Do you remember when we were younger, and dating, and you were seeing someone you liked and, after a few dates it became exclusive, you only saw that person, and vice-versa? And then you meet the good friends of that person, and the family, etc. Well, many years ago, I was in one of these relationships, and met all the friends etc. One of them, her name is Valerie, became a life-long friend of mine, we're talking 30+ years ago. We have maintained a close friendship to this day, though we may not talk every week or even month, we connect every time we see or talk to each other. I was the maid of honor at her wedding, after a few frogs, she met the love of her life. Well, back at the beginning of this year, Val had breast cancer. I was peeved at her because she did not let me know until after the diagnosis was made. Now, Val is very upbeat, loves life and every living thing. They live in a smaller town just over the line from Ohio, in Michigan in a house that has a couple acres of land, with a pond and lots of trees, that's what she loves. She cares for and takes in every stray animal that is dropped off, because there are some nasty people out there who just throw puppies and kittens out of their car in areas like where she lives. She went through several weeks of chemo, and had a break for a bit and then had radiation for several weeks. She lost her hair after the 2nd treatment of chemo. But she never loses her spirit. Never.

Well, Val called me today. Wanted to call me first after her Dr. called her to confirm that the cancer was back. In her liver. Because I had admonished her for not letting me know before. Seems she was having awful pain around Thanksgiving time, went to the ER because it was so bad, and believe me, it would have to be bad for her to go to the ER. And she was crying. She said she just knew it was back. She had a biopsy on Monday and found out today.

So, I am asking for your prayers. I do not want to make a site-wide issue out of this, and have tourneys and such, but to you, my friends, please add my friend Val to your prayers, if you pray. If you don't, then please think positive thoughts for her. If you met her, you would never meet a better person. She is up-beat as she can be and tells me it will be ok. I'm supposed to be the one telling her it will be ok, you know? But, that's Val. So I'm sorry, this is the Christmas season and it's supposed to be a time of gladness and good cheer. But my good friend needs your prayers, and I thank you for understanding.

I received a wonderful surprise tonite, it's my birthday, just started a couple minutes ago. And at 12:01, I received presents in my grab in-box! I don't remember even telling anybody when my birthday was, because I really don't want a fuss, you know? I know a few people know, that I've known for some time, but I really don't advertise it, I didn't tell shrinky when she sent a request for birth dates of club memebers. I'm just not that way:-) But right now my heart is really touched that someone took the time to remember:-)

It makes me so grateful and thankful for the wonderful, kind friends I've met here, who take the time to remember even though it may have been only an innocent remark in general conversation. You just never know:-)

So, to all of my friends who may be reading this, I want to thank you all so very much for your thoughtfulness, the wonderful tags you take the time to make for me, the time you take to write in my guest book, and the concern you show if I haven't been here in a few days.

I am truly blessed. Big bear hugs to you all!

GREAT DOG STORY Anyone who has pets will really like this. You'll like it even if you don't and you may even decide you need one! Mary and her husband Jim had a dog named 'Lucky.' Lucky was a real character. Whenever Mary and Jim had company come for a weekend visit they would warn their friends to not leave their luggage open because Lucky would help himself to whatever struck his fancy Inevitably, someone would forget and something would come up missing. Mary or Jim would go to Lucky's toy box in the basement and there the treasure would be, amid all of Lucky's other favorite toys. Lucky always stashed his finds in his toy box and he was very particular that his toys stay in t he box .. It happened that Mary found out she had breast cancer. Something told her she was going to die of this disease....in fact , she was just sure it was fatal. She scheduled the double mastectomy, fear riding her shoulders. The night before she was to go to the hospital she cuddled with Lucky. A thought struck her...what would happen to Lucky? Although the three-year-old dog liked Jim, he was Mary's dog through and through. If I die, Lucky will be abandoned, Mary thought. He won't understand that I didn't want to leave him. The thought made her sadder than thinking of her own death. The double mastectomy was harder on Mary than her doctors had anticipated and Mary was hospitalized for over two weeks. Jim took Lucky for his evening walk faithfully, but the little dog just drooped, whining and miserable. Finally the day came for Mary to leave the hospital. When she arrived home, Mary was so exhausted she couldn't even make it up the steps to her bedroom. Jim made his wife comfortable on the couch and left her to nap. Lucky stood watching Mary but he didn't come to her when she called . It made Mary sad but sleep soon overcame her and she dozed. When Mary woke for a second she couldn't understand what was wrong. She couldn't move her head and her body felt heavy and hot. But panic soon gave way to laughter when Mary realized the problem. She was covered, literally blanketed, with every treasure Lucky owned! While she had slept, the sorrowing dog had made trip after trip to the basement bringing his beloved mistress all his favorite things in life. He had covered her with his love. Mary forgot about dying. Instead she and Lucky began living again , walking further and further together every day. It's been 12 years now and Mary is still cancer-free. Lucky? He still steals treasures and stashes them in his toy box but Mary remains his greatest treasure. Remember....live every day to the fullest. Each minute is a blessing from God. And never forget...the people who make a difference in our lives are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards They are the ones that care for us. If you see someone without a smile today give them one of yours! Live simply. Love seriously Care deeply. Speak kindly.     This was sent to me, and reminds me so much of my dog!  She loves hubby, but she's definitely MY dog!

 

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I am just thinking about how very lucky we are here, we have been surrounded by weather that has devastated homes and lives, and we've been right in the middle of it. I watch the news and see people's homes gone, escaping their homes in a rowboat, having to be rescued by scuba divers, and all sorts of unbelievable things. I can't imagine it. Our weather forecasts have been severe thunderstorms, possible tornadoes, and yet we have escaped, our electricity hasn't even gone out. A few miles from here trees have crashed into houses and cars, and families have been displaced. Don't get me wrong, we've had some very high winds, rain almost as strong as I have ever seen, yet still here I am on my computer with my lights and A/C on. I am a very lucky person, so I think I need to go help those not as fortunate :)

First day of spring! It's the first full day of spring! We have had 6 inches of snow so far, very windy and blowing drifts all over the place.  I just listened to the forcast, the meterologist said we should have a foot of snow before it's all done.  HAPPY EASTER!

 

I can't belive I'm saying this, but sheesh, I've had enough now. I am soooo very tired of our weather .   I love where I live here in Ohio, but wow, this weather this year is unbelievable.  I love to have all four seasons, I think I would miss not having the spring which is just so awsome when the new growth begins, and I love our summer,  and the wonderful fall season, with the colors, but this winter is just wearing on me.  It's been awful, and I know other people have worse weather, but I just wish it would make up it's mind, lol, first  very, very cold, then 50 degrees the next day, then  below zero, this is the worst ever. We have had flooding, freezing, major snow, and then melting.  Then freezing. OK, Mother Nature, give us a break now. I walk outside just to the mailbox out by the street and by the time I get back I'm freezing! Oh, yeah, and I'm writing this as the next 4 - 6 inches of snow is falling!