Ann

This will be my second post for this FRIDAY, as I must have submitted my first post at the same time as someone else...either Donna or Bud. Oh well...no biggie. My news wasn't all that great or exciting in the first post!!! Since it seems like weather is our hot topic this morning, let me tell you about mine. I usually am a very heavy sleeper in the wee morning hours and always joke that I can sleep through a thunderstorm between the hours of 4-6 am. Well...that theory was completely wrong this morning. We had some of the loudest, booming, rumbling thunder that I can remember for years!!! When I was a kid, I remember how that same thunder used to make those old windows rattle until you would think they were going to fall out. Well, I have better windows than we had back then but this was some powerful thunder. Then, after the thunder, the rain came and it really poured!!! It didn't take too long for that front to come through here but we're supposed to have showers off and on throughout the day. Our high for tomorrow is supposed to be 58, after having highs in the upper 70's yesterday. Little Jude will be 3 tomorrow and it's going to be fun having a house full of little ones that want to be outside for his party. My son is planning on grilling hot dogs and burgers, so there may be some changes in plans in the works. I'll try and share some pictures with you on Monday. The great thing about today is that it's finally FRIDAY!!! Just knowing that I can distance myself from this office for a couple of days brings a big smile to my face!!! So...hope everyone has a great weekend and keeps warm!!!

Just a quick in and out to say hello to everyone. KW Judy...so glad you had a wonderful dinner with your honey!!! I have to tell you that my mouth was watering, just from reading about the linguine and clams!!! And, yes...corporate taxes can be a bear!!! I am always so relieved when everything is done and paperwork is on its way to IRS. I love the feeling when I out the last 1099 in the envelope and seal it. I take a couple of days before I start making all the new files for 2011, so I can catch my breath. Lillian...just remember...it's all good!!! I'm trying to make that my new thought for this year!!! Yes...I know how much you would like the event to help Lungevity and I definitely feel the same way. Just focus on all the good that will come from your event and that will make your heart smile! Bud...I'm glad we're able to offer you such a high quality of entertainment...lol!!! Unfortunately, I rarely have anything too exciting to share! I was supposed to make my grandson's birthday cake for Saturday's party but the element in my oven died. I told my son that my DIL could bake the cake and I would decorate it but apparently that wasn't a hit, as she sent me an email that she's looking at grocery store bakery cakes this morning. You know, I hate the fact that I feel guilty when I can't please people!!! This is something I have to work on this year!!! Hope everyone has a great day.

Received this in an email this morning. I thought I would share. Mayonnaise Jar & Two Beers... When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember: 'The Mayonnaise Jar and the 2 Beers.' A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar and he shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full.. The students responded with a unanimous 'yes.' The professor then produced two Beers from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.. 'Now,' said the professor as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things---your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions---and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car. The sand is everything else---the small stuff. 'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life.. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Spend time with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first---the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand. One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the Beer represented. The professor smiled and said, 'I'm glad you asked.' The Beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of Beers with a friend.

Good morning everyone. Hope everyone is having a great morning!!! Libby...I should be going to the gym but I just can't seem to find either the time or the motivation. I have a membership through my health insurance and I need to take advantage of it. I have to be at work at 8:00 every morning, so I can't see getting up at 0 dark 30 and heading to the gym. I do have friends that get up and exercise before work and they swear by it. In the evening, I normally leave here at 6:00 and then I'm too tired and hungry to exercise. So...I can honestly say that I'm just not working hard enough at finding time. Happy Birthday, KW Judy and Stan !!! How many years have you kids been together in wedded bliss? I hope you both have a wonderful day and a very romantic dinner!!! It's a drab and gloomy day here on Florida's Space Coast. We had a lot of rain yesterday but most has passed on by. We have been so very dry and have been having fires all around. We were 1" below normal rainfall before yesterday. Still working on tax info here at work. Just when I think I'm finished, something else pops up!!!

I wanna go to the wine bar with Annette !!! Anyone else want to join us????

