I love watching deer, Judy. Even though Gary liked to hunt them, he also loved to watch them. I'd love to live where they regularly came up into my yard.

I get to see deer just about every morning that I'm driving the bus, they are all over the place and I love to see them. The kids know if I slam on the brakes, it's because a deer ran across the road in front of me. They love seeing them too. I can also see them in the field across the road.

I do have a story though of when Ricky was little, about 3 or 4 I think. We were in the kitchen and I looked out and there was a deer out by his swingset. It was so fun to have it right in our yard. Well...the next morning he woke up and knew that his daddy was out hunting. Ricky walked to the kitchen window and climbed up in the chair and then started crying. I asked him what was wrong and he said he was wanting to watch daddy hunt....lol. So darn cute!!!! Of course his daddy was out in the woods.

I just went out to get the mail and on my way back in I saw some footprints by the front window in the snow. Not sure what they are, but I think they are squirrel. I've seen one out by our evergreen trees. Here in a bit I will google and see if that's what they are. If so...I need to get some corn set out for it.

Here is a picture of deer tracks Janet. Now I know that I do not have a deer, I have rabbits! I found a picture of rabbit tracks.....who knew their feet were so huge? They live under my walk, but I haven't seen them lately. In summer, my hill always has a rabbit or two running around.

I'll take a picture of the tracks tomorrow to show you.

Gayle, I never faulted anybody for hunting deer. Gary, or any hunter, isn't being cruel. It is important to weed out the herd. Ir's survival of the fittest. If there are too many deer. there is not enough food. It is kinder to kill them with one shot than to let them starve to death. Also, a lot of people up here eat the venison.

I think a lot of the people who are against any guns at all live in cities. Hunting is very important in rural areas.

Just saying.....

I'm not sur ill have to go back out and check again, but those look like what I have. I may have rabbit tracks instead of squirrel.

We had a fun time today. We went to the University women's basketball game and had a fun time. Then we went to Gattiland to eat - that's a pizza, pasta, salad buffet place with kids games. We sat in the media room so we could watch the Texan/Cincinatti football game. The kids had a ball. Then Emma (6 year old) and I went to see my mom while my daughter Brooke and Abi and her boyfriend went shopping. So a fun time was had by all. They are still shopping and Emma and I are watching cartoons on one TV and basketball on another. Again, a fun time by all!

I think I saw deer tracks in the back today....They look just like the picture I posted.

I did so much between yesterday and today. I put up thermal curtains, dug out part of the deck, filled all the bird feeders, cleaned out my silverware drawer, (can't tell you how many kitchen gadgets I have in there! did a wash, washed all the silverware and gadgets, cleaned out my pj drawer, took out the winter tops I will actually fit into and like, fixed my coat, put stretchers into my new boots, swept and washed the floors, redid a big flower arrangement. I did more, but can't remember what.

It feels s good to clean out all this junk! I also love when everything in the kitchen is clean. Don't we all?

Judy! you were so energetic. I do love it when drawers and things are cleaned out!

The kids will be heading home this morning, so I'll have to get my house back in shape. Lol! It's worth it though to have a messy house. Actually my daughter makes everyone pick everything up before they leave so it won't be too messy. My housekeeper was supposed to come tomorrow but she called and delayed till next monday, and that's OK so I don't have to run around crazy today and get everything ready for her to clean.

Overall I've had a very good Christmas/New Year and I hope that 2013 continues to be a good year for me. It will be a transition year for sure.

We are getting lots of rain right now. And we're supposed to have thunderstorms overnight. I'm so glad I can keep my car in the garage now. I had a busy day at work, but I still have a few things I need to get accomplished that didn't quite happen today. Maybe tomorrow.

I'm working out at 7:00 in the morning with the personal trainer. This is my last session, but I think I'm going to set up a few more with her. I hate to spend the money, but I think it will help motivate me.

The mother of a friend of mine was just diagnosed with COPD (emphysema) and she can't work, doesn't have health insurance and isn't old enough for medicare. I still have Gary's oxygen concentrator (it takes the oxygen out of the air and delivers it to a person via the little nasal prongs). I'm going to take the concentrator to my friend Diana tomorrow. I jsut can't imagine having such a major chronic illness with no insurance.

