JANUARY 2008!!!!!

Hi All,

I know it's only a few weeks since I last wrote, but as I promised pictures, I thought I would write as well (can't help bad luck eh?).

When I last wrote, I mentioned I was expecting guests for New Year's and also had planned a 'girlie' day out with Alex.

Our day out was wonderful. It began with a trip to the hairdresser's where Alex intended to have her long, black locks cut and styled. The transformation was wonderful and we left with Alex looking like a million dollars. Unfortunately, it had begun to snow heavily and her new style was soon covered in snow. She was not concerned, and we headed off to browse through some antique shops. We had planned many things that day but the antique shops held our interest for far too long. We spent hours browsing and thoroughly enjoyed it. After shopping we had a wonderful lunch and headed off to the jewellery store. What women we are - the jewellery store was closing down and yet we resisted.

By the time we headed for home, it had been snowing heavily for some time and the roads were really slick. We had one minor slide, but Alex was in control. We arrived home to find that Rochelle had arrived and later that evening, John, Vickie, Lyn, Briannah and Darrien arrived safely too.

We had a wonderful weekend - John pulled the kids around on a toboggan tied to the ATV and later he took Rochelle and Lyn for rides on the snow mobile. I went to get the camera, but was sidetracked and missed the perfect kodak moment. Lyn and Rochelle each borrowed a pair of Paul's Bib and Brace snow mobile pants. The crutch on Lyn's almost hit the floor and Rochelle had room also to accommodate an extra!!! (Am not sure I should have women staying who are so happy to get into Paul's pants)! They both enjoyed themselves, despite the apparel and remained very warm!

On the Saturday we went for a drive to try and spot some elk at the Elk Farm. We were fairly daring and thought no-one was around, so we drove up the drive way and the farmer came out of his barn. He was most accommodating, and to our delight, he let us drive right up to the fields where they were. Unfortunately, they had all lost their antlers, but the antlers were on display on the roof of the barn and around the barn. They were inquisitive animals and stared at us as much as we stared at them.

Our guests were here for the New Year's Party, and proved to be lots of fun. We laughed so much over the days they were here, that my jaws ached. They were also very helpful in food preparation for the party.

I had worked out the menu, but Lyn put in a special request for a pavlova. I decided that as they had proved popular in the past, that one would not be sufficient for everyone to have a piece, so decided to make two. Luckily they turned out fine, but that is not the end of the story.

Our menu included roast pork, as I was lucky enough to find a huge leg of uncured pork (not easy here in the States, as most of them are cured as sold as hams). The pork needed 8 plus hours to cook so it was in the top oven. (Pavlovas had been made the day before). I was also cooking a whole beef tenderloin, which needed approx. 1 hour. I was also doing baked potatoes, macaroni and cheese and green bean casserole, biscuits etc. so the ovens were much in demand.
I had everything worked out according to time and degrees. (clever, clever me). So I turned on the bottom oven to preheat whilst I went to shower.

Now I do like a nice, long, hot shower, but with so many guests, I behaved myself and had a quick shower, but when I left the bedroom, my nostrils were assailed with a sweet, sickly, burnt smell!!!!!!!!!!! The house too was rather smokey!!!!!!!!!!

The others quickly informed me that I had missed the drama! When I turned on the bottom oven, I had forgotten the pavlovas were resting there!!!! Needless to say, they had quickly burnt and even produced flames. The doors and windows were opened on this very cold night, about 1 hour before guests were due to arrive! The blacked pavlovas were outside on the bar-b-que!!! By the end of the evening, they looked perfect again, as they were covered in 3 inches of snow! lol

Oh well, we had way too much food, more than ample desserts and Lyn did get to watch me make them and she got a copy of the recipe to take home. The whipped cream for the pavlovas was used for Irish Coffees instead.

We had a great evening, with a couple of new faces as well, though a few of the old faces were missing this year, as a couple of people took sick and others did not take the risks on the hazardous roads. I was having too much fun and forgot to take photos this year, but am hoping Lyn did and that I will get copies in the future?????

John and the clan left on New Year's day as he had to go to work the next day. Rochelle stayed on for another day as road conditions were still not good.

Paul and I set to work then, packing away Christmas decor and taking it easy.

Alex came over for an impromptu visit one evening (in her pj's), while we planned our trip to England. I am reasonably flexible with dates, but she had to work it around her work schedule.
We made decisions and I booked the trip the next day. My itinerary is below (mainly for Sid's benefit as he is always so organised in emailing us his!)

My birthday was the 10th - thank you all for the beautiful cards and many, many phone calls. I spent the first two or three hours on the phone - thank you to Damien for waking me so early!!!! It is worth getting older, just to get to chat with everyone.

After breakfast and the phone calls, we headed off to the casino for the day. Four Winds at New Buffalo. It has been opened about 6 months and has a North Woods theme, so we were very interested to check it out. We left around 11am and returned home around 10pm, having had lots of fun and a great meal. We certainly didn't win anything, but we don't have to sell the house either!!!

