Working together and united...what a concept. If only people would realize the advantage of that! what a better place the world could be.
Neil's surgery went well. He had a huge herniated disc pushing on the nerve. The doctor was amazed that he stood it as long as he did...besides the fact it took 3 weeks to get a MRI and another 3 to see the surgeon...He spent the night at the hospital but was smiling when I left which is a major change! I will go and pick him up this morning. Now maybe our life can get back to a normal mode. Thanks for all your support and listening.
Happy Thoughts to all.

Richard, of course it will work. You were always able to make things happen by thinking them through throughly and i suspect have only gotten better at it. summers here in GA and its staying in the 80's already. got my "crew" remodeling and we were on a rold this week with 8 stores!!! It interesting because we are dealing with a strong racial issure here in the Atlanta area and my "team" is split and there is unfortunately a definite line between them. My goal is to get everyone working together and sharing ideas. It will take awhile and maybe some atrition will take place but.......educate , educate, educate eigh?

Happy Birthday Kathi! Hope the year is a good one for you in every way!

Richard ditto from me too, Karen said it all! Thanks! Neil will be staying overnight at the hospital, so I am going to treat myself to my Birthday IceCream at The Dairy Twirl in Lebanon tomorrow night. Fun way to spend a birthday, huh???? That's the selfish me coming out...the real present will be for him to feel like himself again. Thanks again for the Happy Thoughts!

Look at the Rich-meister, Rich-arama, workin' the ladies! Thanks for all the kind words. I am extremely impressed with you Richard. Not only are you talented and smart as hell, you have the ability to express your feelings and thoughts, and not all men ( or women) can do that. You are actually going after something that you have dreamed of and that is very cool. "Richard, this is going to work!" Not understanding any of it ........ I still believe it! Kathi, I pray Neil's surgery is a great success. Keep us posted.

Kathi, my happy thoughts are there for Neil for sure. I have quite a few to give. You hit me at the right time. I am kidding about it being the right time, cuz I am in fact the happy type. I always have happy thoughts to give and I really hope it goes okay.

Here are a couple more that seem easy to offer. Kathi, you have tons of character (all good)!

Lori, I can't believe your filter has ever been to hear anything but respect and a sense of appreciation from people when they speak to you. It has always been the starting point for me with you. You are such an obviously smart (as in not wrong) and thoughtful person. Most people don't stop long enough to be thoughtful. People are lucky for the time that they have with you.

Pat, this thing with relocating skunks is an interesting life lesson. I need to see the skunks in me that I could relocate. Please don't volunteer your thoughts on that one. Let me imagine which of my skunks you would pick. No promises, but I do promise that I won't put the, "I have no skunks" filter on this possibility.

Karen, I have told you before how much I love your spirit and how you make me laugh with no effort. I don't think that I have ever told you that I think your self sufficiency is pretty stellar. Also, I think it takes balls to not mow on the diagonal! Don't ever change.

Now, here is a special favor that I need. Just say one time, "Richard, it's going to work!" I'm trying real hard and that would be really nice for me if you did that.

Patti, glad that you are on the mend. Spring is such a wonderful season. Lots of plants are starting to bloom, the apple blossoms are out, the liliacs beginning to flower. We saw a Baltimore Oriole Sunday afternoon. He was beautiful. Dark orange belly. I haven't seen one in years so it was unexpected. He flew around the trees for a while then away he went. I'm not sure how you go about trapping skunks. You are much braver then I would be. Skunk is not one of those wonderful smells of spring! The Kindergarten went on a picnic today. We went to Cavendish to the teacher I work with house. Lots of field, woods, surrounded by a stone wall, so no one could get lost or hurt. Nice break from being in the classroom all day. There will be lots of tired children tonight. parents should thank us for a early bedtime! Send happy thoughts this way on Thursday for Neil's surgery....

Thanks folks for all the good wishes! I'm getting stronger everyday. it shocked me to find out how weak I could be. Naps are lovely things. Tell Neil to enjoy them Kathi and I wish him a swift recovery.

Dave came home this past Sat. at 4 p.m I'm married with spouse again. I need to get used to that.

Everythings is turning green and beautiful again. A wet week but lots of growth. I'm busy trapping skunks and woodchucks. rural life, what a treat, but if I don't they deat all the little shoots that come up and gardens don't look so hot. I move them into a lovely wooded area where they will hopefully live long and happy lives. Just stay away from my yard...

