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Spirit World

~~~Blessings to all who Journey here~~~

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Six new angels -- Brenda, 11:46:37 04/30/03 Wed
On Monday evening, a horrific car accident claimed the lives of six young First Nations children between the ages of 12 and 16 in our community. One of the children (a 13 year old) took a car belonging to his father without permission, stealing license plates from another vehicle, and drove 45 minutes from Surrey to Chilliwack (where I live) with two 12 year old school friends. They then picked up three other friends, drove around for a bit, and then the 13-year old driver lost control around a curve and crashed into a tree. The car burst into flames and the children were trapped inside, trying uselessy to get out. The car was near a creek and a bucket brigade was formed to try to keep the flames away from the screaming kids but it was useless. Dental records had to be used to identify the victims.

Understandably, there is a great deal of sadness within our community right now, especially in the First Nations community. As much as this is a horrible loss and a tragedy, I hope other youth will be impacted by this and think twice before joy-riding or speeding. Yes, these children were what we would call "troubled youth" and their actions ultimately led to their deaths, however, joy-riding and speeding are very common events for teens. Even so-called "good kids" can get caught up in it.

Please keep in your thoughts and prayers: Frankie, Chris, Travis, Kelly, Nadine, and Danielle and their grieving families.

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OMG, I cant imagine the pain. I dont want to imagine the pain! Just the ages of our own kids! This hits home with me. Prayers sent! (NT) -- with aching heart, Jeannine, 20:10:08 04/30/03 Wed
I read/heard about an 11 year old girl driving a TTtruck while dad was sleeping in the back. She hit something, a bridge?? and killed all 3 of them, her young brother was in the truck too! I had a talk with my DDs today, and told them never to ride in a car with an unlicensed person, ask a speeder to stop and let you out, I will come get you no matter where you are! They told me a story of an 18 year old that let a 13 year old drive, got pulled over, and the other young gilrs in the car got phone calls home. They know this girl! So I think it hit home for them too. (NT) -- J again, 03:46:49 05/05/03 Mon

I have told my daughters the same thing about driving with crazy drivers, drinking etc. So far my oldest daughter and her friends have followed the designated driver rule or taken a taxi when they planned to drink.It is such a sad thing for these children and my prayers go out to their families. (NT) -- Maria A., 12:40:52 05/05/03 Mon

OMG The State Of NH`s Major ICON has died!! -- Jeannine, 03:09:53 05/04/03 Sun
I just saw sundays paper here at work. The front page says the OLd Man in the Mountain is gone! There was a rock slide and the granite cliff that resembles a face of an old man (or a native American viewed another way) has disapeared!!
This icon image is on EVERYTHING. Our drivers licenses, the state quarter, vehicles plates, Now it is GONE! Its so mind boggling!! here is a link to the article!
Union Leader

I always thought it sort of looked like Abraham Lincoln

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Just a brief note -- Keira, 00:15:55 04/30/03 Wed
This is just a quick note here. I haven't spoken to Betsy this week-will be calling her tomorrow but over the weekend she did say that she was at last beginning to get a bit of an appetite back, *VBG* This is a very good sign. Unfortunately, she gets tired very quickly and isn't able to really sit down and type at the computer yet. She said something about having her insides ripped out and sewn back inside-and that it was quite uncomfortable for a bit. We compared it to things like childbirth-you know it's gonna hurt, and thank goodness our imagination doesn't do the pain justice-but the end result is worth it. Betsy will have a new baby (her new self-image) to cherish and nurture and hold.
I'll check back in after I speak to her tomorrow.
Hugs
Keira

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I said it sounded worse than my C-section, which was horrific to me! I am holding B in the light and sending my love!! (NT) -- Jeannine, 20:07:03 04/30/03 Wed

Good Thoughts Needed....... -- JeanClaire*, 21:29:47 04/24/03 Thu
For Christine and her DH, Chris, as he goes in for ankle surgery Friday.

{{{{{{{Hugs to Christine and Chris}}}}}}}

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I hope it´ll go well! Sending energy! (NT) -- Martina, 03:52:53 04/25/03 Fri
Sending positive thot's your way! I've had tendon surgery on my right arm and know how going through surgery is! Not fun. Hope he's feeling better soon. (NT) -- Lori, 17:52:44 04/25/03 Fri
Hello all!! I knew JC would have posted something here! *G* The ankle is fused now...and Chris is in a LOT of pain, actually he was feeling pretty good when I left hospital--morphine drip! :) They tapered him off that last night and now have him on Percoset I believe--good stuff that! *g* He's just in a brace now...will get the cast in a week or so, and be in it quite a bit longer than HE originally thought. But from talking to his doc it sounds like it was what he expected...so I'm thinking I'll never let the Dh go to the doc alone again! It could be up to 4 months in the cast...so there goes his pool time this summer! He should be coming home today...I'll update later! Thanks for the good thoughts guys...now let's just pray this takes---if not there will have to be another surgery--and I don't think *I* can take that! (NT) -- Christine, 07:33:48 04/26/03 Sat

Update---he's staying in another night. They took him off his meds too soon (*I* knew that!) and so they had to put him back on the pump to get his pain under control. The doc said it will be quite painful so having him in there another night is fine with me--he needs ONE good nights sleep this week! (was too nervous to do anything but twitch all week!) But he looks really good...better than I expected, and he's been up and around a few times--he's like lightening on those crutches! (NT) -- Christine--Ds asleep nad Js watching a video--time for quiet time!, 15:05:15 04/26/03 Sat

That's probably good they're keeping him overnight! I remember be totally out of it for quite a while after my surgery and this big grizzly looking nurse kept asking me "Rate your pain from 1-5 on the fingers on your hand". My DH said I kept flashing all ten fingers at her hahahahahahahaha. We'll keep him in our thot's for several days and you too! (NT) -- Lori, 19:57:05 04/26/03 Sat

Haaaahaaaahaaaa-Grizzly Looking Nurse??? LOL-sorry-don't know bout such things!!!!! Yep, I'm right here with Lori-it's probably a good thing he stayed over one more night. We'll be keeping your DH in our prayers. (NT) -- Keira, 00:47:32 04/27/03 Sun

Hoping all is well and YOU make sure you get a few wee minutes for yourself. Sending hugs and a good nights rest for all (NT) -- Love ya Jeannine, 03:44:18 04/27/03 Sun
Thanks for the updates Lady, was wondering how you were doing! Love to all! And call if you need a friendly voice this week. (I'm on internet curfew!!!) (NT) -- JC*, 09:36:21 04/27/03 Sun
Sorry I am late in responding to this Christine. I hope everything continues to go well and than your DH's pain lessens a wee bit more each day. (NT) -- Brenda, 21:52:16 04/28/03 Mon

Betsy Update!!!!!!! -- Keira, 22:06:05 04/21/03 Mon
As you can probably already guess-Betsy is doing very well tonight and coming home tomorrow!!!! How could she not do well with her own positive attitude and all our good vibes going her way?
I spoke with her for a short while tonight and she said she will be home in the morning. She did say that the experience a bit more difficult than she anticipated-meaning that it was painful and it has taken a bit out of her. Initially she had an epidural in place but had a bit of a problem with her legs going numb. Then she was getting some pain medication through her IV-but then that came out!!!! But she is fine now-up and walking and taking sips and such. She doesn't have much of an appetite-but that is to be expected after such surgery. Dave has been with her most of the time and the kids have all been home taking care of themselves and such. Her children are lovely and have been giving me updates each time I call.
Not sure if she'll get to the computer tomorrow or not but if I speak with her, I'll be back again to let you all know.

I do hope everyone had a lovely Easter weekend-whether spent with family or just spent quietly. My DH and DS's worked very hard chopping down a tree that was destroyed in the ice storm. The branches are all out in the front to be picked up in the morning. We have a HUGE pile of firewood to be used in a year or two (when it's dried out) and then Dave smoothed out the stump of the tree, found a circular table top and attached that, put some patio blocks close to the table along with the BBQ-and we now have a nice picnic area. Dave is also planning to put in a fire pit!!!! We have done alot of camping and those fires in the evening are always lovely-it's the best time to get the kids talking. I'm really looking forward to some lovely evening times this summer.

Talk to you all again soon-BTW-have recently read Journey of Souls and Destiny of Souls-has anyone read these books? I quite liked the authors phiosophy. Will discuss them more with you in a day or so (gotta put kidlets to bed!!)

Hugs
Keira

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OMG Keira!! I LOVED those books!! Thank you so much keeping us posted on Betsy. Also, didnt you ask about those tapes a while back? I had them and sent them too??? Either Lori or JC? I do not remember. Cant wait to discuss those books with you!! (NT) -- Jeannine, 01:05:00 04/22/03 Tue

Nope, not me. I think I remember Keira mentioning these books in a chat but they do not have them at my library. I haven't done an interlibrary search yet to see if I can get them somewhere else. Will put them on the TBR list anyway, they may just find their way to me anyway. (NT) -- JeanClaire*, 08:38:07 04/22/03 Tue

They were Native American cassette Tapes...Seven something? Something about drums?? (NT) -- Jeannine, 03:46:20 04/27/03 Sun

Thanks for the update! I am still sending reiki, I think Betsy could need it. I always feel like sh%& after a surgery. Blech! (NT) -- Martina, 07:30:28 04/22/03 Tue
Thanks for the update, I am still thinking of Betsy. Easter evening when we came home the sky was full of stars. If I wasn't so tired it would've been nice to go out on the deck and stare at the heavens. Course there is no outside furniture and it is not warm enough for that but looking forward to nice evenings in the summer. Oh and when Betsy comes back to read messages...I did run barefoot last week and squish my toes in the mud. I will always think of Betsy on the first warm barefoot days:)!!! (NT) -- JeanClaire*, 08:42:30 04/22/03 Tue
Thanks for the update. Will keep sending Betsy positive energy!! We didn't do much for Easter as we don't really celebrate it. We'll be camping for Beltaine tho' on May 1st with a roaring fire, good food and hopefully under alot of nice big oak trees! Can't beat that. It's so nice to see the leaves "pop" out and everyone's tulips are blooming now. I swear it just happens overnight! We're having a new roof put on this week so when that's done it's time to clean up the gardens/yard. Can't wait to get dirt under my nails. BTW, if any of you guys garden, Colly's gardener's soap is great! I went through 3 bars of it last year and just ordered more... (NT) -- Lori, 18:41:56 04/22/03 Tue

So how was the Easter family party? -- Martina, 07:37:08 04/22/03 Tue
Any family dramas?*VBG* Everything was nice and calm in our house. I somehow managed to go without the big family stuff. My dd was out with her father, so it was only me and John Scott, and we enjoyed our 4 days off very much. (not telling how much*winks*)*LOL*
So you all made a huge meal? I wish I could be there one day, with all of you, enjoying the American/Canadian food! Most of the things you guys talk about I have no imagination on how it might taste.*lol* Of course I would like to cook German for you in return.

Okay, enough rambling. Have a great day all!!!

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No family dramas. Might have been different if it was dinner with with my family--between Mom and my SIL, lots of tension there. But nice as the last holiday dinner at my in-laws before they move to their new home. They are moving in town to quieter neighborhood. Huge meal??? Of course, his family is italian, we sit at the table for hours eating!!!!! I'm sure you'll find lots of our food you know. But would be lovely to share cooking with you someday. The kids got lots of candy and nice treats. And then home to crash in bed. Luckily the kids are on school vacation this week. (NT) -- JeanClaire*, 08:53:31 04/22/03 Tue
We had a wonderfully relaxed dinner and the sun finally came out here in BC. I hope you all enjoyed your holiday as well. (NT) -- Brenda, 17:05:23 04/22/03 Tue
No family dramas here either. Just went out to a nice early dinner. We don't celebrate Easter so it was kind of a regular weekend. The weather was crummy but it's gorgeous all this week so all the rain is paying off with nice green grass, leaves on the trees and tulips everywhere. Our celebration will come in a little over a week when we go camping for Beltaine. I can't wait! I love the first camping trip out...Glad your Easter was nice and cozy hehe! (NT) -- Lori, 18:45:59 04/22/03 Tue
No big deal at my house. The big girls came to visit and we had leftovers for dinner! Those 2 can really clean out my fridge!! Tho`, one is now a vegetarian. I do run out of things to feed the poor girl! This week we pigged out on candy and watched videos as the weather was yucky!! (NT) -- Jeannine, 01:53:19 04/25/03 Fri

Jumping in with an ad -- Colly, 17:30:51 04/21/03 Mon
Just thought I would interrupt with a quick ad. As many of you may already know, I have a small soapmaking/toiletries business called Skinsations Soap & Bath Products. Click Here I also have a yahoo list for special sales and new products. To join just send an email to SKinsationsbath-subscribe@yahoogroups.com (make sure to capitalize the K, it was an error I made when I made the list and haven't figured out how to fix it yet!) I will put the names of everyone who signs up in a hat and draw a winner. I plan on running some specials soon so sign up now. If you have any questions email me at colly @ skinsations.org (without the spaces).

