Long time, no blog

Lordy, it's been forever since I've even attempted to do a blog page. So much is happening, I really don't have time to even sit down and look thru a magazine, much less blog. But today, I'll make a small effort.
Miss Jean is doing really well. Most of her health issues are under control, at least for now.
This month is hectic with lots of birthdays, parties, showers, weddings, etc. Also, we had an attempted break-in at our house last week, and we had all kinds of security people out for estimates, and starting today, they'll be back to do their stuff. We had a burgler-proof (is that really possible) wrought iron door installed in the front, and today we get our security system, and glass block windows for the basement windows. Next comes closed circuit security cameras and monitors, and lastly, Scott brought my Smith & Wesson back. He cleaned it for me, and it's all ready. According to the news, there are break-ins all over the city. The apartment group that Scott once lived in has had dozens of break-ins in the past couple of weeks. The scary thing about ours is that I had just run over to Hallmark to get a couple of cards and was only gone for about 20 minutes when ours happened. So, once burned twice shy. Well be ready for anything in a couple of days.
My African Grey parrot, Maggy May, has been ill, and still doesn't look good. He spent 3 days at the Avian Health Clinic, initially for a strep infection. Tests show the strep is gone, but Maggy isn't eating much and is sleeping most of the time. Sure hope he feels better in the next couple of days.
Oldest granddaughter Kayla turns 16 tomorrow, and is having a Sweet 16 party Sunday. My, how time flies. Congratulations and happy birthday Miss Kayla!
Well, this is a good start today. Maybe I'll get back in the blogging groove now. I'll certainly try.

Hidden mysteries and stuff...

Look at this lovely picture of a stork. I don't know how it ended up in "my pictures", but it's been there forever. Since I've never uploaded any more family pics, I'll just use Mr. Stork here. Like my cousin El Cabrero, I like to use pics in my blog.

I said I was going to write about intellectual matters, but I didn't really mean intellectual. Just off the wall stuff.

Such as..... I'm a big conspiracy theory follower. I won't say "believer", because so much of it is a little too crazy. But after Princess Diana was killed, I read several stories pertaining to conspiracy, and that led to shady works of the powers-that-be in government, and it really took off after September 11th. I recently was sent a link to the Google video regarding the stand-down of the bodyguards who usually stood on the special made platform on the rear of JFK's limo. It's there for viewing, just google "John F. Kennedy assassination stand down" video. You can watch a person in the car following the limo call the secret service men away from the limo, and one of the agents keeps shrugging his shoulders, like he's saying "what the hell?" And the car turns the corner, and bang, JFK is dead.

When Martin Luther King was killed in Memphis 41/2 years later, the black policeman in charge of security for Dr. King was relieved of duty and sent home a couple of hours before the shooting without explanation. The fall guy for this assassination was James Earl Ray. Very few people, including Dr. King's family, ever thought he was responsible. In fact, members of the King family attended Rays funeral some years back.

And the plans for Robert Kennedy's exit from the Ambassador Hotel in L.A. was scuttled at the last minute, sending him through the kitchen where he was shot and killed by Sirhan Sirhan.

With Princess Diana, one only has to look at security precautions always taken before the fateful crash. Dodi Fayed was a man obsessed with security. Wherever he traveled he was always followed by his armed guards (always dressed in full combat gear) . They followed him in a state of the art Range Rover, and they were not only armed, but carried a full array of emergency medical equipment. When he and Diana left the Ritz, they left in a Mercedes "back-up" car, one that hadn't been checked out security-wise by anyone, and was not owned by the Al Fayed family. And for the first time, they were not followed by their security guards. How this state of affairs happened is anyones guess. Other little interesting facts surfaced, like the fact that all the traffic cameras in the vicinity of the crash had been switched off a few minutes before the crash, although that had never happened before or since in the history of the city. And the clincher was that the crash scene was 3.7 miles from the hospital. The crash occured at 12:25 in the morning, and Diana didn't arrive at the hospital until 2:10 a.m., and it's not clear just what happened in the intervening time period. Mystery, mystery.....

So....that's just a few little tidbits of why I'm interested in conspiracy theory stuff ~ it's fascinating. There is so much that goes on that we don't know about. Most people don't give a rats patootie about it, but I do. A little more about other conspiracies another day........

No real buzz here...

