"Sitting on the Front Porch"

[vbhoutex]

Prayers for both situations are being ramped up as I type. You ladies are "cream of the crop" and I mean that in all sincerity. I'm not sure I could be that generous in my assessments, but I am on the outside looking in. I know you both have been great friends to me.

We are going full tilt boogie with my nephews wedding being tomorrow, so I may not be here much till Sunday.

Susan is facing possible major back surgery within a year if PT doesn't help relieve her pain. The woman is amazing-the doctor couldn't figure out how she was functioning after looking at her MRI. She has already had scoliosis surgery(at 12 yrs.) and open heart surgery at 42 yrs. so the prospect of another major surgery just doesn't sit well with her. However, we take it one day at a time and use what the GOod Lord has given us. Since I am whining(anyone have som egood smoked gouda to go with this whine?)I am having trouble with a pinched nerve in my back that is causing muscle spasms down my arm and tingling in the fingers. As I said, life goes on and with god's good grace we get through it all.

Laterw! Gotta get to work. Already had one meeting this am.

[Pburgh]

Thanks Mary and David. I really appreciate your prayers and thoughts.

Mary, that house sounds perfect for your brother-in-law. I don't blame him for wanting to stay. My prayers will be with him.

David my friend, what can I say about you. You're the best!!! My prayers are always with you and your family but I'll double up on them. Have a great time at your wedding party. Have a nice glass of chardonnay for me.

[Dee Bee]

Karan and David, I'm sending positive affirmations for both your situations.
Mary, I'm continuing to keep your BIL in my positive thoughts, as well.

Well, I've been here in the Chicago area since last Wed. evening, looking for a break from the SoFla heat and humidity. HAH! Right now, the air temp reads 105, and I don't even want to know what the THI is! We've had a wonderful time visiting family and catching up with old friends. We're flying back to Boynton Beach early tomorrow morning.

I'll be adding another class to my teaching schedule this coming Thursday at a new school. MedVance is a med-tech institute. Students in the radiology program must take the equivalent of freshman composition. The Director of Education at the West Palm branch is the former DOE of City College in Fort Lauderdale (where I'm still teaching). I'm looking forward to this job, although it's been over 6 months since I've had a 4-course load.

My daughter and son-in-law are in Key West today celebrating their first anniversary. It's difficult to believe a whole year has gone by! Sarah was finishing graduate school at Purdue in IN prior to the wedding (which was held in Boynton Beach) so Kurt and I made all the arrangements -- thank goodness for cell phones! I can honestly say that the church ceremony, hotel reception, and hotel brunch the following morning were the most fun I've ever had! We literally had guests from one side of the continent to the other: family, family friends, the kids' college and high school friends, plus our FL neighbors and co-workers. Kurt and I love to host (and to enjoy) parties, and this one was tops!

Time to suck down some more iced coffee and maybe take a wee nap -- it's too hot to do anything else. Kurt's out watching the White Sox on big-screen TV with his boyhood friend; my long-time girlfriend and I just returned from the film "March of the Penguins" (which I very highly recommend).

I can't tell you how much I've missed everyone here, even for these few days! I do believe I am addicted to S2K...! I'll be back to my usual daily basis by next Tuesday afternoon (since I'll be afloat in a sea of dirty laundry when we return late Monday afternoon). Someday I hope to learn to "pack light."

[Miss Mary]

Dee - glad you're addicted - at least you're in good company! We're all addicted, at varying degrees I'm thinking....I always miss this place while on vacation too! We went to northern Ohio last week and it was a quick trip. But a nice getaway.

Ironically my oldest daughter is in Chicago too right now. She and 3 friends went to Lallapolooza and come back tomorrow. Sort of an end to their high school days, even though they've all graduated by now. I heard how hot it's been but the music festival is next to the lake Nina said. So there's lots of shade and a good breeze. And she's my water drinker - downing 10 glasses a day. No lie! So I'm not as worried about her. Now for sunscreen, she's stingy with it, but puts it on when I bug her. I know she was well hydrated. They stayed at the Congress Plaza Hotel. I read a few customer reviews on it. Got a little worried after I went to that site but she said don't worry, we're not in our room much (yes they did lots of shopping too). Sounds like a 18 year old huh?

I pick this crew up at the airport tomorrow. All together 5 of us in Jim's sedan. And it's going to be 99 here tomorrow!!! I think I might pack a small cooler for them too - water bottles, a few sodas.....I'm such a mom. he he

Thanks for the continued prayers for my brother-in-law. I do appreciate them!