We had rain here for a couple of days! YAY! We were so so so very dry. No appreciable rain in the past 3 months. Everything was suffering. I had 2.5 inches at my house and it came very very softly and gently, so all of it soaked in!

I am talking to a friend of mine about going to the UK this summer. She's my age and she lived there several years when she was growing up. If I decide to go I'm going to take Abigail with me. She is so excited at the possibility. We'll spend most of our time in England, Scotland and Wales. My friend Betty will take us to all the must-see sights in the UK. Then Abi and I will take the Chunnel to Paris and spend a couple of days there. We'll take the Chunnel back to London and then fly home. I'm not sure how long we'll be gone, it depends on how long we spend in the UK with Betty. I'm going to have to consult with Betsi about what to see/do in Paris. I know I want to see the Louvre, and the Eiffel tower. I've never been "across the pond" so I am really excited!

Yesterday I decided it was time to wash my bus at the bus garage. Besides looking bad, the windows were horrible to see out of along the sides. It looked so nice. Then I went back for the afternoon route and by the time I got home....I couldn't tell it had even been washed. I drive alot of gravel roads and with the snow melting and temps going up, it's like driving through mud. The roads get sooo soft. So...I guess I'll just hose the windows off now and then but wait until March to wash it good again.... :D

I really haven't been doing a whole lot here lately. Just being a bit lazy I guess. I need to get busy and get some exercising done or something, instead of being on this computer. I was locked out of Facebook for 24 hours because I had forgotten my password and tried too many times to log on. I thought I would go nutso so I know I spend way too much time on it. I should try and only allow so much time daily to be on the computer......yeah, like that will happen...LOLOL

We have deer around here but not hardly any that come close to the house. I did, however, look out a window once and see a deer jump the fence that's close to the house. That was cool!! We see deer pretty regularly down by the grain bins by the driveway coming to the house. Where Jaci lives there are lots of deer and she's always warning us to keep a watch for them when we come to visit. Lately I've seen a coyote come up close to the yard......I think that it was after one of the chickens and a bobcat ran across the road in front of me. We haven't seen any mountain lions lately but we do have them around.

Judy, you have been ONE BUSY woman!!! I could use some of your energy!!! I bet you're so happy with all that you got accomplished!!!

Gayle, I'm so glad that you had a good time with your family! I know how much you enjoy being with them!!

Your trip sounds wonderful!! I would love to take a trip like that!! You figure out how to get around and what to see and next time I'll go with you!!!

Not much has been going on here.....same ol'.....same ol'!! LOL Keeping an eye on Dean is turning into such work!! He's into everything!!

I went and visited Jed a couple of days ago and I can't believe how much he's grown!!! His little cheeks are so filled out and he was smiling and cooing. So cute!! Tammy breast feeds and her milk must be good because all of her babies were little butterballs!!!

My Tahoe's back in the shop. It didn't get repaired the last time it was in so it's back in again. I told Glen that I think that it's time to trade it off if it's repaired and get something with no problems. Trust me, it's not fun when the heater and airconditioner don't work like their suppose to plus all the other things that are going on as well.

Christmas tree is finally down and put away. It was nice that I didn't get out too many decorations this year because then I didn't have to put them away.

Some women at church are starting craft/interest groups and their first organizational meeting is tonight. I'm not real sure what it's about but I'm going to go.....it sounds interesting.

I thought that January would be slow but it's filling up quickly with things going on. Bummer!! Oh well......I don't care as long as it snows and snows!!!

Diana, I would carry a gun with me if there are coyotes and bobcats around. I hate coyotes! I am afraid for little Dean. Coyotes are just feral! I don't have a gun, nor do I know how to use one, but if the coyotes come up to the top of the mountain, I will take lessons and get a pistol. (or a rifle???) At this point, they are further down the hill. We can hear them howling. We do have bears, but I would not shoot a bear! Then you have an angry bear! I have near spray for that.

Th crafts group sounds nice.

