Spring is springing up all around me here, as I gaze out my office window. The trees are bare, but the sun is shining. I can tell that it's nice out there because people are running or being thrown by the wind toward their cars or buildings. They're strolling. That's nice.

What's decidedly NOT nice, however, is that this lovely spring is also ALLERGY season. Geez Louise! I haven't drawn a clear breath in two weeks. Tonight I shall take drugs and sleep like the dead.

Asia, my little 16-year-old dollface granddaughter (but I use that name for all five of them!), left for Florida today, for a cheer competition. I wish I could see it, and I hope somebody puts it up on YouTube. I do love to watch these kids.

Countdown to retirement continues. It's just 288 days from today. I have a zippy plan for the final day. I will have been on holidays for four weeks before my final day. So, picture this. It will be my 60th birthday. It will be my final day at the office. I will come prancing in here, all rested and relaxed. I will bring a bottle of Bailey's and sit it on my desk. I will send out an email inviting those selected colleagues and friends to drop by with their coffee, and I will top it up from my little bottle. And we will party all day long. Some of them will actually have work to do. But not me. Oh it makes me smile to contemplate it.