"Happy New Year"

Today is December 27th, 2007. We had a wonderful Christmas and now, this special Day is behind us. We are home and reflecting on the past and the present, and what 2008 has in store for us. ( I, Me and You and our Family).

Today is very stormy. The temperatures plunging into the single digits and the wind is blowing around 25 miles per-hour. We have a blizzard condition with an ice stormy walk way. I cannot even walk to the barn without falling on my A--. (If you know what I mean!) I recommended to Hubby, that we keep the horses in their stall for the day. He agreed. (and the horses agreed!)

Sitting in our comfortable, Lazy Boy Chairs. Our wood stove, soooo! nice and warm. We got a call from our Daughter. She said that her oldest Daughter (KRJ) had gotten into an auto accident, and was taken to a local hospital. Not knowing what the outcome was, Hubby and I immediately got into our 4 wheel truck and headed out.

She is fine. A 19 year, old that refuses to believe that she may have been driving a little too fast for the weather conditions, and she may just have learned a driving lesson or two.

This just made me really think about special things and how really grateful I am for my life and the family I have..


Whatever we believe in. Whatever rituals and holidays we practice and celebrate. Whatever we call our own personal creator, we all share a common dream. And that is....... PEACE ON EARTH! Happy New Year! May your year be very special.

"The Old Mill"

Oh My! I just love this place! I have been going to this special place for sooooo many years. I had lunch with a very special friend today at the "Old Mill". He and I had a very special lunch and it was very special. Talking over so many very special times we had in our working days together over the past 38 years. Happy Holidays to my very special Friend. Thank you for being My Friend. I love you!. JO


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"Wetting Down the Tree"

I received a great package in the mail yesterday. It was from my Mom. She mailed me her annual Christmas cookies that arrived in pieces, as they do every year, but soooo yummy. (she is known as the "Cookie Grandma".) One of my favorite things to do when I go home to California to visit Mom, is to listen to all of her great LP records. Barber shop, Paint Your Wagon, Perry Como, Andy Williams. I could go on and on. Well, Mom sent me some of the oldies and I got out the old phonograph last night and listened to the great tunes of the past while decorating the tree. It was really great going down memory lane. (Hubby went into the other room as he was not impressed with Perry.) My Dad sang in a Barber Shop Quartet and He and Mom would travel to all of the events. I am the only child that really loves the music and it was so special for Mom to send me some of her record collection.

As the weather here in New England has been less than perfect for picking out Christmas trees, I decided to purchase a fake tree. I took it out of the box and was not at all impressed. I always have a real tree. It is soooo.. ugly! Placing my special decorations did spruce it up a bit. My Christmas decorations mean a lot to me. Everything on my tree is either hand made, purchased in special places I have traveled, or given to me by special people in my life. Traditions are special like the one called "Wetting Down the Tree". After the tree is up and decorated, you then must Toast the Christmas Tree with your favorite cheer(merlot is my drink of choice) for good luck. So I poured my favorite cheer and sat down in my rocker and began the tradition of, Wetting Down the Tree, while listening to my music.

Oh the holidays are upon us. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas"

There is no doubt about it. We will be having a white Christmas for sure this year. Two major snow storms within two days and it is not even officially winter. I sure hope this is not an indication of what lies ahead. We do live in New England and snow is all a part of the total package.

My car poolers had a very long ride home. What is usually an hour and a half commute home from work, took them 6 hours. I sure was thinking of them, but glad I was home sitting next to the wood stove and not in the car with them.

Florida is looking mighty nice right about now.

"Three strikes and your out"

Well, good old Stormy just can't seem to understand that this type of behavior is unacceptable. Where is the dog whisperer when we need him? I am very afraid Stormy, you may be looking for living quarters elsewhere very soon. You know the saying, "three strikes and your out"

"Miss Estelle" Shuuush! We all have secrets"

Several years ago. I stopped at a yard sale in town. I just felt a calling, (so to speak). I walked through the things that were for sale. And I just saw this book. I can't even remember what the name of the book was, but I guess it was a special title , so I bought it for, 50 cents.Years later............I am retired, feeling very energetic, to clean.

Well! guess what! I remember!!!!!And found the book and a very special letter.


This is a very special letter that was written from the heart. He was in love. There was no hidden agenda.Just love. They met in 1933 , and had some very special times together.

I did do some research about the author and Ms Estelle they wanted their affair to be silenced forever. And I will respect their wishes. God Bless them!

