Maddie, How sorry I feel for you, Rog, and the rest of your family. Rog must be inconsolable. Your words describing him were wonderful. NHSuzanne was right about passing when doing something you love, with someone you love. It might be the one bright spot you and Rog can hang tight to. Like Marci's FIL, my brother passed doing something he loved--being on the ocean in Alaska. Jan- I've heard of many people having dreams of deceased loved ones, in a comforting setting. They say it's the brain's emotional way of coping, but who knows? Maybe it IS the person visiting from the after-death world. We may know if science keeps advancing at the rate it's going. And like you, I read the obits when I get my hands on the big city papers--some people's life stories are so interesting...I like the creative obits that REALLY tell a story. AND...Congrats about your Delta Burke swallowing you (!) Have fun swimsuit shopping. Milkdud--BLESS YOUR HEART for doing VBS! When I was a child growing up in a small village, we looked forward to attending many sorts of VBSs when the missionaries came to our village. I still remember the songs and activities. VBS's lessons makes a life-long impact on children and how they treat humans and animals and fosters a love of music that lasts forever! Your "high" tea sounds wonderful! How fun! QOD: The 4th--- We have a big parade that lasts and hour and a half in my new little town! Before that, a pancake brekky at the fire house and afterward, a BBQ at the historical museum lawn. Later, a BIG fireworks show on the water. Lots going on around town, so we're going to take the family and make it Baby V's biggest 4th ever! It'll likely be the last one we spend with him, so we want to cherish it. HAVE A SAFE AND SANE 4th, everyone. Has anyone "seen" our resident firecracker, Patti? I'm worried about her lack of checkin' in. And Besh---where, oh, where are you?

If we can include Friday, then I got to sew this past weekend!! It has been ages since I had the better part of the day to do nothing but sew!! I did have to shuffle kids around a little and make them some lunch, but it was very quiet for the most part. My dh went with a friend to pick up a new truck in NC and didn't get home until 10pm. It was soooo nice. Saturday we took the boat out and Sunday after church we took the kids to see Brave. Wonderful movie if you haven't seen it. I'm planning a camping trip for my Girl Scout troop for next weekend, so not much sewing this week or next weekend.

I'm not familiar with her work, her approach to it is unusual, to be able to create on a schedule is something I could not to. But then I don't consider myself a writer - I scribble and I like to keep a journal - it's nothing disciplined. But it's like that or me pretty much in every day life, the dog and cats make me keep a feeding schedule, that's all.

If time-travel would be a possibility, Tocquille might have been here! Already the first quote had me captivated. Thanks, Don.