JUST ANOTHER BLOG

Dear All,

As I promised last update, I am going to update more reguarly in the future, so that the blogs are not too long and boring. This way, they will only be short and boring!!!

I did forget to mention last blog, that I did put my home on the market! It was listed on April 1st. The home is way too large for one person and I am keen to downsize. My memories will go with me where-ever I go! To date, there has been little to no interest. We have only had one couple look through and although they loved the house, they wanted more of a beach and lake access. I anticipate little interest and will leave it on for only 6 months and then will take it off until the economy recovers a bit.

I also did not mention that I no longer have Mack. It was a very tough decision, but I gave him to John and Alex! Mack still missed Paul, and with my frequent trips away, where John and Alex minded him for me, I thought it best not to continue unsettling him. He really loves John and Alex and it has always been his second home. I visited there at the weekend after a long absence and I did receive a very over the top welcome. However, when I left, he didn't seem to care at all - it was as if he was truly home. He is happy and healthy and really enjoys playing with Mork and the numerous cats that Alex fosters.

I have to say, I really do miss him - the house feels very empty without him and it is so quiet. I have unlimited access to him, and I think that is best for Mack. I am now his AuntyMum! I will not feel so bad in the future when I take off travelling and have to leave him.

Although I miss him, the animals around here certainly do not! They are much braver than they used to be and now I find racoons wandering around the lawn during the day, deer grazing brazenly on my garden, and squirrels and chipmunks gazing in my back door. The best thing however, was when two sandhill cranes bought their newly hatched chicks within 10 feet of my back door and stood guard over them whilst they pecked at my lawn. I was not game to run for the camera for fear I would scare them, so I sat and savoured the moment.

Life has been fairly busy since my return. Our snowbirds have returned from their warm havens in Arizona, Texas etc. the ice has melted and the lake is now covered with pontoons and fishing boats. The weather has been unseasonaby hot, but has now returned to our warm, average temperatures.

My plans to attack the garden with gusto have fallen by the wayside - instead I am seeing a chiropracter 3 times a week in an effort to get my back on track and to motivate my legs to perform as they shoud! I think if I wait long enough - the deer will ensure that I have no garden left to weed!

I am renting out barn space to a local landscape gardener in exchange for having my lawns mowed and my road ploughed in the winter time. So far, the arrangement works well.

It is now less than 3 weeks til I get to see Lauren and we drive to Atlanta together. I am getting very excited and am looking forward to the two of us, meeting up with Kelly, Nate, Kyler, Erin and Chris in Atlanta for several weeks of fun, fun, fun. I am going to pick her up in Chicago and drive to Atlanta from there. We will do it over 2 days.

Erin is keeping well and is providing a safe, healthy haven for my little granddaughter and whilst we are in Atlanta, we will be decorating the nursery together. I am already armed with a box of beautiful butterflies purchased from the internet. Chris' parents - Jim and Maura are going there in a couple of days and they are going to paint the nursery.

Since my return, I have had two dinner parties here at the house - sounds kinda formal - but not so. My friends and neighbours assist with the food and basically, we just sit around, eat, drink, talk and laugh. We always have a great time together.

I had a friend from Iowa come to stay for a weekend. He is currently involved with a friend in Australia . Anyway, we had a nice weekend whilst he was here. I took him to our Saturday breakfast club which is now back on, to introduce him to my friends there. After that we headed to the Gilmore Car Museum to look at old cars. Surprisingly enough, although I expected to be bored, it was quite enjoyable.

On the Saturday night, I had another group of friends come over for dinner - John cooked the corn beef and the trimmings, I did the deserts and friends bought the appetizers, so once again, it was a lovely evening.

On the Sunday, we headed to Kalamazoo for breakfast after which he headed off back to Iowa. He met his girlfriend on the internet - I actually introduced them at my sister's suggestion and they have really hit it off. She is coming over to visit in October, and I am looking forward to seeing her, but John is very, very excited.

Memorial Weekend was especially good as we had a barbeque here on the Saturday night (we did intend to play croquet, but it was too hot). I went to Tom and Lindas for another barbeque on the Sunday and then to John and Alex's on the Monday for yet another. It proved to be a lot of fun all around.

