5 NEW ANGELS

faithandfifty

Joy: what an amazing ambitious project to be undertaking. I'm glad that you can see the progress. Congrats on juggling that effort in the midst of your treatment. Today's Tuesday, so I'm sending you extra care, hugs, and prayers for strength. I'm so glad that your daughter is close at hand. That must be the ultimate of comfort.

Footie: how gracious and considerate to have donated your hair for the benefit of a child. You're such a special woman. Your strength to get thru chemo on your own is amazing. Thanks for the hug!!

Puppy: so glad to see that you are beginning to post again. Thank heavens that you've made it thru this process.

Norm: are you able to peek in here from time to time? If so, please put a little parade of your smiley faces if words are too much. Just let us know that you're still taking one step at a time.

KimberSIS: hope you're having a great time with your sis.........

here's a peek at the babbeez:

joyh

Faith, the picture is adorable.  Made me smile!  I really don't know how you are getting it all done but you are.  It is amazin g what strength we can muster up when our families  need us.When is your next trip and where?  I am traveling along vicariously.

Norm, I with with Faith, can you please give us a sign.  Just even one smiley face? 

Debbie, I am so sorry you are having to go through all of this alone.  I know it must be so lonely.  Actually, I drive myself to all of my treatments also, but because it is my preference.  I have a CD of Statlers Brothers gospel songs, and I blast it and sing along.  My favorites are "Amazing Grace " and " How Great Thou Are" . It is one of my ways to pray.  I mention all of your names and all of the other names from this site.  Faith, I follow your advice and sing LOUD.  

Puppy, you have so many wonderful friends on this board, I just knew you would be all right.  Praise God.

Kimberly, hope you are having a blast.

I had AC today.  Had a little reaction 5 ccs into it and a shot of benadryl solved everything..Last time the ses stayed away until Sun. night and only lasted five days as compared to 9 or 10 with taxotere.  Here's hoping. The nulasta shot tomorrow.Thanks everyone for thinking of me.  Oh, my 1/2 in. hair begain falling out Sat.  I don't even care.  Ten minutes notice and I am out the door. 

 Hugs and prayers.

Joy 

faithandfifty

Joy.... here's prayin' that the side effects are minimal. I'm glad that they were able to solve the reaction quickly. There are times when I sing LOUD, as my own therapy/prayer, too. It does me a wonder of good. Today I had a "library show" at a very little town north of here. We were in their basement meeting room and packed it from wall-to-wall, with 113 children of various ages from quite young to late elementary age. They were so well behaved and engaged. I had a ball.

Next month are my 'big' travels/professionally. I have a trip to Las Vegas to present at a national kindergarten-teacher conference and another presentation in New Hampshire. Plus I have 15 different library concerts to give across Ohio. WOW. Seeing it written out, I realize I have a lot!

Here's one of my favorite pictures from the beach in Aruba.

Maybe it's all ready for Norm's 5 Angels to gather and plan the day for us?

PuppyFive

****************LOVE YOU  ALL.......***************

(((((Norm)))))

Puppy

faithandfifty

A PUPPY parade of smilie faces!!! Oh happy day! Oh happy day!!

Puppy take your time returning to us -- as you are able. Much love right back to you!!

Joy & Footie: praying for each of you as I start the day..... different library program -- the other direction today.

KimberSIS: can't wait to hear of your most recent travels. Best wishes meeting w/your doc.

Norm: sending you prayers for your journey. Send us a signal.

xx00xx00xx00xx00xx00xx00xx

SISKimberly

I'm back!!!!  I don't have time to do more than say Hi as I've got guests coming in for the weekend, and I've been busy with a physical therapy appt. this morning, laundry, and catching up on all the stuff that piles up when you're gone for any length of time.  

 I'll check in again on Monday when I have some time to really catch up and give you my undivided attention.

Until then, sending lots of love to all my Angel Watchers, SIS Kimberly

faithandfifty

What glorious smiles KimberSIS!! I love your picture. AND your grit. Can't wait to hear all about your time together. Have a great weekend with your company.

Footie: CONGRATS on getting your scooter!! Have fun with it and enjoy the support it offers as you zip about your place. What will it take to get you a ramp?

