Daily Ooos: September 16-17: Weekend Edition

[faerywings]

I am not going to say it. Nope. Won't say it.
*tries really hard not to say it*
Gah!!

Guess I am saying it anyway...

I can't believe that we are halfway through September!

Really! How can that be? This next week is also going to fly by and then I'll be flipping out trying to get everything ready for the Sept/Oct Birthday Bash here. That is Oct 1st and I think we are going to have 25 people here. Give or take a few. *blinks rapidly*

Yesterday was a blur. I finally cleaned my office. The only reason I did that, however, was to stall on my packing. I don't know why I am having such trouble getting that together. It's only for three days! Haha! I even found a printable list (more stalling tactics LOL) to get me more organized. But I did clean my office-- and my keyboard. I think I spent an hour cleaning my keyboard. (more stalling tactics. Damn, I am good at that! )

Scott came home from work early, he had half of a personal day that he didn't know he had. One last dinner and some Lego building afterward before the big day today. My heart is breaking for Caitlyn. She is really struggling. She came into my room last night crying and is going to miss him so much. She told me that it feels like part of her childhood is breaking away. I guess in spite of the hell they went through when Gary and all of us were so sick and the endless stress that caused, they both look at their childhood happily. That means everything to me. Even if it makes me teary today.

Who has good plans today? Make it a great one!

 

[faerywings]

@LSlycord I don't think that Lee is going to give us any trouble whatsoever other than potentially high surf. It was windy and cloudy here yesterday but that should be the extent of it.

@BrightEyes It was *freezing* here yesterday. It was only in the 60s and the wind made it feel even colder. I know-- "normal people" don't think that 60* is freezing but I couldn't get warm at all. Enjoy the cooler temps.
Have a wonderful time with DS and DIL! Take lots of photos so we can see them in LOs later on.

@taxed4ever Blech! Sorry that your lake has algae bloom. It would be so pretty to paddle around with the leaves changing but not if it is a stinky, scummy mess. Are you allowed on the lake at all? I know that the lake my parent's house is on doesn't allow "outside " boats on it and has strict rules when it has algae or bacteria.
Big hugs to you, I can't imagine how hard it is having your kids so far away. Sheesh. I am miserable that Scott is going to be 15 *minutes* away. I am really glad that you Facetime them but I agree, it's not the same.
I am so relieved that I don't live near any craft stores. I don't think I could be as disciplined as you are with all of the yummy holiday papers and projects.

@bcgal00 *fingers, toes, eyes, legs are all crossed that the homes sell in the time frame and money that everyone needs them to*
How exciting!! The neighborhood sounds like it couldn't be any better for you, Jen, and the dogs. Being so close to Calgary has to be good for medical and health care.

@vickyday I scrapped a LO the other day for Kay's Heritage challenge that has a picture of Caitlyn and her childhood BFF, Dani in it, from their first day of Preschool in 2001. They weren't even 3! (Dani's 3rd b-day was 9-11 and Caitlyn turned 3 on the 21st).
Glad that everything worked out picking up Ilene and driving her car. The retreat must have been a wonderful, hopeful experience for her.
I hope that the Ozempric isn't bothering Mark's stomach as much as it was when he first started it. It's a good sign that he is out working in the woods again

@Cherylndesigns I hate this time of year gardening... pulling weeds and cutting back the dead flowers. It makes me a little sad to see everything go. Glad that you didn't hurt your back too much with the weeding. The gloves sound awesome, I wanted to get something similar for when I am dealing with poison ivy.
I am still hoping for a miracle for Marley too.
$109 for a pair of shorts? Sheesh!!!!!
Ava's new game sounds like it will be a ton of fun to play and I hope that you get in the mood to play together soon.


Guess I should get rolling along.
Scott will be awake in a bit, Sam will be here soon and then it's gonna be chaos!

xoxoxo

 

[vickyday]

I am not going to say it. Nope. Won't say it.
*tries really hard not to say it*
Gah!!

Guess I am saying it anyway...

I can't believe that we are halfway through September!

