Hi Everyone!

[judy]

Oh my! Gayle, you have such stamina, and such a great attitude! As long as you didn't get hurt, or stuck out in that Motel Nowhereland!

You and Gary look like you are hiding from that wind! You are a wonderful couple, always working together so well! And, so good looking too!

I want pictures when you all meet, Gayle and Betsi! That will be such fun!

I hope you relax, and then safely get onto your vacation!

Betsi, one of my friends tried to set out deer feeders, but the bears took the whole thing right off the tree! We have way too many bears here! My neighbor put fish out in her garbage and forgot to lock it. Her garbage was all over the lawn the next morning! That bear had a feast!

[judy]

My SIL got a job! YAHOO! It's for an established contractor right near him, so his work will come to be known. I am so happy for him. There is not a ton of work because money is really tight up here right now, but it is work!

His boss leaves his little boy with Jessie a lot. He has custody of him, and the boy is Kassidy's friend. Jess and Steve have decided to go along with watching him a lot because Steve needs this job. It began to get out of hand - something about another neighbor and his kid, etc., etc. - but Steve straightened it out with the other neighbor. I say what I always say..."That's wonderful, honey."

Jessie called me to go shopping with her on Friday. Now that Steve is not around, she has time. I said no because it was my first day home all week though, and I had cleaning up, laundry, etc.

I had fun last week. I had a brunch with my writing group on Tuesday, a dinner with lots of people at my friend Ev's new apartment on Wednesday, beautification day on Thursday (hair and nails), and I don't remember what on Monday. Last Sunday was the Communion.

I think I'm in with high society here between the writers' group and the womens' network. I am waiting for Ev to invite me to one of her parties with the artist community, and I think that might be the Roxbury A list! I'm a celebrity now! Well, I am still going to wear jeans and flip flops and watch Dr. Phil!

Regardless, all of the people I have come to know here are so nice. As my friend Barbara put it, "There's no meanness between all of us." There is a bit of gossip, and some people don't like others, but it seems to be different in a small town. We all get along and help each other out if needed anyway. The gossip is not mean spirited either. There are just not that many people, so everybody's story is more or less known. I like it so much better than city living. So far...

[gja1000]

Steve got a job. YAY!

That should help out a lot, in more ways that one! I'm so glad to hear this news. I can't imagine being out of work that long. WHEW!

[Janet]

That is so wonderful that Steve finally got a job. I know that has got to be a big relief for them.

Judy I'm so happy that you're so involved and having a great time with friends and clubs.

[DianaB]

Judy, I'm so glad to hear that Steve got a job!!! I hope that everything works out well for him!!

Gayle, I'm so glad that you weren't very far from home and that it wasn't any worse than it was!!! Too bad that it took a few days out of your vacation!! At least in the picture you were smiling in spite of your problems!! Have fun!!!

[DianaB]

Wellllll...........Graduation is finally over!!! Friday night we had Jaci's grad party. The menu was wonderful.......smoked brisket and chicken.....hashbrown potato casserole.....green bean casserole......homemade rolls.........banana pudding and a chocolate pudding dessert.......and a decorated cake!!! It was ALL so yummy!!! This is about the same menu that Jaci's having for the wedding minus the desserts!! We had quite a few people come....mostly family.

Then yesterday was her graduation!! The gym was packed!!! There was a big squabble over prayer.....two girls went in and requested that they not have it and the principal felt that legally he had to go with their wishes. Our whole community has been in an uproar over it. It ended up that we did have a moment of silence........then the crowd started reciting the Lord's Prayer. When it was over they broke out in applause!! It was an awesome moment!!

I managed to make it through without crying....I think that I'm saving them all for the wedding!!! Just a little less than two weeks!!! Sigh........

[gja1000]

Oh Diana! The graduation and the party sound like so much fun! I know you are so happy for Jaci - yet, sad that this is your last graduation. But soon (well, not too soon), you'll be attending grandkids graduations - and that will be just as much fun!