I'm finally publishing a pic of Aubrey and Todd, from their wedding, which was almost 7 months ago. Better late than never.....They were up at Christmas, but it will probably be a few months before we see them again. We certainly miss them, but they are enjoying their new life in Raleigh. The wedding was in Florida, on the beach, and as you can see in the background, a storm was right on the heels of the ceremony. They just got inside when the heavens opened up. Timing is everything.

Today is Martin Luther King day and everyone I know is off work. Except me. But I'm here early to catch up on blogging. I've made a resolution to be a better blogger from now on. My cousin Rick (Goatrope.blogspot) seldom misses a day, plus he writes about much more intellectual stuff than I ever do. Actually, he write about much more intellectual stuff than ANY blogger. He's amazing, and intensely loyal to his beloved state of West Virgina. Hopefully, I can tackle other subjects than what is going on under my roof in Canal Winchester, my grandkids and my pets. I'm going to do that tomorrow. Really. I'm not sure yet how I'll pick my subject matter, but I'll think about it today, while I'm filing or something.

So for today, this is going to be "it". Hope everyone at home has a nice day, while I'm working away. I'll be back tomorrow with something more intellectual. Really.

2007 (aren't I original??)

I want to wish you all a Happy New Year, even if it is the 3rd already.
I have lots of family Christmas pictures but have too much to do to upload them right this minute. I stuck in a picture of a "Lucky Bamboo" (actually a dracena) that I bought for Christmas. I actually have just one glass container with 2 in it, not the whole group shown. We have remodeled our house ~ well, basically our flooring and furniture for now. We put in oak flooring that is beautiful, and got a comfy new couch, and some accessories. The bamboo is one of them. They are as tall as I am, and I hope they do okay. I won $65.00 on a scratch-off lottery ticket right after I bought them, so maybe they are working. I bought one of those Magic Bullet smoothie makers with my winnings, and boy, does it make excellent smoothies. Marco and I have re-joined the gym, and between workouts and smoothies maybe I'll shed a couple of pounds. So that's all the news right now. Marco is golfing again. What a winter. Be cool, and I'll be back online in a day or two.

How Was It?

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas. I know we did. But no snow. Still. And none in the forecast. Lucky I don't ski anymore. But I still miss it. Guess I could move to Denver......
Anyhow, the holiday was terrific, and we had everyone over. We got lots of nice stuff, and I think all the grandkids enjoyed their gifts. I feel bad that we didn't get Bud and Dusty anything for Christmas, but they really don't play with anything. They just like to cuddle with mom and dad.
Busy day today, but I'm getting all my year end stuff finished, and should have time to relax soon. Worky-poo tomorrow, and then 2 days off. Actually 3, It's New Year's Eve, isn't it? Lordy.
So, catch ya soon peeps.

I think I hear Santa...

I started tracking Santa on NORAD, but he's still over in the Pacific Ocean area. I'm keeping my computer on the site, so by this evening I'll have a better idea where the jolly old elf is. We'll be seeing everyone this Christmas, but 1/2 of them on Christmas day, and the other 1/2 the day after. I can't wait to see the little ones, they make Christmas so special. No sign of snow; in fact, it's a bit humid and mucky this morning. I'm sweating. But what's new. I think I'm the only one who wears a tank top at Christmas. Will "the change" ever be over for me??

We usually go to a Christmas movie, but none of them look good this year, so I guess that's out. There are probably 6 "Christmas" movies, and it's a sad commentary that they look either boring or are just cartoons. It's tough to be a boomer, I guess.

So....I wish you all a great Christmas; I may be too busy the next few days to get on line. I usually work Mondays, so I should work Tuesday, but I'm taking if off, and then just working Wednesday and Friday. Sure wish I could retire. The daily grind is grinding me down. But that's another story, the next few days it is CHRISTMAS. Have a merry one.

Whoopers

I'm using a pic of a couple of my birds in honor of Operation Migration 2006. The Whooping Cranes have finally crossed the finish line! They have landed safely at the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge in Florida, after 76 days of migration, 22 of which were fly days, and 1234 miles. I am a sponsor of this program, and have been interested in Operation Migration ever since seeing the movie "Fly Away Home". I'm really happy they made it by Christmas; that is a good present for me. This is really a beautiful and worthwhile project. If I ever win the lottery, I'll be a big supporter of Operation Migration.

We are ready for Christmas here. I just wish it would snow. It was 54 degrees today, a bit too warm to snow. Three more days till Christmas, there's always hope. More later, I have a couple more presents to wrap, and some tidying up to do. Night, all...........

