We’re nearing the halfway point for April.

U.S. author, F. Scott Fitzgerald published THE GREAT GATSBY in 1925 and it went on to become a literary classic, a twice-made movie, a stage play, and a musical. In 1912, the Titanic embarked on its maiden voyage.

It’s been thirty-four years since Rick’s tragic accident on his way back to Chicago where he was finishing up his graduate degree at The University of Chicago. It’s strange how, one moment, it can seem like yesterday, while another moment it can feel like a century ago. I have enjoyed many great moments these past thirty-four years, but occasionally I do wonder what life would have been like had we shared the past three score and four.

Today is also the heavenly birthday of my dear friend, Susan Cook, one of the finest clarinetists and clarinet teachers. We shared many fun adventures and I still miss her companionship.

I am eager for the remainder of the week and weekend with TINA: The Tina Turner Musical, but I am also reluctant as I know when I enter my first free day on Tuesday, my body may be fatigued by the long days and late nights. This, too, shall pass.

My email and text message boxes are overflowing with personal messages. I have always found it difficult to maintain personal communication and when the boxes begin to fill up, I find myself a bit stressed. I will try to thin it out today, but it won’t be easy.

We will have rain with us for several days. We had rain overnight and more is expected throughout the day. I don’t mind the rain but am not looking forward to the depressing gray skies.

On with the day… Make it a great day!

PHOTOS: Titanic: Rick and me, 1979; Susan Cook, the Van Horn siblings, and me; Susan’s beautiful headstone.