THE TEACHER, THE CAB, & THE PIRATE

And of course GAYLEE, too! We were introduced by an older family friend when I was 8 and she was 9. Gaylee was one school grade up from mine. But we clicked immediately! We both had other friends; however it was always just us when we were together.

Gaylee was a regular visitor to my house and was treated to numerous family outings such as shows, festivals, & dinners out. She even accompanied us on one of our frequent weekend trips to Miami and even a family vacation thru the Florida Keys down to Key West.

Our scenic coastal town as well as the rest of the state had been discovered and was growing by leaps and bounds. The sprawling campus that once taught grades 1 thru 12 no longer was large enough. Separate elementary and high schools were under construction. The old school would soon be a junior high only.

I was 10 and Gaylee 11 when we were transferred to the new elementary. The school sported a futuristic design and layout. From the air it looked like an aqua blue spider. The cafeteria with a large raised stage was the main building. From there, long covered walkways branched out in many different directions. At the end of each was a cluster of 6 classrooms centered around an open courtyard.

Strangely, this futuristic-looking building lacked air conditioning and this is Florida! However, the wide sliding glass doors on the sides were nearly always kept open. I was in the 5th Grade and Gaylee the 6th. Our classrooms were opposite and we often waved to each another.

This school was too far for me to walk, yet too close for bus pick-up. My father drove me in the morning on his way to work. Since my mother didn't drive she had a taxi bring me home every afternoon. Back then cabs were a lot cheaper. (We even used one for grocery shopping.) This was 1961. Still, I thought I was going to be the only kid riding a taxi home, but to my surprise there were 2 others, an older girl and a younger boy.

One of our regular drivers was a tall lanky man in his 20's. He was a rough-looking character who wore an eye-patch. (In retrospect I'm surprised he landed a driving job with only one good eye!) He also had a scraggly goatee as well as tattoos covering both arms. And when he smiled you could see a missing tooth on his left side. I called him "The Pirate". But he was always friendly toward us kids, more so than the other drivers.

My teacher however, was a real pill! She loved saying with pride how the first thing she did after moving into her new home was to unhook the TV and throw it in the garbage. It showed trash not fit for her family! -- And this was back when television was tame!

She also forbade girls from wearing trousers to her class. I knew they were forbidden in high school but we were still in elementary! And worse, when we failed a test we were forced to write the entire chapter!

And horror of horrors, I failed one right before my parents had an important weekend scheduled! Two couples they knew from up north back-in-the-day were coming to visit. These were our prime feast years so my parents wanted to show boat. And Gaylee was coming that busy weekend, too. My mother was a puncher, pincher, and a slapper as well as a screamer! She never dared do it around others, but they wouldn't be there forever. So she must never know!

I swore Gaylee to secrecy. Unlike other so-called friends, she could be trusted. This punishment cut into our fun time so Gaylee (bless her heart) offered to write the second half of the chapter while I wrote the first. We had an extra text because my mother happened upon a teacher's catalog and bought copies of all my textbooks so I could be tutored over the summer since I was a struggling student.

I have Dyscalculia among other disorders but back then I was just considered dumb!

The following Monday as the teacher collected our chapters a student named Sharon confessed: "My mother finished this because it was getting late and past my bedtime."

I wanted to smack her! Never volunteer that kind of information! The teacher's reaction was predictable. And now, I was likely to get caught because our teacher would be going thru everyone's work with a fine-toothed comb. She'd notice the writing didn't match. Damn that Sharon! How could anyone be that stupid!

However, by some miracle, I got away with it. Sharon would have too had she kept her yap shut!

Eventually summer vacation arrived; unfortunately I was sentenced to summer school with that same teacher. I was now the only kid riding the cab home. A handful of students were kept after class and naturally I was among them. My taxi driver got tired of waiting and came searching for me.

I had been instructed to go to the blackboard to solve a series of math problems. Suddenly I looked over and saw the pirate leaning against the doorway. "I'm here to pick-up Dianne," he said in a commanding voice, "We must go now."

The teacher seemed startled and shaken. His presence was an imposing one. Nervously, she told me to go. Geez, he could have been a kidnapper!

Away from the classroom I thanked the pirate for rescuing me. He replied that no teacher should have the right to keep a student after class. I agreed! And I'm sure he had other fares waiting.

