And she caught me. Guess one doesn't just spend five decades listening to patient symptoms without developing an acute sense for when folks are forging the facts.

But she gently set me back on track with one long, silent pause right in mid-sentence when she could tell my mind had drifted off for about the fourth time. I apologized after I caught myself, and willed myself into really listening to her.

Mom always said: Never let your mouth get ahead of your ears!

I think Mrs. Scutari will be a great client, Journey. Even if she doesn't spend a dime, she's already loaded me up with a valuable lesson.

Tomorrow I'll work on some New Year's plans. Saturday night Eddie and I are going out to a dance/dinner combination at the Hidalgo Hotel. It's Black Tie Invited; I've got my eye on a little bronze slit-side evening dress with spaghetti straps I saw over at NorthPointe mall a week ago last Tuesday. It shows just enough, all around.

Goodnight, J. See you next year!

Read December 27th entry.

Read January 1st entry.