Joy: Know that I continue to hold up your name in prayer. I ask for your strength to be renewed and your trust to be strengthened -- as you confront the realities of treatment.

PuppyLovey: you are a marvel. you are an inspiration. you are an example of strength in the midst of the unknown. i pray that i can learn from your spirit's powerful journey.

Norm: sending you a hug for your travels...... send up a smoke signal or something!

Here's a little glimpse of my Aruban marvel. Come splash around here today:

footprintsangel

Dear Angels. I went to church today, I guess everyone  was asking how I was (94degrees) and ask about my walking and I told told by one in church that I had to get an ok from the city. He ask why I need one for the back, So he came over with a friend after church and measured. Said they might have enough wood to do the back.  That would be an answer to  my prayer. I will wait and see. My faith in people helping is down alittle, Cause I get alot of promises that never keep. I hope to get more sleep tonight, That will help alot! My prays and angel hugs are coming your way! Where are those little angels Faith.

SISKimberly

So, here we are at the airport and the other pic is the Chicago Hilton.

SISKimberly

The skies have finally cleared after being in a smoky haze for the past week. We can see the sun and the clouds today…such a pleasure to see again.

I’ve read all the posts, but won’t be doing individual shout outs as I’ve got a lengthy post already with the Chicago and Bday update, and you’ll be reading all day if I add shout outs.

Faith, glad you're home and that you had such a great time. Love the pics...the chairs are perfect for our 5 angels.

Joy - Glad that chemo isn't treating you too badly comparatively speaking although I know it still isn't a walk in the park.

 Deb - Glad you got your scooter and hope your church members are able to help you out...although I admit, I'm not sure what exactly they are helping you with.

 Norm and Puppy - Thinking of you as always. ((((HUGS and smiles from Lincoln, CA))))

Our birthday party (my twinsis and I turned 47 on Sat.) was a HUGE success. We had 22 guests and the restaurant outdid them selves taking care of us. We arrived at 5pm and didn’t leave until 11pm. Everyone just raved about the food and service.  

My cousin flew in from Vegas,which was such a treat as we haven’t seen her in years.

Spending time with our friends and family was the best gift we received. I’ll upload pics ASAP. Greg’s got the camera and cord for the computer.

So, I promised you a travel log of my Chicago trip with pictures, so here we go…

June 21,2008
Kathleen and I were bumped up to First Class (Kath flies often and is a Silver Club member on US Air) all the way to Chicago (had a layover in Vegas, then changed planes) Wow!!!! I had never flown First Class before. I had always wondered what comforts lay beyond that silly flimsy curtain which separated those eight or so larger comfy looking seats, two to a row, sharing one forward compartment lavatory from the rest of the coach passengers packed in like sardines, seats three to a row, sharing two lavatories at the back of the plane.  Now I know!  Immediate service upon sitting, hot warm towels to freshen up with before lunch, which happened to be served on china with real silverware.  First Class had a choice for lunch while coach passengers had to pay $5 for a snack box.  First Class had access to the onboard movie, The Spiderwich Chronicles, however, coach had to pay $5 to rent the headsets. I imagined being in a situation where we would have to reach for our oxygen masks then leap from the plane with our seat cushion flotation devices and having the flight crew announce to coach,”Please remain in your seats. There is no need to  panic. If you would like oxygen or a flotation device, there is a $5 fee for each. We will be by to collect your fee. We would appreciate exact change please.” HeeHee. Anyway, First Class got to get up and use the facilities even during food service, but coach passengers were trapped in their seats until the service carts were stowed or had passed their seats.  All in all, if one can afford it, First Class is definitely the way to travel.  I admit, now that I’ve experienced the world behind the curtain, I’ve been spoiled and think travel any other way is …well…just wrong, which leads to the question why passengers are willing to put up with such crowded conditions and limited service.  Ahhhh yes, the price one pays for convenience at the cheapest price.

During our layover in Vegas, I won $50! SAA_WEET!!! (So you've got a conference in Vegas, Faith. Should be fun with all those early ed teachers)

We arrived in the Windy City around 5pm. The Windy City, which in case inquiring minds wanted to know, is so called not because of the weather, but because during the World Fair hosted there, a famous newspaper columnist noted that citizens of Chicago were full of exaggerations, excessively bragged about the attributes of their city, and were in general very long winded.