Finally Saturday.....

I'm going through what few pictures I have uploaded from my digital camera, and ran across this one of Jessica. She's got a guitar in front of her, but I have no idea why. It looks almost as big as she is. Hmmmm, I'll have to ask her about it. Jess has a twin brother, Jared, who was featured with his cousin Logan in an earlier post. I still have 4 more grandkids who haven't been featured on my blog yet, and I'll get to them as soon as possible. But here's the count: Kayla (15) Kelcie (13) Trent (10) Jared and Jessica (8) Logan (6) Jamie (4)

Travis (2). Spaced out nicely. And Kayla has her learners permit and is driving. Heavens. Time flies. We love 'em to pieces.

Miss Jean is doing pretty good. We are going to lunch Tuesday, our first trip to somewhere other than a doctors office since her surgery. Her treat.

I finally found time for a haircut yesterday. Marco and I are going to see Cats and have dinner downtown Sunday, thanks to my kids. So I wanted to look a little more presentable. He got a haircut too, so we're good to go. Also, he golfed yesterday. And it's supposed to be in the 60's today. Ho ho ho.

I have no serious thoughts for the day. I hope they find those hikers out on Mt. Hood. I think they're crazy to do what they do, but I hope for the best. I've been cruising JibJab.com lately, and it's immensly entertaining. If you get a chance, log on to it, and search for "Priceless Date". Too funny. I am starting a New Years Resolution list. I haven't done so for years, but I really need to.

On that note, I'm about done for the day.

You be careful, Columbus.....

Time Is Flyin'

Here's a picture of Logan and Jared from last Christmas. Aren't they just the cutest???

We hope we'll have a good Christmas this year. Things are going so-so. Miss Jean is having some bad days, and I had to spend most of the day with her yesterday. I've only worked 3 days in the past 3 weeks, and the tension is mounting at work. Marco and I are remodeling the house, even tho' it's almost Christmas. We probably won't have much company, so we're doing it while Marco is slow with his working. We've only been there 51/2 years, but they make houses so cheap these days, that a lot of stuff needs attending to. It is fabulous outside. Marco worked with the front door open yesterday. I think it's going to be in the mid-60's today. Our koi don't know what to think of all this. They are usually asleep for the winter by now.

I'd love to know the anonymous peeps who commented on my birthday blog. I'd consider a spanking :-) and I'm glad my good friends or relatives are keeping my age under their hats. I'm getting older than dirt. Bummer. But I love trying to figure out who's commenting.

Anyhow, we're busy as bees, so my blogging is very slow. Maybe more later in the week. Wish I had some interesting news to comment on.

Happy Birthday to me :-(

Yikes. How did another birthday creep up on me so soon??

I'm not even mentioning how old I am, because I'm older than dirt. My kids and grandkids just left, and that of course makes me totally happy. They gave me (and Marco) tickets to see the Broadway production of Cats, and dinner at any Cameron Mitchell restaurant. On the 17th of this month. Loved it!! Marco and I will absolutely enjoy a night out, and I love my kids for being so thoughtful. Marco and I are just going up to Cap City Diner in Gahanna for dinner. Something restful and yummy. This week with Grandma in the hospital has been a long one. She was discharged at 8:30 last night. How's that for a crazy discharge time. Although one time Marco was discharged a little after midnight, and I had to go spring him. Actually, it's easier at that time. Getting discharged along with the masses during morning hours can take forever. Anyhow, it's over now and hopefully, everything will be okay. Grandma is looking pretty good, and feeling so-so.

I was looking at the picture there of me, and that's Brad behind my hands. I don't know what that is he has in front of him. And I don't know where we are for dinner. It must be summer, as I'm wearing something sleeveless. Well......I've been known to wear something sleeveless in cool weather too, as I'm always hot. I guess the picture will always be a mystery. And it's not even that old. Maybe last year or possibly the year before that. Mmmmmm.........

Well, I'm almost birthday-ed out. I think I need to take a little 15 minute nap before we head out for dinner. If anyone realizes how old I am, please keep the secret.

Busy day

Yesterday's weather was nasty over much of the country. All we had was wind, and just a mist of precipitation. Much of the country had snow. Since we didn't, I just threw in a picture from last year that contains snow. I took it from the car. It's the bridge over Blacklick Creek on Brice Road, near Countryview. Very pretty. I'm sure there will be some of this in store for us later.

