Thankful Thursday

Finally, school has begun in our little slice of NJ!

The summer, frankly, went too quick for me this year. It didn't feel like summer at all until August, and then *poof* over - in the blink of an eye! I actually love the time with the kids with no schedule and just relaxing.

Sigh.

Thankfuls...

1. Fuzzy. That although he was much like the kitty in the picture above, and was full of nerves, Fuzzy is now happy with high school and seems to be enjoying the new experience and the teachers and the work. Yay!

2. Pumpkin. As always, just a bundle of happy at the thought of starting a new year and after starting it - she still is a bundle of happy! Yay!

3. Friends. Thanks for the prayers and support this week!

4. Hubby. No one pisses me off quite like you. No one loves me better, either. Feh. It's all good, hon. lol

5. Farkle. Thank you for taking my mind off worrying about Fuzzy during his first day at high school. I like being in first place out of my friend's scores too.

6. Books. How I love you all!!!! Thanks also to you for helping me keep my stress levels under control this week!

I am VERY VERY behind on blog reading!!! I am sooooo sorry! I will catch up soon!

I am happy to report that in spite of the increased stress this week, I stuck to my diet and stayed under my calorie goal each and every day! Yay!

More soon...

be well...

I Gotta Feeling

This is for you, Em.

This is for my cousin Karol!

It has been a good weekend. And, I am hopeful for a good week!

I was able to see my friend Fred on Friday night! We had a really nice visit. Talked about his dad. Caught up on life and health issues. But, most importantly we laughed and hugged. Very nice.

Life goes too fast, you need those moments!

Yesterday, Kathy came up to visit with my sweet nephew J and my dad's sister, my Aunt Bea also came to visit! We had a fun afternoon of chit chat, watching the kids play outside and dinner at Houlihan's.

Today, Uncle K is here! We are watching the first half of Yankees day/night double header. We are having a BBQ for dinner with angus hamburgers, hot dogs, and lots of salads! :-)

You know, I haven't really done much all weekend, but it was FABULOUS!

I started a strict calorie driven weight loss program last Sunday. I just ordered a scale so I don't know how I am doing yet, but I do know my weight from my last doc's appt. Hopefully, it will be less than that when the scale arrives on Friday. We will see. I feel good. I am eating healthy. I need to get this prednisone weight off. I have been walking.

I had one day with a lot of pain, but so far so good. The RA is being quiet... Shhhh.... don't wake it. It is such a vicious cycle. You gain weight because of the meds, and when you exercise it aggravates the disease and starts a flare.

However, I have decided that I am going to do my damndest to push thru the pain and hopefully get to the other side. Pray for me. I need it!

My insurance woes are still not settled, hopefully soon, but I could use a few more prayers and positive thoughts there too!

Yikes! I sound so needy!

Sending prayers and happiness out to all of you, too!

Tomorrow, I will be getting the kids settled and organized for the first day of school on Wednesday! I think we are all ready for that! LOL

be well...

Thankful Thursday

Exactly, dear kitty! Me too!

So, the time has come for me to reflect on the many blessings in my life!

1. Coffee. Hey, some weeks it isn't on the list at all, or near the top. This week - well, it has earned its place. Not a lot of good sleep happening.

2. Friends. So many to thank in so many ways... you know who you are... online, in person, via the phone, via the email. You all rock. Thanks for your support this week.

3. Kids. At least they are healthy and normal enough to bicker with each other! LOL They are wonderful kids, and I have been blessed with the honor of being their mom. I am thankful for that, always.

4. Hubby. You make me laugh, you make me nuts, but you always make me happy that you are there at the end of the day, good or bad. Thank you.

5. My parents. I am so blessed that they share my life on a daily basis. They have helped make what seemed impossible to cope with manageable, and help me keep my sanity on a daily basis.