Shuuush!I guess we all have secrets!

"Days like these"

Days like these I am so glad I am retired. I woke up this morning and said to myself, "what a relief not to have to go outside, start my car, scrape off the windshield and drive an hour and a half to work". We had an ice storm last night and it is so dangerous to drive. I really feel sorry for my old car poolers that had to attempt the drive in to work this morning. But, on the other hand, I have been making that trip to work, enduring the cold New England weather for over 37 years, so I can feel good about not doing that drive anymore.

This is a day where you just sit back and enjoy being home. With all of my Christmas wrapping still ahead of me, I think that is what I will be doing today. Wrapping presents, listening to Christmas music staying warm by the wood stove and catching up on my soaps. (Yes, I have to confess, I am hooked on All my Children, One Life To Live, and General Hospital.. I never thought I would be a soap fan, but I am. These shows just get you hooked. I was always one to say that I would never watch them, but when I am home alone,(hubby can't stand me to watch them)I do admit I am hooked on the soaps. (Hey!! I am retired. I can do what I want, right?)

I am also going to start making plans for our trip to Florida in February. Hubby and I have not gotten away without the 4 legged critters in years. We are driving and going to take our time getting down there. If we see a place that we like, we may just stay for a few days. It will be so much fun not to be on a schedule. Who knows, we may just stay.

"The Secret"

Well, so far, today is a great day. (Very cold, but a great day.) I got up and fixed a wonderful breakfast for Hubby consisting of blueberry pancakes, O J and the best coffee ever,(Dunk'n Donuts). Rachael Rae has now endorsed this coffee and is far superior to Starbucks!

Then I took my daily walk with Toby,( my new friend) in the brisk New England cold weather,(10 degrees was the last read this am) and on the way back from our walk, I picked up our mail. A very pleasant and unexpected surprise in the mail. A check in a very nice amount that was totally unexpected.

A letter in the mail from an Attorney that I worked with,(pre-retirement) nominating me to sit on a reference hearing for one of his cases going to trial. I must admit, getting back to doing what I know best, is tempting.

Receiving a call from an old friend from the past inviting me for a Christmas dinner in Boston. So, thus far, it is turning out to be a great day.

I intend to have many great days moving forward, because I have just been liberated from all negative feelings and people in my life. I did this by reading a book that was given to me by my best friend. The book is called "The Secret". One of the most profound books I have ever read. It has changed me and the way I feel about life. Positive thinking brings positive results.

The Amish have a saying that they have in their homes. It goes like this:


"The Way to Happiness"

Keep your heart free from hate, your mind from worry. Live simply. Expect little. Give much. Fill your life with love. Scatter sunshine. Forgive self. Think of others. Do as you would be done by. Trust God. Thank God for all your blessings. Do all you can for people without thought of personal gain. Spread Happiness.

Try this for a week and you will be surprised!

"Family Matters"

Sometimes life leads you astray from things that matter, and you need to find your way back home. Wow! What a very busy and emotional year for me and my family this has been.

My Son, Darrell coming back into my life, has been such a joy for me and my family. I have a Son, and Daughter-In-Law and 5 Grand Children to buy Christmas gifts for, along with my extended family here in New England. So special for me. It is so strange and nice to be finally called "Mom "and Gram.

A retirement package, I did not expect, nor was prepared for, came knocking at my door, three years too soon. But with a pension and full medical, who could resist? Oh! I just received my retirement gift. A rocker! It is beautiful, but a rocker????
I am feeling old already!

Anyway, I plan on embracing retirement and having a good and healthy life moving forward. Going to Florida with Hubby for three weeks in 2008 will be so special. (A jump start on 30 pounds weight loss has to make a good difference on what to wear.)

I have no regrets! Life has been good to me!

"Things sure have changed"

When I was growing up , Thanksgiving was a day that we all dressed up for our Turkey Dinner. Dad, would always have his suit on and my Sisters and I had our new Sunday going to church outfits on. Brother Bob, had a cute little suit with a tie that he just hated to wear. But that is the way it way back then. You dressed for dinner.

Well, when my Grand Daughter came for Thanksgiving dinner yesterday, I was surprised at what she was wearing for this blessed day of thanksgiving. Now, she has always made a fashion statement when going out, but this outfit was, out there, if you know what I mean.

What ever happened to all of the good old fashioned traditions? Going to church at midnight on Christmas Eve, singing Christmas Carroll's, dressing for dinner?