The following autumn Gaylee entered Junior High leaving that blue arachnid building behind and me as well. She started hanging out with a whole different crowd and lost all interest in our friendship. Sadly, our close comradery that I thought would last a lifetime was now over forever.

I entered 6th Grade and to my dire disbelief wound up with a teacher actually worse than the previous one, something else I never imagined possible! 

TRASH TALK

Now let's turn that into trash action!!! The problem is plastic; it's popular because it's durable. Everyone alive today will be bones picked clean by bugs in their rotting wood caskets long before our plastics decompose. Plastic is taking over the planet and harming our environment. It's killing our sea and forest life slowly in ways that cause their suffering to linger. And burning the stuff creates toxic fumes! Worse, more of it is being produced all the time.

All forms of plastic need sunlight to degrade and the plastic in landfills does not receive the required amount, if any. Yes, plastic can be recycled. However each time this is done the purity is compromised. And so many different types of plastic make recycling difficult. People are not going to cease using it.

I'll admit that I'm as guilty as anyone! I bring home plastic containers from the supermarket all the time because I like the food inside. But I try to recycle and repurpose as much as possible. I reuse these plastic containers for storage. They are perfect for my costume jewelry and other miscellaneous items because they're clear and I can immediately see what's inside. I also use them for storing leftovers in my fridge or pantry.

The plastic grocery bags I use for my garbage. If not for these, I would need to buy plastic bags for this purpose. Recently I read that even those so-called biodegradable bags degrade slowly.

Last night I had difficulty getting to sleep, so I started thinking about the issue. Well, I solved the problem for us! Send it to the moon!!!

From the photos I've seen it's the perfect spot for this! Of course we could just shoot it out into space, but that's just nasty like throwing garbage out your car window. And we're fortunate enough to have an enormous trash receptacle orbiting us. Picture humungous piles of trash heaps that could only be seen thru telescopes. We're going to be sending more and more robots there all the time, so let them take out the trash in addition to their other jobs.

However this would only be a temporary set-up until we come up with a more economical way of sending missiles to Venus. The planet is even better for this purpose, unfortunately much father. Caustic clouds of sulfuric acid drift over it and its atmospheric pressures are crushing. Also Venus has hellish and dynamical high-altitude winds plus temperatures that soar above 880 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes it the perfect planet for plastic disposal.

By the way, Earth you're welcome.  Next problem!

THE DISTANT, BUT NOT SO FAR AWAY FUTURE

Not long ago, I read in the local newspaper that starting in just 20 years from now the denizens of this planet will began to lose homes and livelihoods while succumbing to poverty, illness, and starvation. Seas will rise to new heights. Killer hurricanes and firestorms will become the norm. Crops will fail and numerous species will become extinct; not to mention a long list of other horrors as well. This coming apocalypse is all due to global warming, also called climate change; a stink bug by any other name is still a stink bug. But it's coming, that's a scientific fact!!!

However there is good news, at least for me, anyway! Due to my genes, unaffordable health care and my lack of insurance, I'll probably be dead by then. And if not, I soon will be due to my age and the dire circumstances. Sometimes death is a positive thing. The living may actually envy me.

Also when the Antarctic's ice sheet collapses worldwide flooding is likely to occur. As a resident of Florida, if still around I'm sure to be fish food! Note: I live on the coast in a beach town. We've already experienced a number of days with record high temperatures this year and last.

Whether I'm around or not, don't get the idea I don't care what happens to the earth. Since I'm inclined to believe in reincarnation I care a great deal. That being despite the fact I don't want to come back on THIS planet! I've often said this is Jerk World. If it wasn't, this situation wouldn't be occurring in the first place! GREED is the operative word HERE, just look at who's sitting in the White House. The human race doesn't seem to be evolving.

Perhaps humanity deserves to die off. We've proven to be the cancer of the planet. Maybe in the long run this is for the best, a cleansing of the earth, followed by healing.

According to many scientists, after humankind is extinct the octopus will evolve as the next intelligent species. But my money is on the cockroach! They survived the comet that wiped out the dinosaurs and might also survive a nuclear blast. -- That's another reason I don't want to be reincarnated on this planet! As far as I'm concerned it's already populated by way too many human cockroaches.

Endless galaxies are out there and I'm certain many have various forms of intelligent life; some better, some worse. And I'm sure I won't be able to choose, but at least it would be a fresh start.