Gayle, what fun! The planning is so exciting! i am sorry abut your friend!

I ran out of energy today! I am not finished, but neither is the day!

I'm not afraid of coyotes, but they can be bad. A coyote snatched a little dauschaund on a leash at one of our wooded walking trails a few years ago. Things like that don't happen very often, but they can happen. Bobcats are usually very skittish, and they wouldn't bother a person, I don't think. They like chickens!

We are having a warm rainy day before a cold front comes in tonight. It's supposed to only be in the 40's tomorrow. I enjoy cold snaps, so I'm looking forward to it.

I had my trees trimmed and now they look so BARE! :( It needed to be done, they are live oak trees so they don't lose their leaves in winter. The new leaves in spring push off the old leaves so the tree is never without leaves. So, that is why it is important to thin the branches from time to time so light can get to the inside of the tree. In a couple of year when they fill out again they will look much better and they will be much healthier. But they had such dense shade before and now so much light comes through! Oh well, it had to be done.

The tree trimmer (Salvador) was so nice, he's been doing the neighbors trees for years. He wants to buy my 18ft. flat bed trailer which I will happily sell to him when I finish getting rid of Gary's deer hunting equipment. Salvador said if he bought the trailer, I could use it any time I wanted. That was so nice!

I've been running errands today, then I took mom out to lunch. The battery on her cordless phone was shot so I got another one and installed it. Now, I'm thinking about doing some cooking but can't decide what I want to cook. I'm sure I'll need to go to the store. :(

Football, basketball and more basketball is in my TV future this weekend. Oh and Downton Abbey tomorrow night!!!

I don't worry about coyotes either. They usually only bother small animals but once in awhile do attack a small child. Like you said Gayle...not very often. They are pretty much afraid of people. I know when we mushroom hunt, once in a great while we'll see one watching us, but they are too afraid to come too close. They sure are beautiful with their winter coats.

We are having such a beautiful sun filled day in the 60's. We are under a watch for this evening though for storms able to produce up to 3 inches of rain. With all the snow melted, they are calling for flooding.

I went to town today and did a bit of shopping and then had lunch with my friend Diane and her mother at Kentucky Fried Chicken. I haven't eaten there in a long time and it was pretty good. I just had a chicken sandwich, cole slaw and med. drink. We were in there for quite some time just talking, it was so nice.

Now I'm home checking things out on the computer. Not sure what the rest of the weekend holds. Right now Rick is doing his stupid cowboy shoot thing and Ricky left to go on a date with Audrey....grrr. I'll feel better about it after I calm down some more. It's only been a week....it will take me some time. He asked me if I wanted to meet her and I said no...not this weekend, but maybe next. Ricky was fine with that.

The dogs (all except Joey) are outside. It's nice out so they don't need in the house. LOL....they can just potty out there. I made them stay out for a couple hours this morning and they'll be out a couple hours now. So nice not having to step over a fence to get to the kitchen and not picking up poo or wiping up pee. Can't wait till it stays warmer all the time so they can just stay out. They really love it out there. I throw some of their toys out with them and they just have a great time.

I'm kind of wanting Chinese food this evening...not sure if I'll get it, but it sure does sound good....maybe tomorrow after church.

Diana....when is it you're going on your cruise? I tried checking, but couldn't find the time you were taking.

I'm afraid of coyotes because of the dogs. I am so scared that they will get one of them. Since I lost my little Gracie, I overreact to these things. Anyway, our coyotes are always in packs, and I still hate them!

The dogs have been so cute going out on the deck, which is still full of snow. Annie wouldn't go out there until a couple of days ago.. I'm so proud of her, trooping around in the snow. Sophie won't go out. She doesn't feel well. She threw up a few times today, and I don't think she likes her paws wet. She is great when we are walking on the road though. Max is the best! He is such a little boy! I went out on the deck last week and stomped around so that he would have places to walk. He is a different dog since his surgery and his weight loss! He is like a puppy again! I think having Sophie around helps too.
I won't let them out front because my hill is overrun with rabbit poop. They think it's the best thing to eat! Like your KFC Janet!

