July 31

This morning as I stood and looked down the field at the apple tree, our young deer appeared.....this time with a spotted fawn dancing circles around her momma.
It was  an act of pure joy.......and I felt honored to have witnessed the dance.

Classes were good today........it was a day of hellos and goodbyes.  When I got home this evening two of our baby chicks were out of the pen........Jordan and his Nana tried to help me get them back in, but no luck.  Not sure where the hole is in the fence, but Rebel and Lady almost had chicken for supper.  One found his way back in with the rest, but the other couldn't or wouldn't.  Rick was at a meeting.....I finally told Jordan and his Nana to go home that I would sit and make sure nothing bothered the chick.  It was dusk, and "skeeters" favorite chow time, and they love me.

Before Jordan and Deb went home, he found a frog in the back yard, and a lightening bug......he watched the chick while I found a mason jar for his creatures.......he skipped all the way home.

This cold/allergy is getting to be quite pesky, chasing chicks, and donating blood to the skeeter population has made for a rough evening.  I am ready to call it a day.
Enjoy the last day of July 2014.  August brings even shorter days, back to school,and
the rumblings of football season.

Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Hump Day Ramblings

July 30 felt like autumn in Alabama this morning......and this afternoon.......I love this weather, but it's just not normal......not for the deep south at the end of July.

Jordan spent the day with us and as always it was a delightful day.......filled with giggles,
questions and hugs.  In two weeks, he will start first grade.

Taz saw the young deer down at the apple tree this evening.......she barked and yapped until the little deer finally ran into the woods.  Taz strutted back into the house, looking very pleased with her little six pound self.  Of course, five minutes later, the deer came back.

My brain is rather mushy this week, not sure if it is the aftermath of the serum sickness or knowing that treatment is a week from today.......and I'm just running out of "juice."
Or maybe it's the cold/allergy that keeps nipping at my heels.  I admit, I have been off my game.

It's Wednesday, hump day for all the working folk........and tomorrow is the last day of July.
and yes.......I admit ( I know this is so sick, but I was in the fashion industry for 30 years.) I am looking at fall clothes and boots.
Enough ramblings for one night
goodnight, sweet dreams

A Blessing

tonight, I send you all this ancient Buddhist blessing


May you be filled with loving kindness
May you be well
May you be peaceful and at ease
May you be happy

It's All Good

My class on Monday nights just gets better and better.....some of the students have taken class with me for ten years.  New students pop in almost weekly, some come back, some don't......it's all good.

I think there is a cold or some bug trying its best to enter my system.......all day today, I have felt on the verge of sick......I have eaten airborne like crazy, drank lots of hot ginger tea and lemon aide.  This is my down week, I am holding my breath.

This Monday has been a good one........the sky has been the blue that takes your breath away.
Wishing you all goodnight, sweet dreams.

Sunday Night Thoughts

Heat wave today, cold front tomorrow........just like life.....ups and downs......good and bad.
A good but busy weekend......filled with family.    This is the week before treatment, so energy has begun to bottom out.

I looked out the back door a few minutes ago, and a young deer stood under the apple tree eating apples.....the sun is setting and there is a glow that made the whole scene look unworldly.  It is so warm this evening, the dogs were not interested in chasing her.

Washing yoga blankets tonight, getting ready for classes tomorrow.  Last week of July......enjoy the fruits of summer, the long days, all things green, flowers blooming.....fall will be here in the blink of an eye.

Small Town

We live in the country.......we buy food and stuff at a near-by very small town where I grew up. This afternoon we did grocery shopping, Wal-mart stuff and purchased produce (that we don't grow) from a third generation produce stand.

A family owned grocery store called Bozeman's is our favorite place to shop.  It is small, not a large inventory but full of smiling friendly faces, a butcher and assorted small town characters.  As we were walking through the door today, we met a woman who had been grocery shopping and possibly had visited a bar before she went.  She was truly all smiles and wore a very fragrant beer perfume......we had to laugh.  Only in our town, could you visit the local grocery store, and if needed, someone there would drive you home.

Years ago,  I had had surgery and decided that I knew better than the doc when it would be appropriate for me to drive and do errands.  I went to the grocery store with list in hand,
somewhere on aisle 3, my body reminded me that it had recently been sliced opened.
Our friendly checker helped me to a bench, and the stock boy took my list and finished
my shopping for me, loaded my groceries in the car and was going to drive me home, when I vowed and promised I could drive myself.  I had to promise to call them when I got home to let them know I was ok.