When I die and exist in spirit, I want to visit Mars among many other planets. -- Hey, it's not like I'll need oxygen to breathe! For all we know, there may be highly evolved species from other planets and dimensions existing as pure energy all around us now, unseen.

I am a believer that space aliens seeded live here. They are the missing link! Perhaps the offspring of all those abductees are waiting on a mothership somewhere for humankind to die and the earth to recover from what the human race has become. Perhaps they will descend and replenish the planet. We can only surmise.

What truly scares me is how fast time zooms by, especially now! Events I remember from years back seem as if they just occurred months ago. And it feels as if my father has only been dead for 5 years, when in fact it's been 18!  The future will be here in a blink. 

NOISE OVERLOAD & TECH WRECKED

One problem always seems to spawn others! A contractor was all lined-up to begin repairs on my home last January. But he wasn't returning my emails! So I hired a carpenter and painter separately. The cost was several thousand dollars higher than what the contractor had agreed to do. Perhaps he'd decided he didn't want to do it for that price hence the reason my emails went unreturned. 

The workers started early and stayed late, even on Saturday & Sunday! The banging and pounding seemed endless and it was maddening. I don't understand how that old Winchester broad stood it day and night! (Recently saw the movie on my DVR.) Just one day of it nearly put me into a straight jacket. This went on for over a week. And worse, they had a radio blasting as well!

Unable to concentrate, I turned on the TV to drown out the sounds. I was covering noise with noise! I repeated that sentence from the lengthy flight back from Thailand in economy class: "Unless I'm dead and in hell this has to end sometime!"

Finally, I just went out and told the carpenters "Please no radio!" I received dirty looks, but at least one problem was solved.  And before the painter began I made it clear that I wanted no radios blasting on my property.

The carpenters were forced to dismantle my cable in order to replace the rotting wood. Everything was assembled as before except for my landline. Call ATT, I was told. I have never owned a cellphone nor do I want one. At my age, small screens and small print are a strain and a bother. 

My upstairs phones had ceased working years ago and my downstairs phones had static. I let it go because I seldom answer my phone anymore. Mostly the calls are from telemarketers or scammers.  Friends usually email or message me on Facebook. I could easily live without a phone, period!

Everyone urged me to throw out my long outdated bedroom phone and replace it. So 2 years ago I purchased a cordless phone for my nightstand which they said could easily be installed. Ugh, the thing was like a phone puzzle that needed to be assembled. There was no way I could do it myself! So the phone just sat in its box collecting dust.

Finally, the ATT technician installed it for me. He said lightning had apparently struck a line and that's why my upstairs phones no longer worked. Plus I had a bad connection period, thus the static on the other phones. He drove to the main line at the entrance to my subdivision to fix it.

Gadzooks! This cordless thing totally confounded me!  What part did I speak into and what part went against my ear! And it had to be turned on and off, why was that even necessary for a landline? And I miss the cord! Why would I want to walk around while speaking on a phone? One of the joys of a rare friendly phone conversation is having a comfortable spot to curl up and chat. Plus it's on a charger, guess I'm stuck buying batteries now. This really sucks!

Friends say I need a kid here to help me navigate all this technology. However I hate them and nothing is worth having one around!

Landlines will soon be obsolete, I'm told. One day a cellphone will be forced upon me!

This and most of our other current technology was gleaned from crashed UFO's. But nothing happens by accident where space aliens are concerned! This is all part of their grand design to take over the planet by giving us technology beyond ours, knowing we'll misuse it. When those hideous bug beings arrive en masse everyone will be so preoccupied with their little screens they'll be unaware.

If forced to get a cellphone, E.T. don't call here! And if I ever see your ugly little pus face on my property I will shoot you and dismember your body into tiny bits the size of Reese's Pieces even if you still live and breathe!

NO ELENA DIFIORI HERE!!!

According to the Church of Scientology I have an invisible tenant. And worse I'm receiving no rent! Elena Difiori wherever you are, you owe me a bundle, if for nothing else just being a pain and a nuisance! For the past 20 years, from the time I moved here in 1999 ON & OFF I've been receiving propaganda from this cult! Always it's addressed to you at my address!