Judy, I forgot to say how happy I am that you are integrating so well into the community. You must feel so good to have friends and be a part of the community life. I know exactly what you mean by small town gossip - I came from a town of 350 - and if you were related to someone, you were related to someone who was married into or related somehow! LOL!!! The gossip was usually very harmless - a bit more than harmless at times, but not often! I'm just so happy for you!!!

[gja1000]

Well guys, we are not going to be able to make the trip to Arkansas after all. The RV repair place called and they are going to have to replace the back axle of our trailer (the wheel bearing froze up and got so hot the bearing welded to the axle). The axle has to be shipped from Indiana (Janet, could you run to Elkhart and pick it up please! ) - so it will be lucky to arrive this week - and then it will take them a day or two to install it - which means it won't be fixed till some time next week.

It's really OK, I realize now that I am slightly relieved that we are not going to Arkansas. It is A LOT of work for me when we take out the trailer and if we had gone on the trip, we'd only been home from Arkansas for 3 days before we have to leave for Alaska. I know I would have been tired and stressed out, so I now realize that I am relieved we are not going to Arkansas.

We'll probably run up to Oklahoma for Memorial weekend or maybe we'll just stay home! I don't know, but I do know that I'm not terribly upset we are not going.

[paula1961]

Sorry about your camper problem Gayle. I'm sure it will get fixed soon. Yes it is work getting them ready for a trip but I am happy after it's all done and we are to our destination lol. Then it seems worth the trouble
Have fun in Alaska....lucky girl you! I'm so glad you have the opportunity to go and you can take lots of pix and tell us all about it when you get back

Judy I'm so happy for Steve. It will make things so much easier on their family.
I'm really glad that you have gotten involved in your writers club and that you are starting to socialize with them. Good for you!!

Diana that graduation menu made me so hungry!! Sounds wonderful! I know you've been really busy with the graduation and the wedding plans but thanks for taking the time to let us know what you've gotten done.

[judy]

Diana, this is some year for you! Babies, weddings, and graduations!!! The graduation and the party sound like they were wonderful! Hurray for doing the prayer anyway! Why are people so crazy? Prayer cannot ever harm you, even if you don't believe.

Gayle's right - before you know it the grandkids will have graduations. It just goes by so fast! We do have to enjoy every minute that we can!

Gayle, I am sorry about your vacation, but Alaska does sound like it is enough for now. It must be difficult to always be on top of Gary's meds, etc. too. Maybe providence stepped in and the trailer broke down!

I went down to NYC yesterday to the dentist. I realized that I do love NYC! It is so alive and vital. But, when I thought about going home to my old apartment in Brooklyn - oh no! So, I love living here, but I love visiting NY. I think I will take a day to just shop around, go to the village, I do miss the museums, etc. I think I would have to break it up into a few day trips. Maybe!

I had more dental surgery. I don't expect it to get infected again. He worked on me for 5 hours or so. He did a double visit to get things done. I really couldn't wait to come home! It is a very easy trip, thank goodness. I was home in 3 hours....not bad! I have my audiobook (a John Grisham), and it is very relaxing. I am still annoyed that the dentist didn't do this work more consistently over the year. I might be finishing up already if he had!!! I also think he is an excellent dentist, and am way less than thrilled about starting with someone new AGAIN!!! I am in the same place as I was 2 years ago! If they hadn't taken so long, my implant would not have broken, and my mouth would be done!

[DianaB]

Judy, I just hate that you're still dealing with your implants. You have got to be so tired of it. The dentist didn't do right by you by putting you off and I'd be pretty upset by that......especially since you're going to have to find someone to pick up where he's left off.

I forgot to say on my last post that I'm so glad that you're getting out and making friends!!! I will warn you about small town gossip.......don't get involved in it because you never know who is related to who!!! That's the way it is here!!! LOL

Gayle, I'm sorry that your trip didn't work out but I can see that it probably was for the best. You'll feel so much more relaxed and ready for your Alaska trip now. You are such a busy woman......I don't know how you do it!!!

