Annette

Good morning all, The clock is moving very slowly today. I am trying not to snack since we are going out tonight since it's Keith's birthday weekend. I think I am going to slide from work a little early and try and 'run' over to the mall. Would like to get him a little present - just can't get motivated - always knowing that another of my 29th birthdays is just around the corner. I used to make notes about the air as I read so I could make sure I responded to everyone - I have been very lazy of late. My mom called and they transferred the kid back to our County for court on Monday - still don't know what they are going to do. I know when we went and visited him Wednesday he told us that even during his substance abuse program he was 'using'. Very discouraging since I thought he was clean while staying with me. I'd like to ring his little neck but he pretty much is doing that to himself. We are having a little pool party Saturday - haven't decided what we are going to eat. Since I live in an apartment there is a communal grill that I refuse to use. I have had some pretty horrible thoughts about what might happen to that grill when the teenagers take over the pool in the evenings and Keith is not capable of cooking on a grill until he cleans it. Seriously - that's like cleaning a coffee pot, I always thought that part of the good taste came from the old coffee not soap. I hope all of you read the lizard story - cause I have been having some fun with it. I had my friend call Keith and tell him she saw a picture of him on his deck on Utube. (He was not amused - I thought it was hilarious.) A co-worker sent me a picture of a "Lizard Lick, North Carolina" sign so I wrote him and told him to keep his lizard inside. (He was not amused - I thought it was hilarious.) Yesterday - my administrative assistant came up with a brilliant idea. So I went home and had him run out for subs - while he was out I downloaded Ray Stevens' "The Streak" - which I played when he walked back in. (He was not amused - I thought it was hilarious!!) So how am I gonna top that. Maybe I can get him some iguana boots, or a lizard skin belt. Hmm. If you have any suggestions - please tell me. Better hit the work button - where was that now... Annette

I know it's Thursday but I had to post to LaDonna - I remember when my grandmother died - 24 years ago now - every once in a while I still wish I could pick up the phone and call her. The memories are good ones now, mostly - but sometimes you just have to think of family. Especially family you made you who you are. I just think that you have to carry on the way that best fits you. The only thing that matters is that you realize you can go on simply because you are blessed with the good memories that count. Now you just have to take moments to think what would your mom say, how she would have smiled as you told her things or like me called to ask silly questions because we all know moms know everything. In fact, she knows how strong you are and you have nothing to feel guilty about. I hope you fill your time with the busy and take the moments of "missing her" as memory moments. Annette

I can't wait to hear what you are streaming Bud. I read that news about Netflix this morning. My DVR overflows so I was seriously considering ordering it...now I will have to think about it. My daughter loves it and has used both - wonder what they will do. She has absolutely fallen in love with a BBC show - I think it is called Dr. Who. (Eric knew about it - has been around on and off since the 60's. Now my daughter is trying to get her hands on all the older episodes.) I will guess... The Amazing Race as your series - how long do we have to wait until you reveal?

Is it only Wednesday - goodness I need a vacation! It is hot hot hot and muggy - another high 90s day with a good chance of showers this afternoon. Which is just great because I have to drive all the way from my work to the School Board office (doesn't make much sense to me since the majority of the county is on this side of Richmond but it loops around and winds up in Egypt!) Then this evening it's a 30 minute drive to go see the kid in the detention facility. I don't know what to hope for Monday at court - I sure hope they are doing their jobs and finding an in house rehab facility. I really do not want him back - I have taken over my computer bench in the extra bedroom and I don't want to repack it - but family... can't with live them... I goofed off all day yesterday writing a 6 page expulsion appeal letter based on the "facts" that I dispute. Hard to stand up for the kid when he has messed up several times since the incident - but I'm a sap for his good self - and he talks the talk - just wish when he was walking the walk it wasn't on a balance beam over shark infested waters. (Balance beam = teenager, shark infested waters = drug dealing brats! and grandma's that can't lock up the drug cabinet..sigh) Sure do wish I fished or something similarly relaxing - none of that exercise stuff for me. I have been reading some really engrossing murder mystery thrillers lately. BC I read like crazy - now I am finally able to concentrate and enjoy books again. May be resignation to fighting a constant battle for the kid and needing to find an outlet - doesn't matter just love to read. I hope Eric is still having a wonderful time - Judy - have fun with your day out. Judy - feel better - I wish I could take some of the spasms for you I can't imagine how frustrating it is to get no relief. Lillian - hope your visit is going well with family - my daughter said my grandson was spelling his name last night and got distracted...M I C H I J K L.... (Michael) - They close on their first house next week - so very exciting for them. Stephanie - time is counting down to your visit with Eric - he is absolutely wonderful great people and I'm sure you will enjoy it as much as we did. Sara - hope all is well with you today - I can't help but smile when I see your avatar - such a gorgeous picture - you are in my thoughts. I know I am missing some new folks - I have been remiss in catching all the posts. I didn't even turn my computer on last night and with the outing I probably won't have a chance tonight. This weekend is Keith's birthday - so I am trying to figure out what to do with him. I used to plan all this junk far in advance - now it's all I can do to prepare just days ahead. I rambled - sorry - I will check back in later. (Stay cool everyone) Annette I know I am missing