A group of us went bowling on Friday night - it was such good fun, that we intend to do it more often. None of us are really bowlers, and unfortunately, we had league bowlers all around us - topping our scores by nearly 200! I am sure they didnt have as much fun as us though. Our scores ranged from 30 to 119!! Needless to say, none of the league bowlers tried to poach us! At times it was difficult to bowl because of the laughter. We did all improve our score on our second game, so if we continue to do that, by the year 2020, we may be up to league standard if we can still walk!

We had our own cheer squad - they clapped, cheered and whistled even if we just managed to hit one pin!!! I have to say though, that each of us got a strike before the night was over! I was the last to achieve this, and was getting very worried about it, but my second last ball of the night, saved my bacon!!!

After our game we went to a local Sports Bar for a very late dinner (well, we are sporting jocks now eh?). All in all, it was a wonderful evening and we are expecting our numbers to grow, as we continue to bowl.

Today, I am having a quiet day at home - the weather has turned chilly, and very, very wet. Yesterday, I went to breakfast with the gang, and later that day, Linda and I travelled to Battle Creek for a party (Pampered Chef), at her daughter's house. We were supposed to have a late dinner together, but the rain had increased, and our appetite and energy decreased, so we called it a night!

Well folks that is all for now............. I am aware that I still owe some personal emails, but will get to them soon. Life is always so busy and I don't seem to be at home a great deal...... not that I am complaining. (PICTURES BELOW FOR ANYONE INTERESTED)

Love to you all, Kathy

Kyler chowing down on an

Aussie sausage roll from

the Aussie bakery near

his house!












Kyler sleeping after his

swimming lessons.

Mary (bragging)!

Guess she knocked down

some pins!!!

Any time we did was

great cause for celebration

Erin with her beautiful baby bump!

Mary, Connie & Linda!

You can tell by their

faces, how much fun we

were having.

Mary & Connie - I suspect

they were discussing ways

and means to keep the

balls our of the gutters!

A very serious moment.

Perhaps they were

questioning - did the shots help?

Tom, John and Charlie

looking quite down in the

mouth because the

entertainment stopped

while we ladies took a break.

They were our cheer squad

and did an admirable job!

HOME AGAIN

Fireman Kyler












One "hot cop"
My newphew James
(nephew in-law)???















Emily with Mack
on a walk for life.














My brothers -
John, Paul & Pat
with me







Hi All,

I am obviously back from my trip/s after having had a wonderful time.

My first trip since last writing was to Atlanta in early March to visit with Kelly, Nate, Kyler, Erin and Chris. As is usual, the trip was way too short, but fun just the same.

Because they are all working, it is difficult to get to spend a lot of time with them and at the time, Erin was working full time as a nurse with Grady and then working every other weekend in Hospice Care. She has since finished her job in Hospice Care and is now 23 weeks pregnant. For those of you out of the loop - she is having a girl - and we can't wait too meet her. How lucky am I - a grandson and a granddaughter on the way???????????

Whilst there, I got to babysit Kyler on two nights and it was wonderful. Of course it is great to have Kelly and Nate there, but it is also great to have him all to myself, as that way, I can spoil him without prying eyes! We had lots of fun and he was just perfect! He is extremely bright and his verbal skills are excellent, so he can now always tell me what he wants, what to do and how to do it!!!! The picture above is Kyler in the 'cubby house" I made for him in the living room. He sat inside and had a little picnic with the key ingredient being chocolate chip cookies as evidenced by his dirty face and big smile. It is always hard to say good-bye, but this time it was a little easier, as once I flew home, I had just 5 days before heading off to Australia!

On March 16th, I headed off to Australia for 6 weeks, firstly flying to LA - staying the night and flying out the next day. I am far too old to do it all in one trip now.......... The 15 hours from LA is quite sufficient for me in one go.

I arrived at Sydney airport on a Thursday and spent the day with an old friend, catching up and checking out his business. He then drove me to the Central Coast to my girlfriend Heather's house, and although I was tired, we managed to chat for hours before finally hitting the sack.