After collecting our luggage (yes, mine did arrive unlike on my trip to Flagstaff/Sedona), we located a cab to take us to the Chicago Hilton on Michigan Avenue at a cost of only $42 for the approximate 30 minute drive.  May I just say cab drivers in Chicago, like most large cities I imagine, are either incredibly focused and aware of everything going on around them with lightening fast reflexes, or adrenaline junkies who have absolutely no fear nor regard for other vehicles around them as they bully their way through congested streets.  I like to think the cabbie we entrusted our lives to was a Zen Master rather than Evil Knievilesk.

Upon arriving at the Chicago Hilton, which is the gem on Michigan Avenue in my opinion due to its history as the largest luxury hotel in the world during its hayday in the late 1800’s. Today, it maintains many of its original architectural features and a Grand Ballroom that still has huge crystal chandeliers. It is still evident that this hotel caters to the higher end guest…thank you Kathleen and TSYS (her company). The staff was so friendly and ready to serve from the doorman to the hotel manager.  Fabulous customer service.

When Kath and I walked into our room, Room 1752, we were surprised to see not only two beds, but two bathrooms as well. We didn’t have a view, but weren’t planning on spending time in our room looking out the window. Once unpacked, we walked across the street to Grant Park, a large park that stretches a good ten or more blocks and connects to Millenium Park to the North and to the Museum Campus to the South-East.  Literally across the street from our hotel the Chicago Summer Dance Series was underway among beautiful flowerbeds and planters, lush grassy areas, and tree shaded walkways. Fountains and statues were scattered throughout as were little tucked away spots where people could read, contemplate, or cozy up to their sweeties. Of course, the grassy spots also offered seating as did park benches, steps, and the wide edges of plant boxes filled with pinks, purples, oranges, and yellows.  People of all ages gathered to listen and dance,and not just on the dance floor, to the sizzling sounds of Salsa played from the stage. Kath and I salsa’d our way down the side walk and across on of several bridges crossing over the tracks and headed towards a large blocked off area.  It appeared a large event was either being dismantled or assembled.  We passed a statue of Abraham Lincoln, said ‘Hey Abe’ and walked back over the bridge where I asked some of Chicago’s finest what was happening back where we’d just been. Apparently, we just missed the Zombie Parade. Also, the city was setting up for their annual Taste of Chicago event happening June 27th through July 4th. I still don’t know what a Zombie Parade is or if I’m sorry I missed it or not.

We didn’t quite make it to Millenium Park, but we did pass the Metra enterance, which Kath explained looked just like the Metro in Paris, and the large lion statues that flank the Chicago Art Institute before crossing the street to head back towards the hotel in search of dinner.

Kath and I settled on a place that called itself The Artist’s Shack. It’s menu was a combination of Greek, Italian, and American cuisine.  We decided on Greek.
While enjoying our meal on the patio, a homeless man approached me and asked if I would buy him a meal. He talked really slow like someone who is either weak and tired or under the influence.  I chose to believe he was the former since it was a meal he asked for and not money.
I told him I’d be happy to buy him a meal, unfortunately the restaurant staff told me that wasn’t going to happen when I went inside to order. Apparently, he and a friend do this a lot and the restaurant didn’t want to encourage this behavior.  When I returned to my seat, the police had arrived and were talking to him and asking him to move on, which he was reluctant to do stating I was buying him a meal. I told him I had tried, but was told I could not. Kath and I offered our leftovers- rice, chicken, and veggies, but he refused stating it wasn’t what he wanted.
He asked again for me to buy him a meal, and again I explained that I couldn’t. The police asked him to move on at that point. I felt badly for him,but thought he wasn’t hungry enough if he turned down the leftovers we offered. It was a good amount of food. Kath and I could have split one meal.  Ahhh, what a world we live in where people are living on the streets and hungry. How can this be with such abundance on the one hand, and the amount of waste on the other?