The place where we go hiking is about a 10 or 15 minute drive from here--which is nothing for L.A. Just a short drive and we're in a completely different setting. Out of the suburbs and in nature on a trail that goes through the woods. When I first started, the uphills were really hard for me. I got really out of breath and hated it. I guess I got used to it cuz now it doesn't seem that terrible to me. I used to walk on our street, which is completely flat, but now that I got used to some uphills, I got addicted to needing the hills.

I try to walk Monday through Friday and right now I am only doing two miles. In MI I was doing 4 miles most days. On the weekends we are usually doing outside work and I don't get up as early. I walk alone and check out everyone's lawns and gardens and sometimes I meet neighbors. My dog can't make it very far anymore as she is nine and has some patella problems ... common in small dog breeds (Maltese), so I leave her home. Where do you hike Lori, near home? Rain here over the weekend and now a couple of dry days. This is finals week for my high school son. The next one in line (home from college) starts his summer job at the golf course.

Wish I could have a piece of that rhubarb pie. Sounds good!

Karen, do you walk every day? How long? I still go hiking with my friend Levana, though we've been lazy the last couple weeks--or maybe just busy with other things. We're getting back into it now. It's good cuz we're taking care of a few needs in one shot--we're getting exercise, we're out in nature, and we're talking and getting out all our shit. Half the time we have to really push ourselves to go, but we're always glad we did. That endorphin (sp?) thing seems to work.

The weekend is here and its suppose to rain again. Right now it is cloudy and in the 50s. Did get the lawn mowed and raked. Thought I would beat the rain. Hopefully, we are getting a new riding mower before too long.
Picked rhubarb and in the process of making a pie. First of the season is always really good!
Neil is having surgery on Thursday to relieve pressure on the pinched nerve. Hopefully, all will go smoothly and he will recover within 3-4 weeks.
Have a great weekend everybody.
Happy Thoughts!

Best wishes for good health Pat. I did have a good Mother's Day, thanks Richard. We are starting to get sticky weather here now and I have changed my walk to mornings. Rich's family is dragging their feet but know they need to get going on selling the two homes in Perkinsville. If anyone knows someone who might be interested in buying one or both houses and land, let me know. The old house is empty and needs some work (barn goes with that one), the other one is smaller and in good shape. Both sit on the village green and look toward the old village store. I wish we could keep at least the old one, but it is looking unrealistic with college debts for us and none of the family living nearby. Whoever coined the phrase "life begins at 50"? What begins, seems to be saying goodbye to so many things and people that have always been a part of who you are. Now there is a positive, non menopausal, cheerful outlook for you to ponder!!!

I wish you a speedy recovery, Patti, and good luck adapting to all the changes! And thanks, Richard--it's nice to have someone out there saying nice things about us!

I just finished another weekend course given by Landmark Education--this time in communication. That's the last one. Now I need a break from all these courses. But they have helped me a lot, especially the 2 communication courses. I see how I hear people through a filter, as if they're always saying I did something wrong. I'm getting rid of that filter!

Happy Mother's Day- Karen, Kathi, Lori, and Pat. I am glad that there are moms like you. You were born with some natural gifts for the job, but I think you are real cool on your own for who you are!

Pat I hope you are feeling better. Take it easy. It doesn't matter what kind of surgery you have it takes a lot out of your body. Take the time to recover. You'll be glad in the long run. It is rainy and cool here today too. It is suppose to get up into the 70s later in the week. I hope so! I am ready for the sunshine. Neil goes to the specialist about his back on Wednesday. The appointment can't come soon enough for either of us! We have a CD copy of the MRI which is very interesting to look at....too bad neither of us knows what it all means! Modern technology is pretty amazing.
Well, hope everyone is doing well and Pat, you continue to feel better. Happy Thoughts!

Yup Lori, I'm back and missing the sun very much. Overcast today and chilly, but it' just as welll I lneed to hold still awhile more. If it was nice out I'd want to out doing things. I had some surgery last week and am having a hard time in my recovery. I can't get over how much I sleep. Amazing. Dr. didn't want me to go back to school but I did anyway. Maybe he was right. Oh well. This too will pass.

Dave will be home in another week. boy will that be a life altering experience!!

Well gang....had some great opportunities lately. Its feast or famine with me and I like fixing or building and then go onto something better or new. Most of the critters are going to stay with my friends as I am on the road again for a bit. I like travel and just keeping busy. But.... do plan to fins a place and stay and I think this town will be it. I really feel comfortable here and now with my envolvement in the church too and some travel in the future with mission work too. I need to have a place that can keep it self up a bit and be able to be shut down for periods while I am gone. The opportunities have been mostly to bolster my retirement funds.