Really! How can that be? This next week is also going to fly by and then I'll be flipping out trying to get everything ready for the Sept/Oct Birthday Bash here. That is Oct 1st and I think we are going to have 25 people here. Give or take a few. *blinks rapidly*

Yesterday was a blur. I finally cleaned my office. The only reason I did that, however, was to stall on my packing. I don't know why I am having such trouble getting that together. It's only for three days! Haha! I even found a printable list (more stalling tactics LOL) to get me more organized. But I did clean my office-- and my keyboard. I think I spent an hour cleaning my keyboard. (more stalling tactics. Damn, I am good at that! )

Scott came home from work early, he had half of a personal day that he didn't know he had. One last dinner and some Lego building afterward before the big day today. My heart is breaking for Caitlyn. She is really struggling. She came into my room last night crying and is going to miss him so much. She told me that it feels like part of her childhood is breaking away. I guess in spite of the hell they went through when Gary and all of us were so sick and the endless stress that caused, they both look at their childhood happily. That means everything to me. Even if it makes me teary today.

Who has good plans today? Make it a great one!

Big hugs for your WHOLE family today!

 

[vickyday]

@LSlycord I don't think that Lee is going to give us any trouble whatsoever other than potentially high surf. It was windy and cloudy here yesterday but that should be the extent of it.

@BrightEyes It was *freezing* here yesterday. It was only in the 60s and the wind made it feel even colder. I know-- "normal people" don't think that 60* is freezing but I couldn't get warm at all. Enjoy the cooler temps.
Have a wonderful time with DS and DIL! Take lots of photos so we can see them in LOs later on.

@taxed4ever Blech! Sorry that your lake has algae bloom. It would be so pretty to paddle around with the leaves changing but not if it is a stinky, scummy mess. Are you allowed on the lake at all? I know that the lake my parent's house is on doesn't allow "outside " boats on it and has strict rules when it has algae or bacteria.
Big hugs to you, I can't imagine how hard it is having your kids so far away. Sheesh. I am miserable that Scott is going to be 15 *minutes* away. I am really glad that you Facetime them but I agree, it's not the same.
I am so relieved that I don't live near any craft stores. I don't think I could be as disciplined as you are with all of the yummy holiday papers and projects.

@bcgal00 *fingers, toes, eyes, legs are all crossed that the homes sell in the time frame and money that everyone needs them to*
How exciting!! The neighborhood sounds like it couldn't be any better for you, Jen, and the dogs. Being so close to Calgary has to be good for medical and health care.

@vickyday I scrapped a LO the other day for Kay's Heritage challenge that has a picture of Caitlyn and her childhood BFF, Dani in it, from their first day of Preschool in 2001. They weren't even 3! (Dani's 3rd b-day was 9-11 and Caitlyn turned 3 on the 21st).
Glad that everything worked out picking up Ilene and driving her car. The retreat must have been a wonderful, hopeful experience for her.
I hope that the Ozempric isn't bothering Mark's stomach as much as it was when he first started it. It's a good sign that he is out working in the woods again

@Cherylndesigns I hate this time of year gardening... pulling weeds and cutting back the dead flowers. It makes me a little sad to see everything go. Glad that you didn't hurt your back too much with the weeding. The gloves sound awesome, I wanted to get something similar for when I am dealing with poison ivy.
I am still hoping for a miracle for Marley too.
$109 for a pair of shorts? Sheesh!!!!!
Ava's new game sounds like it will be a ton of fun to play and I hope that you get in the mood to play together soon.


Guess I should get rolling along.
Scott will be awake in a bit, Sam will be here soon and then it's gonna be chaos!

xoxoxo

Mark's second dose of Ozempic has treated his stomach in a good way! He was having a lot of reflux last week and was taking my famotadine. Once he stopped taking that and just doing Tums the nausea has decreased considerably! He has barely had any at all this dose! And I can't believe how his appetite has waned! I'm so glad for him all the way around!
Yup! Ilene talked the whole trip home about her time during the retreat and the sweet ladies there. I'm glad she goes!

 

[vickyday]

Good Morning!
Yes, @faerywings , I said the same thing about September already being half over yesterday to Ilene!
Got up at 8 this morning. Mark followed soon thereafter. He got ready to go to the woods to start a fire and read in our 58* temps this morning! It is a beautiful morning! I was in the mood for a BLT with egg. I asked him if he wanted one but he wanted his egg scrambled instead with a slice of toast on the side. He packed it up and took it to the woods.

And, yes, that is one of our "chunky" cherry tomatoes. We still have tons on the plants! And plenty of blooms, too! But the cooler temps will probably slow or stop the production soon! (I hope!). I'm tired of picking them, but I cannot let them go to waste, either! If nothing else, I pick them for the people at church.

Now, THAT was a good breakfast sandwich! The egg is under the bacon. And, of course, there is mayo under the lettuce. Added to some of Dave's Killer Sprouted Bread and all I can say is.......YUMMY!