On the Friday we headed to Terrigal Beach for lunch............I had been craving fish and chips from a particular restaurant for years...........My salivary glands and taste buds were not disappointed. We dined on seafood fresh from the coastal waters whilst we sat in the sunshine, watching the waves crash onto the golden sands of the beach. I did this many times when I lived there and this experience proved to me that my memories were not exaggerated in any way. The sea gulls hovered around us, waiting for a tasty morsel - however, they went hungry as not one crumb missed my awaiting lips!!!!

That evening, my friend Marg, picked me up and we went together to visit another friend Sue. I worked with Sue and Marg at the school. It was great to catch up with them and to reminisce about old times together. My only disappointment was that neither of them seemed to have aged in the eight years since I had seen them. I really feel they should both keep pace with the rest of us!

The next day, Heather and I headed to Empire Bay for a barbeque with another group of special friends... It seems that my emails posted prior to my trip had been duly noted as the meal included so many items on my wish list - i.e. Aussie snags (sausages), lamb chops, Barbel's german potato salad and the list goes on.......

Once again we spent the afternoon/evening laughing until our jaws ached agreeing to meet up again the next day. I should mention here that I drove home that night, as Heather left her glasses at home. Barb said "just keep the gutter on your left"! Her advice worked well and we arrived home safely.

My time on the Central Coast (Gosford, my former home), ended all too quickly and with Heather's help and the help of many strangers (I had 3 cases), I caught the train to Sydney where I was met by Maureen (my sister), her husband Michael and friends Mel and Pauline. We then all caught a train to Goulburn where Maureen and Michael live and where I was to stay for a few days. During this time, I caught up with my newest great nephew, Levi (he was made in America, when his parents were here for Erin's wedding). I also caught up obviously with Carmel, James, Jude, Jacinta, Mark, Claire, Jacob, Lara, Gerard, Melissa, Joel, Harry, Luke and Gemma!!!! Yep they are all related and it was sooooooo good to see them all again.

After Goulburn, I once again caught a train to Wagga Wagga where I was met by my other sister Louise and my nephew Matthew. We had a wonderful couple of days before I headed down further south to stay with my brother Pat and his wife Joan for Easter. During my time in Albury I managed to enjoy time with lots of my neices and nephews - Taz, Ebony, Josh, Megan, Jackson, Mollie, Ellie, Nicole, Luke & Kim, Glenn and Melanie, Evie, Gus as well as another brother John.

I spent a day at Browns Plains with a girlfriend that I hadn't seen for years - Rhonda. Rhonda and I both worked together when we first left Secretarial College - we moved to Melbourne together and we have remained close friends ever since. It was so nice to spend the day with her and her husband Vin and to visit with her mother, and to meet her new grand-daughter and daughter-in-law. My day with them was way too short!

Whilst in Albury, I also caught up with my cousin Chris. We had a great lunch at a local club and managed to talk until our jaws were aching. Luckily, we had a little more time together at Easter.


Also when I was in Albury, it was the anniversary of Paul's and Dennis' deaths. As I was not able to attend Dennis' funeral, my brother Paul took me to his graveside. Dennis was buried, a very short distance from my little brother Peter at his request. Both Paul and Dennis seem to have been gone for an eternity.

My brother Paul and his wife were in Thailand over Easter, but I managed to catch up with them for a few days, before hiring a car and driving to Melbourne. Much to my amazement my car trip was "a slam dunk". I did not lose my way and as yet, I have received no speeding tickets in the mail. Quite an achievement for me.

I drove to Melbourne Airport where I was met by Shery and Eddie - wonderful friends that I have had for almost 40 years. Once again, we have remained in close contact (Sheryl has even visited me in the States). Once back at Sheryl's house, Sheryl cooked a wonderful dinner and Wendy (another friend over 40 years) and her husband Bernard joined us.


The next day, we caught a train into Melboune to meet Wendy and had a lovely lunch at the Windsor Hotel. I met both these ladies when I worked in Melbourne many years ago - it was nice to see a bit of the city once again.

Sheryl and I then headed down the coast (with her grandson Harvey - 18 months), to spend a couple of days at Anglesea. Anglesea is a beautiful little town right on the coast. Sheryl had rented a cabin there for a couple of days. The weather was a little on the cool side, but it did not dampen our appetites or our conversation...... We had a wonderful time, catching up and reminscing about the past. The area is so beautiful and one day, I hope to go back to Australia, hire a car and drive the coastal road for many more miles.


