CONGRATULATIONS

Having read my blogs in the past and if you are a FB friend you know how I feel about being a grandma and grandchildren.....they are absolutely the BEST!

I miss our two little ones (Joe and Joci) in the UK and love, love, love seeing and talking to them on skype. I do not know what I would do if I could not do that. They are changing so much and growing up so fast. And...what an adventure they are having so young in their life. I am so fortunate to have been close to and involved with them while here in the States...being a part of them. I love seeing their eyes when they first see you and know the love.

Brandon too is changing so fast. He got a rough/late start and is busy catching up and doing it quickly. He is such a joy and so loving. He is not stingy with his hugs and kisses either. His smile and his love is priceless and he has me all wrapped up.

Now, welcome to Brody, 10-17-11. How it all comes back when you hold them up against you. The smell, the soft skin and hair. The little noises and movements. The feeling that is just not expressable (is that a word?). Your heart is making adjustments, folding him in with Joe, Joci, and Brandon. He is now part of our group. And I can't wait for him to give those hugs and kisses.

I'm telling you....Grandkids are the BEST!!!!

SUCCESSFUL RETREAT

First of all, just to let everyone know I am having a bit of trouble making corrections to past posts. So I apologize for all the words that are not spelled correctly.

NOW, on to the retreat. New location, a bit small for the staff and events but it worked. Participants were in cabins and were able to bond with their room mates and each other. The food was absolutely GREAT. You would have thought we were in a 5 star restaurant and very healthy too.

The staff always work together to provide a wonderful experience, and this year was no exception to that. The give-a-ways provided by so many individuals, clubs and organizations were so appreciated.

Each year I attend I am amazed by the attitudes of these ladies that have had a major event change their life. They didn't ask for it, they didn't deserve it, it just happened. And, you don't have a lot of choices, but these ladies have fought back and created a new life with it. You know what it is...that big elephant in the room...Cancer. I've been there, am there, and you have to chose life and fight back.

All ages, all stages, all walks of life...a wonderful retreat for 14 wonderful ladies.

The First - Second CFR Retreat for Arizona

That does sound a bit confusing. However this is a big event for Arizona's Casting for Recovery. For those that don't know, CFR is a national non-profit Breast Cancer Survivor Recovery/Health/Wellness program providing no-cost weekend retreats to 14 women who are BC survivors. We have had as many as 81 women apply for these 14 positions and this year we were approved to provide two retreats which will give 28 women the opportunity to attend a retreat.

There are many changes for this first; new location (The Whispering Pines Resort in Pinetop, AZ), new staff in training, and new fishing area/location on Sunday.

It all begins Thursday the 13th with staff arriving and setting everything up and getting ready for our ladies to arrive Friday afternoon. And, of course it all ends on Sunday after the ladies have fished, enjoyed a wonderful luncheon put on by the White Mountain Fly Fishing Club members and head back to their homes.

I will report more after the retreat...can't wait to see and hear the expressions of joy from these ladies and the staff.

Thoughts

All in all, we had a great trip to the UK and the continent. Of course the best part was visiting with the kids.

I was very anxious about the whole thing. Traveling in a totally different country and cultures. Not knowing the language along the way. Getting lost (of course we always found our way), just having problems.

None of this happened. Well we did get lost a few times along the way but we always found our way after a while.

I tried to single out exactly what the French looked like and what the English looked like but in general they are just like us here in the States...we are all so different but yet the same. I love that saying...it applies to so many things.

The way of life in the UK is very different in the everyday life. Everything is smaller: the homes, washing machines, refrigerators, garages, roads, sidewalks, etc.

When looking out of Joe and Joci's upstairs room I could see in every backyard clothes lines. So I don't think many people have cloyhes dryers.

Homes are either attached (like a two story town home) or unattached (single house) and pretty small.

"Mind the Gap" means watch out for the space between the subway and the landing. "Proper crossiant" means it was a crossiant which was correct in taste, etc. "Hi ya" means hello. There are no bathrooms or restrooms...they are all toiletts. And most importantly...where is the ICE. They have it you just have to specifically ask for ICE. And I'm pretty sure that we were the only one asking for it.

I have always said that regardless of what size the town, city, etc. you have to have at least one church and one tavern. Well, I noticed in the continent there is always at least one plus church (really old churches) and lots of bakeries and a few taverns (along with a sign showing Tubac is available...tobacco).

Well, for now that's it. I will probably remember more and more and will post.