When we got back to the hotel, we ran into two of Kathleen’s coworkers, Judy and Diane, from the Arizona office. They had taken the ‘scenic’ route to the hotel via the subway from the airport…a four hour journey lost in Chicago…but they were still smiling.

OK, that’s all for today. I’ll write the next entry tomorrow. 

Love to you all,

SIS Kimberly 

faithandfifty

Wow. KimberSIS. Thanks for the details. I've never flown first class, but always pass those roomy seats with a cross between envy and longing.

Sounds like a terrific get-away.

Vegas is quite an attraction, isn't it?

We're still awaiting any sign of Norm...... Puppy's been able to post -- which makes us all happy.

Joy is keeping her head above water and Footie's got a skooter, but awaits a ramp, to use it outside of her house.

Aruba was incredible and JUST what the doctor ordered.

xx00xx00xx00xx00xx00xx

PuppyFive

(((((Norm))))) How are You???? Hope You come visit soon........

So Happy to see all the (((((LOVE))))) .......Miss all and will come back soon.......Puppy.....

joyh

hI angelwatchers,

Puppy, so good to see you back. Know your strength will continue to improve every day.

Footie, sorry you are having trouble with your new scooter.  How did things work out?

Kimberly, what a wonderful trip and what a wonderful narrative.  Hope you will contiinue.  You and your sis look so happy to be together. 

 Faith, I sent you a pm.  Did you get it?  Thanks again for all the prayers.

This tx was pretty rough.  Day 3 I got sick and by Day 5, felt pretty good.  Can you believe day 7 it came back and I was in bed five days.  This is actually my first day to be up and that is only to the recliner.  But, only two more to go. God willing, I'll make it.

Norm, where are you?  Don't you know  we worry?  If you are having fun, all is forgiven.  So hope that is the case.

Happy 4th, and love to all,

Joy 

SISKimberly

Travel log…segment #2.  June 22,2008

We woke early, got ready, and met Kathleen’s coworkers from the Tempe, Arizona office in the lobby. Made a bee line for the Star Bucks then hopped on the M bus to take us to the McCormick Center, a large convention center that once housed warehouses of the garment district.  The organizers of the SHRM(Society of Human Resources Management) conference did an outstanding job with tranportation, having lots of volunteers to point people in the right direction, a place for people to store luggage if needed, a spot to make reservations for lunch and time off for those attendees who came alone and wanted to network, a fabulous bookstore, and HUGE exhibition hall.  There were over 13,000 people in attendance from all over the world.

After registering, I went to the bookstore with the gals to look around. I asked the gentleman at the door if Mr. Portier would be signing books, but he said, “Regrettably, no.”  I was disappointed as I told him that Mr. Portier and Lionel Richie were the only reason I’d come as a guest.  I did decide to purchase Mr. Portier’s book anyway even though Kath was looking out for me and told me I could get it at home and not have to carry it around.  I found two other books I felt would be good for my classroom and went to the cashier to check out.  Naomi, my cashier, was so bubbly and friendly.  She asked where I was from and how I liked Chicago so far, and as I signed my receipt told me to enjoy the rest of my conference.  I explained I was only a guest and had paid the $350 guest pass so I could hear Sydney Portier speak since that was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and that going to the Lionel Ritchie concert was just a bonus in my book.  She looked at me and said, “I have a surprise for you.” I must have looked surprised as she pulled out from beneath her register a label with Sydney’s actual autographed signature telling me he’d only signed a few and that she was told only to hand them out to people she felt would really appreciate it.  I about fell over.  I was so excited I was jumping up and down saying, “Really?”  and “Oh, my God!” while Kath kept saying, “ Kimberly, be careful with the jumping up and down, new foobies on board.”  Naomi was just tickled with my reaction and kept telling her coworkers, “You should have seen her reaction. Wish I’d had a camera.”  I carefully placed the signature into my book and thanked Naomi over and over again for choosing me.  Needless to say, every time I was at the bookstore, we hugged.  I am so blessed. I was walking on cloud 9.  Took my picture next to Sydney before heading back to our Bus Route M stop.