I was going to shovel the deck off.....yeah, right! I didn't know how hard that is to do. It's melting though.

I've been in the house, getting all kinds of things done. When I lived in Brooklyn, everything was where I wanted it, and it was decorated the way I liked. I never thought about anything other than straightening up. I want this house to be like that. I am sick of making mental lists of what needs to be done here. So...I am doing as much as I can!

Put a bunch of things on eBay today. I hope they sell because I bought a bunch of other things on eBay!

My doctor put me on Abilify because I told him that I am so tired of fighting depression, and in the winter, I get it bad! I'm already on 2 different anti-depressants, but he is not worried about any of it. Let me tell you...the Abilify does the trick! So far, so good, with the nausea and irritability now gone. Everything has side effects, but they didn't last long at all.

Jess, Steve and the kids have been sick with the flu all week. I think the kids are going back to school tomorrow. i haven't seen them. I didn't want to catch it!

I haven't seen Paula on fb lately. Is she okay?

I'm not to worried about the coyote being around. I'm sure he's after the chickens and not the dogs. Jazzi and Reuger really don't stay outside for very long and even then they stay pretty close to the house. I'm sure the coyotes are pretty skittish about being this close to the house because of the bigger dogs.

Janet, our cruise is in April so it's going to be a while. Hopefully by then Dae Lynn will be done with all of her court dates and we'll feel comfortable leaving for a week. It's from the 14th to the 20th or 21st. I can't wait!!!

Sorry I haven't been on much. I think that I've just been overwhelmed by everything that's been going on and my mind just doesn't want to think very hard to write posts. It doesn't seem like I'm stressed but I must be. I listen to what's going on with Dae Lynn every day and try to stay somewhat busy with her to keep her mind off of things. She has three lawyers that she's working with and every day it's something.

I thought that things would slow down after Christmas but it sure doesn't feel like it. I have a niece that's expecting a baby and the doctor's going to induce her on my birthday.....the 28th. That's exciting but.....she keeps trying to go into labor so I don't know if she'll actually make it or not. She's on meds and bed rest at the moment. She is my brother's daughter and she has no one to help her after she gets home with the baby so I'm going down to help out for a few days. She has two other children to watch as well. My family's not happy about it but I feel that it's something that I need to do. Her Mom is a druggie and the woman that my brother was married to when she was little caused her some trouble in court a while back (she really is a good person though) so I said that I would come. Should be interesting!!

Hi Everyone!
We have been in the deep freeze (for Texas) for several days now, but the sun is supposed to shine and it will warm up a bit today. I know some of you, Janet, Diana, Judy, have been really really cold with snow and ice. I hope you all are warm and safe.

School started this week so it is very busy. But of course, I like it that way. I've been feeding the little birds in my backyard and they eat so furiously - they must be really hungry, or that instinctual drive to eat as much as possible in winter when food is available has kicked in. At any rate they are a hoot to watch!

This time next week I'll be in sunny California. I have a conference in San Diego from Wed-Friday. Short trip but it will be good to get away and see things differently.

I've been working out two times a week with the personal trainer and it is really tough, but I'm enjoying it. I don't look forward to it. LOL! But when it's done I'm glad I did it.

Bad day at work today. My back HURTS from being pushed so hard!!!

My bestie friend stopped over for a chat and unwinding after. I am so thankful.


Now I am getting ready for a bowl of chili and a few hours of TV time, then off to bed. Relax... hope I sleep better tonight than the past 12 months or so... what I wouldn't give for a straight 6 hours of sleep. I am up every two hours. Nightly.

Sorry to hear you had a bad day at work, Shada. I had to laugh though when you said your back hurt from being pushed so hard. I know that feeling.

I'm in Houston this weekend, and no school tomorrow so I get to spend an extra day with my babies. We went to the zoo yesterday and today Abi and I are doing a bit of shopping for our London/Paris trip. We are getting ready to go to the outlet mall. :D

I'll be home tomorrow and Tues., then off to San Diego for a couple of days for a conference. Home Friday, Whew! I'll be glad for next weekend when I can BE HOME!