Also if you sign up, be sure to vote in the lip balm flavor poll. I am adding some new flavors soon.
Thanks

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For those of you who haven't tried Colly's soaps and accessories-treat yourself!!!! They are soo worth. I love her soaps-especially deep blue sea-and her hand cream is lovely, *sigh* , I have a wish list of all her products!!!!!! (NT) -- Keira, 22:11:26 04/21/03 Mon
Two questions Colly: Do you have a lotion for tired skin that makes small wrinkles disappear? (Well, getting to that age now*g*) And, do you also make soap without soap... um... ph-neutral? I can only use neutral shower gel for my skin, or it dries out no matter how much moistureising it is, and soap starts to smell like sour milk on my skin after a few minutes. I know it is odd.*lol* (NT) -- Martina, 07:42:25 04/22/03 Tue

My lotion has shea butter and silk in it. I just switched to it but have not used it on my face so don't know how it works for wrinkles! Emu oil or straight shea butter is good for wrinkles and revitalizing and healing skin, as well as dry skin. I have a friend who has the problem with fragrances turning funny on her skin. she loves butterscotch and I made her some butterscotch soap, but it smelled nasty on her skin so she just used it to make the bathroom smell good! As far as dry skin, the glycerin soaps are supposed to be good for dry skin, but it also depends a lot on the climate. During the winter here, nothing helps my dry skin except the lotion bars, because of the dry air. I could send you a couple of small samples of unscented soap to try. My dermatologist told me I should only bathe once a week because of my dry skin! EEEWWW, I can't live without my morning shower. (NT) -- Colly, 09:34:02 04/23/03 Wed

I think I have the typical T-skin-problem, meaning my face is not dry in form of a T over my forehead and down the nose. The rest tends to be dry. The face creme I use right now has green tea in it and chamomile. If I use something else on my face I get red super-dry itchy spots around the eyes! It drives me nuts. Hey, I would love to have some samples, but I think it costs a fortune to send stuff over here, right? So donÂ´t bother if it is going to be expensive. I canÂ´t take a bath either, I would rub my skin off afterwords! Only oil based bath I can use. Shower is okay though, only soaking in water kills my skin. (NT) -- Martina, 13:01:19 04/23/03 Wed

Betsy's surgery went well!! -- Keira, 18:39:41 04/19/03 Sat
Hi All!!!
Just stopping in to say that Betsy's surgery went well yesterday. I spoke to Betsy's brother today as Dave was still at the hospital. He said everything went well and that Betsy has even been up walking. He did mention that she gets tired quickly and it's going to take some time for her to recover but she's on the way.
So keep all those positive vibes, Reiki, and positive prayers coming her way.

Will post again tomorrow when I speak to Dave.
Hugs
Keira

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Thanks Keira! I've been thinking of Betsy all day! (NT) -- JeanClaire*, 20:03:12 04/19/03 Sat
Thanks for the update Keira! Glad to hear everything went well. (NT) -- Brenda, 21:35:13 04/19/03 Sat
Great news! That's the way, Betsy! Thanks for passing this on, Keira. (NT) -- Ron, 23:00:27 04/19/03 Sat
Thats GREAT news! Love you Betsy!!! (NT) -- Jeannine, 00:33:16 04/20/03 Sun
Wonderful news, thank you! Reiki showers are 'installed.'*g* (NT) -- Martina, 06:55:43 04/20/03 Sun

Btw, Martina, I saw a book about reiki and Gem stones, do you know anything about that? I can get the book for you if you are interested. (NT) -- Jeannine, 01:02:38 04/21/03 Mon

Thank you Dear, but I do have books about that. Good to see you more often here again! Do you have a computer at home again??? (NT) -- Martina, 07:25:42 04/22/03 Tue

Thanks for keeping us posted Keira! Sending lots of positive energy your way Betsy. Hoping for a speedy recovery!!! Big hugs to you! (NT) -- Lori, 14:57:16 04/20/03 Sun
Yes, thanks for posting the update Keira. Glad to hear that things went well. (NT) -- Maria A., 14:29:42 04/21/03 Mon

Just checking in ... -- Ellen, 14:00:03 04/20/03 Sun
... and reading all the good wishes below. THANK YOU!!!
So nice to see some of you around here again! I'm just recovering from the worst case of flu I've ever had. Went up and down through Germany, and e-mail-friends in Austria and Switzerland were talking about the flu of the century. Well, I can say I had it! *VBG*
A little update: Cora Lie is doing soooooo fine! And of course she's the most beautiful and the very sweetest baby girl on the planet earth *g*. Wanna see? Here's the link to her internet photo album

http://photos.yahoo.com/ellenheidboehmer

If the album doesn't open immediately, please click on "baby girl" and then on "cora lie".
This little sweetie has brought lots and lots of happiness and joy of life and ease of well-being into our family! I suppose she's a verra wise soul. Sometimes she looks at her family members who are about to create problems or drama and gets this look, you know ... as if she wants to say, hey, you don't HAVE TO create drama - what about creating BEAUTY instead??!! Hm. Very interesting to watch. And of course a very good advice to follow! So, I'm allowing myself to play again!
And on the free-lance front: my humorous gift book for mothers was published shortly after Cora Lie's birth. I'm working on one for grandmas now. And maybe maybe a German publisher will take my manuscript on "How to become a published author".
That's it for now. Hugs to everybody around and a special hug for Betsy. YOU'RE A BRAVE GIRL!!
Well, tomorrow morning we'll be off to the North Sea (to make a long story short, the universe offered us an opportunity we couldn't say "no" to!). Back on May 3rd. And as Keira already said below - I'll make sure to check in more often then!

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Oh Ellen, I'm so glad to hear things are well for you and your family. Your daughter is indeed beautiful!!!! Enjoy your trip and come back well rested!!!! (NT) -- Keira, 14:57:19 04/20/03 Sun
Wonderful News!! Cora Lie is very pretty! As well as you and your whole family! have a super get away! Miss You!! (NT) -- Jeannine, 00:37:45 04/21/03 Mon

Glad too, you are all feeling better! It wasnt SARS was it??? (NT) -- J again, 01:08:03 04/22/03 Tue

Happy Anniversary to Ellen and Juergen!On April 20! -- JeanClaire*, 07:57:22 04/19/03 Sat
Flowers for your special day....

(A camelia flowering in the grounds of Finlaystone House in Inverclyde)

Have a wonderful celebration you two!!

And wonderful spring to everyone on SpiritWorld!!

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May this day be filled with pleasure! Congratulations! (NT) -- rON, 09:19:30 04/19/03 Sat
Wishing you both a very happy anniversary on Easter Sunday! (NT) -- Brenda, 12:24:39 04/19/03 Sat
Happy, happy anniversary to you both and may you enjoy many more years together!!!! (NT) -- Keira, 12:39:13 04/19/03 Sat
Happy Anniversary you guys!! Hope your day is filled with much love, laughter and good times! Hope to see ya post soon too! We miss you! (NT) -- Lori, 13:04:12 04/19/03 Sat
Alles Liebe und Gute zum Hochzeitstag!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (NT) -- Antje, 13:36:45 04/19/03 Sat
Happy Anniversary!! Much Love and MMmmphh sent your way for you both to tap into and enjoy!! (NT) -- Jeannine, 00:34:59 04/20/03 Sun
Herzliche Glückwünsche zum Hochzeitstag!!! And enjoy your family trip to the North-sea! Dress warm!*g* (NT) -- Martina, 06:58:55 04/20/03 Sun

Wishing you all happiness -- Brenda, 12:31:46 04/19/03 Sat
I want to wish you all a very Happy Easter for those of you who are celebrating. For those of you who do not celebrate Easter, I hope you have a wonderful long weekend and are able to get outside and enjoy some nice spring weather. (We spent yesterday spreading three yards of sand in our front yard in that "nice spring weather"...argh, my back!)

My kids will leave out baskets for the Easter bunny (even though they are both past believing) and will have an egg hunt tomorrow morning. I am baking hot cross buns today and will decorate eggs with the kids and the DH tonight. A friend who was going to be spending Easter alone because her husband is out of town is coming over for Easter dinner tomorrow....nothing major...roast chicken with stuffing, veggies, and apple pie. A very low key Easter around here. What are the rest of you doing this weekend?

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Happy Easter to all-and as Brenda said, if you don't celebrate, have a lovely long weekend. Just out cutting down a tree that collapsed with the ice storm we had two weeks ago. Makes me sad-I really loved that tree-a big 40' maple. But now we have a view of the park beyond our backyard. Kids will get Easter treats, of course, and we'll have a hunt. I'll try not to eat too much of their treats!!! BTW-no news yet, as Betsy's DH is still at the hospital-will check in later!! (NT) -- Keira, 12:42:38 04/19/03 Sat
Hi Brenda! Your dinner sounds good - what time should be be there! Hahahahahahaha Hope you have a great weekend too. (NT) -- Lori, 13:06:19 04/19/03 Sat

You are always welcome, Lori......but judging from the sound of JeanClaire's dinner, I would go there! Sounds great JeanClaire! (NT) -- Brenda, 16:26:50 04/19/03 Sat

Haaahaaahaaaa, how about we all meet in one place and you guys can bring the food!!!! I'll bring the extra mouths to feed!! *VBG* (NT) -- Keira, 18:41:21 04/19/03 Sat

Always nice to feed a crowd, I'd love to cook for this crowd someday!! If you could smell my house now, you'd all go mad!!! Rosemary bread just came out of the oven and now the sweet smell of cheese pie. UUUuuuummmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!! I'm off for Easter egg dying and get these little ones in bed so the easter bunny won't be too tired. (NT) -- JC*, 20:02:11 04/19/03 Sat

Well I should be out in the yard to enjoy our nice, almost, warm spring day. We've still got lots of winter yard clean up to do. But I'm preparing some food to bring to the in-laws for Easter dinner tomorrow. On our menu: ham, lasagne, salad, twice baked potatoes, asparagus, rosemary olive bread and sweet potato biscuits. I am making the lasagne and the breads, oh and a ricotta sour cherry pie for dessert. But I really want to just take a nap. Oh and then we have to dye the eggs. Little Guy can't wait. Happy weekend everyone!! (NT) -- JeanClaire*, 13:11:57 04/19/03 Sat
If it isn'e raining on Easter Sunday, I will be planting a new tree on my front lawn to replace the sixty year old one which the city removed for safety reasons a year ago. Maybe a red japanese maple? What do you think? I don't want anything too big. This will grow to about 25 feet high, plenty tall enough, I feel. (NT) -- Ron, 23:03:26 04/19/03 Sat

We have a red Japanese maple in our front yard, Ron, and love it! The branches almost make an archway that you walk under to get to the front door. The colour is lovely and looks nice in the winter with little white Christmas lights on it. (NT) -- Brenda, 00:59:43 04/20/03 Sun

Dont rub it in you Canadians, you get a long weekend and we dont I saw that on my Calendar! We dont do much for easter, I gave the big kids baskets with candy and doo dads. The little one has a basket and bigger stuff that Dad will leave around the house before he goes to bed as I am at work. When I get home in the am, I am going to make pancakes per request of the little one! Then we pig out on candy all day! DH doesnt eat candy, can you believe that?! His downfall is icecream, so since I have to go buy syrup in the am, if the store is open...I will get him some IC. The big girls may come over , but the step son was over fri/sat. He had no school on friday and spent the day with me. All the kids have vacation this coming week. (NT) -- Jeannine, who enjoys good food, but has no clue how to make any of that stuff, and hasnt even heard of half of it, 00:32:05 04/20/03 Sun

Knock, knock, just popping in!!!! -- Keira, 16:56:53 04/18/03 Fri
It seems like it's been such a long time since I've been here-need to organize my life a bit better!!!!!
Wow-I am sooo impressed that everyone is slowly filtering back home here. Hello to everyone. I'd rather not make a list as I am bound to miss out someone very important by accident and I'd hate to hurt anyone's feelings. So here is a huge giant hug to all (((((((((Everyone)))))))))

I'd like to wish everyone who is celebrating this weekend a lovely holiday. And if you aren't specifically celebrating-enjoy some chocolate anyway!!!!