Good morning, friends. Wow...this weekend really flew by. I can't believe I have this danged cold again!!! I spent the entire weekend in bed. I did spend a few hours on the couch but that was as far as I got. I don't think this "cold" is as bad as the last "cold." I'm still not sure that I didn't have the flu the first time. I had my flu shot but I think I may have had something that wasn't covered by the vaccine. I am feeling some better today and now can't wait for Friday to roll around again. I talked to a friend on the phone this morning. She's an RN and she says this "thing" seems to have two stages to it. People are sick for about 3 weeks, feel better for a couple of weeks and then start all over again. She says the doctors think the first round is such a butt-kicker that it toasts your immunity and makes you vulnerable. We are finally getting some much needed rain here today. We have been under tornado warnings this morning as the front moves in. Speaking of rain, I've been hearing that there has been a lot of rain in Lillian's area. Please let us know if you're OK, Lil. KW Judy...good luck with the taxes. Every time I think I've made progress, I find 10 more things I need to do. I feel like I'm moving in the wrong direction. Bud...be careful riding in that fog. It sounds like things have warmed up a bit for you. I guess we just have to see how many days before we're freezing again??? Joppette...I've been in the position of being a volunteer employee before...lol. I love it when you've left a position because of funding cuts and then they expect you to still do work...all out of the goodness of your heart and a promise for a good reference. I learned all about that the hard way and it won't happen again. When I go...I go. Hope everyone has a good week and hope no one catches this nasty cold!!! Ann

Bud...I had to chime back in and let you know what a chuckle I got out of your dog story. You said your dog was a little dog. Well, Tanner is a large golden retriever (100 pounds) and his reaction would be much the same. He's never quite understood that he's not a lap dog. He just can't seem to wrap his head around the fact that his sister ( a long haired doxie) can sit in mommy's lap and he can't. I can't tell you how many bruises I've had from this sweet gentle giant of ours. But...I wouldn't trade him for a million dollars!!! Oh....just got a call that one of my co-workers won't be in today. He has the stomach flu!!! Oh well....we share everything at this little office so I guess this cold of mine may be looking pretty good, compared to what may be in store. I've been thinking that areas of my bathroom are a little dull and boring. I think I'll come up with some nice pictures to hang across from the potty...just so I'll have something nice to look at if I find myself there a lot in the days to come...lol!!! I can handle the sitting pretty good...it's the nausea that gets to me. Ugh....feeling poorly already.

Since FRIDAY is my FAVORITE day of the week, I am proud to open the windows for KW Judy so that we can let the AIR flow in!!! Although I'm happy it's finally Friday, I can't believe that I have another cold. I was sick with some kind of creeping crud for almost a month and here we go for round two!!! I need to find something to boost my immune system as I get older. I used to be the last one to ever get sick but that's a different story now. Between having grandchildren, that always seem to have picked up whatever is making the pre-school rounds and working in an office full of people, I don't seem to have a chance! At least this one just feels like a cold. It's nothing compared to what I had before. It's a tad bit warmer here this morning, thank goodness. Hopefully we won't need the heat on after last night. The heat is so dry and it really has been doing a number on my throat. I think I need to get a humidifier...something I never thought I would ever in a million years need here in Florida. Not too much on my agenda for this weekend. I do have to take the Tanner dog to Petsmart and let him pick out a new toy. Funny, he always is more practical about selecting a toy than we are. Last weekend, I saw the cutest snake with a nice sounding squeaker. Although it was a soft toy, it was made by Kong and they are known for their durable line. I asked the cashier about its durability and she said if there was any problem to return it. Well, it only took Tanner about 30 minutes to destroy the squeaker. It came with 5 replacement squeakers but there was no opening to change them out. So...on Monday, hubby took the snake back and exchanged it for a duck. Same results. So, tomorrow we will tale Tanner with us and let him select a toy. He'll probably do the practical thing and select a hard rubber toy that will last him for years, as most of his rubber toys have done. Hope everyone has a nice weekend and that your temperatures are warmer. But...I know you all have very warm hearts, regardless of the temperatures outside!!!

