WISHING YOU & YOURS A VERY HAPPY, HEALTHY & PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR

Christmas was very different this year from previous years when we were surrounded by friends who had become like family but not this year . . .

In any event, our Christmas was very nice, spent with people who have not decided to "take a break" from me but rather stand by my side regardless . . .

And, the New Year promises to be a good one, filled with new things to do, new places to see, new people to meet & enjoying every moment that God has blessed us with.

We wish you & yours a very happy, healthy & prosperous New Year blessed beyond your wildest dreams.

All our love,

John & Patty

WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS . . .

I don't even know if anyone follows my blog anymore but, just in case, I wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas . . .

This is the time of year we spend with family, friends and loved ones. It is the time of year when we realize what life is all about . . . one Child Who came to earth with one purpose . . . to give His life for all mankind. Jesus had just one purpose and that was to die.

Through this selfless act, we gain an understanding of what love is really all about. We learn the meaning of giving.

Jesus is the Reason for the season . . . Hallelujah, all praise & glory be to Him

Hoping your Christmas is filled with His love & peace and your new year blessed with His divine abundance above all you dream

OUT WITH THE OLD . . . IN WITH THE NEW ! ! !

On Sunday, John & I were in the pool & John pointed out to me that our fence was leaning into our "backyard" neighbor's yard. Evidently a post had broken & the panels were giving out.

Since the fence is 12 years old, has gone through some repairs over the years, we decided it was time to finally replace it. How you like ? ! ?

THAT WAS THEN . . . THIS IS NOW ! ! !

Here are some before and after pictures of the "infamous" pine tree that was staining the pool & deck plus leaving an abundance of pine needles almost every day . . . it is gone, I am happy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME & TO OUR GREAT COUNTRY

Hope everyone enjoys this Fourth of July . . . we are heading downtown for a riverboat cruise & we'll be docking downtown to see the fireworks. Should be wonderful ! ! !

BRIAN IS GETTING MARRIED ! ! !

I spoke with my nephew Brian yesterday . . . he is living in Ohio with his girlfriend Rachel. They have gotten engaged & decided to marry in June 2010.

I am so happy for him yet saddened because neither his mom nor dad lived to see this day & what a day it will be ! ! !

Congratulations Brian & Rachel ! ! !

John Wrecks . . .

On Wednesday, John & 2 of his co-workers headed to Virginia for a “bike” ride through the Blue Ridge Mountains. On Thursday, around 11:00 a.m. he went down with the bike. He’s ok but hurt his shoulder blade pretty bad. I am so grateful he wears good protective clothing including a jacket w/armor, a VERY good helmet, gloves & special riding boots.

The bike still runs but is pretty beat up. He didn’t want to stay until tomorrow (Sunday) which is when they would have headed home so I told him I would come get him. The guys will bring the bike home on the trailer they used to get them there.

I got to Virginia around 6:30 last night (Friday). John & I went to get something to eat & then hit the road. He was pretty uncomfortable with his shoulder blade but said he wanted to head right home so he would drive. There was no way I was going to be able to make that drive again, especially at night.

We did pretty well but it was difficult driving straight through. After a few “rest” stops, we decided to stop & try to get some sleep. We pulled into the Georgia Welcome Center & at least John was able to get some sleep.

Long story short, we got home @6:15 this morning. By 6:30, we were sound asleep. At 9:30, the phone rang & woke us up. John was in excruciating pain so I suggested we go to Solantic (Doc in the Box). The doctor felt John’s eyes were dilated & told us to go to ER for a brain scan.

ER checked him out & did not see any reason for a cat scan but they did do x-rays & give him something for the pain (plus something in case he experienced nausea). This is where out problems began.

He evidently had a reaction to the pain killer & his bp dropped to a dangerous level; his heart rate was 45 bpm, he was turning green & sweating profusely. The nurses (all 5 of them) went into reaction mode to try to stabilize him. It was so frightening . . .

They told me that he was going to be ok & would keep him about another hour. Sure enough, we finally left there around 2:15 & headed home. I know he felt better cause he said he could go for some Taco Bell.