Mom was hoping to come home today, but they want to keep her till Monday morning so they can monitor her heart medication, which they took her off of before her surgery. She had one episode of arrythmia on Wednesday, so they got her back on meds right away, but I think with her age and all, they want to really have her supervised pretty good. When they asked her if she lived alone, she said yes, and they noted that. It's actually the truth. Just because we live next door and will be with her for as long as she needs us.....well, that's our business. She feels good from the surgery standpoint. She's unhooked from everything. A physical therapist came down and took her for a walk, because therapy is pretty standard with an 85 year old patient. (Who lives alone.) But he said she was doing great, and certainly didn't need any therapy. So I'm thinking and hoping everything is going to go well. Marco and I have been decorating her house, inside and out. The wind blew some of the lights off one of her trees, and we had to do repairs, but it's looking good. All we need is some snow.....

Today I have to hit a bunch of stores, and also attend to my house and my laundry. But on my way to store #1, I'm stopping at Starbucks (an occasional treat only) for a cup of something wonderful. Yikes, I also need to do my Christmas cards. Mmmmmm. Guess I'd better put my boogie shoes on and get out of here.

Operation Went Well

Look how cute Dusty is in this picture. He's got his sweetie-face on so people won't think about how much he pees on their shoes when they reach down to pet him. He gets excited. Very. And he's excited today because his 3rd favorite person did just fine in her surgery. The kidney is gone. And Miss Jean is doing well. No complications - and several were expected. We were lucky. And blessed. Miss Jean isn't in very much pain either, as they gave her that push-button thing that releases pain killer immediately in her I.V. when she pushes it. She's been sleeping much of the time, but is very lucid and "with it" when she's awake. Just like Miss Jean always is. So, we are relieved, to say the least. I imagine she'll come home this weekend, and be on the road to recovery by Christmas.

And speaking of Christmas, I almost have my shopping done. Of course, a lot of my "shopping" is now in the form of cash or gift cards, which is wonderful for me. I still have a few things to buy for Jamie and Travis, and I'll be done. Except for Marco. We're not big on gifts anymore. We pretty much have everything we want and/or need. I wouldn't mind an Escalade, but I don't want to pay for it, so that's that. I'm sure he'd like some new wheels, too, as both of our vehicles have over 100,000 on them. But they run just fine, and they're paid for. Maybe next year.

Almost Outta Here...

Here's my pretty Baby bird. She's a Blue Front Amazon. She talks like a little munchkin. Sunny loves her.

Well, the day is finally here. Mom and I leave for the hospital in about an hour and a half. It is fabulous outside. I think it's supposed to be about 65 today. By the time mom gets out of the hospital, it's going to be a bit colder. We're not too nervous. We got a few tips from our cousin Bob who's an RN, and it helps immensely to look them over before hand. My house is fairly clean, and my laundry is done. That kind of stuff helps. I can't stand clutter and mess, and I can sit at the hospital today knowing I'll come home to peace and order. Sort of. Birds and dogs aren't really tidy animals, but who cares. They love me. So, that's about it for today. I need to pack a bag for myself with some magazines, puzzles, snacks and that kind of stuff. Wish us well, and I'll be back in a day or two with the news from the hospital.

Shopping at 4:00 a.m.

What does the picture on the left have to do with shopping at 4:00 a.m.? Nothing really, just a pic of Kelcie and Grandpa chatting at tailgate. Note the bandage still on Marco's left hand from when he tried to saw his index finger off. The bandage is off now, but it still looks horrible. But he's lucky to have it at all. Marco, guards are on saws for a purpose.

Hmmmm, maybe Kelcie in p.j.'s has a little to do with me picking the pic for blogging about shopping at the ungodly hour of 4:00 a.m. on Black Friday. I couldn't believe we actually got up and out by 4:00. But we lucked out. We got a HD TV for the motor home ($475.00 !), and I got a pre-lighted Christmas tree that folds up like an umbrella. I just couldn't face putting that old tree up......it's one of those that have color coded limbs that you have to put together, then wrestle with the lights. No way. I'm done with that crap. I'll put that up tomorrow. In about 1/4 the time. Sweet......

However, after getting 4 hours sleep, I still have to go to work today. Marco's golfing. It's fabulous outside. My ass is dragging. But I gotta get checks cut today, because I won't be there Monday, as Miss Jean's surgery is finally around the corner. I can think of other things to mention, but my eyes are burning from lack of sleep, and I gotta save them for my computer at work. So folks, I'm outta here for now. For those of you who have today as a holiday ~ lucky you!!