I started the laundry yesterday but was interrupted when Mark asked if I wanted to go for a bike ride......well, of course! He was done working on the sawmill and was cleaning up the area. He finished that and came in and took his shower and we headed out. Our destination was Dairi-O for ice cream. When we got there they had a new Pumpkin Praline Pecan. BOY, oh BOY! Was it ever good! But the spices in it gave me heartburn, LOL! Totally worth it! I sent our biking friends a teasing picture. Joy said she did not like pumpkin pie. I wanted to tell her that was totally un-American! But she does like pumpkin bread! Maybe it has something to do with the spices since you don't put the spices in the bread. Anyway, after eating the ice cream we rode home. It was such beautiful, perfect weather for riding!


Yes, that picture is backwards, LOL!

OK, that's it for me today. I still need to take care of the dishes, strip the bed so I can wash the sheets , and finish Mark's laundry, too! After that.....who knows!

Have a great Saturday!

 

[BrightEyes]

Quick in and out this morning. Jim and Alyn got here at 5:30 yesterday afternoon. So good to see them. We talked until after 9PM and then they unloaded their car. I was at all they had packed into it. Since they sold the house and put the furniture and other stuff in storage on Aug 31th - they had their 'essentials' in the car.... like the Keurig and pods so "they can have decent coffee in the motels". And all the food/snacks/etc from the pantry that they couldn't finish eating up before they moved out of the house. I am sure they will put a dent in eating that up before they leave at the end of the month. They are still asleep so I came in to say Hi and check on my challenge. DD#3 is coming down this morning and will visit most of the day. She starts a new 'engagement' (she works for a tech company that hires out to help other companies on their software/etc) on Monday so she won't be able to come down all next week.

Gotta run as I hear them stirring. BBL

 

[Cherylndesigns]

Well, I'm not totally MIA today - finally got in here. I slept late and Adrienne called and woke me up and wanted to pick me up to go run errands and I only had an hour to get my you-know-what together and take a shower and get ready to go out the door. LOL Considering I don't move fast before afternoon, that was a tall order. I made it. Out first stop was Tropical Smoothie to get our smoothies. I had my usual Mango Monsoon. SO good and a meal in a large cup.

Then we went into town to one of our favorite boutiques (NOT where they sell the shorts for 106 dollars) and then we went to the grocery store. We both bought mums - I said I wasn't going to buy one more thing for my front garden, but when I saw the mums in front ot the store, I relented. I got the hugest mum - an orange one and I can't wait to plant it tomorrow. She got two deep burgundy mums for her house.

We didn't get home until about 5:30 and then I had to finish up a layout for a prerelease that I had been working on.

Chris @faerywings why is it so hard to pack? I always have so much trouble, too. I'm just afraid I won't have something I want/need and then I way over pack. Sounds like you have a big birthday celebration coming up. I was telling Adrienne, in the grocery store, about your vegan future son-in-law. I was trying to explain what a vegan was but was falling short. She has just been diagnosed with Celiac Disease, so she's going gluten free, and she was showing me all the gluten free stuff in the store. I was telling her that Oreos were Vegan. LOL We actually saw Oreo Dessert Packets in the Keto aisle. I tell ya, it takes a scientist to figure this stuff out anymore.

Kay @BrightEyes how wonderful to be spending time with family. I know you have to be so happy. I had to laugh about their Kureig being a "necessity".

I'm going to sign out but the vet in Tulsa, did call last night to say that all of the tests have come back in and Marley. definitely has bone marrow cancer. They're just going day to day and as long as her quality of life is okay, they won't have to take the next step. Adrienne is going to contact Laps of Love just to be on the safe side and see what they need to be on the lookout for, etc.

Love and hugs to all.

XOXO

 

[faerywings]

I am way too old for packing and moving. I am gonna have to live the rest of my life in this house because I am wiped out. And I hardly did anything yesterday to help.
OMG, the house is super cute! They kept saying how small it is but Gary and I agree-- it is bigger than the condo we had when we first got married. The landlord did a fantastic job having everything cleaned and freshly painted-- with color, not just contractor white, the appliances look new, and the floors gleam. By the time we left at 9.30, they had most of the major things unpacked and set up. They are both working today and my thoughts are with them. Scott is working 8-8 and Sam had to be at her first job at 6 am. eeep.