We went to dinner the next night with John and Alex for yet another birthday celebration. We went to a restaurant called the London Broil in Plainwell. We had passed it on many occasions and always meant to check it out. John and Alex are regular patrons and now we know why. Once again, a great meal and great company.

John and Alex also invited themselves over here for dinner one night - but they bought the dinner with them. John cooked it at home and then bought the cooked meal to us. I have to say in all honesty, it was the best meat loaf I have ever had. I really like my meat loaf but his far exceeds mine. He got the recipe from some T.V. show.

Well folks, that's about all the news for now. Hope everyone has a wonderful 2008.

Oh - one of my New Year's Resolutions is to take more care when visiting Kelly and Nate and doing their laundry. Seems last time I did it, after folding and hanging his permanent press dress pants, he wore them to work. When walking down the hall at his office, accompanied by a couple of his bosses, a pair of Kelly's panties (knickers), slid down his leg and onto the floor!!!! He bent down and picked them up, put them in his pocket and continued on. I asked if the others noticed and he said "sure they did"!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh well.

Lots of love,

Paul and Kathy

My Itinery

Leave America on 15th February (Overnight flight from Detroit) After kissing Paul goodbye!
Have lots of fun!
Return on 25th February and kiss Paul hello!!
(Hope you like this one Sid??)

Chris (Erin's boyfriend), modelling
his new pj's and top!!!!!

Good fit eh? Just don't go out like that..........











Vickie slaving away in the kitchen.... A woman's work is never done, however, with such help, mine was!!!!!!!!!!!

John (Vickie's husband), out doing the plowing for us -

Great to have such help eh?

Kyler - at sleep after an exhausting play session. Photo complements of Erin's cell phone.

Time for the Christmas decor to go away.

These little elves enjoyed their ride to

the attic in the elevator!

These elves were much more agile. They climbed their way to the attic!!!

Wish the Christmas trees could have done

the same!!!!!!!!!!!!

My happy little grandson.

Gosh how I love that smile

and his chunky little legs!

Thanks Erin, another cell

phone picture for Nana.

The three stooges at John's birthday dinner.

Paul (the handsome one), John (front) and

Brandon at the back.

A view from the garage to the barn.
Rochelle's car is getting nicely

covered.

The sun breaks through the trees.

View from our bedroom window!

View from the front deck.

View from the back deck.

Our girlie day out produced a new, glamerous and even more beautiful Alex! We all love her

new hair style!!!!

Blue skies and sunshine cast shadows over our winter wonderland.

An angel in blue with a cheeky smile.

Another cell phone beauty from Erin.

Nana wth her bundle of joy!

Dear All,



Thought I would begin my blog while I have a quiet moment - am not sure when it will get finished.



Not a great deal of news since the last email, so this will probably be a bit shorter.



A lot of the snow birds have now left the area for warmer temperatures. Since writing last time, the women were once again invited to breakfast with the boys (mmmm well we did get our feet in the door). Linda, Tom, Carol, Jim, Maryanne (they had gone, but were back for Christmas), Charlie, Connie, another Tom and Paul and I, enjoyed a great breakfast at Parrieville Inn (Hooterville as Paul calls it). It was just a couple of days before Charlie and Connie headed off to Texas.



Whilst we were having breakfast, the snow started to fall! It was beautiful, but we had been warned that we could get anywhere between 6 and 12 inches, with blizzard conditions (i.e. wind, blowing snow, ice - the works). Everyone was hoping it wouldn't happen - except me!!! I said - bring it on!! I can't imagine anything more beautiful or exciting - nothing better than a great storm (well maybe somethings, but who cares?).



After we left the restaurant, Paul and I went to the supermarket to make sure we had plenty of 'fixins" (country talk for food! lol). We have a generator which powers the whole house if the power goes out (it is run by natural gas). So if we had 'fixins' we can be comfortable indefinitely.

I really wasn't sure what one should buy if they were going to be 'snowed in', so I grabbed some egg nog and bread and of course some cheese for Paul! We do have plenty of food in the freezer and pantry, so we were well covered.



Unfortunately, most of the storm passed us by - we probably got 6 inches, which was lovely, but alas, no blizzard, no ice storm - no drama.



Christmas week is also birthday week. Nate celebrated his birthday on the 17th December. Paul and I sent him a few things, one of which was a ticket to ride shotgun in a race car at the race track in Atlanta. He seemed to like the idea which is great.



Kelly had her birthday on the 22nd - and by all accounts she had a wonderful day. They were spending Christmas in Ohio with Nate's family. The other grandparents babysat Kyler for the night(poor them), so Nate took Kelly to Cincanitti for the night.



On the 21st of December, our friend John celebrated his birthday, so we joined John, Alex, Brandon and Emily at the Radison for a wonderful meal.