Stay cool everyone! All I can say is this - it better SNOW this winter in Cincinnati! I say this every summer we get scorching high temps like this and boy do people think I'm nuts (yes I love winter!). But right now I could use a few snow flakes. LOL

Mary

[wx247]

Morning everyone!!!

You can bet that you all are in my thoughts and prayers!

I just stepped in to drink some water. I have been mowing the lawn this morning (push mower) and man it isn't fun when the 10:00 temp is already 90.

I brought some lemonade to the front porch this morning for all of us who don't drink as much water as Nina.

Just keep the lid on it so Crouton doesn't slurp out of it.

Have a good day!!!

[StormCrazyIowan]

We were at 92°F at 10 so take that Garrett! LOL

Mmm.... lemonade!!

Hi all, just peekin in... baby's starting to wake up so I don't have much time, hope all is well with everyone!

[pojo]

Mary, is Nina peeing every hour? 10 glasses a day..... OMG. I'll have maybe 1-2 nalgene bottles a day if that! (FYI Nalgene bottles are 32 oz).

I love when Aircraft commanders suddenly change their cabin load weight... argh! our biggest military cargo plane is a C-5 with 36 pallet positions and an Allowable Cabin Load (ACL) max weight of 135,000 lbs. We either have to hit the pallets or the ACL. It is rare that we hit them both on the head. Anyways, the ACL was dropped to 120,000lbs just BEFORE the plane was about to get loaded! Needless to say, I load planned that bird, so I had to run out to the flight line to take off 3 pallets from the load. Just in the knick of time! On top, Ramp personnel could not find a pallet... so that plane was delayed. It was that kind of day... definitely a monday. (*** Civilian B747 planes can get 42 pallet positions and/or 180,000 lbs). Nothing goes right on a Monday.

[Miss Mary]

Shannon!! LOL She's always been my big water drinker (since age 4). Her dad is the same way, just not 10 a day. I'd say she's about at 10 since she works long shifts outside at an area pool/amusement park. She has a lot of healthy habits like this in place (vegetarian, etc.). Just when I start to brag about them, she reminds me she eats lots of candy too.....but it all balances out. It does sound like it's a lot. That's just 80 ounces a day....LOL

M.

[furluvcats]

Hi everybody...it seems like such a long time since I was around to post here! It's been a very busy summer...My husbands kids have been here the last 2 weeks visiting from Chicago area...Nice to have them visit...we spent alot of their visit camping in Sequoia/ Kings Canyon National Park...( YES Mary, we FINALLY went camping!!!!!) the redwood forrest and those giant Sequoia trees are amazing...I'm so glad I got an oppurtunity to visit the park and experience them...Its vfery majestic there...never been anywhere so beautiful, and that's saying alot coming from me! LOL

Now we're getting ready for my moms arrival from Daytona Beach, on Monday...then my aunt from Santa Cruz, etc etc...we're booked through Thanksgiving with guests it seems!

Its been pretty hot here in the valley,,,,100's are too common...I can't wait for fall and winter...this heat bites!

Hugs to all..I need to read and catch up..

Have a great summer ya'll...

Furry >^..^<

[Miss Mary]

Furry goes camping......we need a T-shirt with that slogan Fur!!! At this rate, you'd better start a camping scrapbook!!!

TGIF everyone......we are finally having wonderful wx in Cincinnati. After of course sweltering with fellow Mid-westerners......if that's a word. Just in time for a family cookout tonight. A few days ago we would have all been in that SIL's house, tonight we'll able to be outside on her lovely patio. It almost feels like early September. 82-85? Eh....we'll take that over 97 with heat index of 108!!! And suddenly 80s look mighty darn good to us again! I said a few times this past week - it had better snow...people about die when I mention the S word. One local Met showed scenes of icy streets last year, cars getting stuck on hills...saying we could be dealing with this right now folks!!! Ah, but the trouble you see is, you can get warm in winter. It's downright impossible to get cool when we have dangerously high temps like we just had. Oh well, until the next heat wave....he he

Have a nice weekend everyone. Last one for July and before we know it, kids will be going back to school. Usually once August starts, everyone in our family is sad, b/c school is around the corner. This year we have our oldest going off to college (Aug. 21) so she's excited, not sad. Am I sad? Well, a little...but she is doing what I wished I had done, gone to college full time right out of HS. So I'm very happy FOR her, so I'll shed some happy tears that drop off day I'm sure. Won't ever be the same again, w/o her, but a new normal.

