Prayer Request

I want to ask for your prayers for Andrea. I grew up across the street from her Husband Kenny and sister-in-law Jessica. Our families grew up very close and were more like family then friends. Andrea went to the doctor with really bad headaches and found out she had a brain tumor. She is going through a really tough time right now and has a long road to recovery. She is a fighter and has a great attitude. Here is her story.

Andrea writes:

I found out today that I have a very rare form of cancer, they are calling it a PNET (Primitive Neuro Ectodermal Tumor). Usually found in children and not adults, and I've been told I have a long fight ahead of me. Although the tumor was removed I was told that I definitely have more cell's in my brain that can cause another tumor, and sometimes the tumor can be inoperable depending on how it spreads. The cell's can also spread through by spinal fluid and they will be testing that Monday. The doctor did give us encouragement in that I can win this battle, just that it's going to be a hard road to travel. This type of cancer is rarely found in the USA, and only a few cases per year are noted. They don't even have enough studies to show what causes it or 100% how to treat it. My doctor has seen on average one case per year, and he's been doing this for 30 years. Although we will be starting treatment soon, we will be taking our records for a 2nd opinion for review just to help us feel better. I will be starting with chemotherapy very soon, then moving on to radiation. Please continue to pray for me, my family and friends. I'm doing quite well.

Thank you so much for adding Andrea and her family to your prayers. They are a wonderful family and are all praying for her to have a full recovery.

Learning to crochet

I am finally learning how to crochet! And it is so much fun. As a little girl I used to watch my grandma crochet for hours. She would crochet without even looking. She was always working on something and brought her crochet projects everywhere with her. She made the most beautiful afghans. She tuaght me the basics when I was young but I lost the knack somewhere along the way. Grandma has been gone for many years now (18) and I have always wanted to be able to crochet like her. She I solicited some lessons, read some books, watched some videos and now I'M CROCHETING! I am really excited. My first project is a simple scarf, I should have it done in a few days. It felt so great to actually have a project close to completion. I know this is a hobby I will enjoy for many years. I know Grandma would be proud!

We will never forget

A day of reflection, a day of prayer, a day of mourning.

God bless America

Land that I love

I started my day today by attending mass as I have done on September 11 for the past 5 years. I remember that tragic day like it was yesterday, it is hard to believe it has been 6 years. Isn't it funny how you remember where you were, how you found out, how you felt, the reaction of friends & co-workers. That is the first truly historical event I have been alive for. It is kind of like how my parents will talk about the day John F. Kennedy was assassinated, they remember it so vividly. It is truly a day anyone alive can not forget. Each September 11th since that horrific day I take the day off. Not for me, but for the many who lost their lives. I like it to be a quiet day, a day of reflection and prayer. It helps me. I did watch some of the footage on TV but after a few hours of it decided to turn it off. I did not need to see it over and over again to remember it. It is clear in my heart as it always will be.

Today,

Thank God for your freedom.

It is not something to take lightly.

Today's Message of the Day is:

Life is short.

Forgive quickly.

Hug tightly.

Kiss slowly.

Love Truly.

Laugh uncontrollably.

And never regret anything that made you smile.

Always remember how truly special you are.

This little piggy went to market...........

Okay so they are not cute little pigs, they are big and kind of ugly. Thankfully, I saw them before my dogs did and was able to get them inside without them realizing who/what was in the front yard. I could just imagine Chili trying to take on a pack of wild javalina. I stayed on the porch and took these few pictures. They didn't seem too concerned that I was there. This is the first time I have actually seem javalina, although I see deer all the time. I have had a few guests tell me they have seen them from time to time.

Peace and tranquility part 2!

Days 3 and 4 were just as wonderful as 1 & 2. I had a fantastic few days off from the rest of the world. I read 2 books, watched 2 movies, did tons of stuff around the cabin, enjoyed the cooler temps, spent some quality time with my dogs, did some yard work and relaxed a bunch. Sunday afternoon I decided to go hang out on the hammock. It was so relaxing. I was just laying there watching the clouds move across the sky. A storm was definitely on its way. I wound up falling asleep and woke up to rain. I actually heard it before I felt it. It was the neatest sound. It was really slow coming at first. For a few minutes I just layed there and let the drops hit me. Then it started coming down harder so I went inside. But it was a great, I loved the feel of the rain hitting my body. This picture was taken while I was laying on the hammock looking up.

The entire weekend was relaxing even thought I had a lot on my mind. I went on a few long walks, some with the dogs and some alone. It was good for me to be alone even though I really wanted some company this time around. I always think really clear when I am at the cabin. I feel connected to that place. I think it is truly where my soul belongs. I started a new journal that I bought before I left. I love starting a new journal. I am not sure why but that first entry in a new journal is so fun for me. Thanks you all for sharing in my weekend out of the heat and pressure of the valley.

The drive home is always a little sad for me. But the day was so beautiful with big fluffy clouds all around that we actually enjoyed the ride home. It has been good to get back in a routine since getting back to work.

Musashi enjoying the wind against his face on the ride down the mountain.

Peace and tranquility

I always write about the time I spend at my cabin. What I have yet to do is write while I am at my cabin. So this time I brought my laptop. This is a first for me. I got up here on Friday afternoon and have really been enjoying myself. When I got here Friday I spent a good part of the afternoon cleaning, unpacking, making beds etc. After all was settled I went out on the porch with the first book of the weekend. It was a beautiful evening with a wonderful cool breeze passing through.

Saturday I did some things here at the cabin. I drove down to Payson to get a few things I needed at Home Depot then came back her and got started. Moved around some furniture, put up some pictures/old windows, just puttered around really. I had so many little things left to get done. I am very happy with the way the bedrooms turned out. They are starting to look really "put together" instead of just looking like rooms with beds in them. The afternoon was spent, as most are, on the front porch reading and relaxing. I can spend hours out here just looking at the beauty around me. It is really nice to see. After grilling up a steak and making a small salad I watched a movie. It was good, Premonition with Sandra Bullock. I went to bed pretty early and woke up feeling great. It has rained a little through the night so I woke up with that heavenly smell lingering in the air. It was magnificent! I woke early and made a little breakfast. Ate out on the porch and finished my first book. Now a big decision of what to read next. I brought way too many books with me but I like to have variety. Anyway, today was laundry day. I don't really mind it. I put my stuff in the washers and took a little walk while waiting for them to wash. I came across these beautiful flowers. I think the blueish purple ones are morning glories. I just love the way they twisted and twirled their way around this old fence. It was so natural and beautiful to me.

I went to the "Randall house" for some iced tea and to enjoy the morning. This flag waves outside. True Americana! It feels like a little town you read about. I know that's why I love it so much! More to come...........

Somewhere over the rainbow............

Your lucky I am typing that and not singing it. Now that would be scary! I couldn't resist taking a picture of this beautiful rainbow during the storm last night. It was just so amazing. I looked for the pot of gold but had no luck. Oh well, the picture was still worth a million bucks in my opinion.