Lauren turned 25 on the 20th December. They held her work Christmas party that night and she celebrated with Damien and friends the next night. She said she too had a wonderful birthday.



All is quiet on the birthday front until January 10th when I will celebrate turning forty sixteen!!
Plenty of time for everyone to have a shopping break and still get gifts here on time!! lol



Chris and Erin arrived on the 21st to celebrate Christmas early with us. We had our Christmas on the 23rd with them as they left on Christmas Eve. We had a lovely time with them - none of the traditional Christmas fare, as we did intend to dine out, but changed our minds. We had garlic shrimp pasta, cheesecake and golden squash soup (pumpkin soup for the Aussies). It snowed again the night before they left, but not enough to keep them here (half answered prayers once again).



Once again, our plans for Christmas changed. We left it till only days before the book into a casino for Christmas Eve, as we wanted to be sure that the roads would be safe to travel. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, both casinos within a few hours drive were totally booked out. We decided to stay home, and John and Alex joined us for our Christmas meal. It was the quietest Christmas I have ever had, but we did have a lovely time. Great food and great company.

For Christmas, Paul managed to find my favourite perfume Lulu which one cannot buy in the States. He obviously found it via the internet, and as my supply was out and I was thinking I would have to hop on my broomstick and fly to Oz to pick up a bottle, it was a nice surprise. He also gave me a voucher, good for one trip to England. I did ask if it was a return trip, but he said, the jury is still out on that one!!! Needless to say, I hope to go in the next couple of months and my friend Alex is planning to come along if she can arrange it. Alex still has an apartment in England, and many friends she would like to catch up with.

Today has been slow and easy - Paul and I went out for lunch and have done very little. He is currently out hunting with a neighbor and Larry the neighbor shot a deer - so they will be back before too long. Deer hunting finishing on 31st of December - but it is possible, muzzle loading or bow and arrow will still be permitted.


While Paul and Larry were hunting at the back of our property, I was standing at the kitchen sink watching 4 deer feed at our deer feeder. I told them not to go home via his hunting blind, so I sure hope they didn't shoot my deer!!!

Okay, so I didn't get finished - had a few interruptions. It is now Thursday 27th and have spent the day, paying for my lazy day yesterday. I have managed to get fresh sheets etc. on beds for our guests who are arriving tomorrow - weather permitting. I had to get it done, as I am having a "girlie" day tomorrow - hairdressers, jewellry shops (just looking), and lunch. My friend is picking me up at 9am and as I expect to be home just before guests arrive, I don't expect to get photos on this blog, so will send another in a few days with just photos.


I was recently asked to make the pictures bigger - I am sure most of you realise, but in case you don't, you only have to click on them to view them bigger!!!!

We got a Christmas card this year from the guys who built our kitchen and they have a photo of our kitchen on their card! They did tell us they were going to use it in their advertising brochure, but to see they used it for their Christmas Card gave us a real buzz. I guess next year, they will probably want Paul and I on it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol

Before I go, I have several questions:-

Why are mattresses always on sale?
Why do Alpacca farmers want everyone else to do it? Corn farmers and dairy farms aren't always telling us how wonderful it is and telling us to do it to!!
Are my brothers and sisters going to send me photos of John's wedding soon, with all the details? I was thinking of you all.
The CD was great to get of the family reunion, made me cry, but made me happy as well. I miss you all so much. I do think at such occasions, there should be two empty chairs - symbolic of Paul and I...............................
The farmer sows his crops, his wife sews their clothes, together they both sow, sew, so????????
( guess I play too much scrabble eh?)

Heather - we got your letter - we are very excited to know you will be coming over this year. July is summer time here, and of course in Canada too.

Well folks, that will do for now.

Love to you all, Kathy

DECEMBER NEWS

Dear All,

Christmas is around the corner, as I am sitting here sipping on my Eggnog. I am restricting myself to just one at the moment, as although it sounds harmless, it does have brandy in it, and it tastes so good, I could just drink it all night!!!! They only make it around Christmas time, so I will have to buy hundreds of bottles to last until next Christmas! Well maybe not hundreds.... but some anyway.

The tree is up and the house is decorated, I have just finished my Christmas shopping and am ready to enjoy the season. This year will be the quietest I have ever had. Lauren and Damien are in England (sob, sob, sob), Kelly , Nate and Kyler are headed to the in-laws (lucky them) and Erin and Chris will be here prior to Christmas. I heard on the grapevine that the kids are concerned that I won't be able to handle it without a housefull!!! Well, I think that is why God gave us Eggnog! All jokes aside, we did have Kelly, Nate and Kyler for Thanksgiving and Erin and Chris were coming for Christmas, but at our insistence, they are coming to celebrate it early, so they can be with Chris's family for Christmas. I don't want them stressed at Christmas trying to please two families.

