Love the new do!

You look great, Doris . . . love the new do! It looks so natural and is a perfect "fit" for you. In fact, that wig looks better than my real hair!

God bless!

Kathy

Ooh La La

Hey girl you look MARVELOUS. I was so pleased to see you looking so good. I had formed this picture in my mind of what you would be looking like at this point after the torture you have been put through. I must say that I was WAY off. The wig is very becoming and oh so you. You are doing such a great job of fighting and keeping a great attitude. I know that can't always be easy. I am very proud of you and the amazing strong woman you are. I hope that during your better moments that you are keeping a journal of all of this, as I think someday you should write a book about how to fight for your life. YOU GO GIRL! LaDonna

She's Back With Her New Hair

Just wanted to share something a little "hairy".

I LOVE MY NEW HAIR!

Yep it is a wig and it is SO ME!

Time to do the town!!!!!

Doris

Old Photos

Love the old photo of Doris Kathy. That was what Doris looked like when I first met her. It was 1967 when I first came to Pennsylvania. Thanks for sharing. Where has all of the time gone? Here is one of me with my sister when I was around eleven.

I'm the one that looks like a boy. I was very much a Tom Boy in those days. As my sister sat and played with dolls, learned to crochet and other girly things, I was outside climbing trees, riding bikes and playing sports. To this day I tend to do more active things and she prefers to sit and do crafts. LaDonna

School Days

Found this while digging through some photos -- isn't she a cutie! Doris, do you remember what year this was . . . maybe 1967? I'm guessing based on what you wrote on the back.

Kathy

Alone Again

Well, Nicole, Ron and the girls are now back in Texas. They left late Saturday morning. I really enjoyed having Nicole and Melanie here with me last week, I just hope Nicole was not too bored with our simple country lifestyle. I think she was having withdrawal because as soon as Ron and the girls got back from WV Friday evening she and Ron took off for the movies. They didn't get back until almost 2:00 AM . . . hmmmm, I think they might have gone parking somewhere. LOL Here are a couple pictures taken just before they left. Wish I would have gotten a few more while Norman was here, although he always groans when I get the camera out.

Granny's rocking chair

Friday I took off a little early and Nicole, Melanie and I went to Mansfield to visit the home of Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of the "Little House" books. Mansfield is about 40 miles from our place. I must say I was impressed, I didn't expect it to be all that exciting but the houses are amazing and the museum is great with so many authentic artifacts and full of history. We did not allow enough time and when they visit again Nicole wants to take all the girls. Here are a few pictures from our visit.

The Rock House where she started writing the Little House books

Original Home

Yesterday was a beautiful day here in the Ozarks so I loaded up my mule and went riding with some friends. I am so blessed to be able to do the things I love to do and I try to remember to thank God every day for what He has provided me, including my family and friends. There is so much beauty right before our eyes that we so often take for granted. Soon the Dogwoods will be blooming and I will share some pictures -- I never saw so many Dogwoods as we have here, the woods are just full of them.

Hope everyone has a good week -- God bless!

Kathy

WELCOME SPRING _ MY KIND OF SEASON

Yes! Spring is officially here. Two weeks ago, on one of those "not so good days" I sat up on the side of the bed, raised the window blind and was immediately met with the sight of a beautiful Cardinal gathering dried grass for a nest. My first instinct was to grab the camera but then I paused and decided to just "capture" the moment in my mind least I miss the moment all together while going for the camera. That proved to be the best decision ever because I then saw my first Robin of the season. I joked with a friend that these Robins look like Cornish Game Hens. Where they wintered over must have been very productive where food was concerned.

While watching these birds I then overheard a flock of wild geese flying over and have continued to hear them almost every day. I also had a large flock of crows in my backyard which made the cat run and hide. Sunday I saw my first Blue Bird and it was as round as it was tall...LOL.

The crazy gray squirrels in my backyard have provided me with hours of entertain. My retired neighbors (who I adore) feed the squirrels and yet they come to my backyard for hours to dig up acorns.
They make such a game out of the hunt. They just crack me up.