Mary

[Pburgh]

Mary, that's a great way to look at it - "a new normal." What a great attitude to have. I know you both will do fine.

We finally have a break from the heat and humidity. Sounds like we're going to have a terrific weekend. I'll be going to a baby shower on Saturday. Did I ever tell you I love buying baby clothes!!!!! Well it's for a baby girl so you can imagine how much fun I have.

I talked with my x-husband the other night. He had a hormone injection and is feeling fine so far. I don't know why they aren't doing surgery but we'll see. Please keep praying.

I'll brew a pot of Earl Grey and leave some chocolate covered Krispy Kremes on the end table. (Please leave one for David)

[Miss Mary]

Karan - surgeons are not always quick to operate, I've discovered. Some suggest chemo first to shrink tumors and then, operate. With me, surgery was first, if they could get clean margins. They did, so I didn't need chemo (and I went early, my tumor was only an inch, at best). What I've learned from reading medical message boards, is that each case is unique and different. But has similarities to other patients. You just hope and pray you're given the best advice. He could opt for a second opinion, to just confirm the first one. Most insurances companies pay for second opinions. Do I wish I had one? Well, I wish I had completely understood how having my lower colon removed, would literally turn my world upside down, for the rest of my life! My surgeon tried telling me that, but I really thought he mean post-op pain. I had only had a few D & C's and oral surgery. I had nothing to compare to what I was in for. I don't regret not getting a second opinion, I did hear from everyone, I had an excellent surgeon. 20 years ago, I would have been given a perm colostomy, end of discussion. He was so good, that was not necessary. I am grateful he returned me to 'normal' but I've also used that 'new normal' to apply to my needs now! I'll just switch it to this Fall, when it really hits home - we have one child at home now. I think it will really be sad when they're both gone.....some parents are shoving their kids out the door. Not me! I'm not holding them back but rather making sure they know this is still their home. I'm such a homebody...he he.

Keep us posted on your ex's situation Karan. Praying this is the right course of action too.

Mary

[pojo]

Time to go back to work... my days off are over.

Now I just have to cool this sunburn down. My whole back side is fried... that is what you get for spending a couple of hours at the Isle of Palms beach. Yes, I have Aloe Vera... that bottle is my friend.

Where did the Summer go? My goodness, its practically August already! Local South Carolina high schools have already started football practices! Wow!

My family goes on vacation starting Saturday up in Cass Lake, MN... its a safe little resort. We've been going up there for 13 years... I'll be missing it this year because of the deployment. Its usually a fun trip. http://www.birchvilla.com if would like to see the place we visit every year.

[drudd1]

Wow, July is coming to an end. Open houses for the kids schools are over, and cheer-leading and football practice begin Monday, as well as school. Both my wife and I coach also, so our insane schedule begins in two days Actually, as coaches we have been busy for some time.

The school summer vacation flew by, but of course, with it being two months instead of the three when I was that age, it doesn't take long.

The weather is sweltering, with us getting no rain in the afternoons to break up the heat. We went from the ground squishing when you stepped on it, to having to water the plants and grass to keep it alive. Thank goodness we have a pool, but with the water at 87 degrees, it is getting on the warm side.

We are crossing our fingers and hoping for no storms this year, we had our share last season. We are ready, however, so if we get hammered, we'll go into post storm mode just like three times last year. I think we have that down pat, and even my kids love the generator.

Wrapped our summer up with a trip to Key West for a few days. What a blast, and man was it hard to leave! My daughter got her first chance to snorkel on the reefs offshore and she is now hooked. Brought back memories of the countless hours I snorkeled in Crete many years ago.

Gas prices here have seemed to settle down a bit, around the $2.19 mark, yee ha. Already we are conditioned to think $2.19 is a good thing. The power bills are going to be a killer, and most power plants are setting records with peak demand.

All in all, it was a great summer, and we got to do a lot of things with the kids. If we can survive the next three months, with practices almost everyday, games on Saturday, and everything else that will get tossed in, we should be good and exhausted for the holiday season

[Lindaloo]

My daughter starts school August 5th! I remember when we had a full 3 months of summer vacation. Always knew the summer was over after Labor Day.

[Aslkahuna]

However, classtime was also longer back then.

Steve

[streetsoldier]

Coppertop returns for his senior year of high school on the 18th.

And, two days after that, he gets to meet Senior Grandmaster Edward Sell (9th Dan) and his wife, Grandmaster Brenda Sell (8th Dan)...the two highest ranking non-Korean martial artists in Tae Kwon Do!