Good morning everyone. Libby, it was only 14 degrees warmer here on Florida's Space Coast this morning. The thermometer read 34 degrees at 8:00 this morning. It's supposed to be another cold night tonight and then we're supposed to warm up a little over the weekend. Today's high is supposed to reach 54. I'm getting really accustomed to wearing my big sweaters. I love the way they're covering up all of this weight that I've managed to put back on over the holidays. But...when spring comes and it's back to short sleeves the weight will be showing. I think I'm going to start cutting back on Monday. I hate to start even thinking about losing weight right before the weekend. I'm not going to diet, per say. but I am going to cut back a lot. That makes it all sound much easier. Sorry you had a rough night sleeping, KW Judy. But...on a positive note, I bet you have the best looking farm in Key West!!! Busy day at work today...when I can get started. Still working on accounting and bi-weekly payroll today. Office staff is short today, so I will be distracted by helping with the phones. Hope everyone has an absolutely wonderful day!!! Remember...tomorrow is the "F" day!!! Ann

Just a brief little visit to say good afternoon to everyone. I've been swamped at work and didn't have a chance to pop in and say "HI" yesterday. Wow...what a winter storm most of the country seems to be having. It's a nice day here today but tomorrow and the rest of the week are supposed to be bitter for us Floridians. YES....I know that most of you would take the weather that we're having and be thrilled but you have to remember that old "thin blood" thing and know that it's true!!! I'm catching all of the accounting up at work and getting ready do work on company taxes. I hate this time of the year, as I'm always swamped. I should have been on this last week but boss and his new bride just got back from their honeymoon in Costa Rica and I had to wear a lot of hats while he was away. I didn't even have time today to grab lunch, so I found a can of Spaghetti-O's in the office kitchen and that was my lunch. Ugggg. to think how my boys used to love them!!! Don't have time to mention everyone, so please know that it's great hearing from all of you!!! Oh...I do have to give a big "WELCOME BACK" shout out to Lillian!!! Ann

Good morning, KW Judy. I thought I'd pop in early this morning and get the day started off right!!! So glad to hear that you had a fun evening at the Red Barn ! After reading Eric's post, I'm even happier to know that you returned from the Red Barn! It's been raining here for a couple of hours now. There was a lot of that distant, rumbling thunder earlier but that seems to have passed. This may all hit you tonight, Judy. The high for today is only supposed to be a couple of degrees higher than it is right now...mid 60's. Although the temp is mild, this was one of those cold rains. I would have loved to grab my favorite blankie and cuddled up at home all day. At the rate I'm going, my New Years resolutions may not be ready until February. I do know that I'm not going to include anything about dieting, as I always break that resolution before the ink on the paper gets dry. I think this year is the year for me to work on personal growth and lifestyle changes. Wow...that sounds vague??? Hope everyone can find at least one thing that makes their heart smile today!!!

Hey KW Judy.... I just heard from a friend in Tennessee that they're getting a lot of snow coming down. Then, I read a post from a lady north of me, In Flagler County and she said a cold rain is coming down. This doesn't sound good for either of us. Of course, a lot of the weaker fronts die down before they reach as far south as you are, so there's still hope. It's almost 6:00 and I just realized that I forgot to wear earrings to work this morning. I must have been in a complete fog when I got up this morning, as I never do that!!!

It really was good to see Dennis in this dream and to be able to remember the dream so vividly. I do hate it when I have a dream and all I can remember is that I had a dream...nothing else. Dennis looked great...very much like he did when I first met him so many years ago! He was happy...he was smiling and I know that he's at peace. The one thing that we all can feel good about is that we will be reunited with our loved ones someday. I was just talking to someone last night and the topic of "the next life" came up. He said he doesn't think of the end as "death" but likes to think of it as a new beginning. He also said he's looking forward to seeing his mom again, after many years. I thought that was very sweet, coming from someone that's thought of as a really tough guy. You know...maybe that's why I had the dream that I had. I had forgotten about that conversation until I started replying to Katie's post. Once again...thank you, Katie.

Bud...it seems that everytime you have cold weather in Texas, we have the same front hit us a couple of days later. So, if you're supposed to have a cold ween coming us I guess Judy and I better have our Snuggies close at hand...LOL! Thanks for all the comments about my post on the other forum. I am still unsettled by this dream and am hoping those feelings go away as the day goes on. Judy...I had to chuckle about your mention of all the various topics that have been popping up lately. Yesterday, I was talking about stress and last night STRESS came knocking at one of my Auxiliary meetings. The meeting was very informal, as there were only five members in attendance. I have to tell you that was a very good thing, as I became "potty mouth extraordinaire." I was so fed up with the lack of help and cooperation from this group and FINALLY I had the courage to just tell everyone what I think and feel!!! So...I think my stress level is definitely down a bit!