Two days ago I took a stroll around my yard and saw lots of buds on my bushes and trees, bulbs emerging through the ground, and a greening of the grass. IT"S ALL GOOD!

So yes, I too have been anticipating and finally enjoying this season of new beginnings. Today RITA'S is on my agenda. On my way home from the Cancer Center (Neulasta injection today) I will stop to get a sugar free pineapple gelati made with their fat free custard.

Oh did I mention I am going to drive myself today. I have not driven my car since January 26. Saturn just returned it to me after doing some repairs and inspection and I feel confident that I can do this. It will allow Michael to go home after working all night and get some much needed sleep. He will then come over tonight and we will decide what to do about dinner.

Pizza is also on the menu for either tonight or tomorrow. I have not had fresh, steaming hot pizza in at least two years. I decided to celebrate losing my hair by having pizza at my favorite Italian pizza joint, Sal's Little Italy. I am playing this by ear as I see how my stomach is feeling after the next dose of preventive anti-nausea medication. I am hoping the kids and a few others will be able to join me too!

Right now I am trying to get in all of the pills I need to take BEFORE I eat breakfast. I am 30 minutes away from being able to eat breakfast. I am starved!!!!! Which is so new for me. I have not had an appetite for over two years and this last year especially has been extremely difficult on me digestively. So feeling hungry seems very strange to me. At first I thought I was sick...LOL......but then realized that this was true hunger. I have to eat small meals so I graze pretty much all day.

I am still waiting to see Julie, Joe, Travis and Stefani posting on here. And where are Holly and Justin? Nancy???????? I know you are out there!!!!!!! Athena and Laurie it was good to hear from you but where did you go? Where is Rob?

Are those living out of state planning on coming to PA (Justin and Holly's) for our June family gathering? Right now my entire family plan on being there (I may be a bit green around the gills depending on my Chemo). I hear camping is being offered in Justin's HUGE yard which just happens to be next to a wonderful lakeside park. I am hearing about a HUGE campfire, cooking over the fire and the grill, and camper space for those who do not have tents. Sounds like a good time to me!!!!! I hope to see everyone there!

Okay time to eat that breakfast, get a shower, and perhaps a nap since I have been up since 2:30. Then I am off to drive that car, perhaps will even visit the women's center and check out wigs!

Have a delightfully grand day!

Doris

SPRING!

Yes, today is officially the first day of SPRING. I must say that I for one am very happy to be saying good-by to winter. It is cold here this morning but I do have hope that things will soon be warming up.

Thanks for the update Doris with what is going on with you and your process to healing. What a thrill to get your message that you have SIGNIFICANT shrinkage of the tumors. We are all continuing to send prayers and good energy your way.

It was good to see Nicole on here. You are looking great and the girls are growing up so very fast. Where could time have gone that you would be the mother of a teenager already? I hope that you and your Mom have had a great week together and that you will all have a safe journey home.

I see that Tommy got a lesson on posting but am still awaiting his post. You out there THMCDEE?

I hope everyone has a great first day of spring. LaDonna

Hello From The Infusion Room

Good morning!

I am coming to you from Apple Hill Cancer Center. Michael bought me a carrying case for my laptop so that I can bring my laptop along when I come for treatments. It's sort of nice because I have a journal of procedures, medications, and procedures started in Excel. When a question comes up I can easily access my document and provide the nurses with the correct information right from my laptop.

I am currently receiving my pre-chemo drugs. The one I am getting right now is to prevent me from becoming nauseated. They give me the first dose through my port and the second and third doses will be by mouth the next two days. The doctor did not like that I lost 15 pounds in six days the last treatment.

Next will be the anti-allergy drugs which make me very sleepy. Then the six chemo drugs will be given bag by bag. They monitor me every 30 minutes, for two hours once the Chemo drugs begin. At first the drip is slow and then after two hours they open the drip to run very fast. They just told Michael that it will probably be around 4:00 this afternoon before I am done.