6. Libby. My sweet puppy. We just had a nice talk which ended in me giving her a some belly rubs. :-)

7. The weather. Yesterday, before dinner, Uncle K, Hubby, Fuzzy and Pumpkin all played some basketball. I sat in the shade and watched. It was a lot of fun. Lots of laughs, trash talk and silliness. Pumpkin claims she was born with a disability that prevents her from doing a lay-up. I told her lack of skill is NOT a disability... hard work can cure it. LOL

8. Orientation. Yesterday, Fuzzy had his high school orientation. He went reluctantly but came out with a great attitude and a new found excitement for the new year that begins on Wednesday! Yay!

Can I ask everyone to pray that there will not be a health insurance glitch this week? Heaven knows most insurance companies would be glad to dodge covering me with the Rheumatoid Arthritis, lupus, and brain tumor. Ack. We do need some kind of insurance reform... don't have the answer as to what... but something... thank you.

I hope that this entry finds you all with a joy in your hearts and a song on your lips!

be well...

Funeral for a Friend

It's been a rough few days, sad very sad. Can't hide though.

I have one friend that has known me since kindergarten thru thick and thin. (literally) Happy and sad. Young and old. Stupid and smart. In love and out, up and down. Sick and well.

My friend Fred. We met at 4 1/2! We turned 5 one week apart from each other, and all the birthdays since. And, yes, dang it, I am the older one.

10 years ago, at 58, Fred's dad almost died. 6 months of hell, in the hospital and out, and finally, he emerged - determined to live his life to the fullest each day. I was so relieved.

He had ten amazing years more of living life to the very fullest.

Fred's dad died on Friday the 28th, and today, at the church, I said my final goodbye.

Big Fred was like a second dad to me, the family like a second family. I spent many, many days and nights at Fred's house, just a few blocks from mine. Many nights at their country home, a place I loved to visit. Many dinners, and lunches and breakfasts and yummy late nite treats. His sister's were like sisters I never had. We laughed and fought and were silly together. Our dads served on the town's 'auxiliary' police together, our moms were class moms together.

Sure, life gets in the way, and you grow your own family around you with marriage - hubby and kids. My Fred moved to AZ, but the affection, the love it doesn't ever change. It doesn't get less, in fact it grows greater as you watch your own kids and realize just how precious all that shared time together is in one's life. The gift of sharing your childhood dreams and fears and love. I was an only child, Fred, my brother, I didn't have.

So, I helped my friend, my brother, say goodbye to his dad. I said goodbye to his dad. I know it isn't really goodbye - I know that he lives forever on in my memories and in my heart, and in the hearts and memories of his wife, his son, his daughters, his grandchildren and in all those that loved him.

So hard to do, letting go. You can't help but look around you and think of the mortality of those close to you. My mom and dad. I truly can't imagine how hard it must be, and yet I got an unwelcome glimpse this week.

This week I had to see just how awful and hard and impossible it will be.

Yet, Fred will go on. They will all go on. Circle of life and all that... and someday, in the face of my own loss and grief I will go on too.

be well...

Thankful Thursday

It has been a week... that's about all I can say off the top of my head... but I know when I start this week's list, my blessings will come to light!

1. Mia. My friends Bob and Ilene adopted a kitten for their daughter, S. Last night when they brought R, their son, here to stay over they brought sweet little Mia to visit me. I held her and she slept in my arms for over an hour. Such a sweet little kitty. Best thing to happen to me since we returned from lake.

2. Tom. Your hospitality at the lake was wonderful and we had a wonderful time. The silence and beauty of the lake Saturday morning in the sun is something that will revisit in my mind often in times of stress or pain. Thank you.

3. Pumpkin Muffin. My sweet daughter. You have seen that this has been a tough week for your mom and you have tried to take care of me with extra hugs and 'I love you's' whenever you can.

4. Coffee. No way I would moving today without it.

5. Facebook. I have reconnected with some old school friends and have had my faith restored in the kindness of people in general. Thank you. You know who you are...

