I couldn’t think of a better way to end the year and neither, it appears, could my guardian angel.

I am now living in a lovely stone cottage on the other side of this college town in Smythe, Oregon.

I’m shopping in a new grocery store, pumping gas at a new gas station, going to a new gym, and becoming familiar with unfamiliar places.

Around noon today, on this last day of 2010, Bitchy called to say that she and Sassy wanted to try the nail salon that was hidden in an obscure shopping plaza a stone’s throw from where I live.

I was thrilled to get a chance to spend time with them (who knew) and we agreed to meet there.

The salon is tucked in the corner of a small plaza in an out of the way place, several roads away from the main artery that winds through this town.

I discovered it quite by accident, and I drive by once in a while always considering treating myself. (I always talk myself out of it.) The parking lot is often empty.

I pulled in along side one other car, and walked into the tiny shop to wait for the girls.

I signed in and noticed one woman having her nails done and at least four children of various size, shape and color sprawled across the couches and chairs that lined the front of the shop.

My eyes were then drawn to the child huddled at the feet of the woman having her nails done, engrossed with his PDA. He was wearing camouflage pants and appeared to be sporting a Mohawk.

I shouted his name in a surprised voice, and he turned.

It was Frank.

And in that laughter-filled, loving embrace, I was reminded that even though I never know what might be around the corner, chances are great that it will be wonderful.