Usually, Friday the 13th is a lucky day for me.  At least, it’s a day I don’t dread.  I love black cats and I make it a point to walk under ladders, so celebrating Friday the 13th is just another way to thumb my nose at superstition.  Except for this Friday the 13th.  Today is my bureau chief’s last work day before retirement, and now Friday the 13th indeed feels unlucky.  I love this woman.  She is the nicest person I’ve ever met:  she smiles easily, has a warm and welcoming demeanor, and rarely speaks ill of anyone.  She is very organized and dedicated to her work.  She has been my buffer between the work I need to do and the bureaucracy that often tries to trip me up.  She knits.

I have many gifts to remember her by.  Here are a few that I can share. (more…)