I should explain why that means so very much to me. Since becoming more actively chronically ill (after Pumpkin's birth), I have lost some friends here in town, and even a cousin, one town away. And, it hurt. I thought after being diagnosed with the brain thingy that maybe it would bring back one particular friend, because at first she seemed to be very concerned and wanting to reconnect. But, that was short lived. Once she found out I wasn't going drop dead any second from it, she ignored me again.

I have found more understanding and kindness from those who haven't seen me in over 20 years... Strange how life can be, isn't it?

6. My mom. The manicure and pedicure you treated me to last Friday before we headed to the lake still looks great! And, everytime I look at my cute pink toes, I smile! Thank you!

7. My dad. For stopping on his way home today to get me a large iced coffee from Dunkin Donuts because today isn't a good day for me. Thank you.

8. Icanhascheezburger.com. For never failing to make me laugh outloud at the new updates, and we all need laughter. Lots of it. :-)

9. Farkle. My new addiction. I even bought the application for my iphone so I can play in on the computer or on the phone! lol

10. Bagel Bites and mini-hotdogs. My kids favorite summer lunches that they make themselves in the toaster oven, and even make for mom sometimes! lol

Well, I am feeling better already. Maybe the stairway to heaven will be open now, or at least purgatory... lol

Off to go watch the kids plus R play Guitar Hero for me! They are going to do 'Crazy Train' as a band. Can't miss it!

be well...

In the Lake

Yes, kitty, I know!

I have been avoiding stairs today, so far, so good! LOL

What an awesome weekend! We had a blast at Tommy's house. It was so nice to reconnect, see the kids, and just genuinely have fun all together.

Hubby was very wistful on the ride home, wondering how we had all allowed so much time go past without seeing each other. I don't know how either, but life is too short to dwell on what cannot be changed! I do know that we will never allow it to happen again!

Friday night was the county fair and it was really wonderful! The food was a mix of the usual awesome fair junk food and great local fixings! Hubby and I shared pierogis, a cheesesteak and a sausage, peppers, and onions sandwich. Yum! Another fave was a blooming onions! Incredible! We also split funnel cakes with the kids. Hubby and kids had waffles and ice cream and cotton candy.

There were rides, and pig races and animals!

Here are a few pictures:

Saturday was a relaxing day at the lake! Swimming, eating, more swimming, more eating... you get the idea!

Sunday was rainy, so after we took out Tom for a late breakfast we headed home!

Here are a few pics of the lake:

It was a great weekend!

Thank you for all the great comments I have been receiving! I have to say, I am sad that so few people are on blogging lately!

I will post the bungalow dish recipe... just not today! Too pooped to pop! LOL

be well...

Thankful Thursday

I am in a wistful mood this evening...

I have decided to link my blog into my 'bookface' in order to share my blog with a greater audience. In some ways, this is letting a lot of my 'local' world in to see more of me than they usually do.

Welcome to all that venture over here to check out my musings.

I started this blog originally on AOL journals in March 2005. It was with the intention to help others struggling with the daily wear and tear of rheumatoid arthritis while juggling a family. Instead I found a lot of help and support. Maybe, I gave some too, I'd like to think so.

I also found out that having fun on here doing silly memes and surveys and lists helped me with coping more than one would think! Laughter is the best medicine sayeth Reader's Digest, and they are right!

And, doing a weekly Thankful Thursday entry keeps me grounded and focused on what is really important. No matter what 'curves' life threw at me (thanks, Donna), I was bound and determined to count my blessings.

And, I still am.

So, welcome again and here is this weeks list of thanks!

1. Coffee. Yep. Been one of those weeks! Almost ran out and I was not a happy camper. Tomorrow my Green Mountain automatic delivery will arrive in a nick of time!

2. My Pumpkin Muffin. Yes, I use silly nicknames over here for the kids because I want to keep my blog public, still in hope of helping others. Back to my daughter. It seemed like yesterday that we were playing tea party together and today she was lounging around in pj's all day with cramps. How did that happen?