I've moved a whole mile away from where I grew up. Talk about moving around...lol...Sun is finally peaking out after 2 days of heavy rain. Hard to believe it is May 1st. I am glad that "spring" has offically here in Vt!! Hope everyone is having a good weekend. Funny how it goes by so quickly. Enjoy and Happy Thoughts...

I've been confused, too, about the house situation, Roland. It seems like you're buying or selling houses all the time! Or is that just a misunderstanding on my part?

Patti, are you back in the cold? Missing the Florida sun?

Roland, just exactly how many homes have you had in the last year and where are you living now? You make me look like a homebody!! Don't think the critters will like one acre, do you? Did you change jobs also? We have been wondering where you were! Welcome back!

Richard, sorry about your mom. I have fond memories of her classes. She really loved her work and it showed. Been busy, back on the road again building stores for a local drug chain that was bought out by one we were familiar with in VT, Brooks. Its fun. I only travel to GA, SC, NC, & TN and have 3days at home. I do a four day 40 or more. Put my property up for sale at a steep price for someone to develop. Actually got nibbles..... Want to build something small for myself on an acres or as much as five. Keeping life simple. I found a great church I like and hope to be in the area for some time to come now. Yup, gone Southern Baptist but not on the evangelical side. Our service actually has many of the Catholic properties including a sat night live service as we call it. I have also been doing some missionary work in Tn through the church and hope to make a trip to Mexico next year with the same. Hope all is well with you guys and that the snow dissappears soon for you.

Raining here in VT today. I got to sub today for the Kindergarten class. They keep you on your toes but I like it. My daughter and grandbabies have gone back to NC so I am undergoing baby withdrawal. I am sure it will pass quickly. It is quiet here though. Neil is still out of work with his back and finally has an appointment with the neurologist on 5/11. Hopefully it'll be an easy fix.....he is not used to being home unable to do anything....but watch tv....sports and mad tv are gettin very tiring! for me....hope all is well with everyone. Remember to love your Moms while you can!!! I agree with the no appliance rule!!! Happy Thoughts everybody....

I am in touch with Janice through email mostly these days. I need to call. I don't know the answer to your question. I tried to send you the obit in the Rutland Herald on line but it would not work, so maybe you could look that up. My older sister was here this past weekend and we had a good time. We have had some rotten weather lately but things are looking up today. Looks like our annual trip to VT/ME will be in July and we will hit a wedding in Lexington, KY on the way. Soon my college freshman will be back home (we go to get him on Derby Day, May 7th) and my high schooler will be out of school on May 20th. So summer will be in full confusion mode soon. The only one who will not be here is my son in Cincinnati as he is on quarters and will be in classes this summer. All you guys ...... remember Mother's Day is the 8th! It doesn't have to be expensive, just thoughtful ........ no appliances please!

Just got home last night and wanted to check in with you all.

Richard I'm so sorry to hear you've lost your mom. It is a very sad time for you I know. Hang in there and be glad for all your years with her.

While I was in Fl my dad received notification of the death of Robert? Hinckley. I think the connection may be the Masons? Is this Janice's uncle? Karen are you still in contact with her? I hope so.

He played trombone, always first chair...graduated in 71. His father was the minister of the Congregational Church.

Thanks for the encouragement, Richard! I'm having fun with the trumpet, but the neighbors might not be so happy. I've been closing the windows and using a mute, but it's a pretty loud instrument and I do hit a lot of wrong notes--though it's surprising how much I remember after all these years. Kathi, who's Tom Heintzelman? Probably someone I should know, but I can't think who it is.

Lori did you know that Tom Heintzelman is the band director at SHS? He has his Doctorate in Music living and teaching in Springfield. Happy Birthday. Today is my last day of playing with my grandbabies. They are going home early tomorrow morning. Right now Caleb is putting stickers all over his face. He thinks it is funny. Oh to be 2 l/2 again.....haha. Raining here today so it'll be a indoor play day. Hope all is well is all and you enjoy your weekend. Happy Thoughts!

Wow, Lori! That is so great. I remember now that you played the trumpet. I thought you were really hot (I swear that my meaning has to do with the trumpet). In case you haven't had dinner with Lori lately, I can tell you that she still is (probably really good on the trumpet). Sometimes I wish that I had taken the time to learn the guitar cuz I know that it would have been a great addition to my life. Gerda and I have friends that take saxophone lessons together and that is definitely cool. Quoting Satchmo, I can only say that, "I hear babies cry...... I watch them grow. They’ll learn much more.....than I’ll ever know. And I think to myself .....what a wonderful world."