Trip Back to the States

We were pretty tired after arriving back in the UK from the trip. Spent the next day shopping (Xmas items, etc.) and spending time with the kids. Thursday morning we got up at 4:45 and the "Hire" car picked us up at 5:30 to take us to the Airport. It was 1 1/2 hr trip. The line at the Delta counter was really long but did go pretty fast. Next the security check and than on to the gates.

It seemed so much longer coming back then going. We had a lay over in Detroit and had a Mexican meal which was really good. Going thru customs, etc. went really much faster then we thought it would.

The plane at this point was really small and packed. And again, seemed to take forever to get to Phoenix. Matt picked us up and we stopped for pizza on the way home. After arriving home, we got all unpacked, all clothes were dirty so just put them in a laundry stack...and away to bed.

Took another day to catch up on sleep.

Heading Back to England

The last night we stayed in Callais at this very old hotel right by the port. The downstairs looked really nice but the room was the worst we have had for a while...even in the states.

We had gotten there early and had driven all around the town. We had walked to the restrauant down the street and got some wonderful wine. I can't even remember what we ate. The next morning another continental type breakfast but not nearly as nice as the others.

We dropped the car off and got on the ferry. The same routine only in reverse to Milton Keenes.

Overall, great drive about.

DRIVE ABOUT

This included Belgium, Germany and France. We took off driving taking all the two lane (I swear some were one lane) roads. It's just like on TV when you seeing them driving in the little towns that there is absolutely no room for 1 let alone 2 cars in the streets. Of course we would get lost and then found. The little towns were so much alike and yet so different from each other. I have never, never seen so many statutes and churches. Every town, regardless how small or big had their own huge church...very old, stone buildings.

Every town had as many bakeries as bars and lots of "tubac" shops. I have never tasted such wonderful crossiants. And, the coffee you would have thought would have been so strong but it was wonderful as well. Just sugar, no cream. (I kind of think not sitting in a pot on a burner helps a lot!)

We stayed over a bar one night, had some drinks and ate at a restrauant that had wonderful food. We ate at a little restrauant in the middle of nowhere and again had absolutely wonderful food.

We stayed in Rouen which we arrived while it was pouring rain right next to the river. We had eaten so late in the day that we actually went to bed without dinner. The next morning we were looking for a cafe and stopped at this little place that turned out to be the locals' coffee and tubac stop. When we asked about breakfast we got two crossiants with the coffee.

LUXENBOURG

We arrived again in work traffic at the hotel. We stayed by the Airport area. After having a few drinks in the lobby area (Jon had picked up some really good white wine and their beers were good too, yes and the kids had their colas)we walked to the restrauant.

It had rained earlier and to and from the restrauant we all remarked how big the sluggs on the sidewalk were!!

Was an interesting dinner. We all have different things. JJ had Rossatta(Sp?), Joe and me Pizza, Joci spaghetti, Jon the dish with vegies and beef, can't think of it's name and Ron had a mixed meat plate (lamb, beef, port and HORSE). I had lobster bisque and we all shared escargo. Of couse we had bread and wine!!!

We got back to the hotel and the kids went to bed with grandpa and Jon, JJ and I sat in the lobby doing some computer updating.

The next morning we had the continenta type breakfast and we split. JJ's were planning to tour Luxembourg and Ron and I headed for Germany.

BRUSSELS

We arrived in Brussels right at work traffic and it was unreal. They have tunnels in the middle of the streets that you avoid traffic lights and moves fast. We arrived at the WHITE Hotel right after JJ's. The Hotel was very "Coperhaggan" looking and was very white. Rooms were big and this was Joe's night with us. We walked to this small restrauant. I think there were only about three people working there. Very nice...Reminded me a lot of Chuck Lehn, for those of you who know him. The food was very good. Ron had rabbit in Beer. It was very good considerating it was rabbit. Had my mom fixed it in beer, etc. it probably would have been a lot better while growing up!
We taught him how to make gimblets (lime and vodka) and they were great. The kids have hamburgers (without the buns) and were not impressed but the meat was pretty good. We had a great time, however, we found out after the meal that they did not take credit cards so we used up a lot of cash. Had to replemish the next day.
Had a good night's sleep and the next morning had a very European breakfast. Mostly the only meat is ham with lots of fruits, breads, Nuttella, and cheeses. It turned out to be a very good continental type breakfast.