Tonight, however she was so sweet when watching 'So You Think You Can Dance' when she told me, head in my lap, 'You are soooo comfortable and squishy Mommy.' Who knew that prednisone (ack) could be such a gift! LOL

3. Fuzzy. For seconding Pumpkin's claim that I am the softest, squishiest mom around and I give the best hugs, too. Thanks, sweetheart.

4. Hammer. I am so thankful for all your help, all your love and all your silliness, all at the same time. I don't know if I have ever told you this but thank you for all the laughs the Insecticons bring me!

5. Hubby. Sure, you nabbed the last $ I had to my name from my purse and forgot to tell me about it, and brought me home popcorn that you left on the bus, but it's the thought that counts. Over and over you prove that the thought is 'you love me'.

6. LoLcats from Icanhascheezburger.com. Never fails that at least one of the daily updates will get me to laugh out loud. See an example at the bottom of this entry!

7. Books. Reading has always been a perfect escape for me. Escape, stress reliever, whatever. Today, it was Kat Richardson's 4th book in the Greywalker series called 'Vanished'. It was better than I thought it could be! I recommend her series to all!

8. Bungalow Dish. Yum. A quirky 5 generation favorite passed down from my mom's side, but prepared to perfection by my dad this past Sunday. It rocked, didn't it Kath? Yummmmmmm! Thanks, Daddy!

9. My meds. Better living through pharmaceuticals? Hell yeah! They keep my immune system from wreaking too much damage on my joints and organs. So far... so good. It ain't perfect, and there is not cure yet, but we keep plodding on!!!

10. Tom. A wonderful childhood friend of hubby's and Uncle K's, who is allowing our entire brood to crash at his house, which happens to be on a lake, and is taking us to the Wayne County PA Country Fair this weekend! Yay! Thank you dear Tommy; it should be a blast! (Pray for me that I have the strength to get thru all I want to do this weekend!)

That is it for today. I put the picture at the top of Carpe Diem written in the sand about to washed away to express how I was feeling. Must 'Seize the Day' because it is so fleeting.

be well,

What I've Done...

So, on that theme... I am sitting here eating a coconut Dunkin' Donut because tomorrow it will be stale and that would be a shame. Wouldn't it?

Our cat Tina will also eat dog food and occasionally chomp on a piece of a dog biscuit. I will have to post a picture of her 'fatness' and Suzy the 'chubby one' soon. LOL

My nephew's week came to an end today! Karol came to pick D up. It was a really nice week. He and Alex are pretty close and they had a really great time together. They are only 5 1/2 months apart in age, so it is great. It was nice seeing Karol two weeks in a row, also. It was a shorter visit than last week, but still a visit!

Kathy also came up for a visit today and stayed for dinner too! J is getting so big! He is too funny too! Such a LARGE personality in a small package! LOL J is having a wonderful summer in camp and brought us some of the many great projects that he made! The most impressive was a monster clock made of all puzzle pieces! I wish I had taken a picture of it to show off! Dang!

Going backwards to yesterday, we had our friends Bob and Ilene over with their son and daughter. Hubby and Fuzzy cooked burgers, hot dogs and chicken breast on the grill and they brought the salads! We also got this amazing Oreo cake from the restaurant supply store and it was scrumptious! It tasted just like old fashioned ice box cake!!! We adults got quite the kick out of reminiscing about that!

Yesterday was a gorgeous Saturday - the complete opposite to the stormy rainy Sunday that was today. Even so, I have to say that it was a really fun and happy weekend.

I was in pain, my hip was awful all day, Friday and Saturday, and my elbows throbbing too all day today, but when the rest of the world is right, I can suck it up and I did. Tonight though, I am hoping that the vicodin will kick in to help me sleep. Soon.

Off to lay in the bed and give it a shot...

be well...

Meme... 25 Random Things

I nabbed this from Bill's facebook! Thanks Bill!

