Hi all! Yes, a chance to post.

doitforme...I'm a slug...I just ate like a pig just now. I MUST get a grip. I WILL NOT beat myself up over it though.

Michele...no kidding about not messing with it. Surgery went very well. 1.5 hours and 10 screws later along with a block to numb the leg for a couple of days...he's feelin great! The doc WILL talk to him tomorrow regarding the misuse of his foot...cuz I tattled. Too bad...so sad. Did I tell you I received the pendant? I'm losin it. I will have fun with that one. Wow, too bad about the gal that was abused by everyone in her life. YIPEE!!! Swimming in the winter...you go girly girl! Ya know, I remember that feeling last summer when I wore a pair of shorts on our vacation in AR. I miss that. Just for that...I'm GONNA do really good tomorrow! Thank you! I saw a lady in the hospital cafeteria today that I almost asked her what her name was. She had your georgeous hair and fair complextion and was striking...but I figured that if you were going to be in Grand Rapids, you'd probably mention it.

Sunny...Where's the "warm" sun? It appeared nice today...but it was still cold today. I love the pics. I'll bet they are warm and cuddly up next to you.

Mnewton...What was wrong with your niece? I didn't find it in the 50 pages I printed off for bedside reading at the hospital today. Yes, I printed at least 50 pages...too funny. And then, they weren't in real good order. Oh well...welcome!

MargieB...sounds like you like to garden? I like the "idea" of it, but to really do it more than the one time to plant in the spring...I guess it's not my thing. My sisters LOVE it.

Well, signing off for right now, I may ck in again later tonight or maybe wait until tomorrow a.m. at work.

Hugs and prayers for everyone!

Just a quick edit...as my new avatar shows...I'm going to blossom and take better care of myself. And...Michele...great calligraphy!

First things first. Mmmmm...nice and warm on a really snowy and blowing day. The kind I like to just veg...actually, I like to veg on any given day.

Mitchy...Calligraphy...If you want to get more into it...let me know. I took calligraphy for 8 years with a nun here in town. Sr. Servatia was her name. A brief history: When I was 30 yrs old during class I excused myself to use the restroom where I lit up and she walked in. She must've known I was going out for a cigarette (don't smoke anymore). I watched her waddle her way back, then she eventually used a walker, then onto a motorized wheelchair, then taught in the basement at the house where her medical issues were more monitored, then to her bed where she eventually passed away. She told me something back then that "I should've" listened to but went my own way. Makes me sad sometimes...but... Anyway, back to calligraphy. I have soooooo many books, pens, paper...you name it. I have boxes of stuff and I really don't play with it very much anymore. I don't know too many people that have this as a hobby as well...welcome to each others world!

I think "if" Bruce is not interested, he's found a great person to share his humbling experiences with and have a great compassionate friend. Actually, I think that everyone on this post could have their "not-so-pretty" sides exposed and we would all just hug each other more.

Can you tell I'm PMSing. Sometimes I get emotional. Like most of the time.

I talked to a man last night who runs our local Comfort Keepers. It's where they hire people to visit, take shopping, play games, etc with the elderly. I told him I could do it 3x a week and some weekends. It is a paying job and why not earn doing something I really like. He's sending me an application in the mail. I'm going to visit their website today to see what it's all about.

I have to get moving today. I have stuff to drop off to the Shepherd's House and then off to see DH and maybe play some more cribbage with him, unless they've disconnected his pain block...then I might go home.

I have a prayer request for anyone who's reading...

Please pray for my emotional/mental/spiritual strength when dealing with life, marriage, DH, etc. Thank you!

Well off to prepare for my day and brush away all this snow from my car...

Hugs and Have a Blessed Day!

HI GALS....I'M BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK

For those that missed me...thank-you for those that didn't..shame on you..

Just got home a few hours ago, Angie off to step-daughter's softball game.

Not a lot of time to chat right now...I will catch up!

My sister came from Illinois the day after my brother and I left for Washington, she is leaving tiomorrow for home, so I am going to try and catch up with her tonight.

My brother and I finished up the drywall and texture in my new home...the builder was very impressed and wants me to texture his new home for the annual parade of homes in the area.

SUNNYD- Take care of Joe...I know he is taking care of you! Gonna be treadmill partners soon I'm afraid...I am gaining!! Angie says it's the beer...but what does she know

MICHELE thinking of moving back to Cali?...I dunno girl...really changing around here. Randy Moss is a great receiver...but all that baggage!!! as far as Tice...fill me in...I haven't been reading the paper since I left. My son knows I'll bet, but he is off at work.

WILMA Take the...er...GO FOR THE JOB!!! You will make a great supervisor! Remember when you weren't even sure you would get a job in the new town? GO FOR IT!!! if it is what YOU want!!!!!

SUE Hey babe...keep those politicians in line!! My new place will be nearer Alaska for "our" next cruise.

MargieB looking forward to meeting you!

MNEWTON Are you close to the Kennewick area? That is where our second home is being built.

MKAY Sounds like things are going well (?)

Well gotta jam...I will catch up later!!!