We then droved to the Square which was magnificant. A huge square with huge buildings all around it. Lots of shops and all streets of course leading to it. We all walked to the famous status of the boy peeing. We all got a lot of laughs over this the next few days. Of course chocolate everywhere and the kids even got chocolates of the statue. They do a pretty good pose as well.

We left Brussels heading for Luxenbourg.

BRUGG

I am so glad we went to London with JJ because when we started our trip to the continent we started with the train from Milton Keenes to London, the underground (subway) to the other side of London and than the train to Dover Privy. We took the ferry to Callais and picked up the car (a really small Fiat) and took off for Brugg. JJ's were leaving Milton Keenes after the kids got out of school and were driving.
We drove around Brugg a bit and located the hotel and ate. The kids got in late. Jocie got to stay the first night of the trip with us. We had two rooms with one little one in each.
For those of you who have been to Vegas and have been at the Paris or Venician you understand wile you are inside the buildings and looking up from the aisles it's like looking up at the sky outside the buildings.
In Brugg we went to the Centre of Town and that is exactly like it was. The streets were tiny and all ran to the centre circle coble stone street. Buildings were so old and all of stone. Lots of history. While Ron and Jon did beer tastings, JJ, Joe and Joci and I went for a carriage ride around the city. Sooooo neat. We ate on the circle and Ron and Jen were very excited about the mussels they had.

LONDON

WOW. London is amazing and huge, must bigger than I thought it would be. I almost hurt my neck turning all directions. We took a cab to the train station in Milton Keynes. Train to London and then the underground. And I mean underground. The subway is wayyyyyyy down. Lots of steps and really long escalators and very crowded. Lots of people use the underground. We made our way to the Green Park. The parks here are huge and beautiful. Very well groomed and used. Lots of people laying around and playing. We got onto a double decker open bus. Great idea as you are high and able to see more. However, I can not believe how CLOSE the vehicles and people come to each other And they pull out in front of each other as well. Kind of getting use to the left side driving.

The buildings are unreal. Huge, and I mean huge and right on the street. Just enough room for a small sidewalk and then there's the street Lots and lots of stone. Newer buildings are more of glass and silver (some blue) looking.

The churches are magnificant. The Tower of England...WOW... Next visit will be a tour of that for sure.

We had fish and chips which were good. Their pubs are just like on TV...usually downstairs, dark, cozy. Very nice people.

Also got to go in and look around, we had already eaten...darn it...the Cavair place. Might be worth a trip back. They were a bit snotty but everything inside the store looked great.

Next to the underground and the train. We did not take the "bullet" back so had lots of stops. It was about 8-8:30 when we got back to JJ's. Very tired.

MORE TO COME

Adventure - of course continued

So Jon and JJ had some errands and the kids and Ron and I ordered in Pizza with American Sausage!!! It was pretty good. Maybe we were just hungry, but all in all, pretty good. So we are watching Dr. Who...ask Joe, he knows all about it!!

Their house is just like in Harry Potter. I will have to get a photo and put up. Small but very nice. I don't know how anyone gets their cars (which are all really small) into them. The patio is very nice. Just like on House Hunter International...refrigerators small, bathrooms small, no laundry rooms. I am very surprised about the lack of storage. Maybe that is why the garages are so small...can't get car inside so use as storage.

I have been called LOVE by three people...mostly store people. JJ has on her bog English to English. It is funny the words they use to explain/describe same things as us. You will have to check it out as I have had her add more.

They say Hi-ya in meeting and Cherry in leaving. So far pretty easy to understand. I'm sure they think we talk weird!

I seem to be all over in the blog but want to say so much.

Going to the Market tomorrow morning. Not just foods but all kinds of items. Even hair cutters/barbers. Will take more time and look around.

More to come.....

Adventure continued

So next morning JJ took Jon to work and I was so impressed how Joe took control. Made sure that Joci was put together, eating, got the drinks, brushed teeth and than JJ and I walked them to school.

I am picking up more accent with Joe than I thought and I feel like I too am talking a bit different.

Than JJ, Ron and I went to the Market in downtown Milton Keenes. Kind of a modern, square silver and glass area. And if you have to go to the toilet (our bathroom/restroom) you have to find them...and it is usually a walk.

We visited their version of WalMart (Argos), drove by a huge IKEA, a Home Depot type of store (B & Q) and Morrison (grocery store)....Lots of grocery type full service stores.

Back to the driving...WOW...I feel like we are flying and the round-the-bouts are big and fast. You have to have a lot of faith in the other drivers and them you but it seems to work. Jon and JJ have both adapted quick nicely to the driving.