One the Thursday, I boarded a plane, along with another friend Ellis, and we headed to Brisbane to attend a wedding. Kelly and Nate were already in Brisbane (Kelly was the matron of honour).

We were supposed to meet up with them all for dinner, but unfortunately, the hire car did not have a GPS and nor did we have a map! I am geographically challenged at the best of times, so we did manage to get a bit lost .

Needless to say, we eventually arrived at the hotel where all the guests were staying and finally got to meet up with Kelly, Ann (the bride to be) and her mother Janet. Nate went to bed as he was very tired as he had only arrived from the States that day. We enjoyed a lovely evening together and then attended the wedding the next day. Ann was a beautiful bride, attended by beautiful bridesmaids. The weather was lovely and the food was great. The wedding was held at a lovely restaurant right by the water.


After a short few days in Brisbane, I flew to Canberra where once again, I was met by Maureen, Michael, Graham & Pat (Michael's brother and sister-in-law). From Canberra, we drove to Goulburn, where once again I spent a few days, catching up with a multitude of nieces and nephews before heading back to the Central Coast once again.


This time, rather than try and manage 3 cases on a train, I hired a car and drove myself. This trip was not on my itinerary, as I did intend to spend my last weekend in Sydney, but thought it would be easier for everyone if I went to the Coast.


My last few days, were once again, lots of fun - a food and laughter festival!


On the Sunday, I bravely set out in my hire car to find Sydney airport! I was a little nervous as I knew I either had to drive over the Harbour Bridge, or take the tunnel. Once again, the trip was uneventful and I found my way, without any problems at all.

The airlines were kind enough not to charge me for the extra weight I had gained as a result of eating my way around Australia! I have to admit, that I left Australia with very mixed feelings - it is so difficult to leave so many people that I love, but yet, I was returning to lots of people that I love.........

Well that is the extent of my travel news - but only for now............I am very excited to be going to Atlanta in June (21st until about July 5) as Lauren will be in the States. I shall pick her up from Chicago and then we will drive to Atlanta together... I can't wait.

Lauren also is very excited to be coming and she has had a recent ordeal as well. Shortly before I left for Australia, she had a biopsy on her face, only to be told it was melaneoma. Of course, we were all very worried, particularly as when she went in for her surgery, the Dermatologist informed her that it was not happening. They had decided she need an Oncologist. Thankfully, things moved very quickly. She did have to have a general anasethic, and a sizable scar (which is healing very well), but they did get all the cancer.

I think it is time to end this blog - it is way too long and boring. I think I shall try and do weekly or bi-monthly updates in future.

As is usual, I have placed a lot more photos at the end of this blog for anyone interested. I did put a few at the beginning, as I couldn't be bothered dragging them down and reformatting.

Love to you all,

Kathy


Me niece Taz with my great
niece Evie.

My great nephew Gus

James with Jude

and Levi

My sister Louise

Maureen & Michael

(my sister & her husband)

Ann - the beautiful bride

with Kelly & Nate

Kelly & Nate

Ellis & I

The beach at

Anglesea

Kangaroos on the golf

course

Sheryl & Harvey

The beach where I used to

live.

The kookaburras in my

brother's backyard.

He hand feeds them.

JUST ANOTHER UPDATE

Dear All,

I have just finished reading my last blog to see where I left off. I can't believe that we have had Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year since I last wrote.

Thanksgiving was wonderful - we had the meal at Kelly & Nate's. Erin and Chris were there as were a couple of Kelly and Nate's friends. The meal was delicious, and the day was a lot of fun.
I stayed in Atlanta for 10 days and spent time between Kelly and Nate's and Chris and Erin's. They live only about 10 minutes apart which is very convenient. We had lots of fun and it was great to spend some quality time with Kyler. I admit to being a biased Nana, but he really is a beautiful child - he is so much fun and his verbal skills are awesome. He can carry on a conversation and he now speaks in sentences. When he phones me up now, he usually says "hi Nana, what are you doing". After I tell him, he usually tells me what he is doing, what he had to eat and what he watched on TV. He is also able to relate his little stories at day care to Kelly.
He told her yesterday that he scratched his best friend because they were playing too rough. Kyler and Brandon are told on a daily basis that they are too rough.

