the night. He’s such a trooper💜

Initially I was planning on blogging every day but the internet and WiFi have not been cooperating. Today is Thursday the 27th. We arrived on September 19th. It’s hard to believe we’ve been here over a week! Every day has been wonderful and the places we’ve visited have been just gorgeous and wonderful. Even driving around is fun. The scenery and cute little villages that we had to drive through to get to the bigger spots were darling!

We have had some mis turns and have driven on more gravel roads than we should have, but that happens when you’re in another county and trying to find your way around!

We ate our way through San Gimignano, Siena, Pisa, Castellina in Chianti and Monteriggioni!  Our villa was near Vagliagli and as I mentioned the views were spectacular. If I could get the WiFi to work better I would post them here. Checkout my Facebook and Instagram if you get time. Every place we’ve visited has been amazing and the photos don’t do it justice.

I’m going to stop now. This short blog has taken me well over an hour and I’m exhausted. Plus we’re in Florence now and I need to get outside. We love it here and feel very comfortable and know our way around, kind of . Tonight is the big wedding anniversary party at the Palace that we all flew over for. So look for those photos soon😜

Ciao for now my friends!!!!

Beautiful day for blogging 😎

Hi again! It's Friday and we are leaving for our vacation soon so I wanted to blog a little about my adventures over the past few weeks. It's actually only been three weeks since my last blog, but in my mind, it feels like much longer than that!

The morning sky

Today is beautiful and sunny but a little too hot for me to sit outside while I write this. It's only 71 but in the direct sun that is too hot for me! I was able to meditate and eat my breakfast on the patio earlier today though. The sky and the clouds were amazing and so lovely. This was my view earlier today! I wasn't sure if the picture would turn out,  but I think its beautiful. I'm so grateful for the joy that nature brings.

Things have been going OK. I am noticing changes and progression but I know they are normal. 

At the end of August I was able to join Bob in SLO for a few days. It had been a while since I had been there and it was really fun! My flight was delayed but thank goodness I had an Audible book on my phone and my knitting. I'm glad that I don't let silly things like flight delays get me down.

Bob treated me and my girlfriend Ermina to a spa day at the Madonna Inn on Wednesday. It was such a beautiful day and very relaxing. I got a facial and a massage and then we sat in the hot tub. Ermina is a special person and a special friend. I am so thankful that she came into my life via the SLO Cal Poly connection. I'm excited to see what her future holds as she moves on from her role of CEO of the SLO Chamber of Commerce. Knowing her she will do something fabulous😃

On September 1st we went to another Giants game. It was a beautiful 

Celly!

day but unfortunately they lost. Afterwards we drove over to Marin to spend the night and have dinner with Kristen & Ryan. It was Bob's first time at their new house. We had a great time and I especially enjoyed time with my grand doggy Celly. He is so cute and so sweet!

We celebrated Labor Day on Sunday with a lazy day in Antioch with our friends Susan and Stephanie. I wasn't feeling that well and took a nap on their couch. I was able to rebound a little bit and take a dip in their beautiful pool. We had a nice relaxing day and I am grateful that my friends understand this disease and know that there are times I just need to close my eyes and rest.

Pam & Kristen at RNB

I met with Sara Stiles at Intel in Santa Clara (aka RNB) a few days later. Kristen was with me and drove us there. A few months ago Sara had asked me to speak at the upcoming Intel WIN event which is next month. I was extremely honored to be part of it, and before I had to take the medical leave I was the Vice Chair of WIN (Women @ Intel). At the time I didn't know how we would coordinate it but everything worked out fine, as always. 

We used a conference room and put the camera on a tripod. I had to do several 'takes' but after about an hour or so Sara was happy with it. She also surprised me and told me that my speech was actually going to be the keynote! Wow, what an honor. I am so sorry I can't be there in person and I really hope everyone loves it. I cried a little during the filming but I know that tears are acceptable, especially now 😂

Pam, Melaine & Jean Ann

The following Monday I got some more Intel love and had a fantastic meal at True Food Kitchen with two wonderful friends, Melaine & Jean Ann! We had a blast and laughed a lot! All of us are gone from Intel but continue to thrive and do amazing things to help others. I am very thankful for these connections and the continued support from my Intel family, and from all of you. It really makes a huge difference in my life. 

Tuesday Sept 11th (a day none of us will ever forget) I had my 17th infusion for the Roche/Genentech Clinical Trial. I think it's called CREAD for short. My best friend since 6th grade drove up to take care of me. Andi and I lived near each other and used the alley to go back and forth between our houses. We had a lot of fun, probably too much fun but I am so grateful that we are still connected and get to spend quality time together. 

I slept a little during the infusion but they did a good job this time of finding my vein! It actually didn't hurt very much. After the long ride home we made dinner together and I was very happy she was able to spend the night.

Bob's B'day in SLO

And now for the most important event of this month! Bob's 65th birthday! He unfortunately had to travel this week for work and won't be home until tomorrow. But his amazing friends in SLO surprised him with a little wine tasting! Actually, Ermina made this happen and I am so thankful for her. I was feeling badly that my husband was all alone on his birthday with no plans. It definitely looks like he had a good time ❤ Thank goodness!

So that's what's been going on in my life lately. I have also been extremely

exhausted in the afternoons, no matter how well I sleep. 

We leave for a wonderful vacation with some of our best friends on Tuesday. I am taking snacks and healthy food so that I can eat when my body needs to eat. It's a long flight but I've survived in the past so I'm sure I will survive this time too. 

I'm thankful that my friend Marlice will be here with the kitties! Especially for Rusty. He needs love  and hugs and a lot of petting. Such a silly boy😸 Monty will probably be hiding the whole time but at least he will get fed every day!

Rusty Kitty!

I also want to thank all of you for your support and donations to our East Bay Walk to End Alzheimer's. We have a small group walking with us and would love it if you are able to come too! It's on October 20th at 9:00am at Heather Farms in Walnut Creek. We are hosting lunch and drinks afterwards as a thank you for your time and support! It's always an emotional day, but a fun one too. Please join us and consider making a donation to the Alzheimer's Association so we can fund a cure and pay for the services they provide. I certainly would not be as functional without them! Here's the link:

Pam's Walk2EndAlz Fundraising Page

I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend and I promise to share about my adventures abroad when we return. I know it will be magical but exhausting and there will be days I probably won't be able to do much. And that's OK. I will be surrounded by love in a beautiful location and everything will work out fine.

Please keep the prayers and love flowing! I feel it and I need it. Happy Friday everyone. God bless you always🙏