The Adventure and a LONG Start

We flew from Phoenix to Detroit...normal, no problems...except we didn't get to bring the Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce and the Green Relish. Got to Detroit and within no time was on our way to England. Ron sat on the aisle and me in the middle and I have no idea who the guy was next to me. Rather a snob I think. The seats were not comfortable but all in all the flight was not bad.
After deplaning at Heathrow we were in a very long line to check pastports (Our first stamp!)which moved very quickly and we made excellent flying time as we were early, Jon picked us up. We walked right thru customs...didn't have anything to declare and no one questioned us.

OMG with a capital OMG...the driving on the left side is mind boggeling and a bit scary to say the least. It was nice to visit with Jon and Jen before walking to the schools to pick up the kids. As I posted on Facebook...the recognition that it was truly us was wonderful. lots of hugs and kisses. We first picked up Joci and met some of the moms and than we all walked to pick up Joe and also met some moms there. You walk a lot...the schools are in the neigbnorhood and everyone walks...very few cars dropping off and picking up. Definitely a social for the moms.

Ron and I stayed up from the time we got here in the morning until night time so we had been up a long time. A couple of times during the day we slipped into nodding sleep but we made it until nighttime.

To be Continued.....

Fishing Equipment Wanted

Yes, do you have a fly rod/reel sitting at home. You thought you were going to learn all about it but just didn't have time. OR, you are ready for that next step in your rod/reel acquisition and now have a set you could donate.

DONATE that equipment to Casting for Recovery. At every retreat we try to give at least 4 rod/reel sets to our ladies. Some of the ladies have never fly fished in their lives and find it to be a wonderful recovery process for Breast Cancer. Grant you, some of our ladies say it was wonderful but nope, not for me. The retreat was the best but not going to fly fish in the future. However, by having the rods available they get the opportunity.

You can contact either Kitty Wiemelt at Kitty@kittywiemelt.com or dfischersurvivor@gmail.com and we will be very pleased to pick up your donation.

Please go to castingforrecovery.org and see what CFR is all about.

Thanks! :):)

Retirement

Who would have thought that the word "retirement" would be coming up so fast. Two years...that is if I retire.

Everyone has told me that there is no way I could retire. I wouldn't be able to NOT do anything. I guess that is what you think of when you use the word retirement...you literally retire...sit around and not do anything.

I agree that I do not believe I will be able to just sit around. Although I have become better at that than in the past.

I was told the other day that you must have something to retire TO. Not just retire FROM something. Makes sense. But finding that TO might not be so easy.

I think it is funny how some people know exactly what they want to do, what they enjoy most...all the wants and whats. This is not easy for me, I usually answer with a "I don't know!" I know more of the what I "don't" wants.:)

And for that matter a lot can happen in two years. That's for sure. We may all have to work a whole lot longer than we initially thought with the economy, etc.

I know that I will always be involved with Casting for Recovery. I know that my grandchildren are the "most" important to me....well, Ron too! But as for the rest of this "retirement" business, I am not sure.

Help CFR Become Social

CFR's Facebook page is going to business from personal with the help of a very dear and intelligent Amy Rose. It has been set up but we need EVERYONE to go to the page and enter "LIKE" so that we will be able to keep it.

This will be one of CFR's "Social" networking/information site.

Please go to: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Casting-For-Recovery-Arizona/208657485840061 and enter "LIKE" for us.

Thank you so much all so much!!! :):):)

CFR Retreat

Another Casting for Recovery retreat completed. 14 Breast Cancer Survivors were able to attend a weekend retreat full of healing, fun and fly fishing.

This year there were some bumps but as long our ladies did not feel them they were fine. Lots of rearranging, changes (mostly due to the Greer Lodge fire) but the retreat was very successful.

There is no way to express the appreciation to so many that make this weekend happen. And the ability for the staff to work as a well-oiled team is beyond words.

Thank you all for your generosity, caring, loving and support this weekend.

October...we are getting ready for you now!!!

Tears

We all did really great until we had to waite for the driver to put all the luggage into the car and leave room for Jennifer, Joe and Joci. We started saying our good byes and take care of each other and all the other little things you want to say through the tears. This just wasn't a vacation this was for a couple of years. One of the hardest things we have had to do.

They were off and Ron and I were left looking at each other realizing that they truly were gone. More tears and we decided to leave and go to PineTop/Greer where the CFR Retreat had started. I had the retreat and Ron had some work to do and we were hopeing by Saturday our hearts would be feeling better.