When my dad died, my mom, overcome with grief became ill.  It was on a Sunday, she needed her meds and the local pharmacy was closed.....I called the pharmacist and asked him if I could meet him at the store and get mom's meds.......he said no, stay with your mom, I will bring them to her house.  Only in a small town.

Small towns can be irritating, everyone knows you and your business.......but those same people are right there to lend a helping hand when needed.  I have lived in large cities and the energy and excitement, the variety of places and things to do is great........but I love my hometown, a small town......where everyone knows my name.

Diamonds

John Denver sang that some days are diamonds........today has been one of those diamonds.  The weather has been summer perfect, low humidity and clear blue skies.  I have spent the day with family........there has been much laughter.  The serum sickness has finally abated, my energy is back.......I take my diamonds with gratitude.

I have never been much for jewelry with diamonds, but I am big on days that are diamonds.
I hope that this weekend brings more diamonds for me and all of you.

Last Day

For the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: 'If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?' And whenever the answer has been 'No' for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something. - Steve Jobs

I love this quote from Steve Jobs, I think it is a great test when our lives become too complacent or
routine.  It is so easy to slip into comfort, to sit and fester.  Anytime we ask ourselves if today were the last day of my life, it is a dash of cold water in the face.........a wake-up call.
Tomorrow is Friday, ask yourself the question......give  some thought to the answer.

A Friend's Journal

My friend Bob Keefe was a combat helicopter pilot in Vietnam.  He kept a daily journal for most of his time in Vietnam......he has put this journal into a book.  I am very honored because Bob let me read his book this week.

From the time I was twelve years old until the Vietnam War ended, a family member or friend was sent to Vietnam every year and some did not come home.  During my early teen years I stopped watching the evening news because  the sight of all those body bags made me sick and frightened.

As I read Bob's journal this week, I have wept more times than I care to count.  When I finished his book today, I wept more........for the loss of life, for all the soldiers who came home fighting an even greater enemy, PTSD, for those whose lives have never ever been "normal" again, the innocence that was stolen from every person who lived in this country during that period.

I wish that the leaders and business who thrive on war would read this book......but you know it probably would not touch their hearts at all......for they are so removed from the heartbreak, the ugliness and pain of war that Bob's journal would not cause a blink to their greedy little eyes.

His book is filled with raw honesty......and for many, well maybe for most.....they don't want to remember, they don't want to know what an average soldier saw or felt........I am not one for living in the past......but I know that our past teaches, that our past offers lessons to be learned......and I don't think those who lead this country learned much at all from Vietnam.

Bob is struggling with having his book published, after all it is his daily journal from 1966-1967........I think he worries about the feelings of his friends and family......and this Marine is a very gentle loving soul.  So whether he chooses to publish or not, it is his choice......but for me, I am grateful......I am honored that he allowed me to read it.  I am proud to say that Bob Keefe is my friend.

Intention

Intention......classes today were based on setting intentions for our daily lives.  Take a simple seated twist, think of it as an easy way to remind yourself to let go of the past......don't look back.  Mountain pose.......reminds us of the strength we did not think we had ( after all, I teach at an alcohol/drug rehab center, it takes some strength to check yourself in)  we are always stronger than we think.

We all have intentions.....well, we probably think of some of them at least once a day. So what do we do to remind ourselves of them......we can use yoga postures, songs, pictures, words......many ways to be creative.   If you want to practice guitar every day.....don't leave it in the case.....put it on a stand where it beckons to you each time you walk by.

For me,  several months ago I set my intention to do vocal exercises at least three days aweek.......I put them on my phone and the three days I work each week.......I do them in the car. A student talked to me about her desire to stop smoking.......I suggested that each time she wants to smoke, first she has to drink a glass of water.  A couple of things can happen here, at least she is doing one healthy thing (drinking water) and I read an article  awhile back, that a glass of water before each smoke helps to flush the nicotine from the body.  Not sure if that is true or not, but I have found that when you start with one healthy habit, others follow.

I am well aware of the old saying, "the road to hell is paved with good intentions."  The secret is to to follow through with those intentions, not just say or think them.  It's one breath at a time, one day at a time, one intention at a time.  Each morning set one intention.......it can be anything from being kind to a stranger, eating a healthy lunch, letting go of judgement.....whatever you set, find a way to remind yourself.....a post it......a stop sign....
the color blue......you will find a way.

Quality Time

Jordan came over and spent some quality time with us today.......quality time......laughter, a trip to the barn,
some food, a few cartoons......more laughter.

We should all have this kind of quality time every day.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

A Love Fest

The past few days I have been in the middle of a love fest.......I have received notes, gifts, cards, phone calls and texts ........all reminding me that I am cared for, that I am loved. It is a wonderful event, this love fest......to know that people care.