We had time before the Opening General Session, so we went back to the hotel, dropped off our purchases, and ate brunch. Afterwards, I attended the first session with Kath for the first hour until 1:00 or so before I got up to get in line to hold seats for the girls up as close as possible to Mr. Portier.  The Guest speaker at the session was a man named Steve Gilliland. He talked about Leading from the Heart.  He had a great sense of humor and a fabulous ability to tell a good story. Anyway, I guess others had the same idea to line up early, but I still managed to get fairly close up.

I held our seats for almost an hour and then Mr. Portier was introduced after SHRM business was taken care of…the current CEO was leaving after 20 years and this was the 60th Annual conference in the city in which SHRM was created.
May I just say…still at 81…Mr. Portier is one handsome man!
He spoke so eloquently and with some humor about his life and finished with the thought that, “It isn’t that we get up when we are knocked down that matters as much as what we do once we’re up.”  Isn’t that the truth.

Afterwards, Kath and I got cleaned up and took a cap to Spiaggia, an Italian restaurant I wanted to go to after meeting the chef and buying her cook book at the Monterey Wine Festival two years ago. It was the most expensive meal I’ve paid for myself, but I soooo deserved it. An 8 course small plate meal with a wine pairing for each course. Thankfully only a two ounce pour until we got to the Nebiollo, my favorite, so I was given a 4 ounce pour of that. Anyway, Kath was just so thrilled to have been taken to this restaurant as she doesn’t normally eat in such high class shi-shi places. It was a meal that capped off the perfect day!

Been busy...started physical therapy and that takes a good couple of hours each day along with doctors appts and lunching with friends etc...

Puppy, so glad you're back.  Faith, how are you fairing now that you're back to reality?

Joy, hang in there sweetie. Sorry to hear this last round kicked you in the behind. Only two more!!!! WhooHoo.

Deb and Norm- Thinking of you both. Deb hope you've found a solution to the ramp situation, and Norm, hope you're having a great time.

Happy 4th everyone.  SIS Kimberly 

SISKimberly

Good Morning Angels-

Happy 4th.  

A few more pics from Chicago.

Me and the legs at the end of Grant Park.

Kath and I at the Bean at the other end of Grant Park in Millenium Park.

The bronze angel. She was beautiful, don't know if you can tell with the pic so small.

Buckingham Fountain is below. 

SIS Kimberly

faithandfifty

HAPPY FOURTH friends and angel-watchers.

KimberSIS: have just loved reading and SEEING your travels. I've been back and forth, up and down Michigan Ave and it's fun to be reminded of the joyous finds there. Reality has quite a bit less sun, than our island jaunt, but the babeez make it worth returning home.

Joy: Sounds like you are making progress.... sorry that you have to being going thru this, but the end is in sight. I did get your PM. Thought I responded, but maybe just talked to you in my mind. I'll go back and see?? Hope that you're having a great day with the family.

Footie: so glad to hear that you're hanging in there! and continue to have your amazing attitude -- that you share so easily. Hope that you're celebrating in style. Will you get to see any fireworks? We'll just have to use our imagination -- or maybe we'll see some on TV tonight

Puppy: Just left you some encouragement on your prayer chain thread. So glad to see you stopping in here & there. I sure hope that means your recovery continues right on target. Know that I'm always sending you energy, blessings and good wishes.

Norm: Wonder what you're up to? Wonder where you are these days? What's keeping you busy? Sure hope that you pop in soon. We're all starting to wonder...........

OK. Here's our little celebration this morning. Everyone decked out in their finest:

 

norm

Hello Angelwatcher's,just a short one I've only been home 20 minutes.Haven't had time to catch up on what's been happening with you's or read all the post's,but I had to take time when I saw Puppy has posted again(Prayer's do get answered).

     I'm pretty wiped out,I bought a new VW Bug and drove back(5,635km's)why,I don't know but it seemed like a good idea at the time. I'll read all the post's in the morning,HAPPY 4TH. enjoy!!!!

           T.F.L.   norm

faithandfifty

Happy dancing. Happy Dancing. happy DANCING!!

Norm, I will genuinely sleep better tonight -- having heard from you!!