Paul and I were invited to share Christmas Day with some very special friends, but in view of the fact that their home is not handicapp accessible, we have opted to either have dinner at a lovely restaurant in Kalamazoo or depending on the weather, we may spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at a nearby Casino!!! My first choice of course, would be to have all my family together, but spending the time alone with Paul is a very appealing senario as well.

Thanksgiving was absolutely wonderful!!! I flew to Atlanta, stayed a couple of days and flew back with Kelly and Kyler on the Sunday. He was an angel and slept through the entire flight. However, one little man sure has a lot of luggage and I don't see how Kelly could have managed without me! We flew into Detroit and Paul picked us up and when we arrived home Erin was waiting for us. We had a wonderful week together and it was so wonderful to have a baby in the house.

Erin's boyfriend Chris arrived on Tuesday night and Nate arrived Wednesday evening. Erin and Chris took the feed around 2am!!! Aren't they wonderful. We almost had to have a stop watch to ensure that everyone got equal time holding Kyler. The house was so quiet and empty when they left. One night we were all in bed by 9 p.m. - unheard of in this house, where we like to often stay up quiet late, but the little man wore us all out!!!

Thanksgiving is such a special time - it is Christmas without the gifts. I love it. We had our good friends Alex and John join us all for dinner. Chris bought the turkey, John picked it up and arrived in time for dinner with a beautifully cooked turkey. I made the side dishes and desserts and we had a magnificent meal with wonderful company!!!

Kelly is now back at work - silly girl went back after 8 weeks!!! She had always planned to go back then, little realising what was in store for her. She does work for a small company and has great loyalty to them, and felt she was needed. Her blood work is back to normal which is wonderful, but as is expected, Kyler is still not sleeping through the night, so she is still quite tired.

When I was writing last month's blog, Paul was out hunting, and he called to say he had shot (bow and arrow) two bucks within ten minutes of each other. For those of you who think he is a hardened killer, you are half right. He is indeed a killer, but he does only kill for the meat and any meat we don't use goes to feed hungry families in the area. The deer here need to culled otherwise many die of starvation during the winter months, and sadly they are often responsible for road deaths and many accidents. I did have a hard time with it once, but when listening to the nightly local news, I am often reminded of how necessary it is to keep the herds in check.

Paul had the opportunity to kill several does during gun season, but got more pleasure out of sitting and watching them. He even got to see a fawn still feeding from its mother - only 10 feet away!!! He constantly asks me to go and join him in his blind, but his pleas fall on deaf ears as there is no way I will give up the comfort of home to sit and watch deer than can be often viewed outside the kitchen window.

Rita and Tom were here for a weekend since I last wrote, and we had a really great time. Whenever they are here, we always enjoy their company and have lots of laughs. Srs. Sandi and Lucille were coming as well, but unfortunately, Sandi was unwell, so they had to take a raincheck.

We have had our first snow fall and everything outside is so beautiful - bloody cold, but beautiful. I am like a child when snow falls, if it is forcast for when we are sleeping, I can't sleep, I keep getting up to see if it is happening yet. To me, it is like waves breaking on the shore and I could watch it endlessly! As usual, we are planning on having another New Year's Eve party - John, Vickie, Lyn and the gang are coming as is Rochelle, perhaps Bobby and some of our local friends. That is the reason we even bothered to put up Christmas decorations. I decided to just put up a small tree this year as Christmas was going to be so quiet, but my maniac husband had other ideas! I have to admit, that he easily swept me up with his enthusiasm, but we still did not decorate to the extent we have in other years. Hey everybody, you are all invited - come on up, across, over, down or whatever. Remember, we have have six bedrooms, a big loft and a big basement - stacks of room - the more the merrier!

This morning we had breakfast with some neighbors and friends. Usually, it is just the men, but this morning, wives were invited into the boys' club breakfast! Not permanently, but it was a lot of fun. It was particularly good, as my friend whom I have mentioned in previous emails, has now completed her chemo. Unfortunately, it took a dreadful toll on her and she was very ill, and hospitalised and hence she does not have to have her final session. She is recovering just the same, slowly but surely, and although her appetite still isnt good (I made up for her), she was well enough to join us and we all had a lot of laughs.

I have put the pictures at the end of the blog this time. It is quicker than putting them in where appropriate and affords you the opportunity of not bothering if they hold no interest for you.

Well folks, thats all for now - not much news and it is even boring me! I have several emails to write so rather than do PS as usual, I will make the effort and write soon.

Love to all, Kathy

Kyler in the pjs from Carmel and James

Our Thanksgiving table (flowers from Nate)

Our little man in his camo - from Gramps

Sweet dreams baby!

The last of the Fall colours on our property

Dear All,

Today is November 1st (Happy Birthday John), the fall beauty is slowing beginning to fade and the winter scape gathers momentum daily. The Fall colours have been so beautiful, but as with everything else they bring their scourge. It is impossible to keep the decks clear of leaves. At times it is impossible to even see the wood. I spent hours and hours (well maybe an hour or so), outside sweeping and later when I went out, you couldn't see where I had been! I have now wised up and the leaves can stay there until the last leaf has fallen or a strong wind blows them elsewhere.