On a lighter note--guess what I got for my birthday? A trumpet!!!! From Avi and the kids. Actually, I asked for it, but it was still exciting to see it on the table when I went into the kitchen to make coffee this morning. I played trumpet from 4th grade until 11th grade and felt like I wanted a trumpet in my life again. I'm pretty rusty, but still remember quite a lot considering how long I haven't played. I used to want to be another Louis Armstrong. Maybe it's not too late???

Your life really changes when your Mom is gone from your life. I took care of mine for 2 months while she was dying of cancer. It was the hardest thing I had ever done but there was a special bond and it was just something I had to do. After she died, it was weeks after that I would pick up the phone to call her and realize I couldn't. But life goes on and things change and you remember usually the best times. I still talk to her only now from my heart. Like I said, cherish the time you have now and the memories that were created. Happy Thoughts.

Richard, condolences on losing your mom. I don't know if it is like this for guys but for me and maybe other women ........ the first person you call when something good or bad happens is your mom. She is the person who will side with you and also be brutally honest with you when you need it. It will be very lonely not having that. I didn't have your mom in class but I do remember her. She seemed like a kind person and she raised a great son! Hope time helps you and you have lots of great memories to carry with you.

Richard, I read about your Mom in the paper today. I am sorry. I send you my deepest sympathy. Cherish your memories and know that you were loved. That's what Mothers do. Happy Thoughts.

Richard, I was sorry to hear about your mother's death. As I mentioned a while back, she was one of my favorite teachers at SHS. I loved writing poetry in her creative writing class. I would definitely be interested in seeing one of her sonnets or any other poems. Was any of her work ever published? She had a really sweet smile. I can still see her clearly in my mind.

hi, i thought i would mention that my mom died last weekend. i know lori had her for english and (as you can easily imagine) i had her for all of the subjects that were taught at home. she was 88 and, although her health had been in steady decline for a long time, it is a very sad and strange transition for me. some of the strangeness is in reflecting on all of the circumstances that had to occur to lead up to me being born. i am very glad for all of the chance or fate that accomplished that. i have also been thinking a lot about what her life was all about. it really takes you out of modern day world, present day issues. she was briefly a secretary in nyc until she realized that she would not make enough money to afford meals. others in her apartment would spend 65 cents a week on a pack of cigarettes to make themselves a little less hungry. she moved back home and took a teaching position and gave up the potential glamour of city life. she ate better, she met bob, and then there was the rest of the story. she wrote poetry that few people ever saw. lori, if i find a sonnet that i like of hers, i will send it to you. as brian says, enjoy every moment!

No shiatsu but the pool is pleasant and I am barefoot. We're taking the boys to a waterpark that they remember going too when they were little. I hope it lives up to their memories. My dad is delighted that I am in touch with all of you. He finds it fascinating. Technology, who'd a thunk it??

I had the feeling for a few minutes the other day that i am getting back to me and have been pretty focused on wanting to feel that more/all of the time. It would be a welcome change.

No, the "getting back to me" doesn't mean having fewer house guests. It's more the first explanation you gave. Feeling good about myself and life. When the water in your pool warms up, maybe Gerda can do shiatsu on you!

Kathi, I can smell the lilacs from here.

I have to agree that the spa sounds really good. I opened my pool this weekend and could try some embryo positions if i had the right person to stretch me. The water temperature is only 44 degrees, so that is probably a problem. Does getting back to me mean being less distracted by others and more clear and comfortable with who you are and what you want or does it mean having fewer house guests? I am reading a new (and another) book about a world's fair. i don't know how i got onto this but it is my third one. first the crystal palace exposition in london in the 1850's, then the columbian exposition in chicago in 1892, then visiting an architecture exhibit on Montreal Expo '67, and now a book about the 1939 world's fair in nyc. i really don't know how i got onto this and i think it is a little weird. the unexpected thing is how much i am learning. old dog, new tricks, you can't hate that.

The spa sounds wonderful!
Beautiful weather here again today. The sunshine feels so nice after the long winter. Grass is growing and flowers are coming up. I found a small liliac bush out back by the fence that is blooming...didn't know it was even there. Pollen counts are way up but who cares! It is also nice not to have to rush around, this week being vacation. Hope all is well with everyone. Happy Thoughts.