After Thanksgiving in Atlanta, I came home and celebrated Thanksgiving once again with my "Delton Family" - John, Alex, Woody, Emily, Tom and Linda. Woody's Dad and step-mother came too. We all prepared some dishes, but John and Woody cooked the turkeys (yep 2 - one deep fried and one oven roasted! We did not go hungry and John and Alex were very gracious hosts! Although it had been a very sad year, one only had to look around the table at both Thanksgiving meals and to remember absent family and friends to realise that we all still had much to be thankful for.

Eight days after returning from Atlanta, I headed to London with much excitement to see Damien and Lauren. I was bursting with happiness to see them again - I absolutely hate that we are all so far apart. Damien and Lauren only live 5 minutes apart, so that was very convenient.
Lauren had the day I arrived off work, but then had to work until we left for Egypt. Damien took time off and he had custody of me until then. It was funny to hear the kids discuss who would have custody of me........e.g. Damien you have custody of mum tomorrow morning until 12.30 and then I get her as I will be home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The day I arrived, we went shopping and Lauren and I finished our Christmas shopping. When she returned to work the next day, Damien and I went and did his Christmas shopping together. It is fun helping spend someone else's money.

I cannot remember the sequence of events whilst there, but we ate out a lot - that I do remember, and if I should forget, my clothes are a constant reminder. I am expecting to meet up with my toenails again sometime in the Spring!

We had one night at "The Old Goat", a pub near Lauren's place which serves excellent meals. The evening was a "Meet the dragon" night. That is, they bought along some friends to meet me - disrespectful children that I have! I also went and met Lauren for lunch and got to meet some of her work mates.

The most important person I got to meet whilst there was Anya (Anna), Damien's girlfriend. Anya is beautiful - inside and out and Damien is one lucky man. It took me less than 5 minutes to love Anya and I hope she will be around for a long time to come. Anya is Polish as is Lauren's house-mate Marta (who is also lovely). Damien had two housemates - Vickie who is South African and Cheryl who is Australian. Very multi-cultural little group and lots of fun!

On the 11th December, Damien, Lauren and I flew off to Egypt. It was just wonderful. The resort was beautiful - we were right on the red sea. There were around 5 swimming pools located within the resort complex, a health club, a beauty parlour, shops and a several wonderful restaurants. So Ho - a high class shopping and entertainment centre was just a 10 minute walk away.

All our food and beverages were included during our stay. Each meal was a buffet and despite our resolutions each night as we waddled off to bed - we all over indulged at every meal! The menu was varied on a daily basis, making it very difficult to resist temptation. Whilst the waiters (all male), were very attentive and polite, the drink staff seemed to lack some knowledge.Lauren and I frequently ordered pina coladas and it was rather like a lucky dip. Each one tasted great, but they were all very different - only the name remained constant! It seems, they just made what ever they wanted and we of course, were happy to drink them.

Lauren and Damien flew to Cairo to visit the pyramids, Sphinx and the museum. I did not join them however, as the guides stated that there was a lot of walking involved and I was not sure that my leg could handle it. They both enjoyed the day, although they did not like Cairo, they were awe struck by the pyramids etc.

The three of us, went on a tour through the desert to visit a Bedouin tribe. We set out on quads (all terrain vehicles). I was thinking that the desert would be a very smooth ride over the sand - this was not so! Wow, it was rather like driving over corrugated iron much of the way - a bone shaking experience. The guide told me to stand up and ride it and it would not be so jarring! Well he was right, but my arms were very sore the next day as were my thighs from standing and holding on. A real "Kodak" moment, I'm sure! After riding for approximately 1 hour, we alighted to have some water and take a camel ride. I was not going to miss that experience either............silly me............ It was difficult to even climb on the beast to begin with, then when he stood up - on my......it was scary. The ride was okay, but am sad to say, whilst riding him, I could think of little else, except how I was going to be able to hold on to the stupid handle, while he sat down to let me off. By this point in time, I was fully aware that sand only looks soft, so jumping off and rolling was not an option. Somehow, I managed to get off safely, and that will be my one and only camel ride in this lifetime!