Good morning, friends. It's one more day closer to Friday and for that I'm very thankful. I am so envious of all this talk about retirement that Eric has been sharing. I can think of at least a million things I would love to do if I was retired. But...I'm beginning to wonder if I will EVER be able to retire. Unless my lucky Lotto numbers come in, I'm pretty sure I will be working forever. Judy....I want you to know that I've been remembering Dottie in my prayers. Our weather is just a little cooler than yours. For the first time in weeks, I can tell the humidity is on the rise. My hair was so nice and straight when we had the cooler weather and now, the frizzies have invaded. I'm so happy that you're going to the theater tonight! Take a nice, long nap this afternoon so that you'll be all rested up for a great evening!!! Libby...I can't even begin to remember what 1 degree temperatures feel like. Judy and I are dragging out the Snuggies when it hits 50 so my hat is off for you for being able to cope with that cold! I had to laugh when you said you were warming up your car! I've been doing a lot of that in the mornings...and I'm in Florida. There have been three mornings that hubby had to scrape ice off my windshield. If anyone gets a chance...please go to the grieving forum and read the bizarre dream I had last night. I need big hugs, as I can't get this dream out of my head this morning. It was too "dark" to post to our fun forum, so I chose the grieving forum. Ann

Last night, I had a dream about Dennis that was so vivid ! Usually, I dream and in the morning can barely remember any of the details. But...this was one of those special dreams and I can remember each and every detail. I should try to not analyze dreams, as I have no idea what I'm doing but this one scares me a little. In the dream, I was in the hospital and I had surgery somewhere in my right abdominal region. I had the surgery in one building and when they moved me to a room, it had a lot of windows. Through those windows, I could see another building that looked exactly like the one I was in. My current family was with me but when I saw Dennis through the window, I got up out of bed and walked to the other building. There was a row of chairs up against the wall and Dennis was sitting there, along with my middle son. He got up, came to meet me and asked me if I was alright. I replied that I was but reached down to feel the pain in my right side. Then, Dennis and I left the building and went outside to my car. I got in the car and he knelt down beside the car so that he was at an eye level with me. I said to him "I love you so very much. I have always loved you and I want to go home with you." He smiled and said "OK...come home with me." I'm sure that some of you can understand why I have been "freaked" this morning while thinking about this. I know I may be putting too much into this but I'm not feeling this was a good dream. First of all, the son that was in the other building with Dennis is my disabled son that has severe issues with his heart, due to congenital birth defects. So...my thoughts are crazy when it's him that's already in the other building with his Dad. Then, when Dennis is there, telling me I can come home with him..... So...just wanted to share this with all of you. I can tell you...I need hugs this morning.

Good morning, friends. It's Tuesday morning and I can tell you that I'm thrilled that Monday has come and gone. It was a zoo yesterday in my office. I think a lot of people had put things on the back burner until they were back at work after the holidays and yesterday was the day to get all caught up. Usually, Tuesday means nothing more than one day closer to FRIDAY (my favorite day of the week) but this week, Tuesday means that I survived Monday!!! Judy, we were about 10 degrees below you very early this morning. Can you believe we're supposed to reach a high of 75 today? This weather is crazy. Today, I have a short sleeved shirt on and am wearing sandals. Last week, it was the heaviest sweater I own and boots...lol!!! I definitely agree about problem solving in our sleep. Some mornings, I wake up completely exhausted and I think those are the nights I worked all night long....in my sleep. I hope everyone has a great day today. I'm still thinking about some resolutions for 2011. Can you see that I procrastinate a lot??? But....I think that my main goal is to cut way down on the amount of stress in my life. I love volunteering and helping others but there has to be an avenue to do this that is less stressful. Some of these organizations have so much in-house bickering that it drives me nuts!!! Ann