It was great to see the pictures of Nicole and the girls. It was also great to hear from Nicole. Wow, the girls are growing! You know, riding a horse is on my list of things to do.

I also LOVED the pictures of Dalton falling asleep in his chair. The older he gets the more he looks like Justin. Now I hold my breath to see if he is going to act like Justin....LOL. As I tell Julie.....it's payback time!!!!!!

I also have enjoyed seeing all of the "old" pictures posted. I just have to laugh out loud. Where did the years go? Not that any of us are old but when I look at some of these pictures I do have to admit that I can remember "when".....LOL.

It's raining here today. I can hear it hitting the roof and I can see it on the window near where I am sitting. It's a good day to be inside for sure.

The infusion room is a flurry of activity as usual, although not all of the chairs are filled this morning. Usually by this time it is standing room only. The nurses are all very nice here and go out of the way to meet every need you night have. Today I came prepared with my own drink and snacks. If I want a sandwich later they will send someone to the snackbar for me. After while they will bring me a warm blanket and a pillow and I will sleep off some of the medication. They just started my third and fouth medications. The next two are the ones that make me sleepy and then they will start the actual Chemo medications.

I defrosted chicken breasts and will make white chicken chili when I get home today. Today, tomorrow and Sunday I need to eat, eat, eat (food is medicine) because by Tuesday I will not be able to eat hardly at all. I have to drink most of my calories once the side effects begin.

Michael has promised to remind of these really good days during the time I am so sick. The sickness brings on a tiredness that is beyond description. It is an effort to swallow spit, your eye lashes hurt, and the covers touching your skin feels like hot needles. So it is really easy to want to give up when you are feeling so poorly but Michael is not going to allow that to happen. He will keep me motivated and remind me of my end result which is a total remission AND/OR BECOMING THE FIRST PERSON TO EVER BE CURED OF THIS CANCER!

Well, the nurse is here with the next medications and I am going to become very sleepy so I had best finish this post and sign off.

I hope you all have a GRAND and WONDERFUL day. Make sure you do something special JUST FOR YOU!

Love,

Doris

Back in the saddle!

Yes, I decided to get in the saddle yesterday. I thought I did a pretty good job, considering that it's been at least 12 years or so since I've been on a horses or mules back. Just thought I'd share a picture of myself on Dad's mule, Lena.

Nicole

Well, I finally have a chance to get on the blog...

Hello everyone! Well, I finally have a chance to get on the family blog and say hello. I am staying at Mom and Dad's for a few days over our spring break. Ron, Ashley, and Scarlett headed to West Virginia to see his family for a few days, but Melanie and I decided to stay here and visit with Mom for the rest of the week. Ron and the girls will be back on Friday and then we will head back to Texas on Saturday. Life has been so hectic and we are crazy busy, all the time, it seems, so I am glad for a short break.

The girls are busy with school, band, sports, guitar, and church. Ashley plays the trumpet and has been busy with BETA (an academic honor society). She is making a wreath to go to a state competition in April and if she placed 1st, 2nd, or 3rd, she will go to Nationals in Orlando, FL in June sometime.

Scarlett just started playing on a select basketball team called Team Texas. She practices twice a week and does 2 tournaments a month, so that has been keeping us on the go. Practices are in Lewisville, which is about an hour from our house and the tournaments are on Saturdays and Sundays. They usually play 4 games in two days. She also plays the electric guitar. She takes private lessons every week and plays some at our church.

Melanie is now in pre-school. She had stayed at a home day care until November of this past year and the lady who has kept my children for 10+ years closed her business, so we had to find somewhere for her to go. Luckily there was an opening at the school child care program, where I work, so she is in a pre-k class close to my school. She loves it and she has learned so much. I am just amazed at how quickly they learn at this age. I was very disappointed when Debbie closed her doors, but I think that it has certainly worked out for the best for Melanie. She will start Kindergarten in the fall. She will be a 6 year old kindergartener, because of her birthday being on Sept. 4th. She missed the state deadline for K by 3 days. Melanie is also playing soccer right now. It is so cute to see all of these little kids running around chasing after the ball.