I'm just sooooooooooooo happy to hear that you've had a cross country adventure. Can't wait to hear more, but thank you soooooooooooooo much for coming in and posting the angels on parade.

whooooooooooooooohoooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

footprintsangel

 To all the wonderful Angels Happy 4th of July! You all  should have earned your wings the way help one another! Thanks for caring!  Shall we have a cup of friendship tea to remember those we lost or are fighting right now for peace!  I am an Air Force brat so I have seen alot of what familes go threw. So remember to thank them when you see them. Take care, Debbie

joyh

NORM,

What a  wonderful way to start my day!  Checked in and there you are!!!!!!!!!!

And you did have an adventure.  Who else would have thought to buy a car and drive back.  Know you saw some amazing sights.  But, oh how we have missed you.You are our leader, the one who brought us together.  I cannot wait for the details.  Please don't be like my dh. how was your trip, fine, did you eat at any good restaurants, a few,. did you have fun, some.  Grrrrrrrrrrrr!  Take a look at Kimberly,s travelog and learn from it.  We Want Details.  I know none of us are as talented as Kimberly, but try.

An amazing thing happened.  One of the laidies on my chemo board said that she checked in on this board and had noticed my name.  She lives only a few hours from you Norm, and remembered the accident from news reports.  She is a very caring, sweet lady and I invited her to pop in here when she can.  Her name is Suz and I hope we will see her soon.  Hi Suz.

Norm, I think you are going to love your car.  Everyone that I know who has one does.  Don't they get terrific gas mileage.  Mabe you are planning more trips.  Was it comfortable on such a long drive? What color is it.  (guess I can see why my dh gets tired of questions)

I.m just chattering because I am so happy to hear from you.  Thought we were going  to have to try and track you down.

WELCOME HOME, WELCOME HOME,

jOY 

SISKimberly

Well the family is all back together!!!!  Welcome home Norm!!!!  I'm with Joy about wanting to know all about your trip. Why did you decide to buy a new VW Bug?  We had one growing up...a 1960 that was with us through highschool and into college and beyond. My twinsis and her hubby at the time sold it.  It was a great car!

Oh Faith, those grandkids of yours are just precious!  Those little faces could light up the night sky, couldn't they?

Deb - I thank the military servicmen and women whenever I see one in uniform. I also thank police officers and firefighters when I see them.  Hope your fourth was fabulous.  Don't you have a place near the water or is that Joy?

 Hey Joy. How small this world really is...hope your friend Suz stops by for a visit.  How are you feeling?  You seem really perky today...Norm can do that to a gal though...perk her up.  Now, no blushing now Norm, you know how much we all care about you and love when you stop in to let us know what's going on in your world.

Had a nice 4th...just a BBQ with some friends, then out onto the street to partake in the fireworks of our neighbors. Love watching the kids' eyes just light up and the squeals of delight. 

Catch ya later,

SIS Kimberly 

faithandfifty

I do feel like we're having a family reunion......... everyone's back

PUPPY, Normmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, Joy, Footie and KimberSIS!!

Suz pop in just as soon as you find us. The more the merrier!

xx00xx00xx00xx00xx00xx

faithandfifty

A quick howdy to my angel watchers.

I'm packing for one of my big effort extravaganzas..... starting tomorrow I'll be giving a total of 13 library performances -- a couple of hours up the road. It's been exhausting in the past, so I'll be running on fumes by the end.

Just decided to get a hotel room in the middle of their county, and save a couple hours of driving every day.... that will be a massive help. What with the cost of gas, it will probably work out about the same.

I'm supposed to have internet, but we'll see if it's reliable.

Hold each other up.

Thinking of each of you and sending you my best.

xx00xx00xx00xx00xx00xx00xx

suz45

Hello Angelwatchers and friends,

Norm.... I know everyone is so happy that you checked in (me too) Glad to here you ended up safe and sound from a long road trip. Will be looking forward to hearing some details.

Well I'll quickly introduce myself... Im Suz, I live in Richmond and I am a part of Joys Dec 07 chemo group. I've been following this tread for a long time. I feel like I sort of know you all at this point.

Seeing as you just got back back in town, I'll let you catch up on all the news from your buds.

Take care and warm hugs, Suz

faithandfifty

Welcome Suz.... the more support we can establish for Norm the better.

I'm packed and ready for departure. Hope to have internet......