25 Random Things - Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.

1. I prefer to do this kind of thing here on my blog!

2. I really love to write.

3. Even though I love NYC and have been there many many times, I have only ridden the subway a few times, maybe 3, and only with my Hubby!

4. I have never camped out in a tent, and probably never will.

5. My favorite perfumes are Shalimar and Chanel No. 5.

6. I rarely wear perfume due to Fuzzy's allergies/asthma but I do wear a daily coconut body spray from Bath and Body Works. The kids call it 'the mommy smell'. lol

7. I miss being able to work for the instant gratification of performing a job well and getting that recognition, but know that I can't do it anymore, at least not outside the house.

8. I love teddy bears.

9. I enjoy reading Boy's Life, the Scouting magazine, each month when it arrives.

10. I have an Amazon Kindle and it is AWESOME!!!

11. I am a daddy's girl (which is why I have a Kindle, lol)

12. I consider my mom one of my best friends!

13. I loved being pregnant, and if I hadn't ended up with RA/Lupus etc, I would have looked into being a surrogate to help infertile couples.

14. I enjoy playing video games, listening to music and having fun with my kids!

15. My pets are like little people to me!

16. I love action movies and movie adaptations of comics. I have a 'guys' taste when it comes to movies. lol

17. I love history and like movies that retell historical moments or are historical fiction. Same thing with books.

18. I am a bit of a science geek too.

19. I will turn on Nickelodeon or Boomerang to watch a favorite cartoon occasionally when home alone!

20. My dad has three tattoos from his time in the Navy, two are cartoon characters and one is the date he crossed the equator for the first time, a big deal for a sailor.

21. I don't have any tattoos, but if I did I would get 'Carpe Diem', on the side of my ankle, or inside my wrist.

22. I sometimes use daily wear contact lenses.

23. The kids and I all have blue eyes, each with a different shade. Hubby has beautiful hazel green with yellow and light brown flecks.

24. Pumpkins favorite color is PURPLE. Fuzzy's is BLUE. Hammer's is SILVER.

25. I don't really have one favorite color anymore! Really!

Okie dokie... now I TAG... all of you! Everyone should try to do this! In fact, Bill, you should post yours on here too for all to see!

be well...

Wishing and Hoping

I just loved the look of horror on this kitteh's face! LOL

So, anyhow it was a nice weekend. My nephew is here with us for his annual summer visit for a week. It should be fun and I am hopeful the weather will cooperate!

Helping someone who doesn't want help, someone who wants to wallow in their negativity, in their anger, is very hard.

Hubby's bf who is going through a really rough time right now is in a bad place. Since before the holidays we have been giving him as much support as we can. Emotionally, but also a place to crash when needed and lots of company etc. He has hit a really rough patch right now and it sucks. Hubby and I are angry on his behalf and frustrated also. It sucks.

If you could send prayers and positive thoughts, I would appreciate it. Uncle K as we will refer to him here, needs to come out on the other side of this determined to accept what he can't change and fight like hell for the things he can.

I woke up with a sinus/migraine/allergy headache thing and it just won't quit. ACK!!!

More thunderstorms will be moving thru our area soon... I am so sick of rain!!!

be well...

The Gambler (Returns!)

I'm baaaack!!!

Omg, you have all been very busy! I cannot go back and read everything without a time-stopper, but I will try to catch the new ones!

Although this is a busy week, too!

First thing is first... Atlantic City was awesome! Truly an adult playland! Lots of fun had by all! Especially my mom, since she was winning! I was up, then down, then up, then down, and on the last night back up! Mom let me keep that last night's winnings.

I promised to spend it on myself, and I did. Books! Yay!

We also had lots of great food! 4 and 5 star restaurants... yum! Il Verdi, Cuba Libre, and The Palm. Also, lunch at the Irish pub, Ri Ra!

Kathy joined us Thursday and stayed overnight. It was so much fun to just play and eat and drink together! No kids! No Hubby's! Just us three girls!

