Good afternoon! It's 91 F. and sunny here in SE Texas. Where did our "Spring" go??? Everybody has been so busy this week! I'm impressed with those of you who have stayed on your eating plan, worked out regularly, and are feeling positive about things. That's the kind of incentive and motivation I like! I attended our community center's Mother's Day luncheon today. We had a style show first, clothes from Palais Royal, then a lovely high tea/luncheon. Very much "lady foods", but it was all scrumptious! Today I sat with a table of people I've met briefly during this past year, so I had a chance to get to know them much better today. I was the "baby" at the table at 61, and the oldest one was 93. Most of the other 6 women were in their high 70's and 80's. These women are very active in the community and never seem to slow down. They are such an inspiration to me. Tonight I'm going to spend the evening with our friend Susanne helping her get things ready for our ESA state convention next week. I had promised her when Larry was so sick that I would go with her to this if he wasn't up to it, and I will. I'll be staying at night with my son and DDIL while in Dallas, and that will be the only time I'll get to see them while there, but it's better than nothing! Dee, I hope they don't dump too much extra work onto you. Time for another cruise, isn't it? LOL I'm going to see my granddaughters and son and DDIL tomorrow after cohosting a youth banjo concert at our church. Pray for me in the morning because I have to bake 5 dozen chocolate chip cookies!!!!! The doorbell just rang, and it was FedEx with a gift from oldest Dson and DDIL - 3 living, blooming African violets and a wooden collector's box. My DDIL really knows me well and Dson always trusts her taste. If I don't get a chance to post tomorrow or Sunday, I wish everyone here a Happy Mother's Day, whether you're a bio-mom, stepmom, or furbaby mom!

Happy Friday everyone! Thank you for your words of encouragement. I have lots of support and a friend who wants to join me at the AA meeting. I am looking forward to going and hope with all my heart I will take this seriously and not just go through the motions. Part of me thinks I can handle a beer but a larger part knows it is not in my best interest. It sure as heck can't hurt to attend. Especially now that I am working on a spiritual journey which fits right in. Jan don't worry about the cat. Just do the best you can. If you sit with the cat each visit for a few minutes the cat will get used to you. Each cat has it's own personality. If the cat seems distressed in any way don't be shy to call your neighbours or the vet. They sleep alot normally. Donna, I feel for you knowing how hard it must be. My dad was a binge drinker. It was hell on us when those episodes hit. I agree it's one day at a time. I am responsible for myself, no one else is. The same goes for anyone with an addiction or abuse problem. It does help knowing people care. I am okay right now - probably more now than I have been in years. Raeanne, it's not the gift that counts - it's the way it is accepted. Given the economy right now may I suggest you could ask these folk to make a donation to support a local food shelter, charity basket in your name? Let them know you appreciated the gifts of the past year but this year you would like to start something new given how hard times are affecting many people. If you do get some baskets anyway and don't want them - take them to a shelter, seniors home. They won't go to waste. I dunno, just a suggestion. My MIL asked what I wanted this year - I know she won't accept 'just a place at the dinner table and family'...I suggested a gift card to a home centre so I could spend it in the spring on my garden. She liked that idea. I won't waste it. Better than pj's that don't fit or one too many potholder/dishtowel sets. Happy Saturday! (I started this last night....) It's raining this weekend. Luckily I got my yard work done, minor things left now before the snow flies. Today I am going to take stuff to my charity shop, do a little retail therapy there and when I come home - who knows. I'll see what mischief awaits. DH is putting new trim around our livingroom window and sanding a couple of spots we touched up on the walls to prepare for painting. I'm sending all of my pals Happy Happy Thoughts today! LOL Will check in again later. Cheers, Peggy

Lovely pix today everyone....heres another oldie from the vault....a red-winged blackbird letting me know that I am much too close to the nest...

Great pics today. Bluejays can be pretty funny! Good shot Wanda! This is a picture of my back yard a few years ago. It still looks pretty much like this in the summer - unfortunately the lake had to be drained by about 12 feet so the water doesn't come up as far as it did then.