I spoke with Betsy for quite a while yesterday while she was continuing to get her mind around this surgery. It is such a big step for her-she put it very well in the post below. Her DH is spending the night with Betsy tonight so I won't be talking to him until tomorrow but as soon as I do....I PROMISE I will post updates as I hear anything!!!!!
*Sigh*, wouldn't it be so nice if we all lived closer to each other?

Scrolling through I see that I have missed birthdays and anniversaries!!! Belated wishes to all!!! Hope the days and nights were enjoyable, *VBG*

Now, I will have pics to post soon of a project that I have been working on. (For those who have sent me something in the mail for this project-thank you!!!)

Life has been hectic with the kids-seems the older they get, the busier I become. I'm sure most of you can relate.
We now have a teenager driver in the house which is really scary!!! LOL-but when he is fully licensed and can drive without Dave or I in the car, I'm trying to convince myself that it will be a help (as long as it's convenient for him, I'm sure)
Kids are very busy with sports and school and friends. They're managing to stay healthy and happy-well happy for the most part if you don't include hormone rush days, hahahahahahahaaaaa. Teenagers are sure a breed of their own, aren't they?

Anyway, as I said I'll stop in and let everyone know how Betsy is doing. Take care all-and drive safely if you are traveling anywhere this weekend!
Hugs
Keira

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(((((((((((((Keira)))))))))))) It's so good to hear from you!!!!! We appreciate the update on Betsy and will be looking forward to hearing how she is doing. Good to hear that you are doing well and keeping busy (hahahahaha like it's hard for you to keep busy!) Just think, now your son will be going out on dates and driving girls around and all that. Boy I can't believe how fast everyone's kids grow up. I spose that means we're getting older just as fast too ; ) Hope you have a great holiday weekend and give Betsy our love when you do talk to her. Will watch for your next post! Big huge hugs from Minnesota... (NT) -- Lori, 23:23:00 04/18/03 Fri

Lori, I've just spent the past half hour going through all the posts-and I realized I've missed so much. I think of you so often, especially when I am wearing your jewelry. Any chance of making it to Fergus? (NT) -- Keira (Hugs right back at ya, Girl!!!), 23:38:47 04/18/03 Fri

((((((KEIRA))))))))) I just e-mailed you! How funny I am on a roll tonight!! WELCOME Back! I miss you! How did the quilt come out?? VBG!!Is that your project?? You answered all the questions I asked except the Fergus related ones. Please e-,mail me when you get a chance (NT) -- Jeannine, 01:56:44 04/19/03 Sat
Heya Lady! Thanks for the update on Betsy, I've been thinking of her all yesterday. Wow! A teenager hmmmm, I can't imagine that right now. Eight year olds are tough enough!!!! (NT) -- JeanClaire*, 07:48:29 04/19/03 Sat

Hi All! I am asking for positive thoughts/prayers/energies tonight. My DH and I found a cute little house and put a bid in on it. They accepted so, if the financing goes through, we may be out of this rental soon!! Woo Hoo!!!!!!! We have a minor past problem that needs to be cleared from my DH's credit report (and SHOULD have been) so I am asking for your help in a swift resolution of the financial issues so that we may move forward with the purchase of the house. Thanks everyone -- you are all Blessings! -- Ann, 19:57:08 04/18/03 Fri
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Ann, positive thoughts winging your way!!! What an exciting thing for you. I still rmember when we bought our house-DH called me at work to say our offer had been accepted. That was 15 years ago-hard to believe. Enjoy the excitement, the rest of the stuff will clear itself up. (NT) -- Keira (true to my resolve of stopping in more often), 23:19:16 04/18/03 Fri
If this is the house that's meant for you, you will have it. I'll say a prosperity charm for you and don't forget to carry those green stones around with you, hehe! (NT) -- Lori, 23:25:25 04/18/03 Fri
Thinking of you! (NT) -- JeanClaire*, 07:42:48 04/19/03 Sat

Tues. Night Ramblings -- Betsy, 22:26:51 04/15/03 Tue
Evening, All!

First of all, I've had some computer woes and for those of you who sent me addresses to send Spirit Friends oil, I've lost the addresses. I had hoped to have had it all done and sent by now, but life being what it is, it might have to wait until I'm home from the hospital. Can you send me the addresses again??? Please????
Second of all, I will be going for my surgery Friday morning. I am not nervous about the procedure itself, but about the unknown effect on my life afterwords. I have struggled long and hard to come to this day, and now that it is here....I'm just jittery. All will be well, though, and I know it deep down. I'd still appreciate any thoughts, prayers, Reiki, energy work that any of you could give.
Christine, I'm glad wee Declan is recovering from his ordeal. It's always awful when our babes are feeling so unwell!
Ann, I have not forgotten you. I've just been frantic trying to pull everything together so I can be "out of commission" for a bit. My computer life has fallen by the wayside for a bit. I do plan some oil for you. And PLEASE keep me posted about your books.
Lori, the picture of the Hand of Hope is breathtaking. I've seen it before, but it never ceases to humble me about life and what a precious gift it is. One of my favorite hymns from my Methodist Days is called We are Standing on Holy Ground... and we truly are. This world and all life is Blessed and a Gift. We are all Gifts to each other. We are an Army of Love.
Enough from me. Good night, Dear Ones.

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Betsy, so nice to hear from you! I will be with you in my thoughts Friday. I would be very nervous, being in your shoes, as well. You´ll see, your life will improve, just as you wished for! Do we have a picture of you in our album here? I didn´t have the time to search for. Could you please send me a pic of you via email or post one? I can guide the Reiki much better with a pic. I will put an energy cloud above your head, and after the operation if you feel weak you can just picture it nurturing you. Good luck!!!! (NT) -- Martina, 06:53:06 04/16/03 Wed

Oh Martina! Thank you so much!!! There are several pictures of me in the photo album under the Boston Gathering. I am easy to spot...I'm the fat lady with the long dark hair. I don't know how to send a picture via email or how to post one, either, or I would. I'm barely computer literate. *S* I think Keira has some photos of me. Anyway, I do appreciate your efforts. This WILL change my life for the better. My relationship with food will be different than it has EVER been before. YAHOOOOOOO. (NT) -- Betsy, 09:15:35 04/16/03 Wed

Thanks Betsy, the Boston pics are good enough for my purpose! I printed one out and now you will get flooded with energy, hehe. (NT) -- Martina, 03:20:06 04/17/03 Thu

Betsy, I'll join Martina in sending you Reiki energy. (NT) -- Maria A., 11:13:19 04/16/03 Wed

Thank you so much, Marie. I appreciate it very much. *S* (NT) -- Betsy, 19:24:37 04/16/03 Wed

Betsy -- don't worry about the oil, or not getting in touch with me! I was worried about you!! I will be praying for your comfort through this time of transition. When you feel well enough to get around to the oil, just email me, and I'll send you my address, too. :) Be Well!! (NT) -- Ann, 14:14:07 04/16/03 Wed
(((Betsy))) Wishing you all the best for a super successful sugery and a speedy recovery! (NT) -- Brenda, 14:41:27 04/16/03 Wed
Betsy, you're going to be all right! At times like you are facing, I tend to step back and view the whole thing objectively, as if it were happening to someone else. At the same time, I go philosophical and think that there's nothing I can do about it anyway, that it is going to happen, so I just watch almost from the sidelines. After all, you have already made the big decision some time ago. Just ride it out. You know the end result will be better, so fret not about the journey towards it. (NT) -- Ron, 10:06:52 04/17/03 Thu
Thanks, Everyone, for your support. I'm all ready (well, sort of) and after a few short hours, David and I will be leaving for the hospital. I'll let you all know how I am as soon as I get home next week. Blessings to you all. (NT) -- Betsy, 23:45:50 04/17/03 Thu
Betsy! I know you've had your surgery by now and will be recovering for several days but when you get home and are able to read this I just wanted to let you know I was thinking about you today and sending much love and support and light your way. Hugs to you! (NT) -- Lori (who didn't get a chance to check in until now - whew!), 23:28:58 04/18/03 Fri
(((((((BETSY)))))))))))) Holding you in the light! I am here late and last! This is a nice story for you. I was thinking about you and wondering when the surgery was, I remembered April, but that was all. I was watching tv and a commercial came on for the gastro surgery and people attesting to how well it worked for them, how much weight they lost, eliminated their weight related diseases,. That was this am.(friday) about 11 am I think. I have never seen that commercial before!! Was that a sign or WHAT?? (NT) -- Jeannine who Loves you very much!!, 01:52:17 04/19/03 Sat

Spooky stories!?! -- Martina, 07:20:13 04/10/03 Thu
Recently I was thinking about how this board started off. Everybody posted a weird story he/she experienced, or from people that are close. It was very interesting, spooky and sometimes funny. Meanwhile a lot of new people came here, and there are a lot of lurkers too.
Maybe the “newer” of you, or some lurkers could tell us a personal spiritual story? If you can´t think of something, maybe you could tell us one of the most stunning coincidences of your life? Or anything else you found weird.*g*

Thanks for playing along!

Love and Light!