Judy (MI) - I hope you get rid of those spasms - I remember when you were first having them and was so glad when they found something to help - there has to be something. And thanks for the toolbar tip - I will go over tonight if I get this letter I'm writing for an appeal to the School Board done. I am hoping inspiration strikes and I can reward myself on the way home with a trip to the nail salon - almost 3 weeks still holding up but I need them trimmed my typing is slipping. Eric - I wish we had hunted for the hotel in New York - I cannot imagine staying where you have to share the facilities! If you were here I would gladly offer my washer and dryer! Although no one drives into New York it might have been cheaper to find a hotel outside of the city and taken a train in. I've never stayed there just been a couple of times on "day" trips - or driven through on my way to Connecticut. I hope you have a wonderful day and that the ticket house gets you a good price. I've heard of those too and know people that have gotten pretty good deals. Keith and I saw Beauty and the Beast here in Richmond and tickets were $65 can't imagine paying two times that - but the shows are special so it may be worth it. Please give me a call if you need anything we will do out best to help you out. Back to work for me - check back later. Annette

Judy - I noticed a later Air posted by Eric - so if you are around do you know how to combine them? My mom was telling me the same thing. She is so upset that yahoo has taken over and I didn't understand. Maybe I will try and see if I can get it off hers and let you know. Of course, her computer might just be revolting because of all the...pet names she uses for it. LOL I don't think she is ever alone anymore because she just talks and talks to that computer. Now me, it's a good thing there is not a window in my office or there may have been two or three million computers on the ground outside! I have to jump on a conference call so i will check back in later. Annette

Eric - - we should have gotten you a travel mouse (not lizard!). Even though you don't have a word program you could go {Ctrl-A} {Ctrl-C} every once in a while - then you would only lose what you have typed since you last "copied." I wish we could have thought of everything and helped you more for being on your own. Let Jennifer know she is not the only one worrying about you - you know me now! Annette

Back to the grind for me. I was happy to see Eric's post from last night as I had been worrying about him. Hopefully he will have a good trip to New York - he could always come back to Richmond - we miss him! I have tons and tons of work to do so I can't dawdle here this morning but I wanted to say something since I never even turned my computer on yesterday. After the drive into town went to the grocery store for us and my mom then had to hurry out to a Detention facility in another county where the kid is residing. (Sigh) I do have a little funny to tell. I was sitting on the back deck at Keith's yesterday reading while he was inside cleaning up getting ready to head into town. He "dresses" for the shower and sticks his head out the door to tell me he is going to shower. When I look up there is a 1,000 inch lizard on the screen door. (Okay - I'm not in Florida anymore so it was probably about 5 or 6 inches long)- I said is that on the inside or outside. He looks up and says inside. He reaches up - swings the screen door open and bats the lizard onto the deck. I said - you killed the poor thing and he says no he didn't and takes a step toward it. It scoots off VERY quickly followed by a white blur that looked a lot like our cat - so Keith takes off chasing the cat. (Need I remind you he was dressed for the shower). Absolutely the hardest I have laughed in a long time. After enjoying the stories Eric told while he was here - it was great to end the vacation yesterday with a huge laugh. Now it's back to reality where I think there may be a desk under here somewhere just can't see it yet. Then of course I have to get an appeal letter written to the school since they are recommending expulsion - not that it matters because they are trying to find an in-house substance abuse program for the brat (whoops - somehow the K I and D key typed the wrong word). As you can tell the vacation did wonders for my sense of humor - don't guarantee it will stick but it does still feel good. Wait - am I at work - yuck. Annette