Ron is staying busy teaching school, working at our church, and trying to start a lawn business. He is teaching K-5th grade technology (computers) this year. He is hoping to teach history next year somewhere between 5th-8th grade. He is still the children's pastor at our church, which keeps him quite busy and I guess he thinks he doesn't have enough to do, so he is starting a lawn mowing business for the spring and summer months.

I am still teaching special education, but I am hoping to be teaching elementary general education next year. I have taught special ed. for 11 years and I am in desparate need of a change. I took my K-4th grade certification and 4th-8th grade generalist certification and I passed both of them, so I am now ready to start looking for another position. I am hoping to stay in the same district, just a different campus and position. When I am not at work, I spend most of my time with the kids and Ron helping out where ever I am needed.

Our family has been so blessed over the past year or so. With the uncertain economy I know many people are hurting financially, so Ron and I feel very blessed to have the jobs we have and to be blessed in so many ways: our family, church family, finances, home, work, children, health, and the list goes on.

I hope that this posting finds everyone doing well. I know that I don't keep in touch as often as I should, but I think about all of you often. I wish we were closer, so we could spend more time together and so our children (cousins) could spend more time together as well. I miss you all and I pray that God continues to bless each and every one of you!

Love Ya,
Nicole

I evidently need help with composing!

Looks like I need a lesson on how to fix my messages so the pictures and text are not so skewed. I don't have time today to try to figure it out -- I already tried to save this as a draft and then couldn't get it back to edit, so I just sent as is. One of these days I'll get more proficient on this site! Meanwhile, you will just have to put up with me!

Kathy

Fun With The Girls

Thought I would share a few pictures of the girls riding the mules yesterday. Nicole and family got here very early Sat morning (they left Fri evening so it was more like the middle of the night!) Yesterday after breakfast we saddled up the mules and left them ride, first in the ring and then I took Scarlett and Ashley both out for a short ride around our neighbor's pasture. Melanie had to get in on the fun too, although she had to let Papaw lead her around. However, she asked me last night if we can ride again today and can she ride by herself. I wish we lived closer because I think we could have some good little cowgirls!

We later drove to Springfield and ate at Lambert's Cafe, home of the "throwed rolls." Here is a link to their website -- it's a fun place to eat, reasonably priced and very good food. http://www.throwedrolls.com/ozark.html.

Ron, Ashley and Scarlett are leaving this morning to drive to WV, but Nicole and Melanie are going to stay here with me the rest of the week. I hope they are not too bored because today is back to work for me and for Norman. At least I will be here, but during the day Nicole may have to entertain herself. Or, better yet, I'll put her to work! LOL Norman is leaving mid-day to go load and will be heading west so we won't see him for probably close to two weeks. He is going to pick up a load of bees in Calif next week. I've been moving bees too -- pretty interesting the way they move around to pollinate in various areas. Most people don't realize how big a business it is.

Hope to have more pictures to share later. Everyone have a great week!

showing tommy what to do

Saint Patrick's Day Parade

Yesterday Gage & I walked in the Pittsburgh Saint Patrick's Day parade. Pittsburgh hosts the second largest St. Pats parade in the country. There were 20,000 participants and an estimated 200,000 spectators. Nearly everyone both in and out of the parade are dressed in green and many very outlandish costumes. It is a sight to behold. For this one day everyone in this area becomes Irish. It was a very long day for us as we had to be in the staging area at 9:30 A.M. but didn't actually start walking until 11:30. I marched with the Pittsburgh Dalmatian club that I have been a member of for the last fifteen years. We were group number 130 in the third division out of five divisions. It is amazing how they are able to coordinate that many marchers but they do an amazing job. The group with Punxsutawney Phil were directly behind us. They had Phil in a glass box strapped to the front of their truck. Before they got him out to place him in the box, one of their guys asked me if Dalmatians liked ground hogs. I said," yep, they think they taste like chicken". We both had a good laugh. After standing in a parking lot for two hours, we walked the mile and a half parade route and then had to walk through the city a different way to avoid the rest of the parade(up hill I might add) to get back to our car. It was quite the adventure but well worth it. Gage was a real trouper as he was manhandled by thousands of kids. Here he is before the parade began. He slept all the way home. I wanted to but I was driving. LaDonna