Good morning everyone. How I hated the sound of my alarm clock this morning! It wasn't too had coming back to work last week, as I knew there was another short week on the way. But...this morning I realized that the holidays are over and it will be a long time before I have another long weekend. We managed to squeeze a lot into this weekend and I am thrilled that all of the Christmas decorations are in the attic!!! Usually, we make a million trips, up and down the stairs, getting everything put away. I think we were more organized this year, so I guess that may be a good sign of things to come. Judy...I know what you mean about the sweater on....sweater off weather. We're supposed to reach 70 here today so I didn't even bring a sweater to work. I park just a few steps from the office door, so I'm in and out of the car in a jif. This week is supposed to be nice...then rain is forecasted for the weekend. Then...another cold front. Hope your tummy woes improve as the day goes on. Annette...glad the fire wasn't too close to you. I don't think anything scares me more than the thought of a fire. I would be in a complete panic trying to get my animals out of the house. We've been having a lot of fires around. Unfortunately, they believe they are being set intentionally on vacant lots. Our little city has made the headlines before when a lot of fires were set on Mother's Day. It was so smoky last week that I-95 was closed to traffic. Breathing here has been a challenge for a lot of people. Hope everyone has a great day.

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr....It's 29 degrees here on Florida's Space Coast this morning. In addition to that temperature, we also have high winds that are making it feel like the upper teens to low 20's. I should have asked Santa to bring me gloves and earmuffs...lol!!! Here's hoping that everyone is keeping warm today. I'm sending warm thoughts to all my snow bound friends!!! Ann

I just wanted to jump in and wish all of you a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! My prayer is that by Christmas 2011 a cure will have been found for lung cancer!!! We're cooking and preparing for a big crowd tonight and then cooking dinner for the entire family tomorrow. What a hectic time it is! I don't think I could force myself to wrap one more gift. Now, I know why gift bags are the best thing ever. I love you all!!! Ann

OK...here we go again!!! I posted a nice, long message this morning and when I can back...it's not here. So, this will be a nice, short post...lol! Just wanted to say it's so nice to hear from everyone today and to say Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all !!! Shopping is finished but nothing is wrapped. By the time I get that done, my back will be killing me!!! I still have to do my grocery shopping but I do have my meat ordered from the butcher already. But,,,,this is the best news ever....We're closed on Thursday!!! This means tomorrow is my Friday and I am ready to begin my official countdown!!! Love you all !!!

Although it's late in the afternoon, I just wanted to jump in quickly and say hello to all my friends. Not too much to share from Florida's Space Coast. The weather has warmed up quite a bit, although my little dog did wear his Snuggie last night. It's amazing how he likes to be all bundled up in that thing. I get the concept of a person keeping warm in one but the velcro makes it a little tight on a dog. But...if he likes it that's all that matters. We survived the cookie making session on Saturday. I can tell you that there was very little space in my kitchen that wasn't covered with either flour or cookie icing. T one time in my life, that would have bothered me but I've learned that life is too short to sweat stuff like that. The smiles on the faces on my little ones was a lot more important than worrying about sticky kitchen. IT all cleaned up nicely and I'm all rested. Hope everyone has a great evening. I'm going to cuddle up and watch Christmas Vacation tonight. Funny, I can never get enough of that movie!!! Ann

Thank you so much for all your kind words and thoughts. Somehow, knowing I can always share my innermost thoughts with you makes it easier. Many of you were with me when I lost Dennis and you are my family!!! We have all walked together through some of the darkest days of our lives and I know we will always be friends. Although lung cancer is a monster that we all hate, we have all been brought together with the monster as a common bond. Together, we will continue to be strong!!! Sticking together and comforting each other will always limit the power of this beast!!! December 15th has passed and today is again my first day of healing.....all over again!!!

Good morning everyone. It dropped down to 32 here last night but the sun was warming things up nicely by the time I left for work. Today, my yard will return to normal when all the blankets and covers come off the plants. Judy...so sorry you're not feeling well this morning. Hope you feel better as the day goes on. Annette...I think scanning docs into the computer is one of the most boring things I do. I hate it, so I try to do it a little at a time and avoid a large stack. Just hang in there and hum some Christmas tunes as you go along. I managed to make it through yesterday, which is my most difficult day of the year. It's still amazing how a date on the calendar can stir so many raw emotions and make 8 years ago feel like yesterday. Thanks for all the kind words and thoughts from everyone. Let's all remember our dear friend Donny and sing a Beatles song in his memory today!!! RIP Dahnee

8 years ago today, I lost the love of my life to lung cancer. Dennis Keith King was born on June 10, 1952. God took away his pain on December 15th, 2002. Dennis was only 50 years old and was so full of life. I miss him every day of my life and know that we will be reunited some day. Today, the pain is as real as it was 8 years ago.