It seems fun to be a grandmother--but doesn't look like it's going to happen anytime soon!

Karen, you wanted to know how the spa vacation went. It was relaxing sitting in the hot mineral springs and having a facial, but I think the MOST relaxing part for me was when I tried the water shiatsu treatment. I've never done that before. It's sort of like being in the womb again. You're held and cradled and bent into an embryo position. You feel really light and flexible in the water, so it feels good being stretched into different positions. I had a man doing the treatment. I guess I needed that cuz I definitely came out feeling better after that. The facial with a woman didn't quite do it for me! My sister went back to Israel yesterday. It was a short visit, but it was really good for me to have her around. I feel like I've sort of come back to myself if you know what I mean.

Thanks. I really feel quite good about getting this passed.
Beautiful weather here in VT. I love Spring. Still entertaining my daughter and grandchildren. We are having such a good time together. Very hectic but heartwarming.
Everybody enjoy the rest of your weekend. Happy Thoughts!

Congratulations Kathi! Nice to know that others know, you know what you're doing. Say that 3 times fast!

While you're at it say this 3 times fast ----Technology Education-Educational Technician. That's the title of my new position. I'm really excited about it. I'll be working in TE which basically can be described as Shop meets Science. Its a terrifically vibrant program and I'm working with a great guy whom I admire. He's patient and talented and the kids love him. We've already started making plans for some changes we want to implement in the space and in the program. It's a great opportunity for me. So now I can officially stop feeling sorry for myself.

Has anybody heard from Roland? He seems to have disappeared. I'm leaving for FL in the a.m. to visit my dad. The boys and Dave are meeting me down there. First time we've all been together since Christmas. I can't wait to be warm!! See you all in a week......

I got my portfolio back this morning and I am HIGHLY QUALIFIED!!!! It is a relief to have that behind me. It is now vacation week and I am so glad. My grandchildren and daughter are still here. It is certainly different having very young children in the house again! Hope all is well with everyone. Happy Thoughts.

my birthday was nice! my younger son authorized me to be able to take him out to breakfast this weekend. it isn't like he is a snob that refuses to be seen with me, it is just the encouragement that he felt like giving that would lead to us both doing something we like. my other son gave me a memory stick for my laptop (many more megabytes in size than my brain has ever absorbed) and did not push the obvious point that, at my age, maybe i need some help with memory. he also gave me a stress relieving squishy thing which just pisses me off and i just want to sqeeze it till it pops and i can't stand the color and if i ever see it again i'm going to go nuts!!#$%^&*!@#@. . . just kidding. I actually am not feeling much stress, but i am a tactal guy that likes to squeeze things. you know, it was all fun!

the thing about 51 is that it doesn't have a ring. what rhymes with 51? "lifting tons", reminds me of my continuing responsibilities. "shifty sons" reminds me of why i am "lifting tons". hey, "nifty buns" rhymes and kind of works. i will have to tone up for summer. get the picture girls? yes we see (leader of the pack- what year was it written?) and- "oh, behave!" as austen powers would say.

Richard, hope your day was a good one. And many more. How was your weekend in Canada? Lori, the spa sounds so nice. Let us know how it goes. We had a hail storm last evening with hail the size of marbles here but bigger elsewhere. Today is much better. Gosh, having an Aug birthday I feel so much younger than all of you!!!! Haha!

Happy Birthday Richard !! Enjoy it.

The 50's feel to me much like the 40's and the 30's. I keep forgetting hold "old" I am. You know the saying. "You're as young as you ...................

I like birthdays....well, now that I am over the 50 one anyways. I've always shared my birthday, having a twin and my second daughter was born on my 24th birthday. Enjoy the day Richard and celebrate life!

Richard, I forgot to say--best wishes for a Happy Birthday and a happy life!!!!

No, mine hasn't come yet, Richard--it's on the 22nd. I'll be celebrating it a little early, though. My friend Irene wanted to do something for my birthday while my sister is here, so the 3 of us will be going to relax in the spas at Two Bunch Palms in Palm Springs on Friday. Not something I've done before. It's supposed to be relaxing, quiet, beautiful.... We'll see. Irene's really loud, so we're worried we'll get kicked out of the place. (They don't allow talking above a whisper!)

i am here to wish myself a happy birthday. lori, was your's recent?? and not a peep? hmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

No problem Lori ---Just checking

It's super windy and sort of cold but a friend and I are walking into town to go to an early supper. We're trying to get our 10,000 steps in. Some papers to correct tonight so we'll have to stay alert. No confusing beverages with supper.

the snow is almost gone and I'll be heading for Florida in a couple of days. Really looking forward to seeing everyone down there. Relaxing and warm, just what we all need.