Stephanie - LOL - history uh oh - that is me - and that is why I was grateful to have my daughter show Eric around Colonial Williamsburg and Keith was their for Hollywood Cemetery. Whenever they start talking history I always ask if I am being punished. I much prefer to be the expert on Reality TV. Yep that's me. I am resting - being a couch potato while Keith is out mowing the yard. Had some bad storms last night just as we were getting ready to watch a movie so we wound up hunting up candles and batteries and laying around reading. I gave up at 10 and went to sleep - he tells me I slept right through the lights coming back on around 1 a.m. This week has flown by - I wish I had another week to sleep and recover. We will get up early and head back into town to shop for my mom and get ready for well the grindstone. Hope everyone is out enjoying the good weather today and not sweating like crazy in the sun. It was in the 70's this morning when I got up now it's in the upper 80's and muggy. Better get back to the XBox before Keith finishes the yard. Annette

It is hot and muggy here - supposed to get lots of rain later - hope it stays down here and doesn't go north to Washington DC so Eric has a good day out and about. I did not even turn the computer on yesterday - trying to catch up on my laziness and taking this vacation thing seriously. Woke up this morning with a horrible backache but Advil appears to be helping. (I'm thinking it was all the exercise. I really only whined a little while we were out and about, but don't ask Keith and Eric they might say I did a lot of whining about walking a million miles.) Eric said his new sneakers made him feel like he was walking on air - my old sneakers felt like I was walking on nails). But the smile on Eric's face made it all so very worth it. I probably should have gotten a recorder so I could listen to some of his stories over and over. I could have listened to him talk for many many more days - such a gorgeous accent - absolutely brill. (LOL hope I'm using that word right.) I posted a few pictures on facebook so if you check it out you will see me, Keith, Eric and my friend Lisa out and about. I will try and post a more detailed description of everything we did - later. Now I'm off to play a game and relax a little more. I hope everyone is feeling good this week - I'm sure not wanting to go back to work on Monday! Annette

Judy - (MI) - so if you come on and say "I bought..." could we plan on doing it in person. (Of course, a kick in the pants could just mean a good joke - in person...LOL). I would love to share time with you.... Annette

By the time we get home we are so very tired - I will post pictures this weekend and write the details up. We had a great day yesterday. Eric, Keith and Christine (my daughter) walked a couple of miles around Colonial Williamsburg (I was with them and I feel like I walked closer to a million miles.) Today - well I had to take a detour and go to court with the kid (yep - and they are keeping him). Now I am home waiting with my friend for Keith and Eric so we can go off for another day of fun. I know I have been bad about posting - but hey I'm on vacation and I have the best company ever. I will tell everyone the whole story - maybe after a good nap Thursday as Eric makes his way north to Washington D.C. Stay cool - Check in later, Annette

Judy (MI) I just wanted to be there with you - and take you away with me. I am so very blessed with Keith I wish everyone had one. I went outside while he showered and thought I wish you were here - I would take care of you - that's how much you mean to me - take comfort - and if I could be there I would give you the best hug in the world. I know I have been on a little holiday and not reading the airs or posts as I usually do - but I am so tired - there are not enough hours in the day to show Eric everything. We met Randy and he rode with us to pick up Eric. I can't tell you how great it was to meet him. An unexpected pleasure and I wish we could have spent more time with just him. We (Randy, Me and Keith) were so excited to see Eric as he got off the train. I have pictures too - I will post them this weekend. Then we went and sat at Plaza Azteca and had a good talk - not nearly long enough with Randy. Today we went to "Hollywood Cemetery" - two presidents (James Monroe and John Tyler) and many civil war confederate soldiers are resting there. Again I have pictures and I will try and post them this weekend. Tonight we went to an outside mall and then to a great Italian restaurant and a friend of mine joined us. It was good food and fabulous company. Tomorrow we head to Colonial Williamsburg and my daughter is going to meet us and be our tour guide. (She knows everything about Virginia history - and as her mother, of course, I taught here everything I know - just not about history. LOL). I will try and catch up on everyone and share pictures later. Oh, one other thing - I did read that I would say that Judy (KW) doesn't look like the Judy in the hat - but I think her personality and charm make that absolutely her. I was immediately comfortable meeting her - and I honestly thought the hat was perfect! Annette

Good morning all - We are ready to go - got my camera in my purse. Keith is (shudder) exercising before taking a shower - what is he thinking. The cat (smart one of the family) is laying in the window catching some rays. Me, I'm watching the clock getting anxious! Not much else is going on - guess I should have gotten lessons on how to upload pictures. I know how to post them on facebook - so maybe I will just post them there and let everyone here know. Have a great day alll, Annette

