Hi ladies

I'm back. I had such a great weekend with my mom. I realized that I have to make a committment to spend more time with her. We laughed and talked and she was so happy that I went to church with her

The church rumbled a bit on it's foundation but held up - had a good laugh Shad at your story of the earthquake last time you were in church

- 'tis my fear too. Been a long time since I was in church. I still have my faith, believe in God, say my prayers and try to be a good Christian but I feel distanced from organized religion. My church is in my heart. I felt really sad at one point as we were talking at home when she said she doesn't get much company any more.

She said she knows we are busy but it made me almost want to cry. We talk on the phone several times a week but I guess the face to face is important too. So I will make a better effort to get over by her more often. I tell you though, it's a good thing I don't live at home anymore or else I'd weigh 400 pounds for sure. Every hour she was pushing food at me. Want some soda, tea, coffee, juice, milk? How about a sandwich, piece of chicken, orange, bananna, apple, piece of pie, ice cream, chips? MOM we just ate an HOUR ago!

She does love to nibble she does. We took a walk down the road to a new fruit and vegetable store and of course I went hog wild - my vice used to be clothing, now it's grocery stores

I picked up lots of tasty fruits and veggies so I can get back on plan and work off the sinful eating of the weekend.
DH was so sweet - he drove me there and when he came to pick me up he had washed my car for me - all nice and shiny again!
Linus, we celebrate Mother's Day in the states the second Sunday of May. But Happy Mother's Day to you! I can't seem to open your pics up to enlarge them. I will have to borrow Mel's magnifying glass I think. It looks like a lovely family photo, just can't see the details on it.
Mel, good luck with the doctor and your eyes, hope they have something to give you relief. Nice to see your new avatar - now don't be hunting the Internet looking for pictures each week - take it from one who knows, it takes too much time.
Well Shaker, green hair might have been a fair touch for St. Patrick's Day but certainly not for a wedding and might have clashed with the blue of the dress. Good to hear you have a treadmill again - you and Shad can have running contests! I did a fair bit of walking with mom, sorely reminded me I have to get on the treadmill myself or at least go walking outside again even if it is cold, gusty and rather unfriendly out there.
Shad, you are a wonderful mom to soak all of DS's socks though I imagine it was as much for your benefit as well as his. I guess you are always finding something to do around the house, aren't you
As DH was driving into the city to come get me today, he stopped at the butterfly garden. There's a whole crop of new breeds we haven't seen before. I should have parts of his website up in a few weeks and then I'll be able to show you some of his pictures. He is all excited, a new digital camera is due out in 3 weeks and he is going to get it as soon as it's available because he'd like to take it on vacation with us. We will have the opportunity to get some great scenic shots while we are along the coast in California. He was also making some plans of what we will do on vacation. Kayaking -

renting a tandem bike along the coastal drive

taking a hike through the giant redwood forest

- seems he forgot he's going to be dragging along a rather tubby, out of shape, non athletic wife on his adventures.

I think hitting the walking path and lifting weights again is a number one priority starting tomorrow. 4 weeks to get in better shape and build some endurance.
Teel I hope you are feeling better with the medicines the doctor prescribed and are not feeling so edgy. And hello to Peacock.
I'd best get to bed now, tomorrow's a work day...