I guess I am a bit of a pyromaniac as I built the best fire and only then did the effort seem worth it - the smell is like no other - it makes a coffee even taste better and wine smoother still! It is a tiny taste of heaven to sit by a leaf fire on a sunny day with a glass of wine.

As I told you all last newsletter, I was heading back to Atlanta. I stayed 10 days and although I missed Paul it was hard to leave even then. Our grandson is such a joy and obviously, Kelly needed help. It has been very tough on her coping with a new baby, whilst sore and anemic. Kyler is doing very well, and at his check up just one week after his birth - he had managed to not just regain his birth weight, but to added a pound since his hospital release. He had also grown an inch and a half!!!

After I came home his other Grandma and Nate's sister Mandy went to assist for three days. Kelly was so glad to have their help and was very reluctant to let them leave. They cleaned house, cooked and feed Kyler through the night to enable Kelly and Nate to have some much needed uninterrupted sleep.

While I was away Paul managed to keep himself very busy. During the first part of my absence, Bob Bennett came to stay and they cleared and cleaned the barn to make space for the storage of our pontoon boat, Bobby's motor boat and two other pontoon boats belonging to friends. They also worked on Paul's hunting blind or should I say hunting lodge!!! Paul's blind is solidly constructed of timber with windows, flyscreens, insulated roofing, carpeting, stairs with handrails, chairs with footrests, heater and God knows what else. It has also been loving painted (camo colours). As it is bow and arrow season, Paul can be found in the blind every evening by 5pm, returning home around 7.30 p.m. He sometimes goes early morning as well. He goes alone and he goes with friends. It seems it may also be a bit of a chick magnet as I know he has had several female visitors as well. Good thing I trust him eh?

The pictures of the blind does not show it completed. It has since had steps and rails added, a door, roofing and carpeting - yes carpeting. It has a heater - God forbid they get cold when hunting. Paul has a chair and footrest, but is on the hunt for a couple of recliners!

Sid (cousin), came to stay for a few days after Bobby left, so needless to say, Paul had a great time as it was rather like a bachelors dream. Good food, good friends and no one to worry about!

Last night was Halloween here in the States and no-one here in Delton bothered to take the 300ft+ trek up our unlite driveway looking for candy. Good thing that was, as I didn't buy candy this year, as Paul and I usually manage to wade our way through it very quickly.

Kyler was dressed and ready to receive all callers in Atlanta and he looked so cute in his little Tiger outfit, purchased for him by his other doting Grandma!

(Note he does not take after his Nana, as he clearly has two eyes)

Paul and along, along with John and Alex recently went to Red Lobster for dinner. They have a promotion going called "endless shrimp". Obviously this means that one can eat as much shrimp/prawns as they desire - they can be breaded/crumbed, garlic or alfredo. As we are great seafood fans, we eat there on a regular basis, never missing their special promotions. However, any Americans reading this should be aware, that it is very likely that the most recent promotion will be their last. Alex and I could not believe the amount of shrimp that John and Paul managed to put away!!! I lost count, but would not be surprised to hear that it could have made the Guiness Book of Records. As usual we had a good night though and lots of laughs.

At the moment I have a special friend who recently underwent a double masectomy and breast reconstruction. I will not mention her name for fear of embarrassing her or invading her privacy. The reason I mention her is because she always told me she was wimpy but here she is only having had the surgery at the end of September, out walking in between chemo sessions, so she won't get unfit and lazy. She is now half way though chemo and she is bald and beautiful.

She is an inspiration to me and many others and I applaud you dear, nameless friend! Everyone, please say a prayer for her to help her fight the good fight.

I am off to Atlanta on the 14 of this month for a couple of days. I return on the 18th with Kelly and Kyler in tow and Nate will join us on the 22nd for Thanksgiving and will take Kelly and Kyler home with him on the 23rd. Erin will also be on a college break that week, so she will join us as well. I am looking forward to it.

Bobby Bennett is coming up this week again for a few days, Rita, Tom and Srs. Lucille and Sandi are coming for the weekend and while I'm away this time, Gerry and Mike another two friends will be here for the Friday and Saturday.

Paul has been selected to join the hunts at both Fort Custer and Lux Arbor this year, so he is very excited. It is bow and arrow season right now and he has his sights set on a 10 point buck which flaunts itself just out of range most days. Paul says, once gun season comes - the buck will be on the wall if it manages to dodge the arrow! Meanwhile, I am happy to amuse myself whilst he hunts!

Well folks thats all for now, hopefully I will have some tales next newsletter about Thanksgiving and our visitors!

At the end of this newsletter I am going to add some of my favorite baby pictures - sorry, but I can't help myself.

Love to all,

Kathy.

At left - Kyler on his 2 week birthday.

Below - a sleeping angel.