The kids and all the pets were thrilled to see us when we got home! Only one traumatic event happened while I was gone. The kids went to Boy Scouts and all the boys were playing football. And, Pumpkin Muffin. She tackled Fuzzy and somehow hyperextended his elbow. Again. Same one he injured playing 'real' football 2 years ago. Hubby had to take him to the pediatric orthopedist. Fuzzy is fine, but needs to be in a sling for two weeks total. Never a dull moment!

My birthday was very nice! We had dinner at the Grand Lux Cafe. The kids gave me a Starbucks gift card, and Hubby had already given me the iphone. My parents had bought me some clothes, my mom took me away, and I got to keep some winnings. Kathy gave me and itunes gift card!

A great birthday booty! 43! I am clinging to saying 'early 40's' but I am pushing it! LOL

This week will be busy! Yesterday and today, I am mostly trying to rest. I rested in AC when I needed to do so, but I needed more once I got home. All in all, the rheumatoid arthritis behaved pretty well! Thank goodness for the vitamins, they are really helping. And, taking a pain killer helps when needed, too.

I have an appointment for bloodwork on Wednesday followed by an award ceremony at the school. Both kids made the honor roll, with Pumpkin on the 'distiguished'. All good! I am very proud of them!

Thanksgiving will be here, too! We go to Kathy's house and I am really looking forward to it! I will be making and bringing my maple glazed carrots!

Okay... gotta go!

be well...

Thankful Thursday

Wow, Thankful Thursday time again. Time waits for no one.

1. I am thankful that my 13 yo son and 11 yo daughter are healthy enough to fight with each other so loud that they wake me up. Feh.

2. I am thankful that I have had the patience so far not to punish their butts. That has more to do with the fact that they each have a friend here. Mish and Tiara slept over last night.

3. I am thankful that I was able to help my friends Bob and Ilene, and that I had the opportunity to be inspired by Bonnie.

4. I am thankful for old jewelry. I had a bunch from old boyfriends that I never wore. I was able to sell it back for the gold weight and get enough to reset a ring. :-)

5. Coffee. I haven't had my second cup yet. Dang kids.

The kids are off today and tomorrow for the NJ teacher's convention. So, I let them each have a friend sleep over.

Tomorrow, my cousin Karol and her boys are coming, and Kathy and my nephew J, too! Yay! The house will be filled to the brim and we will all get to catch up with each other! I really enjoy that.

Thank you all for your kindness and support. You are the best. I am wayyyy behind on visiting your journals, but I will catch up I hope over the weekend.

be well...

What About Now? VOTE!

Did you VOTE? I did! So did Hubby! This election, no matter who your candidate, is going to be historic, so get in there and DO IT!



Today, was Bonnie's Memorial. It was very moving, and hit me hard. I didn't expect that. In fact, I felt like a blubbering idiot. Apparently, I identified with her struggle with chronic illness more than I realized. It was also the first memorial I had been to since the brain tumor... I don't know... but I was wrecked. I have such a headache from crying and trying not to cry! Ack.



Ilene and Bob are holding up as well as they can. DogBoy and his sis, Peanut, too. The eulogies by Bonnie's nephew and brother were wonderful. The family is really pulled together and supporting each other. It was beautiful to see.



Bonnie didn't see the glass as half empty, or even half full. She always saw the glass and full to overflowing. I will not forget that and will try my damndest to always do the same. Thanks for the inspiration, Bonnie.




Go vote!


be well...

Sad Songs

Bonnie crossed over to the Other Side last night, peacefully, and surrounded by family.

It was pins and needles, the waiting, since Friday. We gladly helped out by having DogBoy spend the weekend here. It was no longer good for the kids to be there at the hospice. We had a good weekend. DogBoy is a mature kid, and he talked freely about his Grandma and his feelings.

My family was happy to help.

Tomorrow will be the service.

Remember to get out and VOTE!

be well...