Thinking of everyone who adds to the thread, as well as anyone who is reading along.

May you find strength and courage for your journey.

xx00xx00xx00xx00xx00xx00xx

joyh

Helo Angelwatchers,

Welcome Suz.  SO glad you decided to stop in.

We had a wonderful 4th.  We don't really have any neighbors but remember I told you about the campground where the same people came back year after year.  On Thursday night one of the regulars told Ed they had bought two boston butts if he would cook the barbeaue on Fri.  He got up early Fri. morning to start it cooking.  About 2 that afternoon, the golf carts started rolling in with 7 couples.  They brought coolers of ice, iced tea, paper plates, utensils, tomatoes , baked beans, everything we needed.  We ate out on our porch and had a wonderful time. They treated me like a queen and woulnd't let me lift a finger.  I was so  touched.

Faith, good luck on your busy week.  I don't know how you do it.

Puppy, continued healiing.

Kimberly, sounds like you had a fun  week end.  But, you always do.  We would have to drive miles and miles just to do one of the things you do, but then again, we love the peach and quite.

Suz, I know you are all through with your treatments.  Is your life getting back to normal.  I know normal for you is very active, biking, hiking, climbing.  We need you here.  Don;t be a stranger.

Footie, how are you feeling?

Norm, are you through unpacking,?  Are you planning another trip?

We have an appointment in downtown Knoxville at 5:30 today.It takes about an hour and a half each way.  It seems our never endiing law suit is about to end.  We have a court date in August and the meeting is a pre trial meeting.  It will be a jury trial.  I bought two foobies last week and tried them out in my bra for our 4th. party.  When I undressed that night there was only one.  We finially found the other just yesterday, out in the yard.  I don't know whether a dog drug it out, or whether (God forbid) it fell our duriing the party.  Not wanting the same thing to happen on the witness stand, one of our stops today in Knoxville will be to buy a bra with inserts to keep them from slipping. 

 Everyone have a good day, and again Suz, thanks for being here.

Hugs,

Joy 

SISKimberly

OK, Joy, I am sorry that I was rolling regarding the lost foobie. I just had visions of both of the scenarios occuring.  LOL  I'm so glad you had such a fabulous crowd spend the day with you.

I love peace and quiet too, but I don't think I could live so far from a big city.

Hi Suz - Welcome. I'm also a member of the January Jewels group.  Glad to hear your treatment is over and that you've got lots of wonderful acitivities to get back to when you're back to 100%.  We look forward to getting to know you, here.

 Faith - I'm with Joy. You amaze me with your energy girlfriend. Have fun at the libraries. Do you ever get to Northern CA?

So Norm, can't wait to hear the news.  The unpacking and laundry should be done by now, and you've probably spent time with the kids and grandkids, too. So, how's about an update?

Puppy and Deb - Keeping you both in my heart as you each meet your varied challenges. Puppy, I miss you, but know that you need all of your strength to heal...so, I wait patiently as a pup for your hugs.

SIS Kimberly 

 
  At our 47th birthday bash. Vegan cake, ordered by Kathleen’s honey as she’s allergic to eggs, sits in front of us. It was soooo yummy. Kathleen and Kimberly in front. Cousin Suzanne and older sis, Terrie, in the back.

faithandfifty

Pretty girls. Pretty, pretty, pretty.

Thanks so much for sharing.

3 programs complete!! Only 10 to go: YIKES.

hugs allllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll

norm

Just a note to let you know I'm here. Our village lost three more young teenager's in crash not far from Brenda and the kid's.  So I'm not up to sharing right now.

 Know that I hold you all in my thought's and prayer's

                             norm

faithandfifty

oh Norm, thanks for sharing........... what a sorrow to open your own, still-very-fresh wound

healing is such an art of taking one step forward boldly, knowing that we're apt to take steps backwards periodically as well.

i am so appreciative that you've come to let us know.

i will send more and more energy to you, from my deep well............

xx00xx00xx00xx00xx00xx00xx

is there a way to reach out to those new families who are lost, from your own loss, yet surviving each day? do what you are able...... stretch just a bit........

remember: "Other people feel this."

Norm, you are not alone.