This is the first day that I just don't feel like I have time to properly spend reading everyone's posts.... BUT Eric has landed - I just talked to him. He has safely checked into his hotel in Philadelphia and called to check in here. Now I am more excited than ever. One more day... Bad thing is I will probably have to delay our outing Wednesday to go to court. Yep - once more with feeling. The kid (who should have been taken in Thursday for a Friday hearing) is going back in for a probation violation and possession charge. But - I am not going to let it mess up our plans for Tuesday - we are going to Colonial Williamsburg and out tour guide will be my daughter who knows way too much about Virginia history. I intend to act like I taught her everything she knows. Her and Keith should have lots of fun "torturning" me and telling Eric about our history. Keith is bathing the cat (a must for guests) so he will shed less - Blue furniture and a white and orange cat hmmm not my best idea but you gotta have a pet. Anyway - I just wanted to pop on and let everyone know our guest in stateside. Annette

Stephanie - I just had to say that if you wanted you could come to Virginia and experience our "hot" days - nice today but upper 90's for Eric's visit (I hope we can all stand the heat for the tour of Colonial Williamsburg with my daughter on Tuesday.) Eric - steak tonight - and I was thinking we could go to dinner at this new steak place Wednesday evening - it's bike night. I've never been but it is always jam packed - called.... Steak and Lube - I love that name! I was thinking maybe Eric would be better off not learning about PeeWee Herman - well the later years anyway. LOL There is actually a guy (only one) that I see from time to time during rush hour traffic riding a "Bud" bike. He has one of those helmet mirrors. Even if I wanted to there is not much of a place to ride here in Richmond. One of the ladies here at work is getting a treadmill this weekend (not my idea of a celebration of independence - I'm thinking more along the lines of Strawberry Daiquiris by the pool). Gotta get my relaxing in as I have some entertaining to do next week. (Only 2 days until he gets here - at just about this time too if anyone is counting.) Sara - we will look for your good news on Tuesday - I hope we don't get cramps in things that are crossed for your luck before then. (Hope you knew I had a strange sense of humor - sometimes.) I saw a link to "Eric's" page (not that I can log into facebook at work) but could not for the life of me fine the "like" button - maybe I will try again tonight. Actually we are going to close early (3 p.m.) so my Friday got happier. I know I will be popping back in later and this weekend - but in case you are doing something new (like Bud fishing) - and don't get a chance to check in - have a safe and happy weekend. Annette

Ok - how many people would like to see a picture of Katie on her PeeWee Herman Bike - I think I would be willing to take up a collection to help pay for it. Sorry Katie - couldn't resist with that mental picture! Annette

Not so good morning here, although the weather is absolutely gorgeous but warming up. Judy (KW) I'm so glad the chemo went well and that you will not have that worry from now on. (Finally a little glimmer of good.) Judy (MI) - AAA for bikes - LOL - Hi my name is Bud I'm addicted to beating my mileage record and providing a home for spiders under my truck. So the kid story continues, when I got home last night I heard my mom screaming help - they were screaming - he was threatening to kill himself - called the police and they did nothing! Even though a judge issued a detention order yesterday ... it hadn't been entered into the system so they could do nothing unless my mom pressed charges - I saw no reason to pile any more stuff on the kid. I spoke to his Probation Officer yesterday and he will be held in detention until a court date OR an in-patient substance abuse program can be ordered. So - perhaps - finally - maybe he will get the help out-patient counseling and we were unable to provide. It's heartbreaking - I just wish all the pieces of heart that have broken off were like pounds - I'd weigh a perfect ... well a lot less. So maybe we are going to start planning to go to the 2012 Hope Summit - Katie's in Texas, it is central - I could make that an awesome vacation and go home a few days (San Antonio area). Anybody got any decent hints for "focus factor" - I have a real lack of concentration ability today and I need to do a hot bunch of work - one more day til the long weekend - Eric should be packing....I drove home a different route yesterday trying to figure out what exit to tell Randy to take - should be so easy - I must be directionally challenged, I was so sure I knew which exit to take. I am thinking I will just have to give him the restaurant address and let his GPS do the work. Judy - (MI) - maybe you could find where the fence is plugged in and pull it for the day. Or maybe the guy could back the car out - he may need air anyway for the "glue" that they might use. I won't write anymore of my book here - but I'll check back on everyone later. Annette