He is studying Chung Do Kwan Tae Kwon Do, a "military" form that Senior Grandmaster Sell brought over to the U.S. in 1967; and this will be the first time he will meet such highly distinguished people in his art. They will be at his dojong for a seminar on-tour, and it will be the last for Senior Grandmaster Sell, who will be retiring soon at the age of 63.

We spent this past weekend sewing his patches (4 each) on all three dobaks, along with his "instructor-in-training" red stripe, just for this occasion...and we are TIRED.

You can imagine which event has his attention! [/i]

[Miss Mary]

Bill - enjoy Coppertop's last year of HS! It will fly by, how well I know. Our oldest, Nina, leaves for college in 3 weeks! She's working so much this summer, sometimes 40 hour weeks, but that's what she wants (proud she has a good work ethic) that we often have 3 at dinner, not 4. I put a plate in the fridge. We all look at our smaller gathering and sigh - it will be this way from now on. Then last night she had dinner with us. And the insults started flying, she started putting down her younger sister. We're all looking over at this 'near' adult, going off into the real world in 3 weeks, wondering - do you think they'll take her now? LOL Just kidding....but I swung so fast from one minute thinking - oh it's so good to be all together again - to - here we go again, stop that, be nice, if you can't be nice, then go to your room....... Crimeny.....this is all normal I'm told. I'm also told your soon to be college freshman will drive you literally crazy before they leave, so much so that once they do go off, you're partly relieved. I wonder if that's a coincidence? Think God does this on purpose to make the loss easier to adjust to? LOL He makes 18 year olds SO hard to deal with? Naw, she's a good kid most of the time. Just caught between 2 worlds right now - being our daughter/sister to being on her own for the first time. Then of course an hour later, she's as sweet as can be.....

But would I trade any of this for not being a mother - no way!

So please enjoy it Bill, it will be like riding a roller coaster I predict. But I think you'll enjoy the ride!

As I said in a post above, this is our new normal now. I'll adjust, after a few tears and a little time. he he

Mary

[StormCrazyIowan]

That makes me sad! LOL, I know, my baby is only 6 weeks old, but even that time passed so fast that I wonder if I took enough pictures!

And the heat is back.... *sigh* Hopefully this time only for a few days! Can you believe that when the heat wave rolled through we hit (or passed) 100°F two days in a row? The last time we saw the century mark in this area was 1995, and I hope it is another decade before we see it again!

[pojo]

Bill - enjoy Coppertop's last year of HS! It will fly by, how well I know. Our oldest, Nina, leaves for college in 3 weeks! She's working so much this summer, sometimes 40 hour weeks, but that's what she wants (proud she has a good work ethic) that we often have 3 at dinner, not 4. I put a plate in the fridge. We all look at our smaller gathering and sigh - it will be this way from now on. Then last night she had dinner with us. And the insults started flying, she started putting down her younger sister. We're all looking over at this 'near' adult, going off into the real world in 3 weeks, wondering - do you think they'll take her now? LOL Just kidding....but I swung so fast from one minute thinking - oh it's so good to be all together again - to - here we go again, stop that, be nice, if you can't be nice, then go to your room....... Crimeny.....this is all normal I'm told. I'm also told your soon to be college freshman will drive you literally crazy before they leave, so much so that once they do go off, you're partly relieved. I wonder if that's a coincidence? Think God does this on purpose to make the loss easier to adjust to? LOL He makes 18 year olds SO hard to deal with? Naw, she's a good kid most of the time. Just caught between 2 worlds right now - being our daughter/sister to being on her own for the first time. Then of course an hour later, she's as sweet as can be.....Mary

I can tell you from experience... I drove my mom nuts my senior year... I thought the grass would be greener if I lived with dad a couple of years after high school while attending college... well, it was worse then I thought... I moved back with my mom my 1st senior year (I was a super senior). When I was home for work.... my school was 45 minutes away.... pretty soon, I saw my self commuting to/from school every day. Anyways, been there, done that, have the t-shirt to prove that I had an attitude problem.

Nina is getting to the point that she knows there will be lite supervision at college and she is starting to get into the mentality right now... Give her some space... that's all she's asking for. Try not to initiate anything with her that might set her off. If you do talk with her, college may or may not be the best topic. About crying when you leave her at college... try not to. She knows you are her mother and you'll be a phone call away and possibly a short drive...so just try to support her during those awkward minutes of saying good-bye.