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Yes, I am one of those lurkers from the LOL MB's and love reading everyone's messages, but haven't had the time to post since I am at work and sometimes my thoughts are so lengthy, like this one. I actually have a very interesting story>>>>> -- Maria A., 16:45:26 04/10/03 Thu

Wow, I love it when that happens! There is so much comfort in signs like that from our loved ones "on the other side". I deeply believe they do send us signs! I am glad that things got better for you after that had happened. Thanks for sharing Maria A! BTW, are you the Maria from the fff-board?*g* (NT) -- Martina, 07:20:48 04/11/03 Fri

Probably not, I just started visiting the Lallybroch boards a few weeks ago and don't know what the fff-board is. Come inside though>>>> -- Maria A., 12:02:03 04/11/03 Fri

Funny, the world is becoming smaller, come in please>>>> -- Martina, 13:06:47 04/11/03 Fri

Thank-you for the welcome. I've never posted on MB's before so it was a little strange for me at first. (NT) -- Maria A., 13:42:01 04/11/03 Fri

Probably not, I just started visiting the Lallybroch boards a few weeks ago and don't know what the fff-board is. Come inside though>>>> -- Maria A., 12:17:25 04/11/03 Fri

Welcome Maria! Love your story! Where in Ct were you? I live in northwest CT, New Milford to be exact. (NT) -- JeanClaire*, 13:00:40 04/11/03 Fri

We had a house on Candlewood Lake in New Fairfield. It was a family house for almost 35 years that we shared with our cousins. Quite hairy sometimes with 10 kids. I was the oldest and the youngest in the group of us was 11 years younger that me. We have some great memories and it was hard to let the house go, but all the cousins grew up and we were just too many people sharing the house, so one of my cousins ended up buying it. (NT) -- Maria A., 13:39:26 04/11/03 Fri

Are we talking spooky as in "scary" or spooky as in "OMG! Chills up my spine" spiritual happenings??? I have stories from both catagories. Just let me know.... *g* (NT) -- Ann (Still trying to get published... and waving madly!), 18:58:33 04/10/03 Thu

Talking about any kind of scary, spooky, weird....! Wonderful Ann, please share them with us, will ya? (NT) -- Martina, 07:15:04 04/11/03 Fri

Well, spooky/scary is to the inside and blessing right here. It is a silly story, but here goes... I lost one leg of my son's Zip-off pants, and was distraught, because they were hs favorite pair. I was lterally in tears!! Three weeks later, I was standing in the laundry room feeling like a failure because I couldn't find the missing leg, when I suddenly had a full-body rush like someone had plugged me into ultimate happiness. Then, in my mind, I saw a picture of the pant leg, behind a cabinet which I had previously searched. When I looked again, it was there!! I believe that Spirit blessed me that day. Now, come inside for a darker tale>>> -- Ann, 11:34:25 04/13/03 Sun

Wow! And you have more of those? Please share! What do you think was that cloud? What did your dh say? (NT) -- Martina, 08:57:21 04/14/03 Mon

Yes, I'd like to know too. (NT) -- Maria A., 12:03:41 04/14/03 Mon

I have no idea what the "cloud" was -- probably wouldn't have been so terrifying if it had a substance that I could identify. For another blessing, I can tell you of how I met my DH. I was busy being bitchy, busy ignoring people, and Spirit stopped me -- literally. I had walked past him probably a dozen times that night, and then I was tripped up. I didn't fall but I was really mad. I looked around, and there was no one nearby and nothing that could have tripped me. I tried to move forward again, but couldn't lift my feet from the floor. I looked again, widening my circle to include more of my surroundings, and there he was, standing under a spot light. I got full-body chills and went up to talk to him. We've been together since that day, and married 10 years this May 27! As to another freakish one, come inside>>> -- Ann, 15:40:21 04/14/03 Mon

Um.... is it "normal" for you to experience things like that? Are you able to contact "the other side"? Did you ever try? (NT) -- Martina, 04:28:52 04/15/03 Tue

I thought about your cloud at the cemetery, come inside, I might get long>>>>> -- Maria A., 12:57:38 04/15/03 Tue

Maria, I experienced what you said as well. I too feel protected and guided by spirits. We do not always understand how everything works, but nothing happens without a reason, I am sure of that. (NT) -- Martina, 06:42:28 04/16/03 Wed

Martina, I have been "experiencing" things like that since early in my teens, at the lastest. I have been visited by passed spirits, but I have never tried to contact them -- they seem to find me without being called. And Maria... I have had Spirit use "unconventional" methods with me before, and this did not have the hand of the Spirit in it at all. I am familiar with evil and, to me, that's what that cloud was. Not to shoot down your idea, but the theory doesn't fit in this instance. (NT) -- Ann, 15:15:13 04/15/03 Tue

Ann, I have some questions, maybe you could email me? I don´t have your addy. Thanks! (NT) -- Martina, 06:45:12 04/16/03 Wed

ya know, I had something that I wanted to share that my DD said, that totally blew me away, but I forgot what it was!!! (NT) -- Jeannine, not that I am new or anything...., 03:46:14 04/12/03 Sat
ya know, I had something I wanted to share that my DD said, but i totally forgot what it was! (NT) -- Jeannine, not that I am new or anything, 03:47:34 04/12/03 Sat

btw, welcome Maria! sorry about the double, I got an error message, so I figured it didnt take OOPS! (NT) -- J again, 03:49:14 04/12/03 Sat

Ok I do have one. Last year in Feb. (02) I had a dream that a friend of mine got engaged. She has been with this man for sometime now. She used to visit me when she came to AZ on business. She visited the following March so I asked her if she got engaged on or around Valentines Day. She said no. This march (03) she called me to tell me she got engaged! Not on Valentines Day, although they went to Belguim together(must be nice) but shortly afterward he surprised her !!! Cool huh?? (NT) -- Jeannine, 04:09:05 04/12/03 Sat

Wasn´t much of a surprise for her anymore then, eh? Bwahahaha. Really cool Jeannine! Love it! (NT) -- Martina, 08:54:10 04/14/03 Mon

Greetings all! Can anyone tell me about the metaphysical properties of Ametrine?? A friend of mine had a ring that she felt led to give to me. I thought the stone looked quite odd, being half purple and half yellow. After some research I found that it was Ametrine, but haven't been able to find out anything else. Any info anyone can give would be greatly appreciated! -- Ann, 15:45:23 04/14/03 Mon
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I found a lot on German pages, and it also is on my mineral list, come inside >>>> -- Martina, 05:01:05 04/15/03 Tue

Wow!! thanks, Martina! Sounds like I really was supposed to have this ring at this time. With so much stress, I need the balance it can help provide. That, and it's theraputic uses, might also explain why I don't want to take it off; I just feel better when I wear it. (NT) -- Ann, 15:05:29 04/15/03 Tue

What a week! -- Christine, 07:51:43 04/12/03 Sat
Turns out Declan was much sicker that he should have been and ended up in the hospital Thursday night with dehydration. He came home Friday at supper time and was very mad at us! Had a massive amount of diahrea (sp?) on the way home from hospital (freaking us out that he'd get dehyrdrated again) but seems to be a whole lot better this morning. Slept from 7pm last night to after 6am this morning--which is the first time he's slept more than 2 hours in a row for over a week! He had toast, a banana and some watered down apple juice for breakfast and it all seems to be staying put! He's even running around and playing with his brother this morning!

Happy Birthday to the birthday girls...sorry I missed it, computer time has been limited between yucky diapers and the vomiting! *G* More info than anyone needed!

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Oh Christine, thanks for the update. You KNOW I was thinking of you all day yesterday! (NT) -- {{{{{HUGS}}}}}JeanClaire*, 08:54:21 04/12/03 Sat
guess it was more than shot reaction!! Glad all seems well now!! (NT) -- Hugs J, 01:22:47 04/13/03 Sun
Good that he starts to feel better! My dd always had shot-reactions like that. She would throw up all over the place with an unknown force over 2 meters or so*lol*, got the runs and fever. I was always afraid she would get brain fever, and watched her quite hysterically for a couple of days. One of my neighbours has a sick child like that, it is horrible. The poor girl will never have a normal life, only because of a measles shot! A lot of people here don´t let their kids incoluate anymore, but that makes the old diseases spread out again, and I don´t know what is worse. (NT) -- Martina, 09:07:12 04/14/03 Mon

Science question -- Brenda, 22:46:05 04/10/03 Thu
I posted this over on the social board but thought I would post it here as well to see if anyone can help me out.

A few months ago I saw a program on TV in which a group of high school students accidentally discovered that sea shells (the shells themselves, not the living organisms inside) filtered pollutants out of ocean water.I think the shells absorbed the pollutants. Does this sound familiar to anyone? My DD needs to do a science fair project for school and thought this would be a good project to reproduce.....now we are unable to find any info on it!

From what I remember, the students put shells (not sure if the kind of shell matters) into a large container containing contaminated water (not sure what it was contaminated with). The result being, the shells filtered the impurities out of the water. If anyone has any info on this, it would be greatly appreciated by my DD and myself. Thanks again!

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Hm... I could find some articles about that in German, but that doesn´t help you much, eh?*g* Couldn´t find anything in English either, sorry. Maybe if you search for the subject in university links, or science institutes? (NT) -- Martina, 07:53:14 04/11/03 Fri
check back at the Social B, you have many answers (NT) -- J, 03:39:23 04/12/03 Sat

Hey there everyone!! -- Christine, 14:17:01 04/07/03 Mon
Like many of us here I check in quite often just never get around to posting! You are always in my thoughts though!

Melissa came over on Wednesday with Gabby (who she babysits) and her friend Polly and her daughter Lindsey! What fun it was having the kids together AND getting some 'grown up' time!! Melissa brought over bagels and we all had a yummy snack! :) Oooooh...I almost forgot the carrot cake too! They all commented on the amount of dvds I own...but no one would take any home with them!

Declan had immunizations on Friday and last night he started throwing up etc (do I need to elaborate on the etc? *eg*) What fun!! He's napping now...not keeping much down, and he'll prob be up all night!

Chris is scheduled for ankle surgery at the end of the month. He broke his ankle 14 year ago (OMG---that's a long time!) and has had 5 operations so far...this time they are fusing it and he should be done with ankle surgery! Keep him in your thoughts??? He's a lousy patient...even though he wants this surgery VERY much!

Joey is going through a 'defiant' stage...we've done everything we can think of to curb his behavior. He has some really good days though...so maybe I just have to wait it out. He either loves me to death or has actually told me he hates me more than once---THAT hurt!

I'm doing pretty good all in all...just waiting for this damn winter to be over. Winter is my favourite time of year...but I've had enough!!

Jeannine--your DH is working in Nashua?? Where?? And when are you coming over to visit??? Anytime you want to come by you are MORE than welcome!!!! (thinking you want to stay away from germ-central THIS week though! *G*) We're really easy to find too...just off exit 1!

That's it for now I think!

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Hi Christine! Sorry to hear that your littlest was not feeling well after the immunizations. Happens alot to them I guess. Heck even after I get a flu shot, I feel icky for a couple days too. Sounds like little Joey is starting to develop his own little personal moods and quirks, normal too I spose and I know that ALL kids say "I hate you" at different ages so please don't feel too bad about that. That's got to be normal too but still hard to actually hear eh? We'll keep Chris in our thot's too. I've had surgery for problems with my elbow and know how hard it is to deal with surgeries like that. We are finally getting some warmer weather this week. It's supposed to be in the 60's from now until the beginning of next week! All that after just an hour south of us got 15" of snow 2 days ago. Good ole' Minnesota! I'm ready for Spring too and time in my gardens and camping and fishing and so on and so on....... (NT) -- Lori, 18:26:58 04/09/03 Wed
I have visions of the etc...think of twins BOTH having a reaction...at the same time..in the extreme!! UGH! Yes Ray works at Allen Mello Dodge now, on DW Highway. You are giving away DVD`s??? Its hard to come down cuz Nicole has school in the pm....vacation I am working nights almost the whole week and may have the big kids too. :oS BUT I will put my phone inside Ok?? -- Jeannine, 20:28:03 04/09/03 Wed
OH and btw, Nicole tells me she hates me once a week or so, it means you are being a good mom and not letting them have their own way all the time! Nicole tells me she loves me more than everything! Now that gets me!! sniff sniff..so dont take the hates personally I think its very normal!! (NT) -- Jeannine, 20:58:47 04/09/03 Wed
Yup, the I hate you Mom usually means you're doing good. I usually answer Betsy by saying good, puzzles her, she expects me to yell at her and she'll turn around and go to her room or somewhere else. The other night Domingo needed to put away a noisy toy as Betsy was trying to do her homework reading so he needed to bring it upstairs or go somewhere else. He knows when it's her homework time, it's quiet time for him. So after the noisy toy went in the toy box he started a tantrum and was then sitting in the living room chair sobbing,,,,like sissy, daddy, the fish.....my toys.......not Mommy! And he sobbed it over and over til he was able to stop crying. Then he came into the kitchen and helped me clear the table!! So you are not alone Christine. (NT) -- JeanClaire*, 07:18:58 04/10/03 Thu

April 9 is Martina's Birthday!! And let's say Happy Belated to Antje from March 20!! -- JeanClaire*, 07:26:10 04/09/03 Wed
Happy Birthday Ladies!

Flowers from Scotland for your day

The illustration is of a marsh violet. Although it looks quite large, blown up on the screen, it is actually a very small, delicate wild flower. It was spotted growing on a wall in the countryside, north of Glasgow. (from http://www.rampantscotland.com/annual/annual_apr.htm You can print out a whole years worth of flowers and make your own calendar!)

And Scottish dates in history....

March 20 1141
King Malcolm IV born.

March 20 1729
John Law, financier and founder of New Orleans, died aged about 57.

March 20 1780
The firm of James Watt and Co was established to manufacture the world's first duplicating machines.

April 9 1747(close enough to your birthdate Martina and interesting)
Lord Lovat beheaded on Tower Hill for high treason.

April 10 1988
Sandy Lyle becomes the first Scottish (and British) golfer to win the US Masters tournament.

Have a great day!

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Typo alert--Birthday is April 10, just wanted to post today on the 9th!! (NT) -- JC*, 07:32:08 04/09/03 Wed
((((Antje)))) And ((((Martina)))) HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! I vote for lots of light and love for your birthdays (even if it is after-the-fact for you, Antje). I am sending Brightest of Blessings wishes to you both. (NT) -- Betsy, 11:39:41 04/09/03 Wed
Happy Birthday Antje and Martina. This must have been a busy time in your house growing up...two birthdays within a few weeks of each other. (NT) -- Brenda, 11:52:44 04/09/03 Wed
Thanks a lot friends! This lovely little flower is growing here in Germany too! I am going to have a nice quiet birthday with my loved ones. Friday will be the party! Whoohoo! Antje´s birthday (the 30th!!!) was cool. Lots of people there, family and closest friends, and the weather behaved nice enough to sit in the garden. I will not have such luck, the temperature dropped again to only around 12°C. Brrrrr! (NT) -- Martina, 13:24:00 04/09/03 Wed
A Very Happy Birthday to 2 of the nicest (and prettiest) gals in Germany we know! Hope you have/had great fun on your special days! We're still waiting for the first violets to spring up - probably not for another 3 weeks or so but my miniature irises are 4" out of the ground now! Soon, very soon... (NT) -- Lori, 18:18:40 04/09/03 Wed
Happy Belated Birthday Antje! You know how much I love you! VBHUGS!!! Martina! winks! I would love to be at one of your parties! I bet its more fun than I can comtemplate!! hehehehe You are both special ladies!! ( my DB and I are in the same month, its sucked as kids..) (NT) -- Jeannine, 20:22:31 04/09/03 Wed
Thank you JeanClaire and thanks for the congrats friends!!! (NT) -- Antje, 05:11:06 04/10/03 Thu

Peace and War -- Martina, 07:40:57 04/04/03 Fri
Hello to all my oversea friends!