You sure are getting to be the traveler Gayle. Paris....only in my dreams I'm afraid.

Yesterday was a pretty full day for me. Went to Lafayette with my friend Diane. I was needing some tops and found 3 at CJ Banks. Nice clothes, but a little expensive for me for a total of $70+ dollars. Hope these last for a bit. Was wanting to wait until I lost some weight, but need to face the fact I'll probably always be fat and ugly.

We went to the mall and we stopped at my favorite Chinese restaurant, because that was the plan. While waiting for a table, we realized we really weren't that hungry at 3 in the afternoon so decided to wait and meet up with some fellow graduates back in Frankfort at 5:00. It was nice and there were 5 of us. Great laughs and great conversations. We ate at Arni's and they have the best jr. salads.

Came home and went to bed. Woke up this morning with a tummy ache for some reason. I think it's pretty well gone, but now have a headache. I'm thinking I spend way too much time on this computer and need to take a break from it. I'll probably still check in daily, but limit my time to 30 minutes if at all possible.

Not sure what I'll be doing the rest of the day since it's getting later in the afternoon. Hope you all have had a great weekend.

I'm glad that you found you some nice shirts. Some times you just have to splurge. As for being "fat and ugly"........you are certainly NOT that! Quit putting yourself down!!! There are plenty of heavier women out there that are beautiful!!! I have learned to like myself at what ever size I am. I would prefer to be smaller but that seems to not be happening so I just do the best I can with what I have!!!

I bet you had a good time eating out with old friends. That sounds like fun!!

Gayle.....you are quite the traveler!! I would love to see California......especially this time of year! Enjoy your time away!!!

Glen and I did something totally crazy yesterday!! There is a young man who started coming to church. He is married with children but is wanting to move to our area for his kids. He found a job at a neighboring town and is living in a small apartment. His family is still in Dodge City getting ready to sell their house so they can move. We offered to let him move in with us. Crazy huh. Glen felt that it was something that God was telling him to do. Also we checked him out a little. His pastor in Dodge City is a brother to our pastor's wife......small world!! He came out yesterday and checked out the house and saw the room.....which needs straightened up and he is thinking about it. We are going to try it......if he accepts the offer......on a two week trial period to see how it goes. He does smoke but smokes only outside so that shouldn't be a problem.

This Wednesday I go with Jaci to the doctor to find out what the baby is!! I can't wait!!

I finally bought a shelf off of e-bay to go in Jaci's room! It's made out of an antique organ. I'm excited to get it and get it put up! I also have an old toy box that was mine when I was a kid that I've painted black to go in the room. I'm going to write "TOYS" on the front of it and pain the wheels burgundy. The room is really coming together. I can't wait to show you all pictures of it!!

Wind is blowing so hard today and it's cold. Suppose to be even colder tomorrow with a high of 3 degrees and a windchill of 20-30 below. I don't like this one bit!!!

I don't care for the cold cold either. But my hubby is in N. Dakota and it is really really cold there in the negatives. Have gotten alot done today on my day off. Cleaning and now watching movies. Got a crochet baby blanket done. Now i have to start on my project for next fall. 20 headbands 20 hats and 20 scaves. A fund raiser for a school.

It really is cold up north. I feel guilty because it's in the high 60's here. And I'm going to CA tomorrow where it's in the 70's.

Linda your knitting project sounds really wonderful. I'm knitting too so I may need to find an organization to take some of my things. But I have to get better first. HA!

Diana, that's a really nice gesture to offer the family a place to stay.

I heard an owl in, or close to, my backyard last night. I worried about the dogs, but they were OK. I haven't heard him tonight. It was really cool to hear him though.

Yay for wireless Internet on the plane. It makes the time go so much faster! I'm on my way home from SanDiego. Good trip, saw some old friends and learned a few things. It was really pretty, lots of flowers and green grass. I like seeing the ocean. I'm ready to be home though, I was in Houston last weekend and then on to San Diego Wed. No more traveling for a few weeks.