Can't Imagine

How do moms and dads send their daughters and sons overseas to war? How do you get thru that very emotional time? Not knowing when you will see them again.

Jon, Jen, Joe and Joci are leaving in 4 weeks (4 very short weeks) for the UK for 2 years. I know, lots of grandparents have to travel to visit their families, especially their grandchildren. We have not. We are very lucky to have our three grandchildren right here, close enough that we can see them every day if we want. No trip planning, travel arrangements. And, this is since birth...we are very spoiled.

I also know there is skyp (sp?) and e-mail and phones, etc. BUT...how do you get those tight squeezes/hugs/kisses electronically?!? it is not the same.

I am very happy for them for the opportunity of this great adventure but am very selfishly sad for me and for Ron. I thought I had my head wrapped around all of this but find myself watering up when thoughts of them go traveling thru my brain. Most people that know me know that this is not me...I try to keep those emotions in control and this is blowing me away. I can not imagine what May 13th will be like when they go thru that security gate at the airport, waving goodbye...for now.

Passports are being renewed and we are now planning a trip...traveling to the UK to see them...this is new to us unlike a lot of grandparents.

Birthdays

Boy...you want to continue to have them but sometimes they are not what you want. Mine started out a little rough but ended up fine.

You can never depend on others to make your special day special...YOU have to make it special. Sometimes that is hard to do because you don't want to disappoint others.

This year Ron gave me a very expensive present without kinowing it. Edie, my best friend from Southern Arizona...around the Benson/Wilcox area,and I went garage selling (I think that should be saling not selling). Anyway we found a lot of bargains (we used to do this almost every Saturday when she lived here) and Ron had added $5 to my dollars before we left. At this garage sale there were a lot of cute things, very young gal...and she had a cute purse (pink stripped) and Edie was picking it up. I said that was really cool and I had been looking for something that size. It had $5 on it. I said "$5...maybe $4...what do you think?" Edie said pay the $5. So I did. When we got in the car she said wow that is a Kate Spade purse...which meant nothing to me. When we got home and checked on line this purse is worth about $350-$400 dollars....WHAT....there is no way.

So, I found out that Edie is definitely a purse fanatic (or whatever you would call someone that knows all about expensive purses and there's another story about that) and Ron bought me a very expensive gift without knowing it.

That was fun...old days brought back. Ron and I ate out and the day was successful....oh, and my grandkids all wished me a Happy Birthday...what more could you ask for!!!

The UK

I will have more to write about this.

Jennifer, Jon, Joe and Joci could be moving to the UK this year...actually it could be next month. You just don't move there and start working. It is amazing how many and what hoops you have to jump thru to be able to get a work visa and be "accepted" by them.

I have gone thru the "Oh NOS" and sadness of not having them here, near us. However I am now at the point of acceptance of the great adventure this is going to be. And you betcha Ron and I are in the process of renewing our passports and probably will not be traveling anywhere but there for a while.

I know that there is Skyp (sp?) but that still is not the hugs and kisses we are used to so that will be hard but it will be interesting seeing how Joe and Joci change and how they process all those changes.

It will be great for Jennifer too. I can see her writing about the move and taking photos along the way. Her blogs will be so interesting.

It is a very nice compliment for Jon as well. He will be training his company's software (I believe) and will be traveling around Europe as well.

Like I said...there will be a lot more of this subject coming.

New Offices

I know it's not brand new...our office building...we moved last October...BUT...I have to say that our office is beautiful.

We are finally getting all those little things fixed and changed, etc. Just like when you build a new home there are little things that need to be replaced and changed.

The colors are purple, green, bluegray and white. All desk and chairs are new...in fact everything is new. Artwork is wonderful. The kitchen is a full kitchen with lots of cabinets, machines, plenty of tables and chairs and even a great big TV.

We have lots of restrooms and lots of conference rooms and the conf. rooms are very up to date technical. A brand new phone system with all new phones.

Sure there are things that maybe you wish was a bit different (just like in a new home) but overall...the building is beautiful and a big confidence from Banner Corp.

Volunteering

I LOVE CFR and what it does. Monies are spent on the retreats not administration. Our national office is not in a big modern glass building, there isn't a hord of staff coming and going, there are not big machines occupying space...and, maybe it's not as impressive with their systems and databases and titles.