I know this is a peaceful board, and war discussions don´t belong here. But the war is on our minds these days, who would deny that?
It has a spiritual touch too though, because it is the spirit of the friendship of our countries that is asked now. You may have seen on tv that anti-american demonstrations are going on in Europe, and so in Germany as well. I would like to make clear that Germany is NOT against America all of a sudden! People here do appreciate what America did for us, and they value the friendship. What you see on tv is the opinion of people who run for every demo in order to get drunk and have "fun". It is very sad that those pictures make it into the news and the ones of compassion and agreement don´t.

I am working for a large company and the people I meet there daily, and all my friends, and other people I know, do all have a positive picture of the US. They do not all agree with the opinion that this war was needed, but that doesn´t mean they hate all Americans now! We have a lot of american soldiers here (especially around where I live), and they are still treated with respect.

We are thinking of the american soldiers in Iraq daily, and watch the news to see how they are doing. For whatever reasons this war was started, we wish it will be ended fast, and that the soldiers will be home with their families very soon.

Now I have a question. Without getting too political I would like to know how you feel about this war. If you think it doesn´t belong here please say so. On the other hand we did speak about WTC as well, and I think it was good that we did.

Wishing everybody a nice weekend, praying for our international friendships, and PEACE!!!!

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I will make the start with expressing my opinion. To be honest I don´t think it was a good political idea to attack Iraq. But I now say the heck with it, because SOMEBODY has to stop that crazed man down there. And I am glad that somebody is the US, because they have the force to do it. That puts me in the odd position of agreeing to the war, but also not agreeing. As I said I only hope there will not be so many victims on both sides. We can only watch and hope. (NT) -- Martina, 07:53:10 04/04/03 Fri
I always thought it too bad that they stopped in 1991. Of course, the agreements between the various partners did not permit that choice. The people of Basra had to suffer for it then, and are doing so now also. (NT) -- Ron, 08:56:42 04/04/03 Fri
(((((Martina))))) Thank you for this posting. It is a difficult subject to talk about, but it is equally difficult to ignore. How do I feel, as a loyal US citizen? Well, like you, I did not support the war. I felt torn between anger and fear that US didn't abide by the United Nations, but then again, I was reminded of WW2 and Hitler. All in all, I did not think it a reason to go to war. However, now that it is a moot point and we are there, along with British forces, I must emotionally support the soldiers. I know several young men and women who have been deployed and it touches my life directly. One of the young men who has left home to fight is the boy who gave my eldest daughter her first kiss. I cannot turn my emotional back on him or any other who is fighting. I also pray for Iraqi soldiers and am trying to pray for Hussein. (NT) -- Betsy, 10:02:50 04/04/03 Fri
Oh Martina I'm so glad you brought this up. It's been on everyone's mind and I'm sure we all felt that we wanted to say something but either didn't know how or what or when? I didn't agree that we should have gone to war without the the UN's vote but I also feel, especially now, that I'm kind of glad we did. You're right, someone has to deal with this dangerous man and his family and since we are powerful enough to do so.....I am feeling a bit more OK with it as I know they are finding chemical weapons now and these terrible viruses today in a lab in northern Iraq. It tells us all that they did and do have weapons of different kinds that could kill major populations. I've lit a special candle of red white & blue stones & crystals I made every night since the war started for the soldiers. I have even prayed that Saddam & his family will "see the light" trying to send positive & loving energy to them to see the evil in what they've done albeit, I feel it's been wasted energy... (NT) -- Lori (who cries several times a week regarding this but is a very proud American nonetheless), 18:25:36 04/04/03 Fri
I will just say DITTO to all of the above, I had my little rant earlier down below. I too cry, a woman in VT lost her only son in a heavy battle, I cry for her, I cry for the POW`s and their families. I cry for the soldiers buried in a ditch that were mutilated. It`s a sad thing war (NT) -- Jeannine, 02:30:45 04/05/03 Sat
Me again...One of the hardest thngs for me is to keep in mind that right or wrong, people like Saddam Hussain are as precious to our Creator as I am... Hussein's actions have nothing to do with how much he is loved and cherished. Somehow, this just is a hard bone for me to swallow. That is why I try to pray for him, but sometimes I just can't. My girlfriend's two sons, the only children she has, are both there together in the same unit. It is hard for me not to indulge in hatred. But hatred is so wrong and has such a terrible effect on the world! It just isn't the energy I want to emminate! (NT) -- Betsy, 12:03:00 04/05/03 Sat
Although I have mixed feelings about this war, I definitely support the troops who are over there. I agree that the Iraqi regime was corrupt and something needed to be done. Since they were not honouring the agreement they made with the UN, perhaps force was needed....I don't know. It is hard to say if someone was right or wrong when we are just getting screened and filtered information. One thing I do believe, is that Canada could be helping in some capacity. If not in combat, then something else. The Americans are our friends and allies, and one should support one's friends in some capacity. Our forces have always maintained a peacekeeping role and that is why they were not there originally, however, I feel that use could be made of them in securing towns that have already been captured. I do pray for the troops, and the innocents who are at the mercy of forces beyond their control. (NT) -- Brenda, 12:07:18 04/05/03 Sat

I heard there ARE Canadians down there! Also Germans, but both are officially not "helping". Politics, I never understood it. (NT) -- Martina, 12:55:34 04/06/03 Sun

Thanks to all for your opinion! Seems like we all agree about the matter. Now that it happened we should not hate or blame, but pray for all people involved. I would be glad for an update once in a while from those who know families with soldiers. We indeed get only filtered information. Speaking with involved and their friends is something different. Betsy, to hate is easy, but to just observe and pray is what we should do, IMHO. I don´t hate Hussein, how could I, I don´t know him in person. But the world just cannot hold still against a threat like that. Measures have to be done, and for that I am glad. Soldiers normally know the risks, although after WTC many young guys signed in who might regret it now. (NT) -- Martina, 13:06:31 04/06/03 Sun
I also wanted to say that I feel especially bad for the guys down there, because of the incredible heat. They will soon have 50°C! Did anybody ever experience that? I was in Turkey once in summer at 45°C, and I thought I must choke at the air I breathed. I spent most of the time in the pool. Then we visited Ephesus (huge roman city in ruins, fantastic!) and it was as if the sun burned a hole in my skull. Our film in the camera melted! The photos were all blurry.*lol* And the soldiers are fully dressed and carrying loads of equipment... I just cannot imagine that pain! I wouldn´t last 2 days. I wonder how they manage that, I can only admire them. (NT) -- Martina, 13:19:40 04/06/03 Sun
I, too, did not agree with this war when it started. But, after watching as much of it a day as I can stomach, and seeing what is happening...the ambushes, the deceptive acts, the finding of chemical suits and the treatment of the POW's...I think we are in the unfortunate position of doing what needs to be done. Thankfully, my brothers (#2-National Guard, and #3-US Marines) are still home. But I too cry almost every day, for the troops fighting, the ones missing and the ones who won't make it home. I don't hold anything against any country that did not involve itself...that is their right. And I certainly think that changing the name of French fries to Freedom fries was a totally silly and asinine thing to do. What is that going to accomplish? (NT) -- Colly, 15:47:57 04/07/03 Mon

I so agree with you! Freedom fries! Come on, that´s beyond silly, isn´t it? I saw that in the news and couldn´t believe it. Is it even true? I thought it was just a single thing of a group and only in one restaurant or so. Have they really changed the name all over the US?? What about french toast? hahahahaha Oh my, luckily it all might be over soon, since Bagdad was taken now. (NT) -- Martina, 13:31:30 04/09/03 Wed

gotta add... what about French Kiss???? *giggle* (NT) -- Antje- just passing through........., 05:09:04 04/10/03 Thu

New Photos -- Brenda, 12:12:58 04/05/03 Sat
I added two new photos to "Photos Three". They are pictures of the button blankets my class made for our First Nations potlatch. One of them is of a First Nations friendship dance that we learned and performed, and the other is one with my daughter, she is the one on the right.

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Brenda, what fun they were having. And your sweet daughter...how did the birthday bash go??? (NT) -- JeanClaire*, 14:38:06 04/05/03 Sat

The "Birthday Bash" begins in about an hour. We opted to do it the weekend following her real birthday...less hectic. Wish me luck... (NT) -- Brenda, 18:04:23 04/05/03 Sat

Glad you could share these! How fun! (NT) -- Jeannine, 01:04:52 04/06/03 Sun
(NT) -- ..., 00:07:18 04/07/03 Mon

A couple of things from me:)!! -- JeanClaire*, 07:33:38 03/31/03 Mon
Hello everyone!!!

Brenda, go check out Beliefnet. Tons of info out there...
http://www.beliefnet.com/
Jeannine, there are interesting aricles on their home page on the war and a very interesting one titled "What's wrong with the 'Pray American' impulse."

Quizzes on spirituality are here...
http://www.beliefnet.com/features/quiz/index.html

And even spiritual weight loss...
http://www.beliefnet.com/index/index_215.html

I too am stuck in that place of I don't know where I should be. For me easier to pray at home but also feel the quilt of not having formally baptized my children in the catholic church. Betsy is asking now to go to CCD with her friends and about time I had a long talk with her. If that is what she wants to do then I will set up the baptism and classes for her. I am tired of doing religion because I should and want to do how I feel instead. But hard to plan the children in that.

Lori, you mean I should abandon my ideas of yoga and qigong for belly dancing?! I think I am going to run right out and get a tape!!!! There will be a new me in six weeks too. Today is the first day of my new program. One of the other preshool Moms and I are walking at the park on preschool days. I'm still trying to get my rosacea under control. Easy to get under control with antibiotics as I did last year but I honestly feel that is not the way to go. Harder will be the rosacea diet trying to find out what I eat that bothers my skin. I have already given up coffee and there has been some change in that. Dairy may be hard for me. We shall see. So I have a loose leaf journal now to write in. Talked about journaling for a few years now but will start with writing exercise in first as suggested by a few of the weight loss programs I have seen.

The kids keep me busy. Just finished girl scout cookie season. Now the girls will decide what they want to do with their money. With warmer weather finally here, I've been taking my son to the playground so he can run his little legs off!

Almost spring! Some more snow last night but not enough to bother. We have new walkways and this year I need to plan foundation plantings.

Breakfast run time, I'll be catch ya later:)!

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Thanks for the links JeanClaire. Some of those quizzes look really interesting. I will have fun with that site when I have more quiet time on my own. Trying to think spiritually when I have two kids arguing with each other is not very effective *g*. (NT) -- Brenda, 19:31:20 03/31/03 Mon
Oh don't give up your other stuff but just add the bellydancing. If you have Target out there the video was only $6.99. I just ordered another one with more choreographed sequences so I'll actually be doing a routine soon! The more varied things you do, the better, I'm told. Your body eventually gets used to the same old thing (this includes food & exercise) and you need to shake things up a bit (hehe no pun intended) to let it know it can't get used to the same things. I've hit my first plateau and it's driving me crazy so I'm going to add bicycling and tai chi to the mix. Hopefully some day I will be able to try the Tae Bo stuff without killing myself again. I hear they have a Tae Bo tape for people over 40 hahahahahaha geriatric Tae Bo hahahahahahahaha. This web site has the coolest bellying dancing and many other kinds of tapes - CD's too - check it out! www.naturaljourneys.com (NT) -- Lori waving madly across several states!, 18:29:47 04/01/03 Tue

Geriatric Tai Bo...I love it!!!! Right up my alley! After my surgery, I will be exercizing daily. Not sure if belly dancing will work for a month or two, but I'll think about this geriatric Tai bo...HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. (NT) -- Betsy, 06:19:14 04/03/03 Thu

What IS Tai Bo??? Could someone enlighten me? I must be living behind the moon, never heard of that. (NT) -- Martina, the dummy, 06:57:43 04/04/03 Fri

JC, I am not baptized and neither is my daughter. I know things are different in the US but due to the many different nationalities there it shouldn´t matter, right? In Germany we do have a lot of foreigners too and they all are included into the kids activities and even church-things, if they want to. (What´s CCD?) Nobody asks for baptizing. They just hope their acctivities attract new members.*g* I think you should talk to Betsy about it, I did that too with my dd. She was very understanding that she couldn´t join into the rituals of the church like her friends did, since she wasn´t the only one in her class with a different belief. (NT) -- Martina, 06:52:43 04/04/03 Fri
Hi Martina! Haven't seen you in a while. Tai Bo is very similar to kick boxing. It's one of those far eastern things like Tai Chi only it's much more involved and you do lots of kicking and punching. Very aerobic and lots of moving around. Don't know if I'm quite up to handling it yet but I will try again one of these days. These old bones just don't move like that anymore hahahahahahahahaha (NT) -- Lori, 18:09:39 04/04/03 Fri
JC, I couldn`t find the article on American prayer impulse...I even did a couple of searches. But the rest of the site is very good! I read the story of the chaplin in Kuwait that found a sign from god ... (NT) -- Jeannine, 00:55:30 04/06/03 Sun

Belated Annivesary Wishes out to Melissa and Harry!! On March 19 -- JeanClaire*, 12:02:00 04/01/03 Tue
OOOPS! Haven't checked my calendar in a bit. And let's hope Melissa can stop and take a breath and that her computer is not acting up again so we can say hello!!