Busy day today getting everything put away and straightened out. I'm not finished though, I've got laundry to do and cooking to do tomorrow. It feels good to be home! A friend of Gary's came today and took all of Gary's outdoor hunting equipment. I thought it would be sad to see it go, but it wasn't. Robert is one of Gary's best friends and I know he treasures having all of Gary's hunting things. He will put everything to good use.

I'm tired! I didn't sleep well in CA and although I did sleep well in my own bed last night, I'm still really tired tonight. I'm so glad I got home on Friday, so I had all of today and tomorrow to get ready for the week!

Hope everyone is OK, it's been pretty quiet around here the past few days!

Been really cold this past week, so yesterday was the first day out of the house except for work.... spent the afternoon with my Mom. Went and did a little shopping, me a trip to PetCo for treats for my doggie, he also has a birthday coming up so picked up a deer antler chew, plus a cute and hideous at the same time stuffed toy possum. Looks really real!!!
Mom had to return a top and of course found another.. that woman loves to shop.
Then lunch at Culver's. I love that place! Got a pot roast beef sandwich and it tasted like leftovers at home. Good.

Today is laundry day. Called my Dad in Florida to hear about the nice weather.
Going to work around the house and hopefully get a few needed things done.

I have been a little more on the go here lately. The time came when I decided I just wasn't going to sit around or work around this house all the time. When I have the opportunity to go out, I've been going. Last weekend I went shopping with my friend Diane and bought 3 tops. I think I already mentioned that somewhere. Then I wanted to go eat at Treece's and decided I would go even if I went by myself. Rick decided he wanted to go so he did.

Then this past Saturday I went to the city of Lebanon (just south of Frankfort and also where my mother was born) with a grade school friend named Judy. We went to a restaurant called Parky's Grill and had a pulled pork sandwich, slaw, tea and then I topped it off with pecan pie. Judy had sugar creme. From there we went to the new Menard's store there, so fun and so nice!!! Menard's is my favorite store of all time. I could walk through those aisles all day. Then we went to Big Lots, where I bought a new red coffee cup and then we stopped at the Goodwill store there. We had a very nice day and the weather was in the 40's, but felt much warmer.

Yesterday I just got caught up on laundry and didn't even bother to get dressed. We had spare ribs which were so good, but next weekend....I'm planning on going to the Teppanyaki Grill. Wanted to go this past weekend, but thought the weather was going to be bad on Sunday.

Also need some new walking shoes and I always buy those at Kohl's. So that is what I want to do next weekend too. I just feel so much better getting out in the world.

Janet, I'm so glad you are getting out more, you should do that - get out and about more and enjoy yourself!

I'm glad that you're getting out too. That's something that I need to do more of as well......and I will when it warms up.

It's been busy here. We had a late Christmas party on Thursday......then we had Kera's Sweet Sixteen party on Saturday.......then Sunday is church. On Saturday I leave to go to my neice's to help take care of her and her new baby......plus I have a party here at the house on Friday!! January hasn't slowed down at all!!!

We are FINALLY getting some rain!! So far this month we've had a couple of inches and it's been raining off and on all day today! I'm so glad. All of Kansas is in a drought so the rain is very welcome!! With no grass in the yard though I have mud.....mud......and mud everywhere!!! UGH!!!!

Gayle....I would love to go and see California and the ocean....especially this time of year where we're not green at all!! I bet the flowers were beautiful!!!

Wow, Diana, you have been really busy! My life is so quiet now, I can't imagine all that activity! LOL!

I've had a busy week so far. Being out of town last week put me behind so I'm trying to catch my tail this week and you know how that goes! LOL! I'm still tired from traveling. I think I might have caught a little bug because I just haven't felt quite on par since I got back. I'm hoping to feel better tomorrow.

It's been HOT again, but we had a cool front through today and it's only supposed to be in the 40's in the morning and then maybe 30's Wednesday night. I'm rooting for some more cool weather. I'm not ready for summer just yet.

Diana, we haven't had any rain this week, :(, like you we are so dry - I don't think as dry as you, but dry none-the-less. We need rain badly!

