Kathy from Valrico, Florida, USA

ps Congratulations to you, Rob and Ebony on the occasion of her Graduation. A toast with bubbly - To Ebony. Well done to you all.

kathy~~~thanks for stopping by my page. we wondering if he was comming on willies birthday, that was true. but i would like to tell you first, we got a call about an half hour ago and she has been admitted to the hospital and he is for sure on his way today. its too early to call anyone, just wanted to tell someone. thanks for being intrested kathy. i will make the announcement on the site as soon as i hear!!! have a good day honey!

congrats to ebony on her graduation!!!

Kathy, what a great puppy picture! How cute is that? I'll never understand people who aren't animal lovers...
We leave on Friday evening, and I'm pretty much organized, keeping our suitcases and ironed clothes in a closed bedroom so our cats won't get upset! Looking so forward to this trip after what seems to have been a hectic few months--some wine sampling should fix us right up. Hope to take plenty of pictures, then lovely Mamacita has volunteered to walk me through the resizing business so I can post them. (Honestly, I'm completely useless with a computer, but I can type like a whiz!) I'll trust you to keep the puzzlers in line until I get back on the 28th!

Kathy, Being a grandma is great! Being a MIL, not so great. Bergen is wonderful. I have added the pictures to Flickr, so you can see. Ebony is really growing! Life isn't dull at your house!

Hi Kathy, thanks for the visit! Jerry says thank you for the birthday greeting as well! My daughter with the long red curly hair in my son's graduation picture will be a sophmore at Boston College. The graduation picture of Ebony is very cute! Are all of the health problems taken care of? Have a great weekend!

Hi Kathy. Thank you so much for dropping by and wishing me a great birthday. It was a very good b/day. I have been for a two day break since then and came home to another celebration with family. I ended up with a week long birthday!!!
I love the photo of Ebony in her graduation cap. So cute and obviously a very smart girl. Congratulations to her. and a treat for Ebony.

lol Kathy; I stopped by to see how Ebony was doing and I am pleasantly surprised to find the photo of her graduation. Giver her a big hug from us.

Nitro started school today. Too many friendly dogs. I think he got an F in conduct. Nitro decided to be the social butterfly. Too Funny!
Take good care my friend.

Hi, Kathy!

Thanks for the message. We had a great turnout for our round-robin: 34 people. We had five rounds of tennis, each consisting of seven mixed doubles, one ladies' doubles and one men's singles. I didn't play until the last round. I hadn't planned to play at all, but one of the players had to leave early, so I filled in. My hand did fine. In fact, I played last Thursday night, too, but I'm still nursing my injury so that I'll be normal (whatever THAT is) by our fall season - which starts in two weeks.

I haven't spent any time at all in Sudokuland the past few days because I'm trying to get all our teams in shape for the season. We always lose and gain a bunch of players before each season, so it takes a couple of weeks to fill in all the vacancies!

I hope you're still planning to stop over here in October on your way to Fripp. I'm really looking forward to meeting you and Rob! As I mentioned earlier, Jaime and I would love to have you over for dinner that Friday night, and I will set up a tennis match Saturday morning.

Congratulations to Ebony on her graduation! She is looking so happy and healthy now!

Cheers!
Jane

Thank you so much for thinking of me, and missing my posts. Yep, I'm busy again with sewing costumes, it just never ends. I'm currently working on the costumes for this years end of year ballet concert. Little Emily is no longer little, she has been moved up to join the senior group, so more costumes are required than previous years, think there is 9 different outfits this year..OUCH! Her world tour assignment has been handed in, and are still awaiting the teachers grade on them, will let you all know once we have received it.
Hope you are all well, and I will try and catch up again soon.

Kathy, Thank you for your best wishes for James 18th birthday. It's so hard to think that my "baby" is all grown up now. He seems to be relishing the fact that he is an "adult" and has decided that the nightclubs are his next step. He is heading there with his mates on Friday night and will be joined by another mate at 12:01 when he turns 18 on Saturday (don't they make you laugh).
Reggie made me laugh when he jumped on me the other day. He came in and spotted me and you could see this look come across his face (mummeeeeeee!!) and he just launched himself. I didn't mind the mud too much. At least you can always bleach a white shirt.
Reggie is still a sook. He likes to join me on the couch and lay on my lap with his head in the crook of my arm. He is a BIG beagle - weighs about 19kg - about 42lbs - and really strong. We have to use a halter around his head to walk him - he just pulls on the lead. (I'm still convinced he failed puppy pre-school). He is such a friendly dog that everyone at the dog off-leash park loves him - he just wants to play with all the other dogs. This wet weather is so hard for him as he is housebound and bored to destruction.
Oh well, we love him, even when he is naughty. He just turns his puppy dog eyes on us and I just turn to putty. Kevin is a bit stronger - he sends him to his bed for time out. We just treat like a young child - even though we know he's a dog. He is definitely part of our family.