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yes, Melissa, we'd all love to hear from you! And from Jennifer and Viive,and .... (NT) -- Ron, 13:42:45 04/01/03 Tue
Happy Anniversary toooooo you...*doing a little soft shoe and waving pom poms* Since these wishes are late, you'll just have to celebrate AGAIN...teehee (NT) -- Betsy, 06:23:14 04/03/03 Thu
WOW Thanks! We did have a nice anniversary! Hard to believe it's been 15 years! And it was just brought to my attention today that I am going to be 37 on my birthday this year and not 36! What a bummer!!!! Got to see Christine and baby Declan (man is he cute!!!) yesterday! Thanks Christine........ BTW, I think Christine should start her own DVD house. Sullivan House DVD's!!! (hehee) (NT) -- Melissa, 07:10:20 04/03/03 Thu
Oh my, I am laaate, but I am glad your day was nice! I am sorry for not being here more often lately, but my life is busy like hell. Not a good excuse I know.*g* But it´s true, I have not much time for playing on any board right now. I promise to try in my lunch breaks though! (NT) -- Martina, 07:19:04 04/04/03 Fri
Happy late Anniversay you guys! Glad your day was fun. Nice to see you on the board again too. Where the hell is everyone these days???????? Have a great weekend! (NT) -- Lori, 18:28:08 04/04/03 Fri
HELLO!! neighbor!! DH is working in Nashua now...I am home during the day...Would LOVE to hear from you Both!! Belated Anniversary wishes to you and Harry!! XXXOOO (NT) -- Jeannine, 02:32:25 04/05/03 Sat
OK...I think I win the lateness award! What a dubious honour. I hope you had a wonderful anniversary, Melissa and Harry. (NT) -- Brenda, 12:15:56 04/05/03 Sat

Celebration List -- JeanClaire*, 11:49:23 04/01/03 Tue
I am still trying to get a list together of birthdays and anniversaries. I'll put what I have in the first reply so y'all could check and see who needs to be added, any deletions, etc. Brenda, email me, I need yours.

Peace and love!

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List inside>>>> -- JeanClaire*, 11:58:29 04/01/03 Tue

Mine Inside >>> (NT) -- Brenda, 17:10:43 04/01/03 Tue

Bah...trying again>> -- Brenda, 17:14:07 04/01/03 Tue

Ok, got 'em! Thanks, catch for a chat soon:)!! (NT) -- JC*, 17:25:14 04/01/03 Tue

Hi everybody! Long time no see,eh?? We are doing fine and really enjoy our little baby girl. Wanna see?? *g* Here's her photo album: http://photos.yahoo.com/ellenheidboehmer . Click on "photo album" on the left side, and then on "Cora Lie". Birthdays inside >>>>>>>>>> -- Ellen *waving-madly*, 02:39:39 04/03/03 Thu

Some more days inside>>>> -- Martina, 06:22:03 04/04/03 Fri
Oh cool! I needed some of these! Thanks you guys! Hi Ellen!!!!! How are you doing? How's the little one. Will try to look at the pics this weekend. Hope all is well with you and yours! (NT) -- Lori, 18:12:15 04/04/03 Fri

Another update -- Brenda, 12:44:49 03/30/03 Sun
I loved reading Colly and Lori's updates about what they have been up to and thought I would post my own. Here we go...

Today is my daughter Rayna's 10th birthday. We are just doing family stuff today and her party for her friends is next weekend. She has asked me to make roast lamb and Greek salad for dinner....what's up with that? We're not even Greek! My MIL and her companion are coming over this afternoon to see her.

I am still teaching, although this year I am teaching grade 4 instead of grade 5 which I LOVE. We just finished a unit on First Nations studies and held a potlatch at school. The kids all made button blankets, medicine bags, beaded rings, and bentwood boxes. The latter two they gave away to the guest they brought with them. They also acted out legends and learned and performed dances. It was very well received and the kids learned a lot. I did learn something for next year though...never hold the potlatch during report card week! Yikes!

Family life continues to go very well. My DH quit playing that #@$% computer game at Christmas, although things had been better already. I now have my husband back and my kids don't have to stare at the back of their dad's head all the time anymore. I have a partner again. He is part of Search and Rescue and at the moment is out trying to find a missing hiker. He spent last night on the side of a mountain in the rain.

Spiritually, I am kind of in a holding pattern. I went to Mass at Christmas with my parents and assorted siblings, kids, etc. but got nothing out of it. I had noticed this before. I am feeling like Catholicism not longer "fits", if that makes sense. However, I don't know that any organized religion really would fit. I do believe in one creator...whether we call "him" God, Allah, Buddah, Krishna, Mohammed, etc. I believe it is all the same creator. My Catholic guilt is working overtime because I have been raised to believe that I should be going to Mass every week. DH is not Catholic and I did not send my kids to Catechism this year (they both hated it). Have any of you struggled with this? How did you find where you fit? I don't even know if there is an answer. I have also wondered if any of this comes from my dad (who is Welsh) always saying he descended from druids. It is a kind of intersting thought...is spirituality, to some extent, transferred from one generation to another. I am not talking about religion...but spirituality. OK...I am starting to think waaay too deeply on only one cup of coffee!

I hope you all are well and are happily busy in your lives. It would be nice to read other updates here to kind of reconnect with everyone again. I, like Lori, miss how busy this board used to be. I am off now to buy a leg of lamb and prepare a birthday dinner. Take care all.

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Hi Brenda - thanks for the support you wrote below. It's been very hard but I'm sticking to it! I have a question for you. What is a potlatch?? As for your questioning your religious/spiritual views, I can certainly understand. I grew up Presbyterian and was very active in the church while I was younger. I've "grown" away from that now as I don't fit into any organized religion. I believe the same as you do about there being one creator no matter what you call it. I'm from celtic roots and have been studying druidry as of late also. It seems to feel the most comfortable to me although I have no set beliefs and take things from all cultures adding my own to the mix. I think alot of us on the board here are like that too so don't feel alone in that respect. Have a fun birthday dinner and good to see you on the board too! (NT) -- Lori, 17:11:48 03/30/03 Sun

Hi Lori, I am glad to know I am not alone in my belief system. In answer to your question, a potlatch is a traditional First Nations gift-giving celebration. A potlatch was held to celebrate marriages, namings, funerals, etc...pretty much anything. In First Nations culture, wealth was demonstrated by how much one gave away, not how much one had. (NT) -- Brenda, 20:12:20 03/30/03 Sun

First Nations meaning Native American right? Brenda!! I think when we grow spiritually, organized religion is the first thing to go! I find much more GOD in solitude, journaling, walking, than I EVER did in church. I knew at a very young age that the church was not for me...(catholic too). I had this very cool web site that told you where your beliefs led as far as naming a religion, mine was pagan! Anyone still have that? Maybe I can find it in my computer at home..Read all you can in books, like Conversations with God, Illusions by Richard Bach, until you find something that makes you say YES!! Thats it! Maybe your DD was greek in another life! hehehe I am also into the Celtic stuff, love druid /goddess stuff, in fact I have found much power in the Goddess.There is SO much online too, just type in spirituality and you shall see! (NT) -- Jeannine, who also misses the busy board!!, 00:33:38 03/31/03 Mon

I also wanted to add, I am very happy for you! You sound so very happy and content! Thats the time for growing inside! (NT) -- Jeannine, 00:49:00 03/31/03 Mon
Right Jeannine....First Nations is the Canadian PC term for indigenous/aboriginal people. (NT) -- Brenda, 19:33:05 03/31/03 Mon

Happy Birthday Rayna!!!! Let me know how that party goes! (NT) -- JeanClaire*, 08:48:25 03/31/03 Mon
((((((Brenda!))))))) No, Brenda, you are not alone. I think most everyone I know who has wrestled with their spirituality has been through something similiar. It is a sign of growth. I was brought up as a staunch Methodist, attending church and church-related activities with a passion unrivaled by anyone. I was active way into adulthood. When I began to understand that my experiences and my spirituality weren't contained within the church, I went through a process of breaking away. At first, I was embarrased, then I was negative, wanting nothing to do with anything organized. I eventually found a place of peace which lovingly acknowledges my religious (as opposed to spiritual) roots and finds comfort in the fact that I had a good Jumping-Off-Place from which to grow. It's a process, though. I did a lot of talking to others and reading and praying. For awhile, I didn't know WHO I was praying to, so I prayed To Whom It May Concern...until I found where I was. (NT) -- Betsy, 10:46:23 03/31/03 Mon

I needed more room to finish what I wanted to say....I too come from a Celtic perspective, but there is so much TRUTH out there! I have found bits and pieces everywhere I've looked, and have taken for my own a mixture of faiths and spiritualities. Keep taking, Brenda...keep posting. It's GREAT to talk and explore!!! (NT) -- Betsy, 10:51:38 03/31/03 Mon

Replying to both you and JeanClaire re: religion... Have either of you seen the movie Dogma? It's a comedy (with foul language- no kids!) but makes a point about religion, catholocism specifically. "catholics don't celebrate their faith, they mourn it" It is about a woman who is at a point in her life where religion and going to church are more of a burden to her than a blessing. She feels she has no faith. I guess after reading your posts I was reminded of that. The movie is hysterical, but does have a message. (NT) -- Colly, 11:58:15 03/31/03 Mon

I will look for the movie, Colly. Sounds like one my DH would like as well...gotta avoid "chick flicks" ya know. (NT) -- Brenda, 19:37:15 03/31/03 Mon

Just an update... -- Lori, 13:25:38 03/29/03 Sat
Well there are actually new messages here! That's great! I miss the way this board used to be. Everyone is so busy it seems anymore. Including me hahahahahaha. Well I've been busy lately too. The weather has been up and down so I'm out when it's nice and in doing my business stuff when it isn't getting ready for the upcoming shows. I started a "lifestyle" change 6 weeks ago this coming Monday and that has started to really change my life. Doing all that stuff I should have been doing for the last 20+ years! I'm eating really good, healthy food, started lifting my weights again and have found a new love - bellydancing! I bought a really cheap tape just for sh*ts & giggles and tried it out. It's amazing! It works all your muscles from head to toe (and then some you don't know you ever had) and it's very soothing and low impact. I would recommend it to anyone wanting to try something new. It's fun, sensual and easy to do - really! I've lost one size now and feel like a totally different person. I decided that if I just went on a "diet" I wouldn't stay on it like always in the past so I've called this a "lifestyle" change and maybe it's psychological or not but it's working this time. J. you've been such support and I'm proud of you for losing all your weight so far too! Betsy you will be in my prayers and I will write soon. Colly, sounds like you've quite the battle on your hands with the school. I agree with Ron, maybe it's time to think about a different one but that's great that Ryan's reading level has improved so much. You're a good Mom! I could only hope that we have a tiny bit of your abilities to fix your own home. We're such clutzes when it comes to that. We know our plumber and electricin by name now hahahahahahahahahaha. You should be very proud you can do that stuff! I wish I could come out to some of these games and festivals that will be going on but with this weird virus thing from China that's been going around so much I don't feel like flying anywhere till they find out more about it. It's spreading so rapidly and they have a case reported in WI, one state away from me now. We are going on a big trip out to the Colorado Ren Fest in June tho' so we're really excited about that. New costumes and a Ren Fest up in the mountains. Can't beat that. Fergus will remain a mystery as to whether I can come this year or not. Depending on how the war goes, whethey they find out more about this SARD virus etc. will determine whether I can come out. Pray that these variables are dismissed before Aug. I miss everyone I've met, and am so looking forward to meeting others I haven't seen yet. I think about everyone on a daily basis and hope you all are having a wonderful spring so far. Hugs!

