Greetings, Angie. I've been here several years, but can't recall you ... glad you've returned, though. I hope that you enjoy this place: we mostly have a lot of fun here ... and find some good friends. Learn a lot of stuff, too. ole joyful ... 80 plus, ex- passed away a few years ago, 2 grown kids, one in AZ (has U.S. passport) ... live alone, enjoying good health, usually have substantial garden

Ya'll...it was the VERY least I could do for our Bumpkin...Sandy...my car was full to the brim with love and hugs along with Monkey Bread and a Breakfast Casserole...I was so empty driving home Thursday evening, I picked up the cell and let an internet bud keep me company till I was almost in my driveway.. Jenni, I looked for Glenda but didn't see her and forgot to ask Bump if she had come for the viewing...Bump said it got to a point where they had to direct traffic during the viewing... The funeral was such a comforting time...Since I didn't know another soul, I picked a spot in the back of the church and when I looked up, there was a wonderful video running of Ronnie's life. I had a perfect view and just watched it over and over till the funeral started....Andy's minister did the most incredible thing I've ever seen done during a funeral service...After several minutes of speaking, he had us stand and give Ronnie a standing ovation...I felt like we clapped Ronnie to heaven. Then he proceded to speak and by the end, I felt like I really knew Ronnie, he was such a loved and respected man. I was doing pretty good until I realized, his mother was in that church and that broke my heart...No mother should have to bury their child...it's a kinship she and Bumpkin both share as Bump had to bury a 5 day old son several years ago. Now her husband's grave is right beside their sons.... While Bumpkin and her family made a short trip back to the cemetary I got to explore her little town and see where she works...I enriched the towns economy a bit by purchasing some of their candles and of course a PURSE. I'm not a purse person, but they had these purses that looks like the Rag Quilt Wanda-Va made and sent me...I couldn't pass it up! It's a great little town and even has a "LIZZIE'S BARBEQUE" which of course I had to stop and take a picture of the sign....which I'll soon be framing soon!! Near my little town is a "Country Bumpkin's Cafe" I've got to go over and take a picture of that sign and send it to her...How ironic. As sad of a day as it was, we all congregated on Bump's wonderful screen porch after the services. I sat with Bumpkin, her sister, her Best friend, her daughter and son and we shared some good laughs and remberances before I made the trip home. It's pretty obvious Ronnie will be sorely missed. Bump is surrounded by friends and family who love her as well as all of us here...I hope during her times of loneliness she realizes we're all here for her and will reach out should she need us.

Jodi, interesting that you mention the T-shirts. Correct me if I am wrong, please. When Spike first started the KT, there was no charge. Later, in order for him to be able to "pay the bills" which were getting higher all the time, he started the $15 fee. Then T-shirts were offered fo sale to help raise money, but I don't remember the price, because as much as I appreciated the forums, I don't wear any T-Shirts with advertizing logos. I do remember you made the iron ons. About the $15 fee, I could not understand why anyone who could afford a computer, and the cost of the internet provider, could not come up with $15 a year for these great forums, and so I never offered to pay for any one to join. And so Spike sold to iVillage. Although things here have gotten better, still proof that we get what we pay for. Sue

You have all been so welcoming, and after my day at work - it is very appreciated! o.k. - let's see - feel free to call me "hosta" for short, and I will ask DH to post a pic of our Molly. I will also ask DH to post recipes - any requests? He actually was a chef for many years, now cooks for me and family & guests. We have a veggie garden, and I preserve alot - canning & freezing. We also have fruit bushes & trees - raspberries, blueberries, pears, cherries, grapes, elderberries, currants & I hope someday apples - we can't seem to get an apple that is not misshapen from our trees. We both work too many hours, and I am also a grad student -finally getting my Master's! Both of my DDs & I are in school - DD #1 (age 24) for her Master's - she is a teacher, and DD #2 (age 18) undergrad at Univ of Buffalo - who here lives N of Pittsburgh, went to UB & has s sister in Erie? I will look back soon to find out - but I send a special "HI" right now. DH has 2 kids - DstepS is married with 3 kids - a DGD, age 7 & twin GS, age 4. DH has a DD age 33 - lives in Orlando. I am glad to be among such warm peeps - thanks!