I still haven't cried although I was on the edge at one point. We were leaving this house, Scott had Sam's truck with the last things from here. Cait, Gary, and I were following with a couple of smaller things, but this was going to be it. Poor Caitlyn was in the driveway looking at him get into the truck and couldn't stop crying. I suggested she drive down with him so when she ran to him and they were hugging, I had to turn away. (Admission: I am a little close to crying as I type that now, but I think I'll be good.)

Today. Hmmph. Today I have to get enough coffee in me to function, that is Mission #1.
Mission #2 through #438759: Prepare for the upcoming week. Pack. Do my nails. Wrap Caitlyn's b-day gifts. I am going to try to squeeze in some time outside. Cait and Tom are looking at a house this evening, so Gary and I can have leftovers for dinner. They will make their own dinner when they get back home.

BTW, I'll be here tomorrow morning, I am not heading to my parents' house until mid-afternoon. So don't break out the too soon!

 

[faerywings]

@vickyday Thanks for the hugs!!! Back atcha!
That's fantastic news that the second dose of the Ozempric is helping Mark's stomach. I am so happy for him.
Your sandwich looks so pretty. I wish my family liked "crunchy" bread. They like bland white bread, I like it with some more oomph. Dave's is really yummy!
I am still picking tomatoes but I have a feeling that the ones that are still green are going to stay that way. They aren't getting much sun at all anymore.
Wow, my stomach is grumbling at your ice cream cones. They look delish!

@BrightEyes I am cracking up at DS bringing the coffee machine with them everywhere! I would do that too if I traveled. Scott and Caitlyn bring an old Keurig when they go camping. LOL
Hope that you had a wonderful time with your "kids" yesterday, that stinks that DD#3 won't be able to visit during the week.

@Cherylndesigns I am so soo soooo sorry that the tests came back definitive for Marley. Do they have any sort of prognosis or time frame? I am devastated for your family and for her. Just horrible
(I have tried to write something meaningful several times and deleted them because I get stuck on the words so please know what is in my heart)
Mums are so pretty but I won't spend the money one them since they don't last very long. On the other hand, I was eyeing up the size of Scott's front porch to see if I could get one for him and Sam. Isn't that funny, I wouldn't spend the money for myself but I'd get one for them in a heartbeat. LOL!
Poor Adrienne having Celiac Disease. I am such a Carb Girl, I don't know what I would do. I was teasing Caitlyn that my body already knows the weather is changing because I was craving carbs like crazy yesterday. It's like the days get a tiny bit shorter and colder and Bam! All of my summer energy goes out the window.

I'd better get going, I have a feeling I'm gonna be moving as slow as molasses...

 

[vickyday]

@vickyday Thanks for the hugs!!! Back atcha!
That's fantastic news that the second dose of the Ozempric is helping Mark's stomach. I am so happy for him.
Your sandwich looks so pretty. I wish my family liked "crunchy" bread. They like bland white bread, I like it with some more oomph. Dave's is really yummy!
I am still picking tomatoes but I have a feeling that the ones that are still green are going to stay that way. They aren't getting much sun at all anymore.
Wow, my stomach is grumbling at your ice cream cones. They look delish!

@BrightEyes I am cracking up at DS bringing the coffee machine with them everywhere! I would do that too if I traveled. Scott and Caitlyn bring an old Keurig when they go camping. LOL
Hope that you had a wonderful time with your "kids" yesterday, that stinks that DD#3 won't be able to visit during the week.

@Cherylndesigns I am so soo soooo sorry that the tests came back definitive for Marley. Do they have any sort of prognosis or time frame? I am devastated for your family and for her. Just horrible
(I have tried to write something meaningful several times and deleted them because I get stuck on the words so please know what is in my heart)
Mums are so pretty but I won't spend the money one them since they don't last very long. On the other hand, I was eyeing up the size of Scott's front porch to see if I could get one for him and Sam. Isn't that funny, I wouldn't spend the money for myself but I'd get one for them in a heartbeat. LOL!
Poor Adrienne having Celiac Disease. I am such a Carb Girl, I don't know what I would do. I was teasing Caitlyn that my body already knows the weather is changing because I was craving carbs like crazy yesterday. It's like the days get a tiny bit shorter and colder and Bam! All of my summer energy goes out the window.

I'd better get going, I have a feeling I'm gonna be moving as slow as molasses...

We are getting just the right amount of sun then rain, I guess, that the tomatoes are still blooming and putting on like crazy! That's OK. I'll just keep sharing them!
Hope you have a fantastic time with your mom. Hope Lee leaves you alone. It is raining here this morning. I don't know if it is Lee related or not!
I learned about adding egg to a BLT when we lived in WV before moving to NC in 2008. The guys at the power plant where I worked told me I needed to try it! I did and, Hey Mikey! She liked it!