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VBG! You have been a support and an inspiration to me! We will conquer! You are right about this virus thing...Canada has several cases too, its very scarey, makes me wonder about where it came from and why now??? Ya know, I also want to say that in general I am against war, and I would never take away anyones right to protest, BUT it has been upsetting me to watch the news and see people who are NOT supporting our troups in this situation. Did protesting ever stop a war? Did Vietnam stop because of it? WHY dont these people go home, say a prayer or two for our troops and yes we all hate to see people dying, but we MUST support these troups! We should learn from history not repeat it!! Ok vent over! (NT) -- Jeannine, proud of you Lori, and i hope to get a demonstration of the dancing someday soon!, 02:13:59 03/30/03 Sun
Way to go Lori! 6 weeks is well on your way to making your lifestyle change permanent. Weight loss, when needed, always makes you feel good. It was great hearing from you. (NT) -- Brenda, 12:47:04 03/30/03 Sun
Belly dancing???? I've heard that it's a GREAT workout! And I'm with you, Lori. I'm a clutz at the fixing things at home routine. I'm great at dialing the phone for help, though...*S* As for the flying, if your instict says don't do it...don't. Trust yourself. We shall all meet someday when the time is right. Life is an endless platter of opportunities and we have ample time to pick from so many good things!!! (NT) -- Betsy, 10:29:24 03/31/03 Mon

Info On New Hampshire Highland Games -- Jeannine, 02:40:23 03/23/03 Sun
I did a search and found this info! I was delightfully surprised at the results. I really enjoy organizing gatherings, it was a major part of my life in AZ... they did it without me this year. I forgot how to do links!

Manchester Indoor Highland Games April 12, 2003
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Southern New Hampshire Scottish/Celtic Music Festival (not the correct name but close) snhscotcelt.org
June 7th 2003
Greenfield NH Oak Park 9am
***********************************************************
New Hampshire Highland Games Sept. 19/20/21
Hopkinton Fair Grounds
www.nhscot.org
All are easily reached from Manchester, the city I work in and I can get several rooms at a discount rate here at the hotel.
Please e-mail me if you are interested in any or all of the above. There are tons of restaurants near by. There is an indoor pool/jaccuzi in hotel as well.
This could be fun!!

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Maybe. If I weren't going to Inverness about a week later, I'd shout "YES!" How about the rest of you? (NT) -- Ron, 08:42:22 03/23/03 Sun

I really should have read this more closely. Sorry. I can't make the June one, but the maybe applies to the one in September. (NT) -- Ron, 08:44:10 03/23/03 Sun

Hey Ron!! I was thinking about you today!! My dad down in FL went to a train museum! He spent 5 hours in there...I wonder if you have ever been there? They asked him to be a part of the steam engine exhibit they want to put together, he used to work at an electrical plant that used steam to make electricity..coal too, but that was way back when I was a babe! If you could come in Sept, that would be way cool!! :oD (NT) -- Jeannine, 01:21:09 03/24/03 Mon

Truthfully, I've never been in Florida, and, because of John D McDonald and his Travis McGee character, am not anxious to do so. However, some winter, I may spend a few weeks there to escape the gloom of winter. So, maybe some day I will see that Museum. (NT) -- Ron, 08:36:29 03/25/03 Tue

The June festival in Greenfield is in the town next door to my old home. It's still a tiny, cosy festival. Char2, LeHoser and I met up there two years ago. The Hopkinton festival is the new location for the festival previously held at Loon Mountain, now at the Hopkinton Fair Grounds. (NT) -- Jamie's Mom, 11:09:28 03/23/03 Sun

Hey Jamie's MOM!! We should really get together!! How are things? I read about your loss, sorry lass, my hugs sent your way!! (NT) -- Jeannine, 01:17:53 03/24/03 Mon

True. I keep thinking that I owe you a nice little coffee and schmooze. We're closing out Dad's apartment this weekend, and then hopefully things will settle a bit. What's your schedule looking like? When's a good time? (NT) -- JM, 19:21:56 03/26/03 Wed

E mail me lass!! (NT) -- Jeannine, 00:43:08 03/31/03 Mon
E-mail me Lass! (NT) -- Jeannine, 00:44:19 03/31/03 Mon

Jeannine Warm Hugs from a lurker that misses you (NT) -- From the Highlands of Arizona, 20:30:29 03/23/03 Sun

BETH!!!!!!!!!!!! I miss you too!!! I have tears in my eyes! sniff sniff, how are you?? E-mail is above! (NT) -- Jeannine, 01:15:48 03/24/03 Mon

Jeannine, I'm in!! Sorry, I should have given you the NH Scot website in my earlier post so you wouldn't have to search for it. Let me know what I can do to help you from down here. Glad the party was a success! Sounds like fun with a much deserved drink after:)!! I found a few things for Nicole and hope to get them in the mail at the end of this week. (NT) -- JeanClaire*, 09:55:36 03/24/03 Mon

In for September that is:) I'll have to see if June would work. (NT) -- JC*, 09:58:43 03/24/03 Mon

I'll be at both Southern NH and Hopkinton with my group, spinning away and being happy. *S* The June games are a one day affair, but the Sept. games are three days. I'm looking for a place to stay for Sept. How far away is Hopkinton from Manchester, Jeannine???? (NT) -- Betsy, 08:43:38 03/25/03 Tue

Not far according to the map at the website. It would work to stay here... winks!! (NT) -- Jeannine, 18:36:25 03/26/03 Wed
During rush hour, maybe 45 minutes. Offpeak, about 1/2 hour, or less, if you're a leadfoot (ROFL) (NT) -- Jamie's Mom, 19:23:41 03/26/03 Wed
The June festival- although a 1-day affair, usually has a ceilidh in Peterborough Town Hall the night before. (NT) -- Jamie's Mom, 19:26:00 03/26/03 Wed

OH??? I didn't know that. Is anyone going??? Will you be there, J's Mom? (NT) -- Betsy, 14:43:16 03/27/03 Thu

hard to say, Betsy. I usually don't do the ceilidhs,. As for the festival itself, DD#2 is graduating from HS the following week, so I'm not sure how up in the air we are going to be. I'm looking forward to September- DD#1 wedding will be over, and DS and DD#2 will be back in school, so I can have a well deserved treat (NT) -- Jamie's Mom, 20:33:14 03/27/03 Thu

An update -- Colly, 10:23:58 03/27/03 Thu
I haven't posted much lately, but thought I would chime in and say hi. I'm getting ready to go to the Pittsburgh gathering next weekend. I sure do need a vacation! The obscene phone caller was sentenced to 6 months in jail but then the judge suspended the sentence. :( He was ordered to pay me restitution though so I was at least reimbursed for the expense of getting caller ID.
Business is slow, work is slow and my overtime has been cut. Thankfully I refinanced the house at just the right time, so I have offset the loss of overtime to an extent.
I have finally gotten some things accomplished on my house! I'm sure some of you remember how hard of a time I have had getting work done on my house. I had my sagging living room ceiling fixed, which required a metal beam across the living room, which has now been finished with wood to match (as close as possible) the wood floor. I just need to finish painting the trim, put up the wall paper border and replace two windows and I will have one room in my house completely finished!
Ryan was diagnosed with ADD in december and I have been going around in circles with the school ever since. They don't want to make any accomodations for him. He's on meds so they act as if the problem is solved. He is doing ten times better, but could still use a little extra from the teacher in the class room. His reading level has gone from high kindergarten level to low 3rd grade level since September (he is in 2nd grade). I have finally had to call the school counselor and the Special Education director for the county to help me, since the school is ignoring me. At one point they sent me documentation that stated they had a fictitious meeting, 3 days before I requested they have one that included my being there. It stated that the school counselor had been present and she was rather upset when I told her since she knew that there was no such meeting. So I am still fighting it out. What disgusts me the most is that I graduated from this school, with awards and scholarships, went on to college to get a degree. I have gone to great effort to bring my son to this school from another district so he can get the best education available but they don't seem to want to provide it. It seems only the children of doctors and lawyers are worthy of the education provided by this school. I am thinking of getting an attorney, since I feel we are being discriminated against.
On to brighter things....I am looking forward to the gathering next weekend and to Fergus too. I am almost officially debt free (just $200 to go) with the exception of my house. So that is exciting.
I've been lurking and thinking about everyone here.
Betsy, I will be sending good vibes for your surgery.
Hugs to all

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Replies:

That school may have had a good reputation in the past, but the staff seems to be very unprofessional now. Ryan sounds like he could do well anywhere. Something to think about. (NT) -- Ron, 11:21:02 03/27/03 Thu

I agree with Ron. The school administration and staff will have changed since you attended and their focus could be on something completely different now. I still think they should be helping Ryan more than they are but some teachers seem to avoid doing anything "work intensive" unfortunately. (NT) -- Brenda, 18:36:20 03/28/03 Fri

It's that fictitious meeting that gets me upset. I was a teacher for 30 years, and nothing happened like that where I taught. We had meetings, and some were quite tiresome, but at least they really happened! That's why I call their conduct very unprofessional. What else might they stoop to? Maybe another school would be a better choice for the best interests of your boy. (NT) -- Ron, 00:23:01 03/29/03 Sat

Well said, Ron. I am also a teacher (13 years and counting) and have never heard of "faking a meeting". I have tried to weasel out of a few of them but the thought of getting everyone to conspire to falsify minutes, etc. is mind-boggling. (NT) -- Brenda, 12:19:28 03/30/03 Sun

Thanks for the good vibes, Colly. Three more weeks til my re-birth day...hahaha. Isn't it amazing what Warriors we become when it's about our children? Ryan's blessed to have such an advocate. Stick to it!!! And congrat's about the work on the house. Doesn't it feel good to make possitive changes? Spring is in the air and it's time to change things around, time to grow and expand. Ahhhhh...I love spring! (NT) -- Betsy, 14:40:59 03/27/03 Thu
hey Col, WOW! I would be as happy as a pig in Sh*t if I had only 200 in debt to go...good for you!! Ya know, some places dont want to spend the $ on special ed! My stepson is living at home even though it isnt the best situation for him, because the district doesnt want to pay any longer...so stick to what you believe to be right! As a former special ed teacher, you HAVE TO fight for the best for the kids, no one else will. Hang in there, hope you have a GREAT time in Pittsb.! (NT) -- Jeannine, 02:08:01 03/30/03 Sun

An update -- Colly, 10:22:25 03/27/03 Thu
I haven't posted much lately, but thought I would chime in and say hi. I'm getting ready to go to the Pittsburgh gathering next weekend. I sure do need a vacation! The obscene phone caller was sentenced to 6 months in jail but then the judge suspended the sentence. :( He was ordered to pay me restitution though so I was at least reimbursed for the expense of getting caller ID.
Business is slow, work is slow and my overtime has been cut. Thankfully I refinanced the house at just the right time, so I have offset the loss of overtime to an extent.
I have finally gotten some things accomplished on my house! I'm sure some of you remember how hard of a time I have had getting work done on my house. I had my sagging living room ceiling fixed, which required a metal beam across the living room, which has now been finished with wood to match (as close as possible) the wood floor. I just need to finish painting the trim, put up the wall paper border and replace two windows and I will have one room in my house completely finished!
Ryan was diagnosed with ADD in december and I have been going around in circles with the school ever since. They don't want to make any accomodations for him. He's on meds so they act as if the problem is solved. He is doing ten time better, but could still use a little extra from the teacher in the class room. His reading level has gone from high kindergarten level to low 3rd grade level since September (he is in 2nd grade). I have finally had to call the school counselor and the Special Education director for the county to help me, since the school is ignoring me. At one point they sent me documentation that stated they had a fictitious meeting, 3 days before I requested they have one that included my being there. It stated that the school counselor had been present and she was rather upset when I told her since she knew that there was no such meeting. So I am still fighting it out. What disgusts me the most is that I graduated from this school, with awards and scholarships, went on to college to get a degree. I have gone to great effort to bring my son to this school from another district so he can get the best education available but they don't seem to want to provide it. It seems only the children of doctors and lawyers are worthy of the education provided by this school. I am thinking of getting an attorney, since I feel we are being discriminated against.
On to brighter things....I am looking forward to the gathering next weekend and to Fergus too. I am almost officially debt free (just $200 to go) with the exception of my house. So that is exciting.
I've been lurking and thinking about everyone here.
Betsy, I will be sending good vibes for your surgery.
Hugs to all

[Edit]

Old faces, new faces -- Betsy, 12:37:50 03/26/03 Wed
I've been very introspective of late. I find myself spending more and more time meditating and giving thanks and praise for all the people in my life who have given so freely of themselves over the years. For a number of days, I have been been meditating and sending love to everyone here (I've always had you all in my prayers, but it's been more so the last bit). I miss seeing so many of you. Lives change, time restraints change, our lives move along and we sometimes outgrow tools we've had for ourselves. That's ok...I just miss so many people and send my wishes and love that all is well. I am thinking and praying for you.