We're not green here either, so dirty and muddy looking. We've had a lot of rain here lately and last night severe storms because the temps got up to 65 degrees. Temps going down today into the teens and colder the next couple of days. It's so hard driving the bus down these wet gravel roads. If you don't stay in the middle and go fast enough, you'll sink and get stuck. Can't believe it's 2013 and we still have gravel roads that really...in the winter time are mud roads. Well, with the temperature dropping they'll be freezing hard again so it will be somewhat better.

Yesterday was kind of a wildlife day for the kids on my bus. We had 18 deer cross the road in front of us yesterday and then on another road, we saw a redtail hawk fight with a snake and take off flying with it....so cool! Kids loved it.

Heard from one of the places I've applied to and they don't want me. It was at Unity Hospital in Lafayette. Oh well, this is the second position they've turned me down on so I guess I won't apply there anymore. There are other places, so I'll just keep trying.

Sure looking forward to Spring. I don't want to wish time away, but I want to look out the windows and see leaves, green grass and flowers.

Sorry Guys, but I don't have time to read the posts. We had a church party here last night so I've spent the last few days cleaning and getting ready for that......and this morning I'm getting ready to head to Oklahoma. My neice had her baby on Thursday and I'm heading down there as soon as I get my clothes packed. I'm not sure when I'll be home......I'm just going to play it by ear. It just depends on how she's doing and IF her boyfriend gets rude.

Anyway.....I love you guys and will talk with you when I get home UNLESS she happens to have internet but I doubt that she will. Talk to ya' soon!!!

Safe travels Diana...hope to hear from you soon.

Last night Ricky had a date so Rick and I headed to Lafayette. I have been wanting to eat at the Teppanyaki Grill (Chinese food) for a couple weeks so we headed there first. Everything tasted so good and fresh...loved it. Ate way more than I should have, but that's what happens when it's an all you can eat buffet setting.

After eating we went to Kohl's Department store. I needed new walking/cross-training shoes in a bad way. Mine still looked decent, but had wore down and my feet were hurting. Met this wonderful older man, Indian I named Ivan. I was getting ready to leave not finding exactly what I was looking for and this wonderful man found a pair just like the ones I was wearing. They are so comfortable. Told him he was my new best friend...lol.

After we got home Ricky and Audrey came out to watch a movie and we talked a bit, before me going to my room. Enough time has passed since 'the incident' and she does seem to be a nice girl. Wish she was a bit older, but I'm staying out of it.

Church was nice this morning, everyone is so friendly there. The Pastor wants me to take these classes to know more about the church beliefs. Not sure I want to do that....I want to be able to go and worship without restrictions. I may go to a class and see what it's like though before I just say no.

Every person should know what their church believes and why. It will probably be an interesting class.

I'm home!! I had such a good time at my neices'!! The baby was soooo cute!! She's half black so she has dark hair and a dark complexion. She was sooo tiny.....only 5 lbs. 9 oz. when she was born. My neice has two other children. The oldest is a full brother to the baby.....and a little girl that has a different dad and is totally white.....blonde hair and all!! Natasha definitely has her hands full with all three!! The boy, Jasiah, has some definite discipline problems. Her boyfriend who is the father of the two black kids has his own problems and is in and out of the house. He was nice to me while I was there but has some drug problems but knows that it's not allowed at Natasha's home. It's a mess.

The neighborhood that Natasha lives in isn't good. The woman next door makes meth so there are people in and out of her house all the time. I was told to make sure and keep my car doors locked.....plus the doors to the house were always locked.

My neice, who is almost 30, has been on her own since she graduated. My brother, her dad, is no help to her financially nor is her step-mom. Her real mom is into drugs and her mom's mom is controlling so she has no help (I should say that my Mom does help her out). We spent three days talking while we watched the kids and I saw the conditions of things around the house so the day before I left I went to Wal-mart and bought some things that I knew she couldn't afford for herself......mostly things for the kitchen, a few groceries, and some new towels for the bathroom. I also got the baby some new clothes with some matching clothes for her sister and a few shirts for Jasiah. My neice was thrilled. You could tell that she does all she can for the kids but doesn't do much for herself.