Judy - your BIL lives in San Antonio - you should ask him if he has ever been to New Braunfels which is about 30ish miles away - that is where I grew up. (I was born in El Paso at an Army Base.) My best friend from third grade still lives in between San Antonio and New Braunfels. Maybe I should call her tonight...couple of weeks ago we talked for four hours and I can feel my ear now so we must be due a call. Consider this - I stayed up a little late last night and took my Ambian after 11 p.m. - so I did not want to wake up when mom called. Got back home and back to sleep around 4 and reset the alarm for 7 - and here I am suffering at work. Probably should not have driven - but I wouldn't want my mom driving at that hour of the morning either. Bud - love Rose's sense of humor. Those miles this month are piling up. With you doing all that and Eric spending 4 hours at the gym we should all feel pretty health about now. Judy (KW) - I totally missed part of your post - I am so sorry about your family - I think we are all due for some good news! Check back later, Annette

Judy - I hope all goes well today - I will be thinking about you. Eric - I know I find all of your stories fascinating - surprising the governmental red tape seems similar to that here in the States - hope you can help. Going to the gym, sigh, if I had known how much you were going to 'get in shape' I might have done some exercising of my own to keep up with you. (Let me think, no probably not - it will be better this way - you are on vacation you need to slow down and smell the car exhaust like everyone here.) Also have my fingers crossed that Sally is on the up and up - wouldn't it be wonderful if she turned it around with Jennifer as her watcher. Definitely not as funny as Ann - don't you just love her jokes! Another day back to the grindstone - (AA = Administrative Assistant) sorry forgot the question Eric. I need to get busy - and I am absolutely beat - had another little incident with the wayward at 2 a.m. this morning so I had to drive my mom to the police station at 3 a.m. to pick his little hinney up. Work Annette work, Check back in later.

A great way to start the day on a laugh! Annette

Both Judy and Bud have inspirational stories. When I first came here I was lost - and now I think of everyone as family. It was so beneficial to tell my story, get encouragement and see there is hope - that's what this place is really all about to me. Hope, Annette

Another busy morning at work. We are supposed to get rain later today so I hope it cools things off. Lots of work to get accomplished but I am having trouble closing Spider Solitaire - a new game just keeps popping up every time I hit that new game button. I may have a virus - called "Vacationitus" you know the one - where your extra special vacation is coming up and your mind no longer focuses on anything work related. Now I am really worried because our AA just came in and said her doctor might put her in the hospital - she has a "mass" floating close to her "her" parts. (She had stomach cancer many years ago.) I think this office may just be jinxed - so say a little prayer for Jama if you can. I better run see if I can help her - anything to put off my own work. Check back later, Annette

Doing something completely different - Bud - you are funny. That would be like me doing something different like watching seven seasons of the Gilmore Girls.... hmmm.... wonder if I can do that this weekend - cause I do have different plans on the 4th!

Afternoon - where did the morning go... I was in and out of here yesterday - kinda took it easy after the long drive and fun. Now, as you can see, I am ... hard at work ... yep that's it. (Well I should be anyway - won't be long til I start counting the hours til Sunday.) I'm so excited - I think I got a commitment out of my daughter to meet us in Williamsburg on Tuesday - she is a history freak - I mean she likes history - and I will simply act like I taught her everything she knows (and yes I told her that was how I was going to act). I have never even been there - she has been so many times she even started telling me about the courthouse and the declaration of independence and .... stuff .... all of which I knew (not). I told her she should save it and impress Eric with her vast knowledge - especially since I ask people if they are trying to punish me when the conversation turns to history. We all know my knowledge lies in reality television. My next assignment - is to find some place to take Eric on the 4th - I am usually a stay at home person but he will want to share in our celebration of independence - surely no one will notice the kilt. I may just have a smile on my face this week in anticipation. I have my camera out just need to remember to use it to record everything so you don't miss anything. Well I guess I better return to "real" work - I am on call to help our AA she spent yesterday in the emergency room with a cyst and still she is here today - I have to keep an eye on her to make sure she doesn't do anything heavy but I honestly don't mind. She is like me - here no matter what - I came back to work 2 weeks after both my surgeries. I wanted to share something funny - well it makes me look 'dumb'. Yesterday when I finally logged onto FaceBook I saw a couple of posts wishing my mom a happy birthday - yep you guessed I had forgotten. I knew the date just didn't realize it only takes 3 days to go from the 23rd to the 26th! So i called her and sang a couple of lines of Happy Birthday to you.... and when she picked up the phone again she acted like I might have affected her hearing. Guess I should continue to miss Karaoke night. Glad you got the handicapped pass Judy - it will cut a little bit off your trips anyway. $15 million sounds like a lot but I bet it doesn't go far when you are building animal exhibit expansions or new. Bud - you will of course tell us what a Qigong is - right? Annette