Pesky, you made me laugh with that story!! Actually his sister, his dad and I ended up 'giving' my son our entire night's sleep on his birthday, which was a school night for all of us. As I mentioned his sister drove him and 3 friends to a local party area (Coconut Grove for those who know Miami) for College Night which is every Thursday. They called her to come pick them up at 1 am(!), and of course I couldn't get to sleep till everybody was back home at close to 2 am. Then one of his buddies ended up staying over at our house since he wasn't in any shape to drive. Buddy started wandering around at 4 am, waking my husband up who then had to put him back to bed. Husband naturally couldn't get back to sleep...and wake up time for daughter and me is 6:15 am anyway. Yawn. When all was said and done nobody got much sleep but my son had a great and safe birthday! Ann

Wodka - I lost my sister when she was 42 and I was 40, she also had a hard life, but had totally gotten her act together when she was hit with pancreatic cancer. I do understand what you are saying and want you to know that I keep you and your sister in my thoughts and prayers. Make the most of the time you spend with her and leave the regrets behind. Marci - yes work is still extremely busy still. You must be so excited to be seeing DD soon. I have my fingers crossed for the right assistant to come your way. I know how hard that process is. I went through 4 before finding the perfect one. Besh - glad you had a good birthday, still waiting for details LOL. QOD - tonight our friends picked us up at our dock and took us to an island for a fantastic picnic and lots of laughs. The evening was perfect, warm and no humidity and the lake was as flat as it gets. Tomorrow I have yet another darn art show LOL, as well as Sunday morning. I don't have any firm plans but they will definitely involve more lake time. Suzanne - did you ever read "Soul of the Horse - Life's lessons" or something close to that. I just ordered for my DD's birthday. I should've asked you first LOL. I hope SP, Casey and all the critters are doing well. Milkdud - I had eggplant parmesan last night and had it again for breakfasts and lunch today - I love love love eggplant. Dee - your director got it right! I am so happy that they appreciate you and recognize your importance. Doing a happy happy dance for you and all the money you will be rolling in come this fall LOL. Milkdud - I never heard of Slap Yo Mama seasoning but I know it has to be good if it's anything like the steak rub you sent me LOL. I know your DDIL is a gem, but she is mighty lucky to have you as a MIL. McPeg - I feel for you and your sleepless nights - it is so hard to function like that. I hope that pattern ends soon. It is hard being a woman - I don't know too many men with that problem. Jen - it doesn't seem possible that our little nieces are that old. WOW Patti - I will check out the eggplant pizza recipe. I have been busy at work and play. Our friends from FL just left yesterday and my DD from San Diego will be coming home next weekend. We just can't seem to get any down time lately. It is sad when I actually enjoy being normal and cooking and cleaning LOL. Love to all, I do miss you when I am not here.

Hi everybody!! First off, Gretchen ((((( )))))!! I am so sorry to hear of your loss! Sending good thoughts and prayers to you and your family. NHSuzanne, CONGRATS on your 10 lb loss! That is wonderful! Jen, I hope those headaches are history! Well, Ahem..... Thank you all for the wonderful birthday wishes! I woke up this morning early and right after my 2nd cup of coffee there was a knock at the door. A big box was on my doorstep! Thank you, thank you, thank you Jen!! The first thing i opened was the lovely card with pictures of Jen's BEAUTIFUL girls Tara and Erica. These two are real Cutie Pies! Everything came so beautifully wrapped. There is a real garden theme here...Everything in pastels: a multi colored pastel picture frame with a butterfly and flower pot. Next was a package of tea candles to go with the darling potpourri burner that is also pastel and bedecked with butterflies. Then 5 different scented wax potpourri discs for the burner, all shaped like little pies, all smelling good enough to eat; honeydew/melon,french vanilla,golden spiced pear,fruitberry/spiced pear and spiced pumpkin. last but not least is a little ceramic crock which matches everything else! Jen said that her girls helped pick out the gifts and I must say, Tara and Erica have excellent taste! Jen, I love everything! The frame awaits the "perfect picture" and sits on my desk. The potpourri burner is in use as I write this, I chose honeydew/melon for today. The little crock sits on my bedside table.I have yet to master my digital camera. I will TRY to post pics. Thank you soooo much. I am enjoying our emails, too. I went out for breakfast with friends, lunch with DD, got my nails done and am getting ready for a dinner out with a some friends. Another friend has invited me out for breakfast tomorrow and there will be a small party at Sunday school. DS has been away at camp for the week (HIS birthday was Wednesday)and we have a family party planned for NEXT weekend.lol! So, you see, I plan to celebrate ALL WEEK LONG!! Marci, you have outdone yourself with that marquee. I printed it out. Who knows when I might see my name in lights again? DeeMarie, Age? I'm old enough to know better but too young to resist!! Ha Ha!! Raeanne, That ornament WAS tacky, but lets not overlook it's practical aspect. You never know when you might need "one of those"! Still no word from BJ. I hope she is having a good trip and that we can hook up here. Thank you all so much, Love, Tikanas

Foggyj & Tom, hope your birthday was everything you hoped it would be. Mine was. Family including grands and great grands; we went to Sherando Lake Recreation Area; which is in the Blue Ridge Mountains and is very close to us. Weather was perfect, lots of fun, and good food, none of which I had to fix. I hit mile marker 87, aiming for at last 90! Unfortunately my DH lost his battle with colon cancer back in 1982, so that ended any anniversary celebrations, but it is never forgotten. Jasdip, you mentioned double prezzies. When we were married I told my DH that TWO gifts would always be expected! Thank you all for the good wishes. Sue