TIRED PUPPY

HOW ADORABLE! I WANT TO KNOW IF THAT TIRED PUPPY IS UP FOR ADOPATION?

Tired Puppy

Dalton is here with me today. I was sitting here at my computer while he played and watched Sesame Street and when I turned around this is what I saw. LaDonna

LAURIE

HI LAURIE, ITS SO GOOD TO HEAR FROM YOU. GET ONTO THAT BROTHER OF YOURS AND TELL HIM WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM HIM.
BOY, TOMMY WAS YOUNG ONCE WASN'T HE.......LOL
DORIS IS LOOKING MUCH BETTER NOW THAN A FEW DAYS AGO..GOD BLESS HER HEART SHE HAS HAD A ROUGH WEEK...KEEP UP THE PRAYERS FOR HER....
LOVE AUNT P

Aidan

I AM SO GLAD DORIS POSTED THE PICTURE OF AIDAN HAVING TO SHOVEL THE DRIVEWAY. SEE EVERYONE SAYS I'M ALWAYS FEEDING HIM----WELL HE NEEDS THE FOOD FOR ENERGY...NEED I SAY ANYMORE--PICTURES SAY IT ALL.
AUNT P

Hello From Red Lion

Hi everyone,

I am finally feeling better today after tussling with chemo who tried to kick my butt. In the end, I won! Today I was able to eat breakfast and keep it down. I have no urge to crawl back in bed but would rather adventure out to my yard for a peek. I have been sitting here watching as a silver squirrel romps around my backyard almost as though teasing me. Everything is looking greener. I can hear spring all around in the sounds of all of the birds returning from their winter retreats. Sigh.....this is my time of year!

Kenny King and I have been having a debate about the best way to eat bacon. Would that be oven baked and dipped in butter or deep friend? LOL I have lost another ten pounds which is NOT supposed to happen during my treatment so they told me to eat some high calorie foods. Bacon seemed to be the top choice for me. Now I only ate two pieces with toast but it sure did taste good. I bet we could even batter dip bacon and the fry it and THEN dip it in butter!!!!!!!! Oh where did I put my TUMS?

I have a few pictures to share. I am thinking we need to call children's services about this one. The poor little boy will bypass the most wonderful toys to find a broom, vacuum, duster or shovel. He is made to work hard at home. Just not right for someone who is not yet two!

Here Uncle Travis and Aidan build blocks. Of course, the joy comes from KNOCKING THEM DOWN!

One of my favorites....Aidan rocking Jeffy (my old doll).

So these are a few of my favorite pictures from my Nana scrapbook. Enjoy!!!

I really need to get my shower and get dressed. The day is disappearing way too fast.

You all have a great day!

Doris

Message From Laurie

For those who don't go back and check comments, you may have missed this message from Laurie to one of Doris' posts.

Singn4joy! said...
Ok, so I finally found my way here, and was completely blindsided by everything that has been happening with you! All I could think was "Where the heck did all that come from??!!"I'm very grateful that we live in an advanced medical time and can receive successful treatment when our bodies get kooky! Life sure is handing out a not-so-pleasant adventure with the "c" word, but I know sunnier days and wellness will be yours to enjoy very soon! Love,Laurie

Another From The Past

Here is one I found of THMCDEE that is marked as being taken in Japan, January 1969. He hasn't changed much in 40 years. LaDonna

Great pictures!