Happy Thanksgiving, I'm busy...

Today is Thanksgiving. Marco and I have to start the bird and all our yummy sides, so I'm not going to linger on the computer.
A friend recently told me I need to publish my "100 Things About Me". It's sort of obligatory on a blog. Well, I started to jot down things, and by the time I got to 50, I had brain lag. I'll start with 50, and do the other 50 later. That gets me off the hook for today.

1. My birthday is December 3rd
2. I was born on my paternal grandmother's 50th birthday
3. My zodiac sign is Sagittarius
4. My husband's name is Marco
5. I have 4 kids
6. I have 9 grandkids
7. My mother, Jean, lives next door to me
8. My favorite color is brick red
9. I am a registered Democrat
10. I drive a Lexus
11. I don't wear a watch
12. My blood type is O+
13. I adore campfires
14. Ditto for snowstorms
15. I've never lived alone
16. I've never been arrested
17. I love my animals
18. I don't have a favorite movie, but if I did, it would probably be "Titanic"
19. I'm always hot, even when other people are cold
20. My favorite author is Stephen King
21. I am pro-choice
22. I have naturally long nails
23. I don't have any desire to get an iPod
24. I can't drink beer without feeling like I'm going to explode
25. My favorite author is Mary Oliver
26. I have a tattoo on my left shoulder
27. I don't let people see me cry
28. I love to read
29. I share a birthday with Ozzy Osbourne and Andy Williams
30. My favorite song is "These are the Days" by Van Morrison
31. I have trouble being in messy environments
32. My favorite drink is Coke
33. I like the sheets to be cool when I get in bed
34. My favorite time of the day is sunrise
35. My favorite time of the year is fall
36. My favorite holiday is Christmas
37. I have a pretty good sense of time and direction
38. I have low blood pressure
39. I could watch the birds at my feeder for hours
40. I'm not really what you'd call a great friend
41. I'm something of a loner
42. I would sell my soul for good hair
43. I'm coulrophobic
44. I prefer to leave the cooking to my husband
45. I haven't had a moving violation since 1982
46. I'm a privacy nut
47. I believe in ghosts
48. Maybe even vampires
49. I think the earth already has too many people
50. I admire the people who work with groups like PETA and Greenpeace

Turkey Eve

Surprise, it's Brad's pic on this post. No particular reason, he was just near the top of one of my folders of pics. Another tailgating picture. Brad and Amie and family will be in Portsmouth for Thanksgiving. Scott and Jackie and kids are a little up in the air about tomorrow's plans, due to Jackie's dad being in the hospital. We hope all is well with him. Todd and Aubrey will host some of Aubrey's family in Raleigh. And Amy and James and kids will be spending the day with Amy's grandmother and family. And Marco and I are hosting Miss Jean and Aunt Bobbie. We're all cooking something, and we'll be like everyone else.....eating like pigs. It was 60 degrees outside today, and the next few days look like the same. Marco is golfing Friday. But we've had Novembers like this before, and as I recall, he's even golfed in early December. Global warming is a serious issue, but the golfers will take what they can get.

I am almost completely finished with my Christmas shopping. I'll have to try to finish up Sunday, as Miss Jean goes into the hospital Monday at 10:15 to have her kidney removed. Even with that looming, she and Bobbie are having a good visit, and I'm thankful that Bobbie was able to come up and keep Miss Jean company. It's been good for both of them. They're sweeties. We had pepperoni pizze, wine and carrot cake for dinner. Yum yum.

Gotta run, everyone have a great Thanksgiving!!

The Big Game

Wheew......the big game is over and Ohio State came through like the champs they are. Great game! It was a chilly day for tailgating, but Marco bought one of those carport-type canvas thingys, and set it up by the motor home. That kept the television dry, and there was room for plenty of chairs. Some of us, though, watched the game on the small television in the motor home. Guess which group I fell in to?? Nice and warm in the coach, that's me. Along with a pillow and blankie. I'm a built-for-comfort tailgater. And it's my motor home, so I'll do what I want.