That's What Friends Are For

I am very happy to say that I do not have the flu, but Flu Kitteh and I do seem to have the same red, runny, eyes! Head colds suck!

Today, I made some homemade chicken soup. It was delicious, and hopefully, it will send this cold on the run! My mom also fried up some old fashioned, buttery, grilled cheese sandwiches! Yum - comfort food!

All things in perspective, though...

My friend Ilene's mom is being moved to hospice and the family is gathering for goodbye's over the next few days. I mentioned on my first Thankful Thursday here at this blog the week before last, Bonnie has been quite an inspiration to me. She always will be, and now I pray for her last few days to be filled with peace, and the comfort of those she loves and who love her as she passes to the Other Side.

I am, of course, concerned for my friend, Ilene, it is her mom and this is so hard. Ilene has her sister, her aunt, and her friends. However, I am more concerned right now for Bob, her hubby.

Bob dropped off his son to hang here for dinner and give them some time alone up at the hospital as is needed at times like these. When Bob came to pick up DogBoy he did not look very good.

Bob has been dealing with as much of the more unpleasant stuff as he can to make it easier for Ilene and her sister. It is taking a toll. Bob just lost his dear dad three years ago last month, and I know this is like reliving it for him. Not to mention how much he loves and cares for Bonnie.

I keep offering him a coffee and a respite here whenever he wants in between the running around. It is as much as I can do for now. And, of course, help with the kids whenever they need me. sigh.

I am off to read some blogs.

be well...

Day by Day

I just loved this lolcat!

Hubby just called on his way to the dentist. Just a teeth cleaning, but I swear - you have never seen a bigger baby. He wanted me to come sit there and watch. Really? You must be kidding me. I don't even do that with the kids anymore, and he knows that. You should have heard him whining about it. lol Men!

Tonight is Boy Scouts. Hammer is the troop librarian and this year we are being very organized. He made a list of all the Merit Badge books that he has collected that others have used and no longer needed. I typed a memo for him to hand to everyone tonight, giving our telephone #, his email addy, and with the list of all the books available for loan. Also, in the memo we reminded kids to turn in their used books for recycling in the troop for others.

I hope this is a success. No one has ever done this before in the troop, and Hammer is really into it. Even after he completes his Eagle, he wants to continue with it. :-)

Tonight, Fuzzy also has a handout for everyone. The troop is going to collect goodies/necessities for the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan! A friend in town is working with an active reservist to get all of the items distributed to those in need of some Christmas cheer! A worth cause for sure!

I am proud of both the boys! And, even Pumpkin will be there tonight helping hand out the memos! She envisions herself as the Troop Mascot. lol

Those who have been reading me for a while will remember that I have been going to Atlantic City with my mom on her twice yearly business trips for a little over a year now. I went to her May and November 2007 trips, and the May 2008. The November one is coming - November 14th! Yay!

This is the busier and more hectic of the two conventions. In May, all the convention is held in the hotel where we stay. This November one we have to shuttle back and forth between the hotel and the Convention Center. Two of my mom's friends are partially disabled and need to use scooters which are rented at both locations. I wil help with the shuffling.

As you can imagine it gets hectic. You have to check in the one you are using at the hotel and get a receipt. I usually stay with them and do that while mom runs to get a taxi ready and waiting. Then, we shuffle with cane and what-not to the taxi and repeat the process in the reverse at the Convention center. Of course the places you pick-up/drop-off the scooters is never right next to the door. Sheesh.

I am very happy to help! I love my mom's friends, they are all like additional mom's/grandma's to me. My mom is the spring chicken of the group at 63 (on November 8th). The next friend is 75 ish and 2 are in the 80's! Brilliant determined women all. Tax collectors, Chief Municipal finance officers. Some retired, some not.

Of course those are just the women we have adjoining rooms with and do our traveling with at the convention. There are many more that are my mom's clients or friends that we meet up with for meals during the week. It is really a nice time. Busy, but fun.

I am looking forward to it - as you can tell!

be well...