 

[LSlycord]

Good morning friends. Already halfway through the weekend...how can that be?

@faerywings I thought of you a lot yesterday. Your description of Scott and Cait caused me to choke up. And it reminded me of my brother's wedding rehearsal. I was the maid of honor. Randy is 3 years younger than me and I had always been his protector. I was living in Texas at the time and so I hadn't been around much. I knew his wife to be and loved her...love her even more after all of these years...but I was overwhelmed with emotion. And I think, like Cait, I felt my childhood leaving. I broke down at that rehearsal and sobbed... Can you imagine how embarrassed I was? I couldn't get stopped. I was terrified that people would think that I wasn't happy about him get married...when in fact I was thrilled. I was also terrified that I would do something like that at the wedding...I didn't! Anyway, you brought back that 34 year old memory. Much love to all of you as you adapt to this new normal. Fingers crossed for Cait and Tom tonight as look at the house. I hope that you can get your packing done!

@Cherylndesigns I am so sorry to hear that the vet confirmed that it is bone marrow cancer for Marley. What a sad thing. It is good for Adrienne to contact Laps of Love so that she is as prepared as she can be. Sorry to hear that Adrienne has been diagnosed with celiac disease. Although better to be diagnosed so she can take steps to feel better. I love mums...but they sure don't last here. Of course, it doesn't mean that I won't buy some if I see them. Because I sure long for fall.

@BrightEyes I love that your son and daughter-in-law are there for awhile...with all of their snacks and coffee maker. It sounds like they have a real adventure ahead. I'm glad that your daughter was able to get down to visit since she has work this week.

@vickyday so glad to hear that the Ozempic is working and that Mark is tolerating it. The ice cream looks (and sounds) yummy. My favorite pie as a child was pumpkin pie. Grandma always baked a pie for Sunday when we visited. It was usually pumpkin or lemon meringue. I also love pumpkin bread!

@taxed4ever I know what you mean about FaceTime not being the same. I am so grateful for it but it isn't the same at all. And I am so sorry for the algae bloom. That is just awful! Especially now that it is cooling down and the leaves are starting to turn colors. But I bet your hikes will be gorgeous soon!

@bcgal00 I am so happy that you have found the house that you want!!! And praying for a quick sale for the people buying your house. Great idea to have the movers pack you! You must have lots of lists going to keep it all straight!! Love that you are scheduling your excursions...the skip the line Vatican tour is definitely the way to go!

And @faerywings, I promise I won't stress myself out but I will be here to open the O's Tuesday - Thursday.

 

[vickyday]

I am way too old for packing and moving. I am gonna have to live the rest of my life in this house because I am wiped out. And I hardly did anything yesterday to help.
OMG, the house is super cute! They kept saying how small it is but Gary and I agree-- it is bigger than the condo we had when we first got married. The landlord did a fantastic job having everything cleaned and freshly painted-- with color, not just contractor white, the appliances look new, and the floors gleam. By the time we left at 9.30, they had most of the major things unpacked and set up. They are both working today and my thoughts are with them. Scott is working 8-8 and Sam had to be at her first job at 6 am. eeep.

I still haven't cried although I was on the edge at one point. We were leaving this house, Scott had Sam's truck with the last things from here. Cait, Gary, and I were following with a couple of smaller things, but this was going to be it. Poor Caitlyn was in the driveway looking at him get into the truck and couldn't stop crying. I suggested she drive down with him so when she ran to him and they were hugging, I had to turn away. (Admission: I am a little close to crying as I type that now, but I think I'll be good.)

Today. Hmmph. Today I have to get enough coffee in me to function, that is Mission #1.
Mission #2 through #438759: Prepare for the upcoming week. Pack. Do my nails. Wrap Caitlyn's b-day gifts. I am going to try to squeeze in some time outside. Cait and Tom are looking at a house this evening, so Gary and I can have leftovers for dinner. They will make their own dinner when they get back home.

BTW, I'll be here tomorrow morning, I am not heading to my parents' house until mid-afternoon. So don't break out the too soon!

Actually, I am teary-eyed just reading your post! I'm glad Scott is going to be so close to you!

 

[LSlycord]

@vickyday have you ever tried freezing tomatoes? I had never heard of doing that. But a friend swears by it. She just picks them and throws them into a bag with skins on. Really easy!