BUT...CFR is organized and ran by an extremely small dedicated staff and volunteers. By being non-profit and making retreats their priority they are slowly growing so that they can eventually have those big databases and systems all the while maintaining the importance of just why they are there...retreats for Breast Cancer Survivors.

However, the National Office has been able to recruite very gifted staff and are growing with their website and the ability to make it easier for future participants to apply, current retreat staff to access important information and forms and for everyone to find out about CFR thru this resource.

For every retreat there is so much preparation from the National Office to the retreats...information, paperwork, forms,followups, equipment, everything needed. They are lean and work many hours so that the participants enjoy a wonderful experience at their respective healing/wellness/recovery retreats.

It takes a lot of work by the retreat staffs and sometimes a bit overwhelming but when you attend and see and feel what each participant experiences it is soooo worth it. You come away knowing that you will continue to do this over and over.

VACATION AT HOME

WOW...it is amazing how much you can do when you are home all day for a week. I am a list person and my list was a long one I thought. However, with Ron's help, the list is almost completed.

Junk gone from the back yard, garages cleaned and organized, rooms and closets totally cleaned, drawers rearranged, clothes sorted thru, weeds pulled, even the ceiling fans are cleaned and I still have a few days to go!!! I LOVE it.

Got to do some CFR paperwork and I have a very dear friend that I am visiting with too. Ron has been great...I know that I can drive him crazy with all the "to dos" but a lot of these he also wants done so that helps. So we have been working togeher on a lot of these projects. Of course there are more to dos from completing some of the other ones...another time!!!

Got to get that Power Ball ticket for tonight...who knows I could be home a whole lot more with that win!!!!

Where to Start - Okay: CFR

Lots happening in Casting for Recovery. Arizona is planning two retreats (May and October) along with more fundraising events.

May Retreat: We have our participants, our location/facility, our staff, and finalizing all the "to dos" for that retreat. We will be training new staff members this year and are very excited about growing.

October Retreat: We have our location/facility, our staff and are working on all the details so that when October rolls around we will be ready.

It is amazing how many people are so giving in these times. I always think about back when "these times" applied than. I believe there will always be "these times" we just have to work thru them.

Events: The 2nd annual Wine Tasting will be October 1st, we will be involved with the Dirty Dogg Saloon's "bike run" in October, a Fishing Derby is being planned for late May or early June, not sure about the BUNCO event yet, an Alumni/Staff event in early November and many, many more coming. We are working on grants and will take all donations. We have to keep this recovery program alive and growing and we must have funds and volunteers in order to do this.

I will keep you posted on the events as they are finalized. Meantime...keep CFR in your minds...a recovery program for Breast Cancer "Survivors"!!!!! There is no cure yet...there are many survivors!!

Pay it Forward

Ron and I were sitting in back on our swing last week talking about our day. I talked about meetings, etc. and Ron talked about a couple of jobs and when he stopped in at the grocery store for a few items. I am sooooo proud of him.

He was in line and talking to this older lady who had gotten strawberries and refrigerated rolls. They talked about how good the strawberries were and how she and her husband loved them with the rolls.

When she got ready to pay, she did not have her wallet in her purse. She was very embarrased and said she would have to run home and come back to get them.

Ron stepped up and said no need, I'll pay for them. Needless to say she refused and did not want to accept the offer from a stranger. She had not encountered this (nor had the cashier) and was a little overwhelmed at the gesture. However she did finally accept and agreed that she would definitely "Pay it Forward" and thanked Ron for his generosity to a stranger.

Now the bill was only around $7 but the amount didn't matter...the feeling he had was priceless.

I hope we all have a chance to "Pay it Forward" and receive that wonderful feeling.

I AM BACK!!!!

YES, I am alive!!

WOW, August 9th was the last time I have posted. Sorry, time just passes toooooo quickly.

Lots has happened. Ron and I went to Florida on vacation. Our entire office moved 19 miles south into a new building and I was the move "go to" person. Our little ones are growing like weeds. I have been chosen as one of three women to win the Harlequin Romance "more than words" award for 2012. Recognition and dollars for Casting for Recovery. Kitty Weimelt and I are co-coordinators for the Arizona Casting for Recovery program. CFR had their national conference here in Arizona in October. Got lots going on with CFR. Just got back from 5 days at the Phoenix International Sports Expo at the Cardinal's stadium. Going to have two retreats this year so lots of planning to do too.
Changing PCP...this is big to me. I have been with my doc for about 15 years. Just feel a change is needed.
And why is time flying by so fast???

Anyway, I promise more to come very very soon.