My mom use to send cards and note to her friends and family members........I asked her once why she did it.......she smiled and said "don't you love it when you know that someone is thinking of you, that someone cares?"  Her loving kindness paid off........after she became ill, her mailbox was always full of cards and notes, her phone was always ringing.......even in the throes of dementia......those cards and calls touched her heart.

So this is to remind you all tonight, that little note, or card or e-mail or text or five minute call or short visit.......can brighten someone's day more than the brightest ray of sun.  We all need that human connection......we might be ill, or having a bad day or in the throes of a life
crisis .........or maybe, we just need a reminder........that we are loved.

Saturday Night

We played at one of our most favorite spots tonight.  Berkeley Bob's Coffee House in Cullman, Al.  What a crowd!  So many of our friends came, so many songwriters came.
Our friend, Joe Greg Winsett opened for us, our buddy Ron Brown played harp on one of our songs, our friend Wes Laird did a couple of tunes and as always, Fred Miller is the best sound man anywhere.

After the last couple of weeks, I needed tonight.  I needed to see my friends, I needed to sing
and feel the love of the crowd.  I hope your Saturday night has been as good as mine.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

IVIG and Me

For the most part, I am a fairly private person, I share but I try to limit or filter.  I have written about my treatments, and to an extent about my chronic fairly rare disease.
But, tonight because I call this blog Transformation Information I think it is time to share a little more.

I know that many of you deal with rare diseases and chronic illness and like me, people look at you and talk about how great you look and that you don't look sick........even when you feel like crap.  I know that many of you like me, have searched for answers......sometimes you find them, sometimes you don't.  All I can tell you is keep searching.

I started IVIG monthly treatments two and a half years ago.......immediately I began to have new symptoms.......each time I spoke with my doctors about the new symptoms, they assumed that something new must be wrong, though I kept telling them I didn't have the symptoms until my treatments were started.  I had MRI, a CT scan, blood work, x-rays.....all showed nothing.

After awhile, I had done much research on IVIG and found that around 5% of people who receive long term treatments have issues or side effects with them.  All the information I found suggested slowing the drip, taking nsaids, and antihistamines and drinking lots of water.
So, I told the docs what I had read, we slowed the drip........sometimes the side effects lessened, or weakened and for a couple of times totally disappeared.  But the past few months, they have come back with a vengeance.......and this month has been the worst.

In the meantime, my original doctor that I love, had moved to a new hospital.  So I ended up with a new doctor.When I first saw him, it was soon after the drip had been slowed down for the third time and it seemed that maybe the symptoms were fading.   I saw him again Monday, as I sat and ran down the list of symptoms, he looked at me and said serum sickness..... I looked at him, and he said it again......serum sickness.  It seemed that because of my size (ok, I admit, I am kinda small)  it's possible that the  two bottles I had been getting each month were too much .  It is interesting, because each time that symptoms hit hard, I would tell Rick it seemed as though my body was trying to rid itself of the drip.

So starting with my August treatment, instead of two bottles, I get one.   I came home and began my internet search as always........when I found articles about serum sickness with IVIG,
I had every symptom.  So here is where the Transformation Information comes in......if you have a rare disease.......educate yourself, listen to your body, be persistent.   Doctors are humans, and remember humans are not perfect.......though we wish they were when it comes to our health.   I know many health care professionals, they know very little about my disease or IVIG treatment.  Rick and I have learned that we have as much responsibility for my health care as anyone, well actually more.

Doctors and health care workers deal with the masses and the most common diseases are the ones that get the funding, the education and the research.  If you have a rare disease......educate yourself and your caregivers, become aware of what takes place in your body, listen to your body, and be persistent.
 
I have been told that I will need IVIG treatments the rest of my life.  I am grateful that because of the treatments the lung infections that have plagued me for many years have lessened......now if we can just stop the dizziness, the nausea and vomiting, the headaches, the fever, the chills......keep your fingers crossed.

Cause for Gratitude

Success!......I taught both my classes today and drove myself home. I had a couple of moments, but I made it through.  Hopefully, my body has expelled or absorbed the residue of the last treatment and the symptoms are beginning to fade away.

It felt so good to teach, to feel normal........for me, this transformation has been incredible.
I am not 100 percent but that is ok, being on the upswing is good.

The transformation of sick to not as  sick is cause for great celebration......it is cause for intense gratitude.......it is cause for joy.  I know those who have chronic illness who seem to never be grateful for the good days......thus all