After our camel ride, we once again climbed onto our quads and drove deeper into the desert (by this time, I was quite concerned about the lack of restrooms in the desert! Do remember, there are no trees to hide behind! Much to my relief when we arrived at our destination, they had indeed catered to the pampered western tourists and there were restrooms. We were seated on cushions inside an open tent and served Bedouin tea - hot and sweet and quite tasty to the dry palate. After that, we were all given a sheesha pipe to smoke and pass around (think they are also called hookahs???). Everyone had some (we each had our own individual mouth piece). The tobacco was aromatic and tasted of apples.

We were then entertained by African dancers, and belly dancers. We were forced to participate with the African dancers, which proved to be great fun. Damien was also dragged up by the beautiful belly dancer, whilst she attempted to teach him to belly dance. Although he protested, I suspect "he doth protest too much" and he too enjoyed himself. We have this entire day, quad, camel rides, dancing etc. on DVD, but am not sure who we will share it with.

We were served a sumptuous meal after which we drove our quads back though the desert, under a cool,dark but beautiful night sky. It really was a great day and a wonderful experience.
The rest of my time at the resort was spent lounging, reading and shopping at the markets. We had to bargain for everything, including taxi rides. It was fun to begin with, but became very tiresome. There are very few women in Sharm el Sheik, and for that reason, women are a novelty. Damien had fun, because various men offered to buy both Lauren and I. Okay, okay, she got a lot more offers than me. They made their offers to Damien. One guy offered 1,000 camels for Lauren and Damien said "heck mate, give me a carton of cigarettes and she is yours". We were later told, that we must not joke like that, so he just had to learn to say no. I did not like the way he hesitated when offered a million Egyptian pounds for Lauren and I as a package deal. Of course, it is worth way less in our money and I could not help but think, that is what saved us!!!

Our warm, balmy, lazy days soon came to an end and we returned to London after a long flight delay to find the car buried in snow! What a contrast.

Time passed very quickly on our return and the highlights were Lauren's birthday dinner at a lovely restaurant with around 20 of her friends, our wonderful Polish Christmas Eve meal, and our Christmas Day. Anya prepared our Christmas Eve meal by herself - several fish dishes, cabbage dishes, mushroom soup (to die for), pierogies and wonderful deserts.

Christmas dinner the kids had requested/ordered our traditional Christmas Breakfast and our traditional Christmas Dinner. Unfortunately, each of them had smaller ovens and Damien's would not fit the turkey, so we used both ovens at both houses and checked regularly. We timed it perfectly and both ovens yielded perfectly cooked, side dishes and the turkey at the correct time.

Another highlight of the trip was our tour of Stonehenge and the tour of a nearby village, topped off with a gourmet meal in the local village pub in front of the open fire.

As with all good things, my trip came to an end very quickly and it was with a heavy heart that I said good-bye to the kids. Hopefully, I will not have to wait another year before I see them.

Lauren has an appointment on February 1st requesting permission to come and visit us during the Summer - fingers crossed and lots of prayers please.

I returned home at around midnight on December 27th in time to do laundry, unpack and repack for my trip to Canada on 30th. It was nice to catch up with friends, if only briefly with some and in the ER with others. John and Alex and Tom and Linda and I went to dinner on 28th, and I arranged to meet Alex for lunch the next day. She arrived looking very pale and said she had fallen in her garage and hurt her elbow. Well with much persuasion from both John and I,(after we ate of course), we headed to the ER where they informed her that it was broken!!! She was heavily splinted from shoulder to wrist and came home here and rested til John finished work. She is still incapacitated and will be for another few weeks yet.

My trip to Canada was lovely , however, the weather was lousy- freezing. The roads were dangerous and icy for much of the time, however, we were still able to see movies, go bowling and of course, the old standby - eating out! I would have liked to have had a road trip to Montreal about 5 hours away, but the weather put a damper on that idea!

I returned home on the 14th and since then I have been busy catching up on mail/email,.phone calls and with friends.

On January 4, my neice Kerryn and her husband Mick welcomed a baby brother, for their son Owen. His name is Ellis Paul. He is a beautiful baby and a welcome addition to our great big family. Ellis has a hole in his heart and we are anxiously waiting to get further details. Prayers please.