Gary

I get so stressed just before these checkups. September 2000 I was operated on - they told me they got it all - no need for chemo or radiation. Summer of 2003 it was back so I spent 8 weeks having radiation. So it is just about 2 years again since it came back. This past Wednesday went to Calgary to the Cancer hospital for the checkup - they have to put me to sleep for the checkup due to all the scar tissue. Before having the exam Doc said that if all looked well he would then recommend coming back in 12 months rather than 6 months. After the exam and when I was awake he said all looked really well, but that of course he had to do pap so we have to wait for 3 weeks for the results - in 2003 they said it looked ok too but it had come back - but I am taking him on his word again this time that all is ok and that I don't need to have another checkup for 12 months. But have to be patient till this time next month for the biopsy results. Talked to him about the IBS as it has been flairing up and wanted to know how to tell the difference between that and if the cancer had moved on. He informed me that the damage from the radiation did not just leave scar tissue in the vagina but that due to all the radiation that the intestines and bowels would have been affected to some degree also which in turn would make the IBS worse - no wonder I have been having more 'attacks'. He mentioned that he knew milk and milk products would aggrivate it so to stay of them and to possibly talk to the dietition on things she would know that would give a flare up - and of course to avoid all stress (guess I need to be a hermit to do that right). Am just getting over a bad attack of it - seems to be calming down somewhat so am now going to have to get really serious about my food - learning more re what is healthy for me to eat due to the cancer and IBS - like eating bland food - yuk just when I like things spicy!!!

Have not gotten weighed for some time but should do this on Monday. Am waiting for our van to be repair - put in a new rad and thermostat but need some more work also so it is about $1,000 worth when we get finished. It is old (1989) but did not cost us anything to purchase it so really can't complain - but just when we think we are getting ahead something breaks down.

Am looking into getting a digital scale for the bathroom - more accurate than the old bathroom one we have and it would save me having to check in at the doctors office weekly. Also would help with monitoring daughter's weight also.

Puppy: Koko is growing - and what a 'pain' at times. He is into rearranging everything - have to keep all the doors to all the rooms of the house closed otherwise he causes havoc in them. He has not learned how to climb up the stairs from the rec room so he won't stay on the same level of the house with us any more - but he hasn't figured out how to come down them yet. He travelled well with us when we went out of town for my medical checkup -but didn't appreciate his harness - we have to work more with him as he does not want to have it put back on - trying to be the alpha dog with us when he sees the harness. But he is learning - when we call him and are upset with him he comes quickly and then rolls over onto his back with his legs straight up in the air - look funny - but he is showing that he is trying to be submissive. His hair is starting to come in more also - but it will be some more months yet before we know just how long/short and curly it will be. He definitely knows that he has won us over and really does a number on us. We had him to the vet on Friday as he got 'bunged' up - vet said -'what a beautiful pup and so submissive' - yet to him he was but not us - vet gave a us a quick lesson and it seems to be working - with me anyway - with Norm another story but getting better.

Anyway, have been reading all the posts - prayers going up to for everyone.

Gary: by the way was going to mention to you - we live in BC Canada - just north of where you new house is - have to figure out some time just how much of a drive it would be - could be that the four of us could meet when you are moved.

Pictures: Back Of House, Brother And Myself At Work

Hi SPROUT--- Sorry I forgot to post to you! I have a friend that lives in Sequim, between Port Angeles and Port Townsend...I am sure I will be seeing him more often when we move there...much closer to catch up with you from there...more Koko pictures coming?

BRENDA--Welcome...my wife and I are having a home built in Kennewick, just got back from doing the drywall finish on it...anywhere near you?

Had my sister here for lunch...great to see her...family members all here...Angie made a chicken/mexican casserole, I made a ground beef/mexican one...ALL GONE!!

Last of the texture....windy day.

That's all I have for now gals...Angie has to help me send the other pictures...my buddy sent them to her from his computer while I was there...however it erased the ones on my disc (?) like I really understand that!! anyway my brother took alot too and he is getting them to me soon...so I should have more this week. Builder says we should take possesion by the end of April if all goes well...guess we know what we will be doing this summer!!
Prayers, Gary

Check out my signature. I'm down another 3 lbs. This eating plan and exercise is working. YEAH! Maybe I will be down a size by the time I buy a dress for the wedding.

I want to thank you all for your prayers for my job situation and please keep on. I did apply for the job and decided to leave it in God's hands. I have an interview tomorrow afternoon. It'll be kind of scary for me even though I know my manager respects me and my work ethic.

Gary: It's so good to see you back. I did miss you! It's nice to see pics of you at work. What is your timing as far as moving in?

Brenda: Welcome here. This is a great group of people who are here to cheer you on as well as listen to your struggles.

Sprout: Great news about your check up even though the news about the IBS isn't so great. Maybe things will settle down for you. Your pup sounds like he's quite the character.

mkay: My prayers are with you. May you feel God's peace as you go through the struggles of daily living.

Michele: I sure hope you don't get all that snow. We still have so much and it's kind of depressing to see more come down on top of that. Don't be discouraged about having a bad week. We all have those. Pick yourself up and keep going. Praying for you.