Ar you going to pick me up Nana? Both looking at the camera

The scenes below are daytime and sunset out the back window.

P

GRANDPARENTS R US!!!

Dear All,

As you can see by the title of this new post - we are very proud grandparents! Kelly gave birth to a beautiful baby boy - Kyler Nathaniel on 1st October at 4.30 pm.

Kyler Nathaniel - 7lb 14 1/2ozs - 19 1/2 inches long - born Oct. 1st at 4.30pm

As is usual in our household - it was not without drama! She was due to deliver on 23rd September but on the 20Th, after an examination by her doctor, she was told that she had begun to dilate (2cm) and that her membranes were thinning. She had also begun to have contractions. She had been having contractions on and off for over a week, but they always stopped, however, on this day, they continued and got stronger.

Busting with excitement and anticipation, Paul and I packed up the car and headed off around 10pm that night. However, at around 2am the contractions stopped! Of course we continued on our journey, hopeful that they would start again. Kelly's in-laws, Doug and Cherie who live in Ohio, had also packed the car and were on their way. They had a little more sense than us, and they stopped on the way at a motel for the night. We pressed on and arrived in Atlanta early afternoon. Cherie and Doug arrived about a half hour later.

Well we spent the afternoon/evening together and Paul and I headed off for a motel. We stay at a motel, because Kelly's house is two storeys and it is easier for Paul at a motel. Kelly's contractions continued on and off over the weekend. We were all disappointed when they eased and we cheered when we saw her wince with pain! Looking back, I guess we are nothing but a bunch of sickos!

The next night the pains strengthened and became regular, so they headed to the hospital. At that time, we were back at the motel getting ready for a much anticipated sleep after our drive thru the night. We quickly dressed and headed for the hospital on foot, only to discover that the battery in Paul's wheelchair had gone flat. No-way, were we not going, so pumped with adrenalin - I pushed Paul and eased off when he was able to roll down a hill! I am sure we made an hilarious sight to passers-by, but I was oblivious to the world around me. As Paul later said - he felt sure I could have pushed the Excursion to the hospital, if I had had too!

Doug and Cherie headed back to Ohio on Sunday with full battery charge still on their cameras!! We decided to stay and wait it out as our drive is at least 14 hours and theirs is 7. Plus of course, we don't have to work. Kelly continued to work, whilst we hung out and Paul was redoing a dining table and chairs we had bought with us. Kelly in fact, worked most of the week, winding up on the Thursday as she wanted to have the Friday off before the baby came - my how she spoils herself!!!

Doug and Cherie returned to Atlanta the following Friday, as Kelly had been told, if she had not delivered by the following Monday, she would be induced. At least this time, they knew they would not be going home without a million pictures of their new grandson!

All hands on deck. Cherie, Doug & Nate (pictured), along with Paul, Kelly and myself (Yes Kelly too), painted the table and chairs on Sunday before they went to hospital.

Kelly's contractions continued over the weekend and she was also feeling quite ill and shaky, and with a great deal of persuasion she went to the hospital on Sunday evening. They decided to keep her in as she was in labor, but decided to help her along with drugs as well. Although she was contracting strongly, for some reason, she was not dilating and at 3am they gave her an epidural. Unfortunately, the doctor who gave the epidural, was obviously incompetent and it had no effect on the pain, other than to numb her in places, she didn't need or want to be numbed. The staff finally caught on hours later and called for another doctor to check it out. This doctor, fortunately knew what he was doing and after having endured labor for some 12 hours, his epidural finally had some effect.

Some 3 hours later her water had broken and she was fully dilated. We were told she would deliver within the hour!!!! I phoned Paul at the motel and told him to get his butt to the hospital (it was only around 1 mile away). Unfortunately, once again, things didn't go as expected.

They said she would have to sit for awhile as the baby wasn't down far enough, also, there were no doctors available to deliver as they were busy with other patients! Some 2 hours later, we were told the baby was face up which made it much more difficult to push out!!!!! Then we were told, Kelly was too exhausted to push and not to expect anything for another 1 to 3 hours!!! They were also talking about an emergency C-section!!!

You can imagine how the four of us were feeling by now. Anyway, sometime later, Cherie's phone rang - it was Nate and we heard a baby crying!!!! He had arrived! Doug and Paul got to hear Nate saying"Oh My God" - they heard the wonder, awe and excitement as Kyler emerged - Cherie and I heard the baby crying, but little else, as we too, were crying. It was the most joyous noise ever!!!

Evidently Kyler's heart rate dropped suddenly, and he had to be suctioned out immediately. He gave doctor's a few worrying minutes and then came good.

Kelly unfortunately has had a very difficult time with long labor (24 hours plus), extensive tearing and they have discovered that she is severely anemic. They wanted to give her a blood transfusion, but due to the risks involved, she refused and opted for iron pills instead. She is banned from driving for a minimum of 2 weeks and has to be cleared by a doctor before she can resume driving again. Her blood pressure was 85/44 on discharge from hospital and her body temp. is also a bit low due to the anemia. Both Cherie and I were alarmed during her labor at her low blood pressure (75/39), but it seemed hospital staff were not.