I finally got the picture uploaded of Marco with the Neutron Man, even though it IS from last season. Don't ask me who the Neutron Man is.......I don't have a clue. He just wanders around the tailgating lots and poses with anyone who wants to take pictures. He has on this gold makeup or paint or whatever, and I can't imagine keeping something like that on my face for very long. It's like in the movie "Goldfinger". And didn't the girl who was painted gold all over die of suffocation or something? And most of the people in that movie had weird suggestive names??? Well, I digress......I think this pic of Marco with the Neutron man is very cool. He does, too. It's the desktop background on his computer. :-)

Aunt Bobbie is up here in Columbus from Milton visiting with Miss Jean, and having Thanksgiving with us. Most of the Milton contingent will be taking a turn with out of town family members, and we were happy that Aunt Bobbie could come up with us. Marco is cooking turkey and mashies, I'm making my scalloped oyster casserole and green beans, Miss Jean is making cranberry salad and chocolate triffle. Yum yum. Did I mention I'm thinking about joining a gym again????? After Thursday, I'll really need one.......

Quickie

Today's post will be a super-quickie. We're busy with doctor and dentist appointments, lunch with the kids today, and getting ready for the big Ohio State/Michigan game. We're tailgating Saturday, and the game promises to be the biggest one in O.S.U. history. We have some other friends who will be bringing their motor coaches up and we're all looking forward to it. I tried to upload a picture of Marco and the "Neutron Man" on today's blog, but for some reason (probably the rain) it wouldn't upload. So here's Logan. He always wears his hair Scarlet and Gray for the game; here he has all kinds of color in his hair, but you get the general idea. Isn't he darling? He's 5 and papaw's boy. He'll be at the tailgate. He brings his scooter in case the game gets a little boring. Plus he brings friends. That's what tailgating is all about.

Then Thanksgiving next week, and on our way to Christmas. Unbelieveable to me; time is flying.

Cousins

The picture on the left was taken at my parents 60th Wedding Anniversary party on Feb. 6th, 2004. Left to right: my cousin John, me with a beer bottle, my cousin Mary Elizabeth, and my brother Jeff. It was a totally fun party; one I'll never forget. Little did I know that we'd be losing several family members in the 2 following years. My dad passed away on July 15th, 2005. I will write more about him soon. I mentioned in my last post that I don't have many photos on my computer yet, and I need to both scan and upload some pictures of dad and mom before writing about them.

I do have pictures of my cousin John. Sadly, he passed away on August 25th of this year. I love the picture of him on the right; that's "John" to me. T-shirt and baseball cap.

It was one of those early morning phone calls that you know has to be bad news. Heart attack. John was just 56. He was totally unique. He lived "more life" in his 56 years than most people do in a lifetime. He was an editor with the New York Times, he had traveled the world, had lived in Paris, he loved the theater, and he was a super host of many New York-style parties. I knew he had many, many friends, but after his death, the outpouring of sympathy and the memorials from his friends was amazing. A large number of his friends came from out of town to his memorial in Charleston. His mother received many floral tributes, and from what I hear, is still receiving cards and letters. The New York Times held a memorial later, attended by a great many friends. A memorial book was published, and a website created, The John Wilson Times.com. The pictures and remembrances are in the hundreds. You've got to be a special person to be remembered like he was.

It's still hard to believe he's gone. He made a point of attending all of our family events. It won't be the same without him. John was sweet and funny and smart and kind. I miss him.

"Miss Jean"

This is a picture of "Miss Jean", a name the greatgrandkids came up with for my mother, Jean Williams.

She looks a little lonely sitting here in the picture, but there were a lot of us around. It was Jared and Jessica's birthday, but all the kids were busy running around, just out of camera range. Also, this is the only picture I currently have of Miss Jean in my picture folder, and heaven knows when I'll have the time to add more, as my schedule the next few weeks is hectic.

It's hard to believe Miss Jean is 84. She looks much younger, and acts much younger, although she's slowed down some since daddy died almost 16 months ago. It's funny, but dad was just "grandpa". Not Mr. Jack or anything. I think it was Jessica that came up with the Miss Jean moniker.

Unfortunately, Miss Jean has to have a bothersome kidney removed on the 27th of this month. Somehow, it stopped working, and has gotten infected, and the infection won't go away. It will be laparoscopy surgery, but still..... kidneys seem kinda buried in the body, and it seems like you'd have to dig fairly deep to get one out. No one is looking forward to it. I'm pretty confidant that Miss Jean won't read this blog, as she doesn't currently have internet access. I don't think she'd want to read about herself in regard to the upcoming surgery. However, that event is coloring our lives for the next 2 months; getting ready for it and recuping from it. I'm mentioning it tonight as it will affect my online stuff. If you don't hear from me from time to time, I'm busy with real life. Wish us well.