Hello to everyone else. I've run out of time and have to get going to work.

Hi all!

Busy monday morning. Will try to post at lunch. Gary, glad you made it home safely... More later.

Trust everyone had an awesome Palm Sunday! Just reflecting on the meaning of the day when Christ entered Jerusalem as a King. People then had their own agenda and expectations (as we often do) thinking He would free them from the Romans. Thencrucifying Him less than a week later. Here is a poem I put in our church bullitin, that I thought I would share.

HUMBLE YET HOLY

Humble, yet holy a donkey rode in
Hosanna, Hosanna we sing to our king
Palm leaves and coats were thrown on the ground
Hosanna, Hosanna there's joy all around

Jesus rode in on the humblest of beasts
Hosanna, Hosanna prepare for the feast
Astride a colt and claimed as King
That Sunday morning in the spring

For not even a week would pass by Him when
The crowd would shout "crucify Him" then
But Jesus knew then He was destined to die
Hosanna, Hosanna He looked to the sky

Father forgive them for what they do
Hosanna, Hosanna your words must come true
For the future of man and the promises you gave
Hosanna, Hosanna I go to my grave

His followers took His body down and laid it in a tomb
With heavy hearts and crying eyes and voices filled with gloom.
But Jesus had a job to do and needed these three days.
To smash the enemy's fortress claiming victory all the way.

Then He took His victory over death and sin.
He presented it to His Father with the blood He'd wrapped it in,
After this because of Love He showed Himself once more
To the folks who mourned His passing when He died just days before.

Though we do not see Him in the flesh as they did then.
It's just as true our Savior lives, for us there'll be no end!
All we need do is accept, and believe, that He died to set us free
I know , I know my Savior lives, He's waiting there for me.
And I'll walk and talk with Jesus right into eternity.

I hope you enjoyed the poem.
M-Kay- I am so happy to hear hubbys surgery went well, good job looking out for His best interest. Prayers for strength, wisdom and patience.
Mitchy- Glad you are feeling better, Bruce will probably share when He is ready, With the exception of E.Z. men are fickle, most anyway they try to have an independent streak, but then they all like to be cared for, so in time He will share. Love Calligraphy I have tr several times but never go the nack of it, not artistic at all.
E.Z. - Awesome pics, so you were really working out there, good shots of best side ha ha. Next cruise to Alaska, we all crash at your house spend the night, and have some of Angies tex -mex, unless its your night to cook, sounds like a plan to me, then travel onto the ship. Washington is a pretty area, the mountains, and all. Happy to hear you arrived safely.Sprout- Happy to hear you had a good check-up will continue prayer test come back good as well. That would be awesome if you guys could get together with E.Z. and Angie. Brenda- WELCOME ! Great people here so come back and post often, let us know how your doing!
Sunny- hope your still feeling well, no problems! Miss all MIA's ya have to come back and let us know how your doing! Sami- pray all is well with you too!
I am doing good, ate bad all weekend, but on track today. I worked a Sportman's Dinner on Sat. and there were no veggies in site, just meat, fries, and toll house cookie pie, and ice cream. I work this every year, its sponcered by many area churches, and one of which is ours. They have a keynote speaker this year it was David Bierney, I think that how its spelled any way he is a professional photographer of white tails, and tracker. He give a seminar on his field as well as a message of being saved through Christ's there were many professions of accepting Christ or of wanting more info. They fill out questionaires. The men in the churches will contact anyone who said they would like more info. and provide them with a bible and an invite personally to church or for discussion. It is a really good outreach program, doesn't scare them away. They run all kinds of seminars before the Keynote speaker, and provide dinner as well. So fun weekend. Now back to work! Gotta go! See ya later!

Busy at work this a.m. since I will be picking up DH from the hospital. They gave him one last dose of the big-time pain med and took out the epidural...he's on his own with the oral drugs to take...and with me at home. I WILL WITH THE HELP OF GOD...HOLD MY TONGUE, BITE MY LIPS, THINK GOOD THINGS...when he gets cranky and demanding with get me this and get me that. I am NOT in his shoes and do not know that pain and suffering from that type of surgery. PLEASE PLEASE pray for us during this coming home transition! Thanks!

Welcome Brenda! I LOVE it here with all my friends who have become a wonderful "thing" in my life to share, pray and vent and listen...it's all great.

Sunny...Where in the world are you pookie pie?

EZ...where were you when we needed that drywall expertise in FL?

doitforme...Since I didn't go to church yesterday, reading that poem brought me back to where I need to be...thank you. Yeah, I had a horrible eating weekend and last night was the worse ever. My merciful Father knows my issue and that I am full of remorse and guilt of misusing my body; I woke up today NOT feeling hungry, fat, or anything else. Amen!

Michele...getting ideas for the necklace...and boy oh boy, did I ever come up with a neat and easy and cool necklace. I will take a pic of me in it eventually and post it or e-mail it to you.

Was it my breath that caused everyone else who was posting to stop?


Hugs to everyone!