Thirty-one years ago tonight, I met my husband at a dance club where we danced the final two or three dances of the night. I was a 20-year old single mother with a six-month old son, Bob was a freewheeling, 24-year old guy out sowing his oats.











I would never ever have imagined that we'd have three more kids together and one grandchild, that we'd have managed to emotionally overcome the loss of both of our fathers, that we'd have survived the financial crises that we have, not to mention the countless other life experiences we've shared--some joyous, some devastating. So much water under the bridge...it hasn't always been easy, but it's always been worth it.

I know the depth of my husband's love for me...he makes it evident almost every day. This saying sums it all up for me; it's how I can go out and face this crazy world every day. It is how I feel about him, and it is how I feel about our children.

"To love someone deeply gives you strength. Being loved by someone gives you courage."

I hope you all have the same strength and courage from both loving and being loved.

Bomb Threat Today!

Raise your hand if... you were in Walmart this afternoon when they had to EVACUATE IT BECAUSE OF A BOMB THREAT!!

There I was, just shopping my little heart out, buying cinnamints for school, a new sleeveless black tank top, and tons of other necessities, when they made an announcement that all employees and customers were to "proceed to the front of the store in an orderly manner as quickly as possible". Many of us just kind of stood there for a few seconds wondering if we heard right, then it came on again and this time he said "we need to evacuate the building immediately; just leave your carriages where they are and evacuate the building immediately". Then we moved...orderly yes, but quickly for sure!

I was really nervous and once I got to my car, I didn't hesitate one second...I just got in and drove home. Considering the craziness that goes on all around us, my heart was pounding just a bit harder than usual, to say the least. There were two cruisers outside at that point.

All this happened around 5:15 this afternoon and as of right now, 8:50 p.m., all they're saying is that it was a bomb threat with an ongoing investigation, and that the store still has not opened. Yikes. I think I'll say an extra thanks to the big guy upstairs tonight! (Not my husband...get your minds out of the gutter! I meant GOD!) You just never know when you get up in the morning how the day's going to progress. Stay safe everyone.

A rainy morning, a sleeping family, and coffee on the porch. For the moment, all is well.

Hypnosis Session #1

Raise your hand if... this is your motto for every single Friday from now until next summer vacation!

I'm surprised at myself for not having written in one whole week; shame on me! I think I shall ground myself, send myself to my room for the whole weekend. Yeah, that should do it! :)

So guess what I did! I went to a hypnotist this past Wednesday for weight loss. Fer real...I did! I'd gone about 30 years ago and it worked then, except after that, I had three more kids (and a lot more Hostess products). Since then, I've put on about 40 pounds and let me tell you, those 40 pounds have settled in places that once upon a time, there were no places! Sad but true.

So far, so good. After each of the three sessions, I get a CD of that session which I listen to each day. At first I was all like..."I don't wanna. GrumbleGrumble. Waaah." When I was done whining, I realized that listening to a hypnosis CD for 30 minutes a day would actually be relaxing for 30 minutes a day...alone...quiet...peaceful.... Ooooh, in that case, okay!

I listened to it this afternoon in my cottage and it really was kind of relaxing. I feel pretty good right now; I also haven't overeaten or snacked or binged since Wednesday. Nice. The only issue now is that I think I'll be needing a recliner for my cottage. :)

Hike #2

Hi again. Chilly here finally, which is what I've been waiting for since the warm weather started last June!

Went on hike #2 last night and it was neat. There are no photos as it was too dark! This 3 1/2 mile path is mostly underneath towering pines which block out the little bit of light that was left. By the time we got out of the woods, it was too dark to see much of anything, let alone take photos. The other hikers mentioned something about "headlamps" for next week! Headlamps? How about just a flashlight?! They also mentioned joining them for this Saturday's hike up Mt. Monadnock in New Hampshire...um, maybe next year guys!

I realized something as I was walking though...what I really wanted to do was enjoy the water, the trees, the paths, but what I was doing was talking with the 2 other women the whole way, getting to know them. Perhaps that's part of this whole venture, but I need to drink-in the nature around me while I walk. Next week's goal will be just that. Oh, and not tripping over any tree roots in the dark!