Well I have attempted to give you the highlights without boring you all too much. The trips were wonderful and I could waffle on for hours. I have chosen instead to put lots of pictures at the end of this for those of you who are interested.

Love to you all,

Kathy
Damien & Anya

Damien & Anya

Damien & Anya

Anya

Stonehenge

in the

background

The resort in Egypt.

Although a Muslim

country they and all

the other resorts

decorated beautifully

for Christmas

Damien and I enjoying

an after dinner drink at

the resort.

Stonehenge

(Although the weather

looks beautiful, it was

freezing).

The Sphinx

Damien at the pyramids

Lauren on the pyramids

Lauren and I
(I have no idea where)

From left

Damien, Anya,

Lauren & Vickie

(Damien's

flatmate)

Lunching at a pub in a

little village

Lauren at a pub

Lauren & the pyramids

Aw gee

isn't my big brother

cute?????

The terrible two!

The beach and ocean at

the resort

The view from one

of the dining areas













Lauren got new pjs

for her birthday

from Marta

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER UPDATE

Dear All,

I guess it is time to update you all and to reassure everyone that I am doing okay. Paul had discussed with me what I should do in the event of his death. Needless to say his expectations were unreasonable and unreal. However, some of the practical issues I have carried out and as far as the emotional ones go – I am working on them. I have passed a few hurdles – our wedding anniversary and the seventh-month mark – very tough days. People tell me they can’t believe he has been gone for that long, but to me it feels like an eternity.

The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.

The above is a quote I have often read and I am trying to live by it in some respects – to be alive is a gift and each of us should try to live each day to the fullest – not always easy, but at least something to strive for. Paul certainly did that, despite his many trials.

Each time I go to update the blog, I have difficulty trying to remember what I have been doing.

I know the landscaping was a work in progress since I wrote, and with rain delays, it took much longer than expected. It is now finished thankfully. Photos below.

John and Vickie came up for a weekend with their kids Briannah and Darien. They were very, very helpful. John and Alex came over as well and together we got the attics unpacked, some stuff sorted out in the barn and John did lots of clearing and cleaning on the dozer. Not only are they fun to have around, they are all wonderful friends and very much appreciated.

That weekend as John and Vickie left, Erin and Chris arrived to stay for a week. Chris had to work, but was able to do so from the house.

Kelly and Kyler arrived the next day. Kelly also had to work, which meant that Erin and I had to baby-sit Kyler. Poor us, what can I say, such a chore.

It was amazing to see and hear the difference in him in such a short time. He had grown taller, and his verbal skills had gone ahead in leaps and bounds. He is quite advanced verbally for his age and can carry on a conversation and sing songs. He can repeat any word that he hears (one must be very careful)!

Since his return, he phones me on his way to school each day – telling me what he had for breakfast, how many trucks he can see and to tell me he loves me and misses me. After speaking with Kyler, my day takes a turn for the better. Once when I was not home, he heard the answering machine with Paul’s voice and said “Grandpa”. I can’t believe he recognized Paul’s voice.

The kids had all come to help me organize a barn sale. Chris and Kelly worked through the day and then helped of an evening, whilst Erin, Kyler and I began to organize the items for sale. I had begun the set up but much was still to be done. Nate arrived on the Weds. Or Thursday, but I can’t remember. He too had to work through the day, so I had one office set up in the basement for Chris, and another in my bedroom sitting area for Kelly which she mostly shared with Nate. Thankfully I have wireless internet and they were all able to access their computers. It was rather like an office as the house had to be kept relatively quiet for the many phone calls made and received.

Our barn sale technically began on the Saturday morning, but I had sold a lot of goods in the week prior due to word of mouth. Our sale was a huge success and we opened it again (reluctantly) on the Sunday. The Sunday venture proved to be worthwhile as well.

I had donated Paul’s wheelchairs and wheelchair lifts to Veterans Affairs who were very happy to receive them. Other worthwhile goods not sold were donated to Habitat for Humanity and I still have some to go to good will. The barn is once again clean and tidy.

The kids set off for home on the Sunday, despite the fact that it was a holiday weekend here (i.e. Monday was the holiday). Erin had to start her new job on the Tuesday and the others all wanted to be back in time to recharge before their busy workweeks.