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AH! No wonder why you have been in my thoughts so much of late!! Of course you know that I send the love back to you 3X3!!! HUGS! (NT) -- Jeannine, 18:33:59 03/26/03 Wed

Hello Dear Friends! Another Update -- Jeannine, 02:30:21 03/15/03 Sat
AH! March In NH!! One day it snows, the next day is 50 degrees! I still miss Arizona!

I have some good news! My DD has been on stimulant medication for almost a month. We upped the dosage almost 2 weeks ago. I had a teacher conference on Thursday. My DD has been the recipiant of a miracle! She is able to sit and do her work, she is able to get out what she knows, and she is much less frustrated!! The teachers and her personal aide are all so thrilled! They didnt know about the meds, as the doc told me not to tell to get a more objective responce. I got that! The teacher called me 2 days before the conference to say how wonderful DD did during the screening of the material she has been learning!!
I am so happy for her! I am so proud of her too! We go back to the docs on monday and hopefully it only gets better from there!

I lost 30 pounds all together!! Since September, so 6 months! I hope to lose another 35 so my aim is for another 6 months!

DH got another job, this one with much more work! He is tired but happier! Finances aren`t great, but we hope that will come along.

My stepson, who is also finally beginning to come around behavior wise ( now 13 yrs), has become more a part of our lives. His mother has allowed me to help out and to pick him up at school one day a week. Since DHs job isnt near the school any longer. I am happy to help, I always have been, but now his mother needs me! Its a nice feeling to be a part of his life!! To have the both of them accept me (finally after 8 years).

DD will have her 6th birthday next week! I am giving her a party with a mermaid theme. I have been slowly buying the things I need for months so I can actually afford it. I looked into paying a party co. to do the same thing and the price was outraegous! So, being an ex teacher, I thought, I can do this! Its a tea party, I am making a tropical punch, and a cake decorated blue as the sea with candy rock, fish candles, and a mermaid decoration. I have fish table cloth and plates, wee plastic cups with a handle as a tea cup.
I made a pin the tail on the mermaid game and a banner and posters with a mermaid on them that the girls will decorate with glitter, stickers, and beads/sequince. I have paper leis, rock rings, headbands with ribbons, treasure chests with choc coins, and plastic sea shell bracelets as goodies to go home. Fish crackers to eat too. Fishy decorations, and mermaid balloons.
This is my first kid party, the big girls always had just family. With Nicole, I just sent stuff to school to make my life easier. Now though, this should be fun!! I am excited, maybe even more than Nicole,hahahahaha!

Brenda, how is the sore throat? Do you like honey? Have a teaspoon by itself it is very soothing. Or in your tea.
My mother always made me gargle(sp?) with salt and water.

Spring is in the air folks! Chin up! Love you all!! HUGS!

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Hi Jeannine. Glad to hear things are going so well for you. My sore throat is better now thanks...amazing what time off can do (it is Spring Break). Take care. (NT) -- Brenda, 23:59:58 03/18/03 Tue
Oh, Jeannine! What a happy post, so full of joy and thanksgiving! (((((HUGS))))) I really hope we can see each other again this year. Maybe before the NH Highland Games, eh???? (NT) -- Betsy, 08:10:01 03/19/03 Wed

I still need to meet you Jeannine!!! Now about the NH games...It is prolly not to soon to start planning a gathering. Who wants to meet up?? I checked out the NH games site. Looks like fun, Seven Nations there on Friday. And my favorite and Betsy's--Charlie Zahm. I can help organize and Jeannine can help find out about lodging, right?? Cuz I don't know where anything is!! :) (NT) -- JC*again!!!, 13:26:09 03/19/03 Wed

Oh Jeannine!! That was a fun post. Happy Birthday Nicole!! Sounds like you have everything you need. Otherwise I would have suggested blue jello with swedish fish swimming!! :) I want to come to a mermaid party too!!! Yes the weather is lovely!!! And mud season!! Do you need anything else for Nicole as I go through Betsy things. I know you came from AZ where it was warm but if she's grown...let me know if you are looking for anything. (NT) -- JeanClaire*, 10:42:50 03/19/03 Wed
More on that warm weather...Betsy and Jeannine and anyone else, run to the newstand and take a peek at April issue of Family Fun magazine. They have fairies in there. Directions on how to make a fairy house out of twigs and bark, all about fairy rings and even how to crush flower petals onto card stock. Course I didn't need this article 3 years ago when we made twig beds, tables and chairs but I didn't think of doing a whole house too!! My Betsy asked where we could move our faery garden since we had some new front walks put in so we'll have to find another garden spot. Also, while you are at the newstand see if they have Scottish Life. The spring issue has an article on "Mysterious Stone Circle." (NT) -- JC*, 10:48:01 03/19/03 Wed
More on that warm weather...Betsy and Jeannine and anyone else, run to the newstand and take a peek at April issue of Family Fun magazine. They have fairies in there. Directions on how to make a fairy house out of twigs and bark, all about fairy rings and even how to crush flower petals onto card stock. Course I didn't need this article 3 years ago when we made twig beds, tables and chairs but I didn't think of doing a whole house too!! My Betsy asked where we could move our faery garden since we had some new front walks put in so we'll have to find another garden spot. Also, while you are at the newstand see if they have Scottish Life. The spring issue has an article on "Mysterious Stone Circle." (NT) -- JC*, 10:54:18 03/19/03 Wed

I wish I could find this magazine in Canada. My DD collects fairies (my mom gives her a fairy figurine every birthday and Christmas). Will check out a book store and see if I can find it there. (NT) -- Brenda, 12:24:01 03/19/03 Wed
I wish I could find this magazine in Canada. My DD collects fairies (my mom gives her a fairy figurine every birthday and Christmas). Will check out a book store and see if I can find it there. (NT) -- Brenda, 12:25:15 03/19/03 Wed

I checked online for the article and they don't have it posted. Maybe after the next issue comes out. I can always mail the article up to you if you wish. (NT) -- JC*, 13:21:14 03/19/03 Wed

J, sounds like things are looking up! The mermaid party sounds fun. I love mermaids, but there is not a whole lot of info on them. And I'm so glad to hear the meds are helping Nicole. I am still getting a run around from the school. Now that Ryan is on medication, they don't feel that they need to do anything in particular to help him...meds=problem solved. I am getting so irritated I could scream. I gained about 10 of the 30 pounds you lost too. You can have them back, I don't want them! Good luck losing the rest of the weight. (NT) -- Colly, 16:40:33 03/19/03 Wed
J, sounds like things are looking up! The mermaid party sounds fun. I love mermaids, but there is not a whole lot of info on them. And I'm so glad to hear the meds are helping Nicole. I am still getting a run around from the school. Now that Ryan is on medication, they don't feel that they need to do anything in particular to help him...meds=problem solved. I am getting so irritated I could scream. I gained about 10 of the 30 pounds you lost too. You can have them back, I don't want them! Good luck losing the rest of the weight. (NT) -- Colly, 16:41:34 03/19/03 Wed
Hey Colly!! You really need to call the special ed department and ask for their help. JC, Nicole is in size 7 now!! ANYTHING would be great!! Betsy, we SHALL hook up! I can organize the NH games next Sept. BUT they will be in a new location and I have no clue whats out there if anything!! I will have to research it. We could stay here in Manchester and drive up too. Tomorrow is the B-day!! I bought her a barbie mermaid and another with a dog she wanted. Col, I saw a few interesting info sites on line about mermaids...I couldnt save the links on mybosses computer though. I did print out some of your pics for the party stuff! (NT) -- Jeannine, 19:30:10 03/19/03 Wed
Hey Colly!! You really need to call the special ed department and ask for their help. JC, Nicole is in size 7 now!! ANYTHING would be great!! Betsy, we SHALL hook up! I can organize the NH games next Sept. BUT they will be in a new location and I have no clue whats out there if anything!! I will have to research it. We could stay here in Manchester and drive up too. Tomorrow is the B-day!! I bought her a barbie mermaid and another with a dog she wanted. Col, I saw a few interesting info sites on line about mermaids...I couldnt save the links on mybosses computer though. I did print out some of your pics for the party stuff! (NT) -- Jeannine, 19:35:22 03/19/03 Wed
Part 2, glad all is well with you Brenda! AND is it just me or are the boards messed up?? (NT) -- Jeannine, 19:40:56 03/19/03 Wed
Part 2, glad all is well with you Brenda! AND is it just me or are the boards messed up?? (NT) -- Jeannine, 19:46:26 03/19/03 Wed

Definitely not you, I had the hardest time yesterday posting all my replies. I know I have some things for Nicole, I'll let you know when I can mail. (NT) -- JC*, 07:08:53 03/20/03 Thu
Definitely not you, I had the hardest time yesterday posting all my replies. I know I have some things for Nicole, I'll let you know when I can mail. (NT) -- JC*, 07:14:55 03/20/03 Thu

See!!!!!!!!!!! (NT) -- JC*, 08:41:13 03/20/03 Thu

Yes I see! What a mess! BTW, the party went well and it was JUST long enough! I should have had one more activity to keep them busy. Over all it was a success!! Now I need a quiet week! What super weather we have been having!! (NT) -- Jeannine, 01:25:01 03/24/03 Mon

I'm to become a new woman!!! -- Betsy, 14:24:58 03/13/03 Thu
I have my surgery date. April 18th. I am so relieved I could cry. This is the beginning of a whole new life for me. Hopefully it is the beginning of less pain, more energy, better self esteem, better health. I am so ready for this!

Thank you all for the prayers and energy. I'll keep you all informed as I take this new journey.

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YEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Continued {{{{{{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}}}}}} and good wishes for you!!! (NT) -- JeanClaire*(enjoying yet another snow day while perusing the gardening catalogs:)!), 15:27:25 03/13/03 Thu
Hey! You'll be painting the town red the next month! (NT) -- Ron, 22:06:56 03/13/03 Thu
Congrats Betsy! I am so happy for you! (NT) -- Brenda, 23:24:28 03/13/03 Thu
This is good news! How did it go with the insurance? I will be thinking of you, sending Reiki your way! (NT) -- Martina, 11:43:42 03/14/03 Fri

The insurance co. didn't even deny me ONCE! For a couple of years, I have been having big trouble with back/hip/knee pain, to the point that I could hardly walk. When I saw Keira and Jeannine last Sept., I was hobbling badly. I had surgery to my rt. knee this Dec. to repair what could be repaired and patch together the rest until I could lose weight. The surgeon found grade 4 (that's bad) arthritis in my knee. I think it was a blessing in disguise. The insurance company approved me because of the severity of my arthritis. Blessings come in strange packages, eh??? First time I've been so happy about all this pain!!!! (NT) -- Betsy, 16:46:33 03/14/03 Fri

OH YEAH and TRIPLE Whoop! I am so happy that things worked out!! It was meant to be! Did you get my e-mail?? (NT) -- Jeannine, singing a happy song, 01:50:45 03/15/03 Sat
As the next few weeks (VERY few) fly by and I get more nervous about this huge change in my life, I have decided to take pictures of my mother and a recording of her voice as she yells at my father to wait on her to the hospital with me as a reminder of just why I am having this surgery. One of my biggest fears is that I will end up just like her...old, bitter, unloving, and sad... trapped in a body that won't work because of so much extra stress and strain from years of obesity gone untreated. *sigh* I have a great card I found in my favorite card shop that has a picture of a female guru sitting crossed-legged that reads "HELP! I'm channeling my mother and I can't stop!" Hahahahahaha (NT) -- Betsy, 08:16:52 03/19/03 Wed
As the next few weeks (VERY few) fly by and I get more nervous about this huge change in my life, I have decided to take pictures of my mother and a recording of her voice as she yells at my father to wait on her to the hospital with me as a reminder of just why I am having this surgery. One of my biggest fears is that I will end up just like her...old, bitter, unloving, and sad... trapped in a body that won't work because of so much extra stress and strain from years of obesity gone untreated. *sigh* I have a great card I found in my favorite card shop that has a picture of a female guru sitting crossed-legged that reads "HELP! I'm channeling my mother and I can't stop!" Hahahahahaha (NT) -- Betsy, 08:25:41 03/19/03 Wed

heeheehee! I dont want to discuss the like my mother thing! I have tried all my life to be and do it different. I have certainly screwed up a lot too. BUT its my life...here`s hoping as the days are getting longer and the new life is bursting forth, that we shall all make a new beginning! (NT) -- MUCH LOVE, Jeannine, 03:44:38 03/22/03 Sat

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