The previous owner had a different last name. It was Van Sicko or something similar sounding. A Dutch name not an Italian one. I wonder if they received these mailings and how they dealt with it. Obviously they didn't or I wouldn't be having this problem. Perhaps they just tossed everything in the garbage as soon as it arrived.

I looked up this name online. Surprisingly there are numerous Elena Difioris, but not one in Vero Beach.

I continued refusing these mailings with the words:  NO SUCH PERSON AT THIS ADDRESS written in red. Still, more kept arriving.

Around 2006, a man from the church phoned asking to speak with her. I told him I’d never known any person by that name! He asked if I was interested in learning more about the church. I told him, "Hell no!" And to cease and desist all mailings here!

For years I received nothing more and thought the problem was over. Suddenly out of the blue it resumed in full force in 2016. I thought of taking everything straight from the mailbox and shoving it in the garbage bin as the previous home owner probably did. But that wasn't really solving anything.

Every letter continued to go back to the church plus a few insults written on the back of the envelope, while their plastic covered catalogs went straight into my trash. The mailings slowed but didn't stop.

Recently, I received another letter. As usual, I circled the name Elena Difiori followed by an arrow stating: NO PERSON BY THAT NAME AT THIS ADDRESS!!! And above: RETURN TO SENDER!!!

Afterward I went online to get some tips. I was advised to cross out the bar code when returning. If that doesn't work, go to the main branch of the local Post Office and file a complaint with the Postmaster. This, I definitely will do!

And to the Church of Scientology, for crying out loud, STOP SENDING ME YOUR PROPAGANDA!!! 

WALK DIZZY AT EPCOT

The Disney Corp. was a major part of my childhood. The 1st movie I saw in a theatre was the Disney flick, Lady and the Tramp. My 1st set of books all featured Disney characters; a favorite was Donald Duck and the Witch. My 1st set of records all featured songs from Disney movies and TV specials. I used to swagger around the house bellowing out The Ballad of Davy Crocket. Fess Parker really was all that!

And at 4:00 PM every afternoon I was right there in front of my TV singing along with the Mouseketeers! They were the coolest, happiest, luckiest  kids on the planet! My favorite was Karen. I even named my cat after her. She was the closest to my age and had that long silky blond hair I coveted. My mother adamantly refused to let mine grow long!

Every Friday the show featured a western theme. Karen & Cubby the youngest of the group were always led out atop a pony. And every Friday I always watched wearing that turquoise & brown Indian dress my father bought for me at the Seminole village.

And the Wonderful World of Disney was the highlight of my Sunday nights at 7:00 PM! It was not an exaggeration to say I had a Disney childhood.

Walt Disney loomed large in my life. As a toddler I called him "Walk Dizzy" thinking that was his actual name. I considered him to be a family member, only more so! To me, he was a combination of a beloved uncle and superman. After all he created a magic kingdom. I was certain he dwelled inside the magnificent castle there.

The last Disney movie I saw at the theater was Summer Magic in 1964. And I was sure some Disney sorcery was involved. How else could such a homely little girl like Hayley Mills have become a full-fledged beauty in her teens.

I eagerly visited Disney World in Orlando shortly after it opened. I was impressed and enjoyed lots of fun, but I left with a been -there, done- that feeling. I was in my early 20's now and more focused on seeing Europe and the world.

When Epcot, Disney's other attraction opened, I barely shrugged. I'd been to the Moulin Rouge in Paris and the Kasbah in Tangier among many other fabulous places. Epcot just seemed like kiddie stuff.

In 2009 my (then) boyfriend Hank was a frequent visitor with his large family and others. He insisted I see it and wanted to take me in May. As Florida residents we received a discount for a 2 day visit.

We spent the first day enjoying the sights, the rides and the food! Happily there were no long lines because this was off season plus the temperature had yet to become sweltering. I'd have preferred we'd left earlier because I didn't trust Hank's driving in the dark.  -- I've never driven in the dark plus I was unfamiliar with the area. He insisted we remain for the closing fireworks which I must admit were quite spectacular.

Leaving, we were swept along by a fast moving ocean of people all heading toward the parking lot. Hank was pulling me by the hand. His head and chest seemed to be moving faster than his body. I told him to slow down. Suddenly he tumbled forward onto the concrete pulling me down with him! I was only scratched, but Hank was bleeding badly. Waves of people almost literally stepped over us without stopping.

