catching up

funny....i must have missed a setting when I set up this Blog....the times that are listed are not correct....not that it really matters, I just find it funny when I look back and know I couldn't possibly have posted that message at that hour!

Anyway, I just read Juliette's Blog for the first time....she is very brave, much braver than me. She has a lot on her plate right now. It is a most helpless feeling when you can't think of a damn thing to do for your friend, like take away some of the fear or anger or worry. I recently got some news about another friend, Paul, that has lung cancer. That is a really tough one. My dear friend Hank in TN is also trying very hard to get through another round of chemo and radiation....it's been 10 years for him. I guess I am just writing these things to put them in perspective. I feel very positive about Juliette's Breast Cancer...in my heart I know she will overcome this and be well. I wish I felt that way about Hank and Paul.

With all this concern for others, I am so glad I love to get up early in the morning and watch the birds, drink my coffee, get my husband off to work, sit with my puppies, check my email, check my facebook and plan out my day. Each day just renews my spirit. Of course, nothing reaches me like Music....my Jukeboxes are so much a part of me. Tonight Tad and I had dinner on the deck (thank goodness for spring) listening to the Beatles on the Jukebox and "P.S. I Love You" came on and at the same time we looked at each other and sang in unison....You, YOu, YOU. Isn't that sweet? Of course he had to go off on some weird chorus!

I am really tired tonight, a full day at Father Connelly's, Teaching, Dinner, Dogs for a walk and trying to focus the Telescope on Saturn...Tad got it spot on and you can see the rings perfectly. Clean up this kitchen and then get in BED!

Adidas Sandals

Today I bought a new pair of Adidas Sandals....I had my old one for about 6 years and they finally broke last fall. It's great to look down and see my new Sandals....little things give great joy!

Spring Recital

I just realized last night there are only 4 week left before the Spring Recital, Yikes! The Prep work for the Rehearsal, American Piano Idol, the programs and the never-ending encouragement to each student is draining and time consuming, however worth it in the end. I am feeling a little "burned out" and wish I could come up with another job that paid as well and gave me the freedom to pick and choose my hours. In other words, "stop bitching" Jackie!

My Mom

Today marks the 9th year since my Mom's passing in 2001. To be honest, it's the first year I haven't had a pit in my stomach...I think it's because my Dad's with her now. Every now and then I still react to something and think, "I have got to call Mom or Dad and let them know". I guess that really doesn't go away.

Annie the Bulldog

I moved a couple chairs into the back side-yard so I could get out of the chilly breeze and warm up in the sun. As I am drifting off I hear a grunt and groan and yes....Annie is sitting in the chair next to me enjoy the warm sun also......who ever said Bulldogs can't jump!

Emily's return

I talked to Emily, she soooo loves Seattle and I just hate that she has to come home. I wish we had more $$ to help out our kids but I also realize making it on your own is soooo much sweeter in the end. She will appreciate her Dream if she achieves it on her own. It will be hard to live here at home after being completely independent for the last 9mo. I will have to remember she is a grown woman and having her live here will be like having company????? is that how I should look at it?????

I think her sisters will be so happy to have her back here. I think Abby has missed her the most. Emily is a really good sister most of the time. If the truth be known, she misses the dogs more than us people. Who can blame her for that, their love is unconditional. For as hard as we humans try, we attach all kinds of strings to relationships and that includes family members....I get it.....that's where the phrase "Family Ties" comes from!!!

my first blog

I figured with 7 kids and 6 1/2 grandchildren, a wonderful group of friends and extended family members I should have a blog. Why not, lots of people have blogs. I don't have anything urgent to post but seems most of my days are fun, busy and meaningful.

One of the main reasons I started the blog today is my good friend Juliette has been diagnosed with breast cancer and she wants a blog. I figured I will be very involved in her uphill climb and will keep it real on my blog.

Today in the Aqua Fit class we were laughing about her double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery for new boobs. She needs lots of fat to replace her boobs cause she doesn't want saline. I told her only a good friend like me would be willing to donate my Belly Fat to her cause. She could easily walk away a DD! Now THAT's a GREAT friend to give up that much Belly Fat.