Thankfully Nate has this week off. He slept at the hospital with her each night and is very hands on and supportive. Erin and Chris will be there, Sat. Sun. and Monday and I am flying in on Monday evening for 10 days to help her when Nate is back at work.

I can't wait to get back and help out and to get my hands on that adorable bundle again. I have to say, that at this point, I cannot see Kelly in him at all - he is the image of his father.

It was our intention to book into a motel on the way home and rest overnight. Having visited Kelly at the hospital in the morning we set out for home at 10 am. Around 6pm, we considered stopping, but decided we felt fine and we drove on through. Paul lets me take the wheel now so that he can rest, and although he does most of the driving, the Diesel Duchess (me), has now put a few miles on as well.

We did enjoy our time in Atlanta - our hotel was right in the city, so we managed to dine at a few nice restaurants whilst there. I found a short cut back from the hospital and led the charge, however, Paul refused to follow me on future trips, as our sojourn through back alleys and car parks unnerved him somewhat! He says I am too trusting and I say he is too suspicious. Hey, he won and we took the long road home after that.

We were there for an annual parade in honor of 100 Black Men. I am not too sure what it was all about, but think that some enterprising, good black men set up a sort of mentoring program to help young black people get a good education and start in life. The parade was wonderful, marching bands from many colleges, along with their cheer squads. I have to say, black people, sure know how to move! The dancers were fantastic, the musicians were brilliant and we met some lovely people.

Well folks, I know it is all baby news, but I can't help it. It could have been worse - I do have a million photos! You can only pray that I get better and find something else to talk about in the future!!!! As for all of you who are calling Kelly and getting no response, please be aware that she is tired, sick and sore and focused only on getting well, getting some sleep and taking care of the baby. Nate too is sorely sleep deprived - although the prize was worth it - they have both been through an ordeal and when normalacy returns (possibly in 20 years if ever), they will respond to all calls. For those of you who asked their address is Mr. & Mrs. N. Lee, 1510 Boulder Walk Drive, Atlanta, Ga 30016

Love to all,

Paul and Kathy (aka Nana and Gramps)

We enjoyed some great food whilst there and some that wasn't worth writing home about (so I won't). We are lucky that we walked to the hospital and around the streets, otherwise I doubt we would be able to walk now based on the food we consumed.

No matter how much fun one has when away, it is always great to get home and sleep in your own bed.

John and Alex dropped Mack back to us the day after we arrived home and it was great to be so warmly greeted. We were afraid that he was having too much fun at their house, and that he wouldn't want to be home - but he still loves us. Continuing on our eating binge, we went out with John and Alex last night and had a nice Chinese meal.

Ed and Geri collected our mail as we left in such a hurry we couldnt have it held for us until we got home. Paul copped mail duty and spent most of this morning wading his way through it and now we are just about organised.

wasnt

August Tales

Dear All,

Well here we are in September one of my favorite months of the year! I always loved September in Australia because it was the start of Spring and it always bought with it, the promise of warmer days ahead. Here in America, I love it for different reasons. Here it brings relief from the hot days of summer. We can turn off the air chillers, open the windows and sit outside in the evenings without being attacked and carried off by mosquitoes (although they have been scarce this year). September is also the month of anniversaries - Kelly and Nate's, and Paul's and mine. This year it will also bring us our first grandson!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kelly is now due is two weeks. We are hoping he stays put until his due date of the 23rd. Kelly is in unison with us as she wants the time to be better organized at work. Nate however, has an agenda of his own. On a daily basis he talks to him and tells him to come out and meet daddy! We admit that we are bursting with excitement, however, depositions in our court case are set to continue this coming week, and we are legally bound to be here. Apart from the obvious discomfort of being 38 weeks pregnant and the inevitable swelling in her leg, Kelly is doing very well and is progressing normally.

Depositions did start a few weeks ago when Paul was questioned from 9am to 5pm with just a short break for lunch. However, the opposing attorney says he has several more hours of questioning to go before he even starts with me! I find it a daunting prospect, but I also can't wait to have it all over and done with. I can't imagine how I would be able to focus if Kelly was to go into labor and give birth while they were taking place!

The attorneys will be doing the depositions at our house once again. It is roughly a half way point for both of them and far more convenient and easier for Paul.

Erin has started her course at Nursing College and seems to be enjoying it so far. She says it is very full on and the work demanding. She has about a 40minute commute from her apartment, but luckily, she has met others and is car pooling with them. Erin was also bridesmaid for her friend Tabitha who was married a couple of weeks ago. Unfortunately, we were not able to make it, but we were told it was a beautiful wedding.