The graduation menu was wonderful and we're still eating leftovers from it!! Yummm!!! Two of my friends have created a catering service. Roger found out that he likes to smoke meat and he often prepares meat for church functions and Londa likes to cook so she prepares the other dishes to go with it. It's always really good!! They are preparing Jaci's food for the wedding at their cost as a wedding gift!! I consider that a GREAT gift!!!!

[Janet]

Wow....there is so much going on with everyone. Gayle..a trip to Alaska, I would love to go there someday so please take pictures. From other pictures I've seen...it's beautiful there.

Diana...now that the graduation is overwith you all can concentrate on the wedding. Judy's right...this has been a year for you girl!

Not too much going on here really. So far my two brothers have been really helpful with getting Mom to her dialysis and not leaving it all for me. I told them how much I appreciate them helping so much. The hemodialysis makes Mom really tired and she wishes she didn't have to do it. They tell her she'll start feeling better, but that's what they told her when she first started last year.

Friday Lynne and I are headed to Frankfort, Kentucky. It's only a 3.5 hour drive, but we have to go over the Ohio River and I just don't do well going over bridges alone...lol. So we'll stop on this side of the bridge so she can drive and I can close my eyes...lol. I'm going to be trading Fancy for another girl. Fancy has not been what I had hoped so a trade has been worked out and she'll be living in NC. I'm really excited about this and know Fancy will have a great home. Lynne and I will have a great time I'm sure.

Ricky has been working quite a bit and that's a good thing, I just wish he wasn't working every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night. He goes in on 4 on Fridays and noon on Saturday and Sunday. He loves the money, but with school and work he doesn't have much free time. They are wanting to hire another part-time person, so hopefully they will soon.

[paula1961]

Originally Posted by Janet

Wow....there is so much going on with everyone. Gayle..a trip to Alaska, I would love to go there someday so please take pictures. From other pictures I've seen...it's beautiful there.

Diana...now that the graduation is overwith you all can concentrate on the wedding. Judy's right...this has been a year for you girl!

Not too much going on here really. So far my two brothers have been really helpful with getting Mom to her dialysis and not leaving it all for me. I told them how much I appreciate them helping so much. The hemodialysis makes Mom really tired and she wishes she didn't have to do it. They tell her she'll start feeling better, but that's what they told her when she first started last year.

Friday Lynne and I are headed to Frankfort, Kentucky. It's only a 3.5 hour drive, but we have to go over the Ohio River and I just don't do well going over bridges alone...lol. So we'll stop on this side of the bridge so she can drive and I can close my eyes...lol. I'm going to be trading Fancy for another girl. Fancy has not been what I had hoped so a trade has been worked out and she'll be living in NC. I'm really excited about this and know Fancy will have a great home. Lynne and I will have a great time I'm sure.

Ricky has been working quite a bit and that's a good thing, I just wish he wasn't working every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night. He goes in on 4 on Fridays and noon on Saturday and Sunday. He loves the money, but with school and work he doesn't have much free time. They are wanting to hire another part-time person, so hopefully they will soon.

Janet.......Frankfort Ky is only about 3 hours from me too!! I didn't realize that you were that close. My parents only live about an hour from Frankfort. Maybe sometime we can meet around that area. That would be so nice. I would like to meet you and Lynne too!

[DianaB]

Janet, I'm so glad to hear that your brothers are helping you with your Mom. I know that that helps to take some of the stress off of you. I do hope your Mom starts feeling better soon. I hate the thought that she's not her ornery self!!!

I'm glad that Ricky got a job!! I know that helps with his schooling expenses!! He's a good....hard-working son and I know that you are so proud of him!!

As soon as you can get it arranged.....why don't you head this way? Your brothers can take care of your Mom for a little while. Come for the wedding and plan on staying for a while afterwards. It will be crazy but you'll get to meet my aunts and everyone!!

[judy]

It is great that Ricky got a job, although it does sound like he needs some free time.

Who are you getting as the trade for Fancy? I can't wait for pictures! You and Lynne will have a wonderful time. Isn't it great having a good friend to help you out? It is wonderful that you have each other!

I think going to Jaci's wedding would be such a good idea for you Janet! Tell your brothers, and take off! It's a once in a lifetime chance!