Love the pictures of the little boys. They are both just so cute! They sure grow up fast. Too bad we can't keep them babies. When I think my "baby" will soon be 36 years old I can hardly believe it, and my grandkids are growing up way too fast. With one teenager and another "tween," I keep reminding Nicole about paybacks. LOL

LaDonna, I have that same picture you posted. I almost didn't recognize some of the young chicks on there! LOL I need to go through my pictures -- I'm sure I have a few good ones that will bring back memories.

Doris, sorry to hear your last round of chemo had you feeling bad, but we will continue to pray that you tolerate your treatments well . . . and most importantly, that you are cancer free! I enjoyed the excerpt you shared from your "Chicken Soup" book. I have one of those books that Nicole gave me years ago - I don't remember which one - I should probably read it again. Seems we need constant reminders to take time to savor life. I think that's why I enjoy my morning walks so much. It's so peaceful and as I look around at all the beauty God has put here for us to enjoy it just makes me happy to be alive. I especially love spring when the birds are singing, everything starts to green up, and there are new baby calves in the pastures -- it's like a rebirth for the earth.

Did you get much snow back east? My one customer in Philadelphia said they had about 9 inches. Our snow is about all gone and we are supposed to be in the low 70's on Friday. It's a balmy 30 at the moment according to my computer. Seems like the temps have been so up and down this year. I will be so glad to put the coats, hats and gloves away!

Everyone have a great day!

Love,
Kathy

Family Gathering

Here is a picture I found from a family gathering. Sorry it isn't more clear but I think you can figure out who everyone is. LaDonna

Precious Boys

Loved the pictures of your little Banana Boy Doris. Aren't these little guys precious? Here is one of our little Dude from last week wearing his Grandma's payback shirt. I believe he has a mouth full of cheese puffs in this picture. As far as he is concerned, cheese puffs are part of the food pyramid. Bad Grammy. Holly is so good about seeing that he eats healthy but cheese puffs are a Grammy thing. LaDonna

Nana's Scrapbook

I took these pictures last night while Aidan was visiting. I thought I would share them with you all.

~Doris~

Banana Boy

Aunt Patsy and Aidan - Notice he has a snack for each hand.

Nana's Boy

Test

OK guys, I just checked and the email thing worked out great. I posted a test post as well as a comment and was informed in my email that there was a new post and there was a new comment. If any of you want to add your email address so you can be notified when there is something new, you can let me know and I will add you to the list. We can have as many as ten email addresses. You do not need to sign in to post a comment, though you will need to sign in to do a post. Please remember to sign your posts as well as comments as otherwise it all looks like it comes from me. LaDonna

Comments

I just checked and it looks like you did the right thing Kathy and placed your email address in a place where you should be notified when a comment is put on. I think I will add my email address there too and see what happens. I had not put my info there before but had just looked for comments after each post. I will see how that works and then if others want to be notified by email when a post or comment is made, they can let me know and I will place their information there also. LaDonna

Question

How do we know when someone posts a comment to a blog? Do you simply have to check each one to see if someone responded, or is thiere some sort of notification that I am missing? I did not see Athena's comment, although I've seen others.

Kathy

Good Morning From Red Lion

A very early good morning to everyone! I haven't been able to sleep a great deal so here I am, after 3 A.M. - wide awake and surfing the internet.

We had a bit of snow overnight but so far it appears to only be about an inch. I just checked the weather update and they are still saying we could have up to 7 inches before this storm ends tonight. I AM SO READY FOR SPRING!

The last two days have been "not so good days" for me. The new chemo has messed with my system making me feel exhausted beyond words, a bit hoarse, and a little tummy trouble. I haven't gotten sick....just not feeling the best....and not wanting much to do with food. It took me all day yesterday to eat a spinach turkey wrap. Thankfully I am able to drink lots of fluids so I am staying hydrated.

I am hoping to feel better today because Liver and Onions is on the menu. My white blood count is down and I need to help it get back to normal. Thankfully, I have always loved Liver and Onions so I am hoping I will be able to get this meal in and do my body some good.

