Melissa, thanks for the birthday wishes. Jim, I won't be coming to LGBG Saturday, the weather will be too nice and I have SOOOOOO much to do. Carla, my day was actually quite aggravating. I was so happy when I finally got to take a soak in my hot tub. But my wonderful puppy discovered a new game. She would roll her tennis ball around in her mouth until it was good and slimy. Then she would take it over to the pile of composted horse manure and roll the ball around in it. Fortunately I saw her coming before she actually dropped it in the tub. But of course when I tossed it, she repeated the process over and over. Sue, what a lovely sentiment and your poeticus is beautiful. Joe, your photos are always so intensely gorgeous. I don't know how you achieve the depth and crispness of that picture. Judith, that is a beautiful rose, what is it? Does it smell as wonderful as it looks? Robert, our friendship brings me great happiness, love you too. Kathy

There's a special place in heaven for Baseball Moms Ter! - with big ole missed birthday cakes and Eric Ripert serving Pacific Coast Fishies in a tux ;-). Hope you get to find a little window thats all about you or a homerun that has a "Hi Mom" moment all over it. ((((((((((((())))))))))))))

Well THANK YOU everyone!! I miss you guys too - I just don't cook much these days. My job is settling down a lot though, so I hope to crack out the spatulas again soon. I had a nice bday ~ last night went out with family to Jilly's Cupcakes - had a killer brisket sandwich and a big ol' honkin' mocha cupcake. Tonight went out with my best friend to an Asian joint, where I am certain I ordered the absolute HOTTEST dish on the menu. Whew! Then we went back to my house and had Gooey Butter Cake (a St. Louis thing), and Latte Choc. Chip ice cream :) I look forward to tomorrow at work, because I am pretty certain there is a coffee ice cream cake in my future! (hmmm...is there a theme here?)

Oh gosh, I'm so sorry I've not been over here to chat with you two! I came by a couple of times but seemed no one had been here so I didn't post. Belle, so glad you are home. What a blessing you are to your Mom and neice. That raffle was a great idea, I would never have thought to do something like that to help the family with all the expenses. So glad it was successful. Anj, the situation with your back sure doesn't sound good right now. You poor thing having to go through so much pain and your family is always so busy too. Loved that your friend thought of you and brought you those bins of wood cutouts, books and paints! Woo Hoo! I would have been green with envy too, but the most I've done with my books for the last year is look at them, so know I don't NEED more. LOL With that said, I did end up buying myself a late birthday present and got another Renee Mullins book. I haven't even painted the designs from the last one I bought, but I can't resist her cute designs. This one is little signs/banners painted on the Roc Lon that Belle had used. Belle, can you tell me where you bought yours? I googled it and got drapery lining sites and I looked at Hobby Lobby online because I have a gift card and nothing came up. Of course I know these can be painted on wood and other things too, just thought it might be fun to try the Roc Lon. Gosh, all three of us have Cricuts now. We are going to have to share pics of our creations with it sometime too. Belle, I haven't made much this past year, but I did make a few cards and was pleased with them. Still want to do more, although they do take a bit of time. Good way to make smaller things and use up scraps too. What do you use for words? So far I've just used some rubber stamps--but I always hold my breath hoping that I get it on straight and it doesn't smear! LOL I love doing the vinyl lettering on glass and I've made several 2x4 block sayings--those get pretty heavy if you put too many sets in one storage box so be warned! Anj, I bet your kids like using your's don't they? Will really come in handy for some of those school projects too. Belle, I want to go back and relook at some of the items you had made for the boutique. You sure did some cute stuff I remember. Anj, I'm surprised you remembered my little sign. It's still hanging on my side gate outside. Will be a cute design on a can. I can't wait to see all the neat projects you are making for the sale. We are doing pretty good here. February was the one year anniversary of DH's diagnoses. We've come a long way in that year. Was a real learning curve for me in so many ways, but with lots of good helpers and prayers, we are doing pretty good. Sort of settled into a routine, and as soon as I finish the rest of my organizing projects, I'll be ready to do some painting projects. Actually, I'm ready now, been thinking about it and wanting to for awhile, but just haven't gotten started. I do feel proud of my accomplishments though. Got the office/computer room rearranged, cleaned, and put a twin bed in there. I still have boxes of cords and wires in the garage to dispose of and a few more file drawers to sort through, but nearly completed. Then I sorted tools and kept only what I thought I might need and gave away the rest. Let son have first pick, then neighbor's nephew, the guy who helped with the motor home and my contractor neighbor on the corner all took some and I donated the rest. Now I'm doing the golf stuff. Kept DH's most recent bag and a few hats, shoes, golf balls etc. just in case he might ever wonder about them. (very unlikely, but makes me feel better to not get rid of all his toys) Have three of his golfing buddies coming on the 5th to see him and I'll let them take whatever they want then probably donate the remainder to one of the schools that have golf classes. DH had way more than he needed, five golf bags full of clubs, six pairs of shoes, lots of gloves, tees, balls, towels, hats, etc. Just no use in having them sit around unused. Anj, I saw the birthday greeting. Thank you for your kind wishes. This one made me officially Medicare old! LOL Mentally, I can't believe I'm that old--but there are days I feel even older! LOL I'll make sure I get by here more often this next week. Need to see Belle's answer about the Roc Lon fabric for sure. Luvs