Erin started her new job at Grady Hospital in Atlanta. A very, very busy, understaffed, State run hospital. She found it difficult to secure a job, as most hospitals are short of funds thanks to the recession and as a consequence was not hiring new graduates because of the cost involved in orientation and training. Thankfully she persisted and ultimately was able to choose between positions offered. Since starting this, she has been working for weeks and is finally settled in.

Chris & Erin have been living with Kelly and Nate since they moved to Atlanta. Kelly and Nate were generous enough to offer them a home whilst they decided where they wanted to live and until Erin got a job. They recently found an apartment to rent and have since moved in. I am sure they are looking forward to finally setting up home together as a married couple. What a lucky break for them to have Kelly and Nate to give them time to get on their feet. I guess that is what families are for.

Since my last blog, my brother-in-law Tom was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He passed away on November 2 and prayers are much needed for both Tom, Lou (my sister) and the kids. It is difficult to be so far away from the family at such times. Luckily we are a very close and supportive family and my brothers and sister Maureen are all there for them. Tom was a great husband, a wonderful father and a great brother-in-law - he was much loved and will be greatly missed .

It has been a very difficult year – the loss of my husband, my brother and now my brother-in-law.

I have kept myself reasonably busy, preparing the house to put on the market. I don’t know whether that will be next year or in a few years, that depends on the market. I am preparing it just in case. The basement now has a drop ceiling, the barn is cleared and clean, landscaping done and my closet is now finished. It is ongoing and the next job will be to repaint the basement. I have purchased the paint and am now awaiting the urge!

I am hoping this weekend to have John, Vickie, Briannah, Darien, Lyn, Rita, Tom, Dan and Judy all come to stay. At this point in time, it looks like going ahead as they are all well. Rita, Tom, Dan and Judy were coming a few weeks ago, but a sinus infection and cold (Tom) put a stop to that. It should be fun having them all here.

As usual, my neighbors and my friends here have been wonderful to me and without their love and support, things would be much more difficult for me. They don’t all have access to this blog, but for those of you who do, I hope you all realize how special you are to me and how very much appreciated you all are. The same goes for my Aussie friends who call and email to check in – particularly Rhonda, Sue and Sheryl. I only have to pause for a minute to realize how lucky and blessed I am to have you all in my life.

John and Woody took me to a gun range and taught me how to load and shoot a gun. I am now armed and dangerous! I expect never to fire it again, however, in the event of a home invasion or whatever, I know I have something to fall back on as a last resort. The rest of Paul's guns go to auction on December 7.

John and Alex also got me a drive-way alarm and now I can hear if a car is approaching the house. It is great and I can hear it all over the house, even in the basement.

Bobby Bennett and Gopher came up for a weekend to lend a hand and to educate me on what was rubbish and what was good stuff in the garage and barn. It is sometimes hard for a woman to tell the difference with “boys stuff”!

The boat is finally fixed and once again with the help of friends it is now safely in the barn after having been winterized (whatever that is).

I will be spending Thanksgiving in Atlanta with Kelly, Nate, Kyler, Erin and Chris. I will be leaving here on Nov. 18th returning the day after Thanksgiving. I am counting the days til I see them again.

On Dec. 6 I am leaving for London where I will spend Christmas with Damien and Lauren. During my time in London, the 3 of us are going to spend a week in Africa (Egypt on the Red Sea) in Sharm El Sheikh . This link will give information of accommodation and excursions in the region http://www.charmofsharm.co.uk/

I am returning to the US the Sunday after Christmas. I am looking forward to being in London again and to my trip to Egypt, but mostly am looking forward to catching up with Damien and Lauren. It will be a year by then, since I have seen Lauren. Damien of course was able to be here for Erin’s wedding, but it will be six months.

As usual, I will post some pictures at the bottom of the blog for those of you who are interested.

Kyler with his best friend Brandon.

They were born one day apart and

go to the same day care.

Trick or Treat?

Kyler with his buddy Toohey

Kyler with mummy

My clean barn

Rita's new grandson -

Jack Valenti 4lb 9 0z

Born Oct. 30

Mom & baby doing well.

Welcome little man.

Landscape shots