Dave came home last evening and met me at The Pub, where I was hoisting a few Guiness with friends. We had a fun evening until around 9:30 when his dad called to say that Avis (his companion of 29 years) had passed away. We were expecting it but not expecting it; I'm sure you know what I mean. She'd been declining since last Feb. when she fell in the night and broke her hip. Avis had been in her early 90's. It's been a difficult few months for Jack as she could not come home to him and her family and he were not friendly. So anyway, Dave left today to go to his dad. Kev is driving up from Portland I'm happy to say. That will make things better too. Services will be later this week.

I was wondering where you disappeared to, Richard. You always have something unique to say. You keep us on our toes!

hi lori, you know that you could write something very short for your poetry group. ernest hemingway said that his best work was a very short story consisting of six words: "for sale. baby shoes. never worn." or consider this one, "the last man on earth heard a knock on the door." okay that one is ten words and i can do my own if i am given that many. here is my best shot at describing you tonight: "gorgeous women. mute. man charmed by stories in her eyes."

Nothing that exciting planned for this weekend, Kathi. Tonight it's my turn to have Avi's family here for the Friday night meal, so I'm in the kitchen today (not my favorite place!). Some of them stopped coming, so it's not really such a big group--usually between 10 and 12 people. Then on Sunday I'm going to a meeting of my poetry group. I don't have a poem to bring this time. I haven't been able to write much this year. My mind's too cluttered with wedding plans, fixing up the house, etc. etc. Remember I mentioned that my nephew was here for a while to get his American citizenship and didn't get it because of that picky Immigration officer? Well, now he got a letter to come for another interview on June 25. We got the documents the officer asked for, but I'm still nervous cuz he's such a bastard. I'm afraid he'll still find something wrong with the documents, and I don't want my nephew to come all the way from Israel and be turned down again. If the Immigration officer was a normal, logical human being, I wouldn't be nervous....

12 more days of school left!!!!!!!! I am so excited for vacation. Today we (K-4) went to SpringWeather Nature Area..up past the Springfield Dam for a day of nature...lol...walking trails, doing activities, having a picnic lunch. The weather was in the high 70s and breezy. It was so nice. Tomorrow, we have Kindergarten Orientation where we meet the new kids for next year.
Should prove interesting....gives us a preview!
What is everybody doing for excitement this weekend? We know Karen is driving to Kentucky for a wedding. I want to get more flowers and plant them...where is my landscaper when I need one?
Enjoy and Happy Thoughts...............

That's great news that the stone passed, Karen! I'm sure you were able to enjoy your vacation a lot more because of that.

Happy Memorial Day one and all and happy birthday to Ron!

Dave and I did some yard work and I planted some pumpkins and onions this afternoon. We don't plan to have much of a veggie garden this year. We won't be around probably to keep it up. so we're going light this year. I just have to have pumpkins though! I'll put some tomatoes in too. They're growing at school right now in the green house so I'll have a leg up on those. I didn't start anything else so hopefully I'm not too late to be putting seeds in.

My flower gardens look great this year. All the extra snow did that good anyway. Let the work week begin, at least its short.

I'm really not brave. Sometimes I just do things on the spur of the moment without thinking and afterwards wonder...what was I doing!! I have discovered that I can speak up about what is important to me! Remember I told you about that Australian Editor who interviewed me in March? Well, he was at the Memorial Day dedication today. I had no idea that he was going to be here. (The Garden Club planted 2 flowering crab apple trees at the Memorial on River Street and dedicated them in honor of Kevin, Scott Rose (who's wife is from Springfield) and Kurt Deschen. Families were guests of honor. Anyways, after the ceremony he came over to us to chat. He said that he is very pleased with the article which will come out in June. He is sending us copies....
I feel like I am rambling, sorry!
Deb, I hope you had a great time with your Granddaughter! Happy Birthday, Ron!
Lori, I have not seen that movie, but now with your recommendation I might!
Happy Thoughts..................

Kathi, I think we must have been posting at the same time last time, so I just saw your blog now. I really admire you for being able to get up and speak about something that must be really painful for you.

Happy Memorial Day. Kathy, I work with Dale so I know how tough this weekend is for all of you. Sounds like you did a great job. They were doing a dedication of a memorial colage for Kurt at church yesterday. I didn't attend but must stop in to see it. I was able to take my mom to the cemetary of Fri. noon after getting the flowers. Mortality sure has a way of presenting itself.
We celebrated Ron's birthday Sat. night, got the garden planted yesterday, will prbably take my grandaughter shopping today. It's great to have a long weekend.

You know Kathi you may just be the bravest person I know.

We saw a really good movie yesterday, "The Visitor." Has anyone seen it? It's about illegal immigrants, music, love..... It hits you in the heart, and I was crying throughout most of the movie (if I cry in a movie, that means it's a good movie!).

Happy Memorial Day.
Today is the grim reminder anniversary date of my brother being killed in Iraq. I am trying to stay positive today.
Yesterday, I went to a Veterens Dinner held in Springfield. It was put on by the VFW, Moose Club, Elks Club and American Legion. There were probably 150 there. The Elks has becomed involved in The Medal of Valor to families of those fallen. We received one last night along with Kurt Deshens Mother. You would have been proud of me...I got up and spoke my Thank you to those present and a few other words. I did it on the fly after the MC asked if there was anything anyone wanted to say. I really don't remember what I said, but they gave me a standing ovation after....which was very surprising and gratifying.
Give your families big hugs.....and happy thoughts always....