Thank you for the Birthday Wishes last week. I had dinner with Mom that evening. She then flew up to Portland, OR for a Class Reunion (68th) and flew back for the wedding on Saturday of her only grand-nephew (my cousin’s son – 41, first marriage). Mom (85) refused to take a nap after getting up at 3 am for the flight back and insisted on driving (through Los Angeles to Orange County) for the wedding – she still drives fast. By the time we got to there we were not speaking & the drive back was even worse – getting home around midnight. The wedding & reception was wonderful (so was the beach party the night before, which Mom had missed). Dad always said the reason we fight, was because we are so much alike – both strong willed women. But, we will always love each other. I left Tuesday, had a meeting in No. Calif. Wednesday afternoon, and decided to camp at Burney Falls State Park – making my dog happy, before returning home. The back is still bothering me – but no violent pains – more of the gnawing variety and when standing up after sitting too long (so there were a lot of stops on the way down and on the way home). Thanks for the good wishes – I’m safe if not sound.

Congratulations to Ebony. She looks thrilled & happy. I'm sure a delight to be around.

Kathy, I would have had Dos Equis, but it was before noon ... I had Iced Tea. No mention from Judy about hurt feelings. With the wedding, she's been busy. I'll bet that's all it is. I'd love to see Blake do well. It feels like he's right on the edge. But then, I think that way about Roddick too most times. It seems no matter how good they get, the ones above them keep getting that much better as well.

Hi Kathy. I'm finally back online with my new knee. Thanks for dropping by. I became a nun after being married and raising children. My children all support me in this move and I am so happy to have experience in both worlds.

Hey Kathy, Thanx for the good wishes on our wedding anniversary! I agree that my parents are still and have been such a great example for all of us. We had a luncheon for friends and family on the 18th - it was great, fortunately I just love entertaining. I leave you now with a bottle SPIER Chenin Blanc wine and a huge boquet of flowers from sunny South Africa! Take care

Hi Kathy ,
Yes, Chen was beautiful. Someone abandoned her when she was very small and kids took her to school and fed her and loved her. But one day parents complained - they didnt want the kids to play with an unknown puppy , so the " authority " came , wanted to catch her and put her to sleep. Fortunately for her , I was near and heard . I said : Over my dead body , so...I took her home. At that time we already had a dog, Lady Di - my big love ! But...I took Chen - this was the name the kids gave her - and we all ( including Lady ) had many years of real happiness. Lady was put to sleep in 2000 , she was also 16 years old.

Hi Kathy! Great picture of Ebony. You must be so proud! All is well here in Virginia. We plan to head North next week. I sure hate to leave here. It is so beautiful and we have really enjoyed ourselves, but I miss my children and Sudoku! Have a great day!

I live in Statesboro, GA which is about 50 miles west of Savannah. The person wearing the Tybee tee is the other grandmother who lives in Ohio. Thanks for stopping by my page.
Beth

Hi Kathy,
Thank you for dropping be my page. I am sorry that I was not on Sudoku when you visited Sydney. I am very proud of our city and I love showing people around. We had a great time with Linda and we were with them for about 8 hours. They will not be meeting up with anyone else during their holiday.
I had a quick look at some of your family photos and you certainly have a lovely lot of grandchildren. Ebony is also growing into a lovely looking dog. You certainly picked the right name for her.
Take Care

I am assuming you are away at the mo because I can't remember seeing you post lately(but I could just be blind). Sorry, I cannot keep up with all the comings and goings of all the travelling Sudokuists!
Anyway, just popping in to bring you a bunch of daffodils from my garden. Spring is my happiest time of the year.

Hi Kathy - It is good to hear from you! That was nice of you to help your children out. I sure they appreciated it. Your little grandsons will be grown before you know it and it is nice to spend time with them. I bet you slept well in your own bed when you returned home! I know I have been sleeping well in mine! We had a water-bed in VA and I have never had one. It was a new experience.

We had a hot month in VA. The weather was in the 90's everyday, but the nights would cool down enough to make it comfortable to sleep. (No Air-conditioning.) There was an attic fan in the house where we stayed and it would take about 15 minutes to cool it down. (We have an attic fan here at home also.)

I talked to my dad yesterday. He has been dehydrating mangos. They make such a yummy snack! My mom is still about the same.

Thanks, again, for the visit!

P.S. Ebony is such a beautiful dog. I love this picture!

Hi, Kathy! I was just responding to a message from Debby and saw your post. I'm so sorry to hear of the tragedy in your family. Your daughter and son-in-law must be devastated. It was wonderful that you were able to go up to babysit. Hope they're all coping.

I also hope that you and Rob are still planning to spend a night (or more) in St. Simons next month on your way to Fripp Island. I'm really looking forward to meeting you! Keep me posted of your travel plans. Cheers! Jane

Hi, Kathy!

We're watching the women's final - which is starting just now. I'm positive Henin will win, and right now (at 8:21 pm), I'm predicting the score will be 6-4, 6-3.

I played tennis yesterday for two hours - and no pain! I'll be playing again tomorrow - the last of my Sunday team's practices. Our matches start next week. Can't wait! I've only played a couple of times since May!!!

