Sometimes people ask me how you know if you have a real friend.

This is what I tell them - when you are up to your ass in alligators - and your friend comes with hand grenades, without being asked --- ahhh that is a real friend.''

A strange thing happened on Essex Street this Halloween.
A person who I had met recently (we'll call this one A) told me that A wanted to be a closer friend but was concerned about my friendship with B.

This sent out warning signals. I told several people about the conversation, and they told me that I was being overly protective of B.
Why?
B has been my friend for over ten years, and whether or not I agree with B, be is the one with hand grenades at first jaw snap.

So I ignored my own instinct and said, um okay and went on my merry way. Now I find out that even though I am not in Salem and ripping up rugs in the Hexenhaus, I am still feeling the waves of drama that A is causing friends and foes alike.

Worse, there is nothing I hate more than catching someone in a lie. I did. So alas, A can go back into the alligator pit and neither B or I will be sending a posse anytime soon.

As we look at Thanksgiving, I need to say how thankful I am to my friends, for my parents and for the experiences I have had with some amazing individuals,]

It is now three years ago that Deidrui passed away - and today is her birthday as well.
Some people say to celebrate memories on their birthday instead of their death date but in this case it is sadly one in the same. I did the research; people often die around their birthdays and around the holidays. It still hurts. A stroke seems so common, so senseless and so harsh.

So hug your friends, and treasure those who will get you out of the swamp ... especially those who dont mind getting a little wet themselves to get you out.

.... and you know who you are!