 

[vickyday]

Good Morning!
Quick in and out today. Heading to church in a bit and I still have to put my face on!
It is raining here today, so no bike riding! We did take another ride yesterday to Mark's daughter's house to let the dogs out. We left a little later in the day so I had to wear a sweater. But it was still a great ride, even if just a short one!
OK. I need to get busy!
Have a great day!

 

[vickyday]

@vickyday have you ever tried freezing tomatoes? I had never heard of doing that. But a friend swears by it. She just picks them and throws them into a bag with skins on. Really easy!

WOW! I'm going to try it! Does she wash them first? I'm sure she must! I would think they would be too mushy after being frozen to try and wash them at that point! THANKS!

 

[BrightEyes]

Popping in early again this AM... the kids are asleep still. Oh, what a wonderful day we had yesterday. DD#3 arrived the same time the kids got up at 10AM and she stayed until 10:30PM. Lots of laughing and joking all day long. I didn't cook at all yesterday as Alyn made bacon and eggs for brunch. Jim and Alyn went to Smith's and bought the making of "Adobo" - Philippine version. Alyn made it with fried rice for supper... oh, so yummy. Jim declared that Sunday is football watching for him most of the day. He is a huge football fan and this is the start of the season. I just laughed and told him the big family room TV was his to watch all day. We are having spaghetti for supper. I pulled out some meatballs (that DD#1 had made when she was here) from the freezer along with a loaf of French bread - so supper will be an easy-peasy fix. Jim and Alyn put in a special request that I fix Enchiladas so will be making them later on this week.

I see my primary care doctor tomorrow and will make a trip to the base to pick up refills on Tuesday. Tomorrow, Jim and Alyn plan on driving down to visit the Carlsbad Caverns with a stop at Roswell to see the UFO museum on the way. Both are in the southern corner of the state - about a 5-6 hour trip. They will spend the night down there and come back on Tuesday some time. The plans are for them to stay here until the end of the month then they head back to Las Vegas, Nevada. They will drop their car off at step-daughter's house and fly from there to Los Angeles to get the flight to the Philippines. Alyn is looking forward to seeing her son, daughter and other relatives. It has been a year and a half since she came to the states. They will be in PI until early next year so they will have lots of time to visit with her family.

I hear them stirring so time to get busy making waffles for us. CYL

 

[bcgal00]

Good morning ladies. Took Remi out for an early morning drive and she played at one of her favorite spots along the birding road I often go down. The smoky skies are better but everything is so dry with this drought (worse than their normal summer dryness). The ponds have dried up and one of my fave spots is almost empty of wildlife, there isn't enough water there now. There were a few ducks and blackbirds but very scarce. I went to another fave spot where there is always water but it was so dry and mucky and no wildlife in sight, no ducks or birds at all. So not a good birding trip but Remi enjoyed getting out.

Now I want to get a CT page done and then will focus on paperwork and inventory list for the movers this afternoon.

@faerywings I know its sad for you but its also so exciting for the kids to be moving into their own place, and not too far away, right? Go away on your trip with your mom and relax, focus on yourself.

All this talk of tomatoes is making me crave a toasted tomato/cheese/mayo sandwich now

I'd better get at my chores as I need that inventory list done today. HAGD everyone.

 

[Cherylndesigns]

Good afternoon lovelies.

Well, I did it again - I thought today was Monday until I read all of your posts. UGH - my brain is so scrambled. I have to come in here to see what day it is - well, that's not the main reason, you all know that.

We finally got a definite diagnosis on Marley, after their vet friend in Florida (who's a criticalist surgeon) got involved and sent off some tests to the best animal cancer doctor in the US. Marley has Stage 5 Small Cell Lymphoma. We have no idea how long she'll last, but we're going day to day. I just posted an update out in the forum and a couple of birthday pics because she turned one while she was in the hospital.

Thank you all for your love and prayers and keep them coming - we're not giving up on a miracle yet.

Chris, that must have been so hard to see the kids move into their own place, but you raised your kids right and they'll be coming back to your house all the time. So will Cait and Tom and I hope they like the house they're looking at today. I love that phrase aout giving them wings to fly - something like that. You've done a great job, Mom and Gary. Yeah, I said no mums this year but couldn't resist when I saw them yesterday. I know they don't bloom long, but that's the cycle in the garden.

Hugs to everybody and Kay @BrightEyes I'm so happy that you've had such a great time with your kids.

Hugs to all.

XOXO