I'm really looking forward to meeting you and Rob - and Ebony! Glad you're bringing her!!!
Jane

Hi Kathy!~I'm so sorry about your SIL's sister,how awful and so young,and bless your heart for going to help out with your grandchildren,its so hard to work and raise children...7,6 & 3 no less!its a good thing your in such good shape,I bet the 3 year old is a handful even with help from the others.
I'm glad to see you are well and home again with Rob & Ebony,I bet they missed you like crazy!
Thank you so much for the Birthday greeting ,I had a wonderful one . Mom is good she gets her shot for her blood count tuesday so that should perk her up a little.Great to see your back Kathy ,I missed you! treat for Ebony

Good to see you back, Kathy. I've brought you a bunch of daffodils from my garden. They should brighten up your day.

Kathy, how very sad to hear about the loss that has touched your family, and to lose someone so young. Nice at least that you could do your part and help out; I'm sure it was a great relief.
Yes, mom had a stroke while we were away, so it was a terrible homecoming. But her speech is fairly good and she's trying her darndest to use her right hand. She's determined to get well and is eager to be transferred to a nearby facility that specializes in stroke rehab. I hope this happens soon, because I don't place much faith in the hospital she's currently in. It's been a trying time, with me ready to raise hell over Mom getting lost in the deep cracks of the hospital administrivia, and then there are my two retired, older siblings who carry on with their busy lives. I keep my distance to keep my sanity and concentrate on spending long, loving visits with Mom and making sure she is comfortable and happy. I know there will be dark days and weeks ahead--Mom only weighs 89 pounds, so I suspect there's much more going on medically than just a stroke--so I steel myself to face each day and thank God for people like you who care.

Thank you Kathy, I appreciate your thoughts and prayers, it is hard but we all know she is better off now and waiting for us over Rainbow Bridge. Ebony looks great in his graduation cap! Congrats to him!

Hi Kathy - I am not sure what has happened in your life, but I know I miss seeing your posts and hearing from you. You are in my thoughts and prayers and I hope you are back soon.

Hi Kathy! It is good to hear from you. I understand about home projects! My husband tore the back deck off last week. It had a few rotten boards underneath it. He bought new lumber and has rebuilt it. I spent the day painting the handrail. Jenny helped me some today. (Thank goodness.) Without her help, I think I would still be painting tomorrow. It will look nice when it is all back together.

It is definitely "cooler" here. Tomorrow night we have a frost warning! We are going to pick rhubarb for the last time tomorrow. Once it frosts, you are not suppose to eat it.

My dad has had a lot of mangoes this year. He "cooks" them! Really he dehydrates them, but he calls it cooking. They are so yummy dehydrated! It is just like eating potato chips!

I don't know if I will make it down. My dad would like for me to come down, but I am not sure about my mom. I have been watching Airplane tickets. I am not very fond of flying any more. I would much rather drive down. My husband will not let me go alone if I drive. So we will see what I can come up with.

Thanks for you visit, Kathy. It was good to hear from you.

Kathy, thanks for the bon voyage you left on my page. We are just back and had a wonderful trip. I met June and her husband, who generously showed us parts of the Sydney area we never would have otherwise seen. Once I finish unpacking and catching up with home chores, I'll try to get pictures of our holiday posted.

Hi Kathy, Sounds like you have been busy. Sorry to hear about your SIL sister, always a sad situation.
Things have been busy here, over Labor Day weekend Harry, Kevin and 2 neighbors split fire wood. We each have about 7 racks of new wood. While they were doing that I decided to paint the laundry/mud room. Took me all 3 days to paint it and it isn't a very large room.

Kathy
sorry to hear the sad news of your SIL's sister and it is great that you have been able to help them out.
has been busy here with family illness but seem to be back on the up now. dad is going ok and just a couple more minor tests to follow up before they let it go as just an episode. they will monitor him closely though. mum and all our lot are over the virus now so seems we are all back on deck.
thank you for your concern.
cheers
xx

Hello Kathy - thanks for visiting my page and viewing my photos. I have now managed to upload a few from my trip yesterday in my gallery.
I like the sound of the holiday you have planned. Two of my friends from our trip yesterday are having holidays soon; one is going to China and the other one is going to Nepal. I've always wanted to visit Nepal or Tibet, but I don't think I'll ever get to either place.
Cheers

Hi Kathy. He's my sister's husband AND she was there watching it! I can't imagine what she was going through! Thank you for your concern.

Just had a quick flick through some of your pictures. Love your dog, reminds me of ours!
Reading some of the comments above it sounds like you've had some sadness in your family. I'm sorry about that.

Sorry I missed your last question! No I'm not a skier!

Hello Kathy - Thanks for the visit! The creek on our property runs from one side of the property to the other and the Falls is down out of view. We can hear the creek running when we stand near it. We have many springs coming into the creek. We usually have a nice breeze blowing too. It is so peaceful there.

We have had a warm front come through and it is suppose to be in the 80's all week. Perfect weather!

The deck is finished and I am very happy with it.
Have a great day!

Very good advice about counting friends instead of pounds ... and a lot more fun.

Our dog's a kelpie cross, don't know what! But I think he's got some lab in him as well as other things. We got him from an animal shelter when he was 12wks old. He turned 3 the other day.
Re the photo: I changed it in the middle of the night, probably between your postings! Sorry, Kathy, that I confused you!