In between sitting and resting in bed I did manage to clean my upstairs yesterday. The doctor wants me moving around to help build up my strength. Well I think I put in my quota yesterday. It took me three hours to do what I normally do in one hour BUT OH WHAT A SENSE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT when I was finished! Then I had a two hour rest in bed BEFORE I could take my bath.

I spent quite a bit of time talking on the phone yesterday with friends and family. Then in the evening I had a WONDERFUL visit with Travis, Stefani, Patsy, Julie, Aidan and Michael. Family is the BEST medicine for me right now!

I could share some of our "family" news but will try to remain quiet UNTIL Julie and Travis get on to post. (NO BABY NEWS).....they just have lots of exciting things going on in their lives that I think you all would enjoy hearing about. I am SO proud of my children. They have accomplished so much in their young lives.

Aidan is growing up so fast. He amazes me constantly. He is so smart. I call this "payback time". I tell Julie all of the time, this child is going to give her a run for her money...LOL. He is a real thinker. You can see the wheels turning. At not even two, he can hold a conversation and throughly understands what is being said and has no problem making you understand what he wants or needs. And he has a sense of humor and laughs at the most appropriate times. He cracks me up!

Yep, family is GREAT medicine!

Well I think I am going to go check e-mail, then reheat my gel pack for my back, and try to get a little more sleep.

I am wishing you all a great week!

Love,
Doris

Athena Speaks

I am unsure if everyone is checking the comment sections or not but I just noticed that Athena has posted a comment. Athena you do not need to be invited in order to post. If you have the sign in email address and password anyone can post. I don't want to list them here as this is a public blog but if you email Patsy, Doris or myself we can give that information to you. Here is Athena's post if anyone missed it. Thanks for joining us Athena. LaDonna

I have commented at least one time. I don't think i am an AUTHOR? Do you have to add me as an author??? Not sure...I started my own blog on this site too. bauerlesAndrew is playing tee-ball. Opening day is TODAY! He loves it and we all laugh a lot; the kids are so cute!Robert is feeling his teenage Independence and likes to spend time alone. It hurts me, but i am praying for peace no matter how he acts.Robert is also running track and learning a lot about team work. He is so smart it is hard for me when he doesn't apply himself. Does anyone know of a natural way to improve memory and attention?Bob just installed the first row of Photovoltaic solar panels yesterday!He is excited and so am i !Blessings to all!Love,Athena

Spring

You are right Kathy, we are all looking forward to spring. That is except for our Florida and perhaps Arizona and Texas relatives. We northerners sure could use some nice weather. Glad to hear that you are expecting a new baby. There is nothing better than babies, whether they be horse, dog or human.

I was going through some old photos, looking for some for my families blog and ran into these three. I have decided that I either have a very relaxing home or I bore the heck out of people. LaDonna

Still Winter in MO

Well, spring might be just around the corner, but winter is not letting go quite yet. Don't know how much snow we got but -- not a big storm but we probably have 3-4 inches and it's cold with a wind chill of about 6 this morning. The mules took shelter under the trees yesterday, although they do have a run-in shed over in the front pasture. They choose to stay out in the weather and make us feel sorry for them. LOL

Norman is getting ready to go to Kansas today. Don't know what he will do from there, possibly just come back home empty. Seems he's been doing a lot of that lately because freight is so scarce. We are praying we soon see some improvement with the economy because this is certainly taking a toll on both of us, yet we know we are better off than a lot of other folks and we try to count our blessings rather than always dwell on the negative.

We are looking forward to Nicole's visit the middle of the month. Hopefully the weather will improve by then so we can get out and do a few things. Scarlett said she wants to ride. We haven't been riding for well over a month now and I'm itching to get back in the saddle. We also have a two year old who needs to start her training program, plus we are expecting a new baby the beginning of May, so spring can't get here soon enough for me!

Well, that's all the news from the Ozarks. I need to get ready to take Norman into town to his truck -- he parked in town because our road can be treacherous in bad weather. Everyone take care!

Kathy