Chatted with mom this morning, though our conversations have become somewhat brief since we seem to ne stuck in an endless loop:  "No news here." "No news here either."

Mom has lost several long-time friends recently, and several more are currently in hospice.  (Some in both categories would qualify as my friends also.)  While the death of friends is not that surprising  when you live to a ripe old age it's still quite sad - though of course I must say it beats the alternative!