Oh....and her boyfriend had the flu......so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that neither she nor I get it. He mostly stayed in the bedroom but still........

We visited so much and really enjoyed talking. I may just have to go back down and visit again some time!!

Diana, I'm glad your trip turned out better than you were expecting!

Besides work, I've been busy with my OTHER work lol... the exchange students. One of the girls had her host family decide to not extend their contract, so we were left to find another home for her. Their contract ended at the end of January, but luckily they said she could stay with them until a new home was found. We started looking just after Christmas and finally a family applied last week (the mother knows the girl too, because she works at the school). We are going to interview the family tonight.

My parents called me last night and told me that during my brother's hockey game on Monday, he took a slapshot to the mouth!!! His lip was cut and swelled right up and 2/3 of his front two teeth were broken off! How Canadian lol... I don't think there is a hockey playing guy in the whole country without at least a couple broken teeth! Anyways, his fiance obviously wouldn't have him looking like that, so they spent all of Tuesday afternoon at the dentist where he had root canals and two fake teeth drilled into his mouth. He is in lots of pain and is too swollen to talk, so I sent him a text this morning saying I hope he feels better soon. I told my parents I'm sure that makes them feel good about all the orthodontic work he had done when he was younger lol!

Scott plays his VERY FIRST hockey game tonight!!!! He was never allowed to play growing up because his mom thought it was too violent and he'd get hurt. He has always wanted to play, so he got on a rec team in a neighboring town, and they are playing tonight in our town. He is so excited. I think he wore his helmet for half a day on the weekend lol! He does have a full face mask, which he is glad for now after my brother's story. It's pretty uncool, but at least he'll keep his teeth. He doesn't want me to watch him tonight in case he isn't very good lol :) But I will go another time. They are late games anyway and I am really tired this week!

Africa is coming up faster than I like to think. We have one more Typhoid vaccination pill to take tomorrow morning, and we're done with our vaccinations! These ones have been giving me abdominal pain so I'll be glad to have them done. The back of my left arm where I had one of my needle vaccinations STILL hurts! It's been almost 2 weeks now. There is still very slight bruising but I think they must have hit a nerve or something. The plus side to all this is I can pretty much go anywhere in the world now :) Diseases schmiseases! Lol.

Oh and I've also been helping my cousin plan her wedding in New Orleans! We'll be going down in September. I'm getting way more excited than I thought I would be! Scott and I are planning to rent a car and do a day trip after the wedding... I'm a HUUUUUGE Britney Spears fan lol and her hometown is just over an hour away. So we're going to get up early one morning and drive up there and see the museum and wander around the little town, and then we'll drive up into Mississippi and then back over into Louisiana to West Monroe to visit the Duck Dynasty place :D :D :D Scott and I watch the show all the time and my dad is just obsessed with it! We want to get there by early afternoon and visit the gift shop. Then we'll drive back down through Baton Rouge (maybe have dinner there?) and back to New Orleans in the evening. We'll probably go down on a Wednesday, wedding is Thursday, do our day trip Saturday, and come home Tuesday! Does anyone have any suggestions on what I should do/see/eat while I'm there???

Lindsey, we live about 40 miles west of Shreveport, La. I think you should see ME!! Mike and I could meet you somewhere :) Gotta love Duck Dynasty!

Oh my gosh YES!!!!! We had talked about going to Texas but thought it was just too far and easier to just fly lol (I have a friend from here who now lives in Lake Jackson, and we thought we could try to see her). And then we decided to cut the trip down to only really be 5 whole days long after flying there and back, so we thought we'd just do some driving around Louisiana instead. BUT I had no idea you were that close :)

So how accurate is Google maps? It says Shreveport is another hour and a half drive from Monroe. Is this whole round-trip back to NO doable in one day? Maybe we should book a hotel somewhere else for overnight. I just told Scott what you said and he suggested maybe staying somewhere else for a night. He knows all about you from my wedding shoes so he's excited at the thought of meeting you too!

Monroe is about 2 hours from my house. We can meet you in Monroe, or anywhere else for that matter:D We are pretty free these days, lol! This is gonna work!