Wow, Suzanne, what beautiful photos! What kind of camera is it? I need a new camera soon. Just ordered a new computer from Dell, though. I'm glad it's on it's way. I think about you all every day, so I don't know why I don't come by more. I guess I keep intending to write more and end up writing none because I don't take the time to write more, whatever sense that makes. Dear BJ, thanks so much for thinking of me and sending me a family update and pics! I was happy to hear from you! I even got so far as writing a note back and then I wasn't sure about the address, so here it still sits. I'm making progress in Second Life, and Myst Online - Uru is ending again. Guess they still couldn't make the finances stretch. Today a couple of Uru refugees came and visited me at my SL island. I was going to wait to post til I could post some pics, but it doesn't seem to be happening, so here I am without pics. My younger son is getting into virtual world programming and just took a job with a company called Soul Star or Soulstar, not sure which. They have a tool for creating virtual worlds and he is going to help them debug it. Part of my problem with posting is that I try to do more than I realistically can, and then things don't get done. I guess I've pretty much always been like that. Still staying as much as I can with low carb. It seems the way for me, and lots of vegies, like spinach, lettuch, parsley, zucchini, etc. Money still is short, especially since I spend it on paints, books, music, second life, etc. instead of clothes and food :) At least I pay rent, utilities, phone and internet, lol. I hope everyone is doing okay. Dave's been telling me how cold it's been in WI. Strange that isn't a part of my life anymore. I'll try to come back soon and post pics so y'all will know what I do with my days. I'm exhibiting in SL now and hoping to make enough money to at least cover what I'm spending. That's about what I do in FL, too. Oddly, I tend to stay away from people, even though I like people. I guess we all have some conflicting characteristics in us. Take care and I'll be back. :) Amy

My snow is receding and I can see some green plants along the edge of my garden!!!!!!! Still have snowbanks but they are now meeting their match. Even got out the back door today!!! We're at 6'C or 41'F and sunny. I have windows open to air the house out! Even my seedlings are happy. Almost able to get the gate open to the back yard. Still lots of snow but spring temperatures are finally pushing throw. Milkdud I could sure use some of your weather to find my garden beds! Yeah Patti, it's been slow on this board - yesterday was also a lovely day in Ottawa, my Dave suggested a nice afternoon car ride to soak up the sun and do some shopping. He got a new 3 horsepower air compressor. No more junky workshop tools, I have too many page tips folded over in his woodworking magazines!!! (He'll see them eventually). This summer he is finishing my kitchen cabinets to complete our cabinet reno. Last summer he built a pull out drawer pantry which I just love. I should be painting this afternoon - more walls but I feel like cleaning and sorting - at either rate I'll be doing something to keep moving. Got another very kind comment from a friend that I'm looking slimmer. My scales are still holding but that is just fine with me. I'll take every teaspoon a week at a time of weight loss if that's what my body wants to do. Slow and steady as they say. Also considering going through more seed packets. Now that the sun is getting stronger I can start using the back windowsills. Forgive all my garden talk - it motivates me to stay the course because I want to lose the weight so I can garden without my hip grinding. I'm also scheduled to help plant spring gardens at hotels and businesses downtown with a friend and that is grueling - 8 hour days of bending, digging and hauling plants...so more incentive to tone up. If I don't post some days - please know I'm here in spirit! Have a fantastic day today! Milkdud, I'm glad to hear your little one is on the mend.

I hope that it's been a memorable birthday - for all of the best reasons. I hope also that you made some memories that you can bring out to enjoy later. ole joyful

Thanks ya'll for the wonderful birthday wishes!! I always take my birthday off...one of these days I'm gonna fly and bring cake for the entire plane...maybe on my 60th! Ya'll come join me!