HEY GANG, I'm back!!! THANK-YOU!!! All of you!!!! Yes, I was on vacation! Just spent 4 wonderful days on the island on Mille Lacs with friends, what a relaxing way to spend my birthday :) Read, walked, played cards and cribbage, ate great food, listened to great music (Fleetwood Mac included!), drank some good wine (ok, lots), and hugged the dogs,(and tossed lots of sticks). Went from 90, hot and great swimming, to 63 on Sat so we could have a fire in the fireplace(45 at night). Doesn't get much better than that....... And I learned a new recipe....instead of S'mores.... Double Stuff Mint Oreos--twist a cookie apart, toast 1 marshmallow--place it between the 2 halves...squish... :) :) :) :) Thanks again for all the warm wishes! Sarah

My,my, my, How did I get so lucky? Kate, I really like garden scenes, thank you! Beautiful daylilys. Kate, Joe's and Pug's Kate, LOL. Thank you sweet one. Maureen, is that daylily one that you grow? Carla

Actually, I did celebrate all weekend, and dear Jerry made me a wonderful dinner of porcini mushroom risotto, asparagus with sweet red onion-lemon vinaigrette, a wonderful mixed salad and for desert, and chocolate cake and Blue Bell ice cream. What more can a girl ask for! Oh, fine company with his cousins, that's what. We spent a few days up in Tahlequah, and just got back tonight. We did a little work on the house, but mostly visited with friends and watched hummingbirds fight with each other over the flowers. Thanks everyone for your kind thoughts and birthday wishes. Sally

oh, you'll love it! very different than where there's lots of green grass and tons of trees. I'm sure you've looked at pics of the area tho. I grew up in the Midwest. one trip out here and i was hooked! just love it. I sold the house, packed up stuff, kids and dogs and moved west! I'd love seeing pics of it as it is today. If I ever win the lottery, I'll hire someone to drive me up there and spend a day or 2. you're sure welcome - and you should have good weather. will still be nice here - and even cooler up there. nice for hiking and driving around looking at places. Check online ahead of time and see what the coming week's weather is. don't forget your camera!