As I was helping Hank to his feet a young man with a heavy French accent hurried over and took his opposite arm. "Over there!" The man pointed toward a bench. Afterward he ran to get help.

I commented to Hank it was sad that among that tremendous group of people, (probably fellow Floridians) only a foreigner came to our aid. Most of the tourists and snowbirds had gone back north.

The young man returned with a nurse who led Hank & me to a medical center. She cleaned and bandaged him. Afterward, Hank phoned his son. They decided we should take a cab to his house. We were given permission by Epcot to leave the car there overnight.

Everyone in the house was in bed asleep but Hank's son. The home was nothing short of palatial, a two-story with 2 wide swirling sets of stairs facing each other. I was given the only bedroom downstairs and it was off the kitchen area. The builder had probably designed for the maid. I would not have minded as long as it was clean. It was NOT!!!

I had to brush the dirt from my feet before getting under the sheets.  And those were absolutely filthy, pieces from other people's bodies clung to mine. (Use your imagination!)It almost made me vomit! Yet the rest of the house was so tidy!

I have two schools of thought on this. Either it was a deliberate attempt to make me feel unwelcome, or one of the kids in this huge Catholic family didn't follow thru on their chores. I was told they had a chore list for each. However, if I was expecting a guest I would have made damn sure the room was clean! The next morning I pulled off those disgusting sheets and pilled them in the center of the bed!

Hank & I went back to enjoy our 2nd day at Epcot. We lunched a Danish cafe. It was open on 3 sides overlooking the water. Tiny birds flew in and around us. Often times we laughed as they stole food right from our hands. It felt like being in the middle of a Disney movie! This was my happiest and favorite memory of Epcot. The one I cherish!

Hank wanted to buy me a souvenir. I told him this was unnecessary, everything there was so expensive! At the China pavilion he spotted beautiful lace fans for $10. This seemed a good value so I chose an azure blue one. I wrapped its plastic bag around it to protect it.

Late afternoon, we left for our return trip. This ensured we'd arrive back in Vero Beach before dark since Hank was at the wheel.

After he dropped me off at home, the first thing I did was to pull off my clothes! Along with my nightgown, I threw everything into the washing machine! Then I took a shower to wash the filth from that room from my body!

Epcot was now a memory and soon Hank would be too.

Several years later I was going thru a drawer and came across that azure blue fan. I unfolded the plastic and removed it from the bag. Despite lack of use the thread was unraveling and it was coming apart. I have 2 other fans I brought in Spain way back in 1977, one in Madrid and the other outside the Alhambra. Both remain in perfect condition.

Recently, I watched the first episode of that new TV show Whiskey Cavalier; I enjoyed it but at the same time didn't care if I ever saw it again. I feel the same about Epcot.

THE LAST TIME I SAW MARGARET

She was my mother's age, but hardly a mother figure. When Mom first met Margaret, she thought she was a member of my generation rather than her own. She certainly looked it! To me, Margaret was like a cool and savvy older sister.

Naturally Margaret wasn’t perfect. She was a chatterbox with a faulty filter. But actually that made her more fun. Of her 4 husbands, 2 were wealthy and 2 were physically abusive. Margaret’s last husband fell into both categories. He gave her a black eye, yet she still loved him. He left her for another woman. She struggled financially after that because he used every trick in the book to avoid alimony! But it wasn’t losing her lifestyle that hurt Margaret most, but her husband’s betrayal.

Her parent’s background was quite a romantic one, the stuff of fiction, but true. Margaret's grandfather owned a factory and was extremely wealthy. His youngest son (Margaret's father) married an older divorced woman with children. He was disinherited and disowned. Margaret's family lived modestly, but comfortably.

After her last divorce, Margaret returned to college late in life. This former professional dancer became an Ophthalmologist. She worked in a lab long enough to ensure a comfortable retirement; but family issues and hardships took a toll on her bank account. Plus Margaret was a spender; she never learned to budget.

With age, comes health issues. A paramedic moved next door and she told him, “If you’re ever called to my house don’t try to save me, I’ve enjoyed a good life and I’m ready to go.” He replied that he couldn’t do that. But I understand how she felt.

The last time Margaret came here was in autumn 2008. She was thinking Retirement Home although she hated the idea. I tried to talk her into one in Vero Beach. It was affordable and had a nature walk. Also I could visit regularly and take her on outings. But Margaret was fearful of living on the coast due to tsunamis. I told this was ridiculous! It was unlikely, and besides this Home wasn't near the ocean.

