LynneH

Okay, I'll have to go back and read these again tonight for those that are still mysteries. You will have to trust that I did guess correctly for Bunny because I think I have read in her posts somewhere about interning and hearing aids. Kasey, I guessed wrong. I would never have thought she was a big troublemaker. #1 was my big lie - No Tatoo. Would never volunteer for a needle. #2 I helped Jim paint several water towers. He was a contractor that sandblasted and painted large steel structures (mostly city water towers) and I was cheap help and too young and in love to tell him 'no way!'. #3 Jim painted the big wall in the bedroom red for me! Took 5 coats! It's wonderful and doesn't look too much like a bordello. Fun!

I now know you can physically FEEL this horribly deep, black, empty hole within your whole being, yet can smile back at the world and even appear normal to those that haven't been there. On a more positive note, things that used to irritate, have simply become little gnats of annoyance - unkind people, nasty drivers, dog vomit on the carpet, etc.........

Okay..... 1. I have a tatoo. 2. I painted a water tower. 3. I have a dark red wall in my bedroom.

Just a note. I ordered a copy from Amazon when I saw this post and it has been shipped and is supposed to deliver tomorrow (19th). I'm excited!

I used to ask Jim to describe me in one word, and he always said "Nice". I don't know if that is true, but I'll take it.

thank you Ann

Diet Coke, Bagels, Cream Cheese........... Who's cooking Kase? What time? Do you need me to bring Diet Coke or bagels? Lynne

Kasey! Yippee! I was wondering why I couldn't go to sleep yet tonight. I signed on and now that I have read the most wonderful news, I finally feel a little more normal and will head for sleepytime with a big smile! I hope we get to see you as a celebrity on the website. Missed you! Lynne

Good news! Did you and Alan know that "Honey-dos" are found in the dictionary for a definition of "Hobby"? So I'm sure Alan will be plenty busy! Congratulations!

Kasey and Geri, Hurry back here! It's not the same here until you are back in the nest. Not so patiently waiting, Lynne

Hmmmmm......this is so telling.... Cure Prevention Body and Soul MORE (women's mag for the 40+ woman!) Kiplingers (supposed to be taking over Jim's investment chores but these tend to pile up unread) I'm constantly letting some lapse, take others, renew some, etc......

Denise, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Has to be Jim. I was lucky enough to spend 27 of my 47 years with him. He was a lot like my Dad which reinforced those positives in life - humor, integrity, thirst for knowledge, love of animals. Besides, he was 9 years older and I always told him he raised me. I think he thought he was owed some child support for the duty! Great man. Lynne

These are the moments that make it all worthwhile. You know, even when you are 90, you will always be your mama's baby girl.....Very special moment for you and your mom.........thanks for telling us... Lynne

Addie, so good to 'see' you here! We've missed you!!!!!!!! Enjoy those baths girl! Lynne

Okay, Cindi, Kase, Ann........scooch over....my butt is sliding onto the bench at the bar. You ladies start so dang early in the morning. Had to call my boss and tell him that I had a "ladies lunch" scheduled and MAY not be able to make it back in to work this afternoon. Cindi, can you make a really sweet, really frozen, lime daquiri? A little whip cream on top would be super special.......... See you in 5....oh, give Kasey coffee until I arrive so I can actually have a conversation with her first....

Okay, Ginny, seems like the whole family here has hatched the plan for you (as if you needed our help!). Cindi is going to open the door and introduce him, Kase is going to check out his butt, and the rest of us are going to hide Frank in the back while we play pick-up-sticks with the new guy. If we don't like him, we'll let Frank out. Let us know when the time is right! Lynne

Ann! So that is what you have been doing while you snuck away! I just saw this message and am SO VERY HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!! I am so happy that you have found a new man to share your life with. I'm with Peggy though - where are we going to find matching bridesmaids' dresses for ALL of us? And perhaps we'll get Dave and Bunny signed up for a double ceremony and then we could all fly in for it from both coasts and the midwest! Wow, think of the gifts! Just a thought..... Congratulations Ann! Lynne

Kasey, what a special day! I think I may even be happier than you are (if that is possible!) that you found the help you deserved, because I got a wonderful new friend out of the deal!!!!!! I must get a proper Thank you off to your doctors! You are the best and I am so happy to help you celebrate this anniversary. Love, Lynne

Thank you Bunny....

Addie, I miss you..........May peace surround you and your family........... Lynne

My Pat.......

Tina, crummy that you have such stinky stuff to think about as you head into the next year. If it helps, try to squeeze in a thought about the times you are going to enjoy with Charlie this year and hearing your parents' voices, even if by phone. If that doesn't help, grab a cookie and a magazine and veg in front of the TV for some Tina time. You deserve some refueling time. Please grab this big hug from me, Lynne

My, listen to all you party animals and your wild night! I was where I always am at midnight - sleeping like a baby with two dogs plastered by my side. But, I was with you all in spirit! Meet you at Cindi's. Welcome 2006. Lynne

Beth, I am so very sorry that you are dealing with this, yet again. Please take care of yourself - hot bath, cookies, cocoa, long naps........ you need some rest......sending a warm, gentle hug to you. Lynne