No news yet on my new job but maybe by Friday before vacation starts. We'll see. Take care all. - Pat

Hi, just got back from a couple of days in Charleston, SC for the fun of it with my husband and daughter. Saw a plantation, took a carriage tour, did some mansions, the aquarium and a few restaurants ....... and a ghost walk (no ghosts to report). Also, ended our trip at a 50th b'day party in Seneca, SC for an old friend from Schenectady GE days. We also picked up my youngest son from the airport. He went back to visit friends in MI for springbreak. Keeping old friends can be difficult but definitely worth the effort. Gorgeous weather here and can't wait to get back at gardening this week. Sounds like everyone is having a busy spring with travel and family ........ enjoy!

Patti, I don't have an answer for that "is not around" question!

Thanks, Richard. Have fun in Montreal. I'm having fun now with my sister Amy--she's visiting from Israel for 10 days. So far we've sat on the beach twice. It was really windy, but still relaxing somehow.

i am going to montreal for the weekend, yahoo, with no kids, yahoo!! gerda is already there. hope the weather stays gorgeous like it is now. lori, the thing that strikes me about all that a person is or is not is that i know how much you adore avi and that is really special. that is very is. spending time with special people transports you to a place that is different from the place that you brought with you. that's the best and only special people can do that!

Happy Weekend Everybody.....my oldest daughter arrived last night as a surprise. She lives in NYC. She came up to visit with her sister and babies. Caleb is excited she brought her guitar. Well, hope all is well with all of you. Its suppose to be a beautiful spring day in Vermont. Happy Thoughts.

Lori how does is not around fit in to the Landmark profile?? ha ha

Wow, Richard, look what you did. You thought the blog was dying, and now you've got everyone writing books on it. I'll just make a short comment right now, though. I'm still involved in courses given by Landmark Forum that I mentioned a while back. Right now I'm in a Relationship Seminar that meets once a week for 10 weeks. Some of the stuff gets repetitive after a while, but basically I've gotten a lot out of these courses. The way they define love is accepting the person for who he is and who he is not. The "is not" part is what I'm working on now!

karen, i went through the same made for tv docu-drama that you did. you know, the reality show where you learn that there is a little a__hole in everyone (even you, even me) and you get to watch it all on tv. i was proud of myself after knowing for way too long that it was coming and proud that i did it the same year that i was supposed to.

a close friend of mine died a couple of weeks ago and her husband is blown away while also accepting the situtation, too. my reason for mentioning it is to say that they absolutely adored each other. both were/are brilliant and wonderful and both had/have MANY shortcomings. the husband once asked his sister-in-law if her heart stopped everytime his brother came into the room. she said, "on a good day." i know his heart stopped everytime my friend came into the room. that was just the way they were. i think it takes a special openness to intimacy and an intuitive awareness that trust is very sexy. one place where they had no shortcomings was in building each other's trust. i think that is maybe the most unselfish thing you can do.

Karen great that you have a doctor with a sense of humor. My portfolio got put on hold until their next meeting next week. I got an email saying I am very sorry...but we ran out of time...I was a little annoyed to say the least! If she hadn't told me it would be Monday I wouldn't have thought anything about it! Oh well...what's another week....I have until Jan 2006 to be Highly Qualified...My daughter and Grandbabies showed up by surprise this morning. They were suppose to have arrived tomorrow night and were leaving NC this morning. So when she called at 6:45 I asked if they had started out early and she said yes but look in the driveway...I thought she was going to say April Fools...but there they were waving from the car. Caleb who is 2 1/2 says Nana I in your driveway...and so the visit begins. Tomorrow my son-in-law will fly back and Neil was suppose to drive them back in 3 weeks...but he is hurting now waiting for a MRI to see if he has a herniated disc...probably job related..driving truck and lifting all these years and he has the ticket to fly back here. So hopefully, things aren't as bad with his back as it may seem right now. Always something ! But I get to hold my little granddaughter who is 3 months and play with Caleb. I am taking tomorrow off to do that!!! I could haved lied and called in sick but no I just said I have to play with the babies! Marriage is hard with any relationship. We all have our ups and downs but personally I wouldn't trade him in or want to break in another husband! But we all have to do what seems best for us. Ultimately, we all have to live with our choices one way or another. I look at my brothers family missing him and know that life is too short! Happy Thoughts.