One of the prettiest times of the year here in the Central Valley of California is the advent of spring. The blossoms and the weather seem to invite one to celebrate the promise of a joyful and beautiful bounty of the land. As usual we took our annual blossom trail tour just a few weeks ago and the trees were in bloom with the hope of more to come. Since that time however the valley has had a series of rainstorms, snowstorms and flooding that reminds us that Mother Nature may have other plans for our spring.

After taking just a short break after the Women’s Conference here in Fresno, the autumn started heating up with more activities, a full work schedule and numerous events that demanded attention. Halloween was a blast with a costume party at home. We all had to dress up. We had everything from a Titanic victim to the “I Dream of Jeanie” genie. After a short round of welcoming appetizers the women were sent out on a scavenger hunt in the neighborhood – some of our neighbors even stayed home to see who would be coming to their door asking for stuff.

If you missed the conference you missed a lot. As you know the founders of the Womens Friendship Network (the NFLL) decided to set up a booth at the Central California Womens Conference in Fresno in September. It was a large undertaking but it was so well worth it. We met so many women who were interested in our website either for themselves or for someone they loved. The idea of a place to go on the net for people who are looking for contact and friends appealed to many people. It was just a great experience!

Those predicted hot days of summer have at last arrived, and now the air conditioner is buzzing and just getting into the car fries your hands because of overheated steering wheels and closed windows. It is something we expect here in the Central Valley of California as sure as we expect the snow to eventually fall in the mountains. But we have our eyes on the coming cool breezes of fall – and – the Central California Women’s Conference in Fresno.

It's been a rough couple of weeks for me. The loss of my dentist of 38 years at the young age of 62. The sudden and unexpected illness and departure of my local Rotary President. Surprising and sad developments for one of my nieces and her family. I've been feeling overwhelmed with loss and sadness. My plate is full and the peas are falling off!!! I'm 54 and no doubt experiencing the symptoms of menopause! Ahh, such is life.

Just last week I was trying to post something on the WFN magazine site – and just the week before that I was thinking the same thing – and the week before that. And before I knew it, almost a full year has passed since last I contributed. Time really is a bandit – stealing opportunities and chipping away at life until you find yourself coming up short on everything you had planned. I feel as if I am starting all over again – but maybe that is not so bad. New beginnings, new material, new ideas -- maybe this is a good time. Let’s hope so!!!

It was a dream come true for all of us. After all the plans and all the hopes we put into our vacation together – it all worked out great. The one exception was that one of our group was unable to come with us. Peaches and Cream was obligated to remain here in the valley due to family issues that prevent any travel at the moment. Nevertheless, she wished us well, followed our moves on the Internet and spoke with us as we traveled around my home state of Colorado. We knew she was a part of us in spirit.

DenverI traveled home first on the 4th of July to get my condo in order. The rest of the group arrived on Monday the 6th. It was cool in Colorado which was a real relief from the valley summer heat. We ate dinner together and retired early because the next day marked the real start of the vacation.

Wanted to share this article with all of you. It's a great book.

'Ames' chronicles women's friendships

By MICHAEL J. CRUMB | Associated Press | Story updated at 7:17 pm on 7/9/2009

DES MOINES, Iowa - A year before it became a best-seller, author Jeffrey Zaslow wondered if all the time he'd put into his book about the longtime friendship of 11 women would be wasted.

Well, we are doing it! After talking about it for almost a full year our NFLL group will be leaving California to travel to Colorado for a 5 day vacation. I have lived with my sister in the central valley of California off and on for four years now but my real home is still in Colorado and I wanted to show my friends why I love my home so much. We leave here in early July for fun in the high country. Our plans include river rafting, alpine sliding, site seeing and a baseball game at famed Coors Field in Denver.

A recent article on WebMD was sent to me by my daughter and while the results of the testing aren’t surprising they do indicate what most of us know already. Activities that stimulate the mind will do wonders for your longevity and will help prevent memory loss. Sitting in front of the TV seems to do nothing to help you maintain your mental sharpness or your physical stamina. Involving oneself in friendships and social activities is the breath of life for all women. We need each other.