Oh well, the Turkey was great and all had a wonderful thanksgiving day. (Except for Tom Turkey, of course!)

"Too soon for the White Stuff"

Hello everyone. I have been away for awhile with my Blog entries. So much going on, and little time to blog. They say when you retire, you can't imagine how you ever worked all day.

Well, today as I woke up, (with Lil' Miss Molly staring at me with her big brown eyes), I looked out my bedroom window and much to my surprise, I saw the White Stuff. Yes, it is now snowing and I just am not prepared for the snow coming so early. We haven't even eaten our turkey dinner yet. I guess we, New Englanders are spoiled with the mild winters we have had lately, but I just am not ready for getting out the shovels, boots, hats and gloves and everything else that comes with the White Stuff. Oh well, going to Florida in February for three weeks will be something to look forward to, for sure.

We have a new addition to the family. He is a 6 month old baby boy. We have named him "Toby"..... Going back a few weeks ago, Hubby and some of his horsepulling buddies drove to Topeka, Indiana to attend a horse auction. I allowed Hubby to go under one condition ( as if I have control over what Hubby does) that he does not come home with another horse. Four is enough in our barn and all we can handle. He assured me that his intentions were just to observe and not purchase any four legged critters. So, when he called me to let me know that he got a great deal on a horse and just had to bid on him, I told him if he did buy another horse, to just keep on truck'n down the highway in a Westerly direction, cause it is not going in this Barn. (Oh, like I really have that authority) When Hubby finally arrived home with just his pickup truck and no horse trailer behind him, I knew that he was just kidding me about buying another horse.(phew!!!) Not true, Toby is a Miniature Horse weighing in at 100 lbs and is 24 inches high and was in a dog kennel in the back of his pickup. Well........ I instantly fell in love with Toby and now we are inseparable. Picture our large Draft Horses, weighing over a ton a piece standing next to Toby at 100 pounds. A picture, for sure.

Well, the snow is beginning to pile up now, so I guess it is time to get the old shovel out and start shoveling. I do love a White Christmas, but a White Thanksgiving???? Yuk! Oh!, Happy Thanksgiving to all!!!

"A Perfect 10 at the Beach "

I have not been to the Beach all summer. I checked the weather report for Labor Day and it was a perfect 10 in Ogunquit, Maine. So I packed up the car and my two favorites and I headed for the Beach in Ogunquit. The day was hot with a slight wind. The water so refreshing. I just read and sun bathed and enjoyed every minute of my one day at the beach.

This Thursday I return to Ogunquit to see Hair spray at the Ogunquit Playhouse. This is an annual event with my dear friend Mary. This will be our 20th year going to the play house. It always is a great time. After the play we go to Perkins Cove to my favorite eating establishment, Jackies Too, for our annual seafood feast. (Usually lobstah)

Ogunquit will always have a special place in my heart. Good memories and alot of fun in this very special quaint New England get a way.

But the summer is over and the leaves on my maple tree are starting to turn which means Fall is just around the corner. Fall in New England. What could be better. But the summer went by toooo fast this year. But all good things must finally come to an end, I'm afraid. It is time to move on and get ready for the changing season. Fall!

"Love, What is Love"

I once knew a woman whose heritage was Italian. Her parents were both from the old country and came to America, via Ellis Island. While I was visiting my friend, her Mother was also visiting and she shared with me her story of how she was married and came to America. It goes like this.

I was about 14 years old and I remember working in our fields picking corn to feed our animals. It was a very hot summers day and I remember being very dirty and sweaty. My Mother came running down the corn field where I was working and she said, "Hurry, come with me. You are going to get cleaned up and put your Sunday best dress on and meet someone. Now hurry, come".

Not knowing anything that was about to happen to me, I obeyed and rushed home to clean up and put my Sunday best dress on. My Mother told me to sit outside on the porch rocker and wait. So I did just that. I sat and waited for this person that wanted to meet me for the first time. I still was not aware of what was about to happen. Then I saw an old man approaching me with my Father and Mother behind him. I say old, because I was just 14 years old and He was 30 years old. What was about to happen was a pre arranged marriage. My Mother and Father gave him permission to marry me and take me to America. My Mother and Father was given a handsome amount of money for the marriage to take place and I was sold to this old man that day. I remember crying and screaming at the top of my lungs for them not to do this. He was a stranger to me and I did not know him. I was a child and wanted nothing to do with this arrangement. But I had no choice in this matter and was married and taken away to America with my new old husband.