After she left, I felt depressed for several days after. Usually, I'm happy and eager to resume my regular routine. This time, I knew Margaret would not be coming back this way again.

However, it would not be the last time I saw her! Fast-forward to early May 2009, I was dating Hank and we planned a trip to Epcot. I had never been although I'd visited Disney World back when it first opened. Both were near to where Margaret lived. Hank & Margaret were close in age and had much in common. I had an idea!

Margaret had just broken up with a 90 year old man. She and his daughter didn't get along. (I've been on both sides of that fence!) Like me, Margaret did most of the driving in that relationship. We laughed about this!

Hank's oldest son and family lived in Orlando. Miraculously, Hank frequently drove there without getting into an accident. Plus he often rented a bus and drove seniors on fixed incomes to Disney World or Epcot at his expense. Since I'm terrible with directions, I decided to trust his driving this time. Besides it was during daylight and I would be riding shotgun.

We'd be staying overnight at his son's palatial home, (separate rooms) but first we'd drop by Margaret's so I could introduce them. I told Margaret that if she took a shine to Hank, she could have him.

"You're certainly generous with your men," she replied.

I wasn't in love with Hank so I had no problem with stepping aside. Besides, this was one way to phase out my relationship with him. I was growing more and more anxious to do so.

After we arrived at Margaret's, she came to the door dressed only in a slip. She seemed surprised to see us although I'd spoken with her on the phone the night before. Also she had known for 2 weeks we were coming. We waited outside while she quickly dressed herself.

Previously, she told me there was an Applebee's in the large plaza across from her neighborhood where she sometimes ate. I said I would treat her and Hank. Margaret got into her car to lead the way and we followed. Afterward Hank & I planned to drive straight to Epcot.

After entering the plaza, Margaret stopped and got out of her car. She claimed to be lost. (I started to wonder if she was losing it!) We told her we'd find the restaurant and to follow us.

As we chatted during the meal, Margaret & Hank had even more in common; both were raised in the same Midwestern city, both enjoyed going dancing, and both loved the RV lifestyle.

Afterward, I pointed out to Hank that he and Margaret were a better match! And since he visited Orlando frequently a relationship could work out well!

"Do you really think I'd prefer her to you!" He scoffed at the idea.

"Yes!" I snapped. I pointed out everything they had in common. Hank & I had nothing in common! But he seemed to have an issue with her age. Actually, Margaret was in way better shape physically for her age than he was!

After returning home, I phoned Margaret. She seemed confused. She'd been in an auto accident and felt she had to do something, but didn't know what.

I told her to check herself into the Emergency Room immediately, call 911!

"Remember, I'm a doctor," she replied and vehemently refused. It was useless to argue with her.

I called back the next day and the next few days after and only got her answering machine. Now I was extremely worried!

Eventually, Margaret picked-up the phone. She had been in the hospital. Her daughter was there. Margaret had been diagnosed with dementia, the same disease that had claimed my other stormy-weather friend Pat as well as my stepmother. Both Margaret & Pat had whip-sharp minds before they were stricken so in both cases this was a shock!

The next time I heard from Margaret was a few weeks later. She phoned early in the AM from her daughter's home in another state. "I'm being held against my will!" she declared and wanted to give me the number there.

I had jumped from the shower to answer the phone. I told her to call back in 10 minutes because I was dripping all over my furniture. -- That was the wrong thing to say to a dementia patient! In 10 minutes she probably forgot she ever phoned. I never heard from her again.

I left messages on her answering machine in Florida and also sent numerous letters to that address thinking her daughter would contact me. She didn't! I will never forgive that woman for this! I never learned the fate of my treasured friend.

However, I am certain Margaret has passed away now due to her age, the timeline, and the nature of the illness.

Together, we were just like giggling happy teenagers! Despite our ages, Margaret & I shopped in the Junior Dept. We both loved flashy clothes. On another woman of similar age they would have just looked tacky. But on Margaret with her dancer’s body and regal bearing, you would swear she’d just stepped off a private jet from Paris.

Not only was Margaret a trendy dresser, she was also intelligent, plus a witty and fun personality all rolled into a slim and shapely class act. If I lived for 10,000 years, I would still remember her vividly and miss her.