Lauren has been successful in finding full time employment. She is working in an administrative role in a forensic lab. Naturally, she would prefer to be in the lab, but she is hoping that if a position opens up in the lab in the future, she may be able to get a transfer. Meanwhile, she too says the work is demanding, but she is enjoying it. At this point, she likes the people she is working with and as it is out of the public eye, she is able to dress casually, which saves money on office attire.

Damien too is well and seems to have plenty of work to keep him busy. I am encouraging him to think about a visit over here before too long and am hoping the lure of a nephew will do the trick! He admits to missing Australia, so it is difficult to find the time and money to visit us and have a trip back to Oz as well.

Mack (our dog), managed to get himself "skunked". It seems he chased a skunk into the woods and was sprayed full on in the face. He got it in the eyes, nose and mouth. You could smell it all over the neighbourhood. He started to drag his face over the concrete. The smell is the most disgusting smell you can imagine. Skunks are so pretty to look at too!

Anyway, we caught him and bathed him immediately to no avail!!!! Julie and Chris came to the rescue with tins and tins of tomato juice. We rubbed the tomato juice all over him and let it sit for 15 minutes then rinsed him off! He was confined to the basement for the night and next morning the entire basement stunk as well! We aired the basement and called the vet who advised us to bath him in a mixture of dawn dish washing liquid and hydrogen peroxide. We did this and then Julie and Paul rinsed him off in the lake!

After this, you could still smell it on his head if you got close enough, but it was decidedly better! We went boating a couple of times and when we do Mack likes to swim. Every time he got wet the smell was dreadful! Poor dog also developed a bad case of the itches. We put him on antihistamines, which did nothing. As he was crying and scratching himself raw, we took him to the vet and she put him on steroids. He is still on them, as she said it takes around 30 days for the skunk oil to get out of his skin! I am telling you, if it happens again, I will be on the next plane to Oz and will only return when it is out of his system!

Most Americans have smelt a skunk in their time, either by sniffing the air after one has sprayed or by driving past or over a dead one, but for Aussies, it is hard to imagine and lets hope you never have to smell it!!!!

Paul is doing well. Home Nursing and Home Physiotherapy discharged him last week! There were a great bunch of people and were very helpful. We intend to go out to dinner with one of the nurses and her husband in the not too distant future. Sheree and John have been to visit a couple of times (socially), and we have a lot of fun together.

We had a huge barn sale last weekend. It took weeks to get prepared, as we had soooooooo much stuff stored in the barn and I had to go though so many boxes. Bobby Bennett (Paul's mate), came up/down?? from Chicago to help get the boxes off the pallets and set up tables. He returned the week of the sale, along with Sid (cousin). I doubt I could have done it without their help.

We sold a bit of stuff prior to the sale to neighbours and friends and the sale started very slowly on the Thursday and continued on the Friday and Saturday! I begun to despair that all the work and preparation was for nought! Sid did carpark duties and directed people to parking. At the end of the first day he said we could make a lot more money giving house tours as everyone was more interested in the house. We had the house barricaded!!! He also said he was charging for parking and making a lot of money. (not true).

Donna and Dan (friends), came over to help on Thursday and again on Saturday, along with Julie and Chris, so we actually had a lot of fun.

We did have some colorful characters come to the sale. Firstly, there was parrot man and his bare-footed wife. He came with a large, tame, macaw parrot on his shoulder and she walked bare-footed over our stony driveway!!! One of the customers had a bird phobia , so she came and sat behind me whilst parrot man and barefooted babe shopped.

Next came breakfast boy! It was an adult male in his 50's who turned up with a tray on which he had a ceramic bowl filled with cereal and milk, and a plate with muffins on it. He took the tray with him, and proceeded to eat his breakfast whilst he shopped!!! He was very eccentric, but bought a lot of stuff, so we suffered him gladly!!!

Then we had antique lady. She is a lovely lady, knowledgeable in antiques who gave me a lot of advice in exchange for a sale preview and a big discount. She came the night before the sale, but when the sale began, she came back with her daughter and granddaughter and then came back again with her grandson. Each time she came, she bought something else, so I awaited her visits with eager anticipation.

We also had "liver man". He was lovely and was a horrible shade of yellow. He is awaiting a liver transplant. We had an American Indian who suffers from the effects of Agent Orange in Vietnam and a legless man! They were all very nice and stayed to chat and tell their very interesting stories. It was almost worthwhile, just to meet the local characters.

The sale was due to finish on Saturday at 1 and just as we were closing, people started to come in! It turns out we sold as more after the sale officially ended on the Sat. and Sunday!!!

Unfortunately, on the Sunday morning, people kept coming up our driveway and when we asked what they wanted, they said they were just bringing people back to look at the house! I thought they were very rude. However, when I went to the barn to begin packing up stuff to donate to charity, people came down and we sold a lot more. We sold over $3,000, gave away a lot and still have enough to call in a charity truck. At least we will eventually have a tidy barn!!!

Well folks, thats it for the month of August!

Lots of love to all,

Paul and Kathy