I was so interested in her story of marriage, that I just had to ask her this question. Did you love him?

Her response to me was , "Love, What is love" ?

I have never forgotten that response. "Love, What is Love"
She went on to tell me that she did what was expected of her in the marriage giving into his sexual ways. She grew to care for her Husband but she never experienced love or true passion in the 50 years they were married.

How sad it must have been for her to never feel the joy of being truly loved by someone special. Not to experience true passion in her love making and to never feel joy during her 50 years of marriage.

I believe that we are put on this earth for one reason. To love and be loved by someone special. I feel very blessed that I have been with a Man that has made me feel very special and loved. I will always appreciate his kindness and the love he has shown me. Love is forever!



P.S. my special thanks to KRJ for borrowing her new "Love" signature.

"My Special Table"

There is a great story behind this very Special Table. Goooooing back in time, I think about 1965. (not sure, Mom correct me if I am wrong) Mom bought this table at Bruners ( furniture store in Sacramento). I remember her saying this is such a special table. She paid, I think, over $300.00 for the piece at the time. That was a lot of cash to spend, seeing that Mom and Dad were school educators and did not have a lot of extra cash to spend on unnecessary furniture items. But, I remember, Mom, just had to have it. So, it was delivered to our home in Rancho Cordova, Calif. and it stayed in our living room for as long as I can remember.

What is very special about this piece of furniture, is that I had a special moment in time as a young teen next to this table. (DH)

This table has been traveling around the family for some time. Sister Karen had it in her living room . I am not sure if Sister Betsy had it, as she has always said that she hated it. Brother Bob, never really liked it much either. But it did do some traveling. It was always understood, that I was the one that was going to get this table. I just could not ever get it to the east coast.( that is the problem, with inheriting things if you are not local )

I was told that Sister Karen sold this table in a yard sale, or to a friend of hers. I was told that this special table was painted black. YUK!!! Mom found this out and was very upset at Sister Karen. Soooo! Sister Karen got in touch with the person she sold the table to and retrieved it immediately. Mom refinished the table and restored it to its original condition. (Mom's are so nice)

Ok, now the table is back at Mom's. Phew!!! Now, what to do? Yes!!!! I have a friend that has an Uncle that drives truck across country. Yessss!! He has agreed to go to Mom's house in Roseville, Calif and pick up the table and ship it to my home.

It was shipped in less than a month and delivered, undamaged to my home. Now, my special table is finally with me. In my living room, where it belongs.

Now! DH, has expressed to me that he doesn't want me to leave him anything when I pass on. But, DH! You are being willed this table, like it our not. You were conceived next to this table, many memories and I want you to have it.

Life shares us special moments. This is one that I will always treasure. "My Special Table"

"My New Video Camera"

I purchased a new video camera. It was my retirement present to myself. I went to Wally World to check out what I wanted and then did some research online on the price, quality, etc. I decided that the one that I wanted was the Sony Handycam Model DCR-SR42 306B. A little pricey, but it has a hard drive so I don't have to fool around with installing the tapes. Everything is recorded on the hard drive. And so small that it is perfect for what I want to do.

I went to Wally World and purchased my new video camera and came home to read all about it. I first charged the battery, which did not take long at all.(that should have been my first clue, as usually you must charge the battery overnight.) Then I sat on my deck and read the owners manual from front to back making sure that I understood the operation of my new video camera. What is great about this new video camera is the LCD screen is touch sensitive. Just touch the screen as to what you want and there it is. Perfect for someone like me who subscribes to, Computers for Dummies.

Now it is time to turn the power on and do some recording for practice. I turned my new video camera on and the LCD screen displayed a small thumbnail picture of a little boy about 2 years old. Curious, I touched the small thumbnail picture on the LCD screen and a video instantly appeared. Thinking this was a demo that Sony put on my new video camera to show how great the quality and clarity of the recording is, I began to watch the video. At first it was sweet. Zooming in on the little boy in his colorful underwear, dancing a jig in someones kitchen. A young lady, presumably the Mom, 8 months pregnant dressed very provocative with cleavage like you have never seen before, talking on the cell phone. Then, the operator of my new video camera got alittle carried away. He became obsessed with zooming in on Mommies breasts and showing the crack on her behind, paying special attention to her bright red thong she was wearing. It ended and I said to myself, "I don't want this video on my new video camera and I think it is totally inappropriate of Sony to put something like this on their new video cameras they sell. It was offensive and in my opinion, borderline porn." So I promptly deleted it.