Please keep us in your prayers

HAVERHILL INSTITUTE OF STAGING & DESIGN

I have enrolled in an on-line course @the Haverhill Institute of Staging & Design to become an accredited Professional Home Stager. I've watched many, many shows on HGTV that "stage" homes for people trying to sell their homes and I thought, "that's what I LOVE to do (but never knew it had a name)."

When I go into people's homes, I often think "how can I change this room around to be more inviting, more pleasing to the eye, etc.?" And now, with the help of this course, I can become an accredited Professional Home Stager & help people stage their homes which are up for sale but aren't attracting too many buyers.

One of the requirements is that I stage three homes (mine being one of them). Two friends have graciously agreed to help me with this.

If I pass this course, I am GUARANTEED employment plus, I can also "free lance". I am just so excited about this ! ! !

If you would like information on this course, please go to: www.haverhillstaging.com

OPENING DAY @THE POOL - 2009

The pool is officially opened & some friends joined us for lunch & a little swimming. The water was 87° . . . only problem was it seemed warmer in the water then out.

Lunch was great & we plan to do it again next week. Maybe some people who couldn't make it today can join us next week ? ? ?

THE POOL IS HEATING UP ! ! !

I finally turned the pool heater on hoping it "might" be ready for swimming this weekend . . . I'm hopeful ! ! !

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

Today John & I are celebrating our 12th wedding anniversary today . . . our first "official" date was dinner @the Outback so we will be going there for dinner this evening.

13 years ago, God blessed me when John came into my life so, needless to say, this is an exciting time for us & we look forward to many more years together.

QUICK CAM

My husband bought me a web cam & I am so excited. I'll finally be able to see my niece & her children whenever we IM each other . . . I can't wait to see them, it's been too long

FIRST COAST TEA PARTY

The Tea Party in Jacksonville, FL was held @The Jacksonville Landing. The turn-out for this event was much greater then I thought it would be. It was wonderful to see everyone out there expressing their views concerning what's happening in our great nation. We had a lot of good speakers & musical entertainment as well. An Associate Pastor from the church we attend sang a song he wrote back in the 90's: "It's Time to Pray America". If you would like to listen to this song, go to www.beacheschapel.com and scroll down to "View Pastor Howard singing his song. . . "

Anyone else out there in "blog land" attend a Tea Party today?

NOW IT'S THE "LITTLE GIRL"

Last night, I was sitting on the couch watching TV when all of a sudden, I heard the infamous screams of cats fighting ! ! !

Little Girl was out there. John & I ran out with Dakota close on our heels. After Dakota made sure LG was ok, she was off looking for the other cat. John brought LG in & went out to get Dakota. That's when I noticed that LG's eye was full of blood ! ! !

Off to the emergency vet we went. Seems the eye is "ok" with most of the blood coming from a scratch above the eye. We will see the Animal Eye Doctor on Friday to make sure everything is ok . . . I'll keep you updated

DAKOTA IS GOING TO BE JUST FINE . . .

Well, I met with the vet this morning & he gave Dakota's legs a thorough examination. She seemed to "wince" every time he worked on her left "wrist". He looked at the x-rays taken back in April & said it appears this "old" sprain has resurfaced.

She needs to "rest" the leg so she's on restricted activities for a couple of days & then she can go back to daycare (1/2 days to start).

POOR DAKOTA PUPPY HURT HER LEG AGAIN ! ! !

John took Dakota to the dogpark today & when they came home, she was limping. John said he did not notice this at the park, that she seemed fine. As the afternoon wore on, the limp became worse.

The last time this happened, we took her to the Emergency Vet who told us her leg was broken (see picture) only to find out ($500+ later) that her leg was not broken. After much discussion, we decided to take Dakota to our vet for the night with an 8:00 a.m. appointment tomorrow. Thank goodness some of the techs are there on Sunday from 4:00 - 6:00 for people who are picking up their dogs who were boarded for the week.

Dakota is now in their care in a controlled environment. More on her condition after we see the doctor tomorrow.

Is there anyone out there with a lab (mix) who has problems with their front legs?