A few hours later, I was doing some shopping in Town and started to think about this whole thing with my new video camera. I think Sony should be aware of how inappropriate this video was. So, I drove to Wally World and sought out the salesman who sold me my new video camera. I explained what had happened. I told him that I thought someone should contact Sony and complain about the inappropriateness of placing a demo on new video cameras. He just starred at me and kept shaking his head. He said, "Mame, Sony would not do that. Someone must have taken this new camera home and recorded the video. Just return the camera, let me look at the video and I will give you a new camera." Sheepishly, I had to tell him that I deleted the video. He rolled his eyes and looked at me , (thinking I'm sure, what a stupid lady I have in front of me) but said that he would order a new camera for me as that was the last one in stock.

I did not share this experience with Hubby, as he too would have rolled his eyes in disbelief. I can't believe I actually thought that Sony would do that. Oh well! I wonder if retirement tends to decrease ones brain cells. I used to be on top of things like this. Hmmmmm!

"We Crossed the Last Load"

After over 15 years of pulling horses, last night made everything that ever went wrong worth while. We pulled 13,500 lbs and crossed the last load and won first place. The crowd went wild. Our new horse, Mike, pulled his heart out. It was the most exciting pull I have ever been to and I don't think anyone will beat us this season, so says the rest of the pullers. All of the big guns were there and we beat them all. Hubby is sooooooo excited and I am too. WE just had a ball last night. WE did not get home until past 2am.

We are in the process of building a new barn. Today, the skidder will be moved and the clearing of the large trees will start this week. Our new barn will consist of 5 box stalls, tack and harness room and a 2nd floor for storing hay. Finally, I will get my three car garage back to actually put my car in for the winter. (we converted our garage into a horse barn)

I guess my new kitchen will have to wait another year or two, but after last night, I will gladly give it up for the Pull of a life time, because We Crossed the Last Load.

"Mike, for my Kitchen" ???????

I have been patiently waiting for over 10 years for my new kitchen. I have been promised that this time I would get my new kitchen. Hubby and I even had the kitchen measured and we met with Jack from Home Depot to pick out my Hickory new kitchen cabinets. All was going so well until, Mike came into the picture. I was told that Bob and Jeff,(our pulling team) were not a good pair, because they are not leaders . I was told that you must have a strong leader to pull the weight.

So I packed a lunch for Hubby and friend and off they went to Erie, PA to meet the trailer that had good old Mike. Although I was very impressed with his conformation when Mike arrived home, he cannot replace my new kitchen.

Sooooo....to be fair to all parties involved, Hubby agreed that I should have my new Kitchen as I was a sport about Mike . Lets just see if it happens this time around. Hubby's good intentions, sometimes falls short of good horse sense.

"I am a picture taking fool"

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My Son Darrell came to visit me last week. He was introduced to the Valley's for the first time, via a family BBQ on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in New England.(minus a few little thunder boomers) Lets step back a few days before the BBQ. Met Son Darrell in Boston. Next Day, went to his first horse pull, up country. Had to introduce Son Darrell to all our friends. Picture taking continued. Ok, back to the Valley reunion BBQ. One by one, they (the Valley clan) came and I promptly and proudly lined everyone up and introduced Son Darrell to the rest of the east coast family. I made my poor Son stand for photos and I think he was a little overwhelmed. In fact, I know he was. Now keep in mind that I was informed from daughter in law, Debbie, while we were having the California family reunion that Darrell doesn't do picture taking. Kinda hates it, actually. So I cooled it and did not ask for a Valley Family photo to hang on my wall in the living room. I think the icing on the cake is when Son Darrell walked around my home and viewed all of my pictures on the walls. One in particular, he really went nuts over and wanted it removed. (three of Darrell at different ages while he was a child growing up) He said "Mom, you can take that off the wall anytime now".

So I walked around my home and took an inventory. I have come to the conclusion that I over do it, somewhat in the picture taking category. I like memories, what can I say. I am guilty as charged.

I can't promise you, Son Darrell, but Mom will try to slow it down on the "going down memory lane" picture taking tour. But..... can I take a few on the cruise?

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Today you are , or would have been, 88 yrs old. I did not post a picture as I just wanted to say Happy Birthday to you. I miss you and know that Mom surely does. She has almost, finished her book. You would be so proud of her. We are going on a Cruise in October. She is really excited. I will take good care of her. Well, Dad. Take care. I love you and really miss you. Happy Birthday! Your favorite. Jo

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Hi Dad. I don't have a picture now to put you on my blog. But just wanted to say....Happy Birthday Dad! I love you, and miss you. I toasted you tonite with our favorite cocktail. You made the best" Old Fashions". A 1/3 , a 1/3 and a 1/3...You made the best, Dad. I love you and really miss you. Your favorite daughter ever. I love you, Jo.

P S. Mom doing very well. Just about to finish her book. Kiss, Kiss.

"Calgon... Take Me Away"

Getting in shape and being healthy is my goal for my 60th Birthday, January 14, 2008. Getting my new lawn mower was a start. I can't actually believed I pushed that old relic for so many years. I have muscles I did not know I had when I finished the lawn. That was a good thing, I am sure.

Hubby, being ill, has put me back in the barn doing all of the chores twice daily and that certainly is giving me muscles I did not know I had. Soaking in a hot bubble bath is what I do now after my chores are complete late in the afternoon. Remember the tv commercial, Calgon, Take Me Away?(perhaps I am dating myself) Well, that is what I do now and just love it. Very relaxing, both physically and mentally. Just fill the tub with hot water and bubbles and relax and enjoy the moment. While in Vermont last month getting some grain for our four legged pets, we past by The Vermont Country Store(www.vermontcountrystore.com) a treasure I have found and will definitely be back.(without Hubby, as his patients to shop is less than tolerable). I came across some aromatherapeutic mineral baths. One was called, "Letting Go", a warming ginger bath. The other was called "Tired Old Ass Soak", a bath for exhaustion. My preference BB is "Letting Go". I purchased both and now soak my Tired Old Ass .

While in California, I went to a water arobics class with Sister Betsy. I just fell in love with the entire workout and have decided to join a water arobics class here at home. I love swimming and I really felt great after the class and what a workout. So I am going to start August 10th and plan to include my progress in my blog. I feel posting my blog with my progress will help me meet my goal.

So follow along with me, give me encouragement and think of me, with my Calgon moments ,soaking my, Tired Old Ass in my bubble baths. BFN

"Family Reunion's ,Rock"

Getting back home was a very nice feeling after being in California for two weeks. It was good to see Hubby. You don't know how much you appreciate someone until you are away from them for awhile. Now, if I can just talk him into going on that cruise in October. He said, "Josey, do you have any idea how much it would cost to get the horses on that ship.". Scary, but I think he was half serious.

Family reunion was awesome. Everyone enjoyed themselves and behaved, too! Naturally, I picked the hottest day of the year, (108 degrees) to have the reunion at Folsom Lake. It would have been too hot for Grandma to endure the heat, so we went to plan B. Had the reunion at Sister Karen's home in Gold River. Air conditioning really appealed to all of us. Then we went to Natoomis Lake for the rest of the afternoon and just had a blast. Grand kids swam and fed the geese and just had a ball. We took alot of photos and I am sure all of us came away with wonderful memories of our first annual family reunion. The family want our next one to be at Lake Powell, Utah. I think I will work on that for next year. It is a special place, I am told. I was also told by Daughter in law that my Son hated to have his picture taken and also did not like to stand and pose for them, as well. I said "Son, come over here. I was just told you hate picture taking and I want you to know, that is what I do, take pictures." He said, "well Mom, I will give you one year to take all the pictures you want, so you are now on the clock." I guess I had better start going on my picture taking tour.

Son flys into Boston Aug 3rd to visit and see how the other half of the world lives. This should be very interesting. I explained country living and he assured me not to worry, as he lived on a farm once and knows the routine. Hmmm! I wonder if Darrell ever shoveled out a horse stall? We are planning to attend a horse pull, a family BBQ to meet the rest of the Valley's, and then up to Maine for some good old Lobstah. Going to also fit in some home repair projects that Son has graciously agreed to. Should be another picture taking event that Son will have to put up with , as I am on the clock.

It is so weird not to have to get up in the early AM to travel to work. I have to keep pinching myself to see if it is really real. I have a hugh, To Do List on my Frig that will take me well into 2008. Don't think I will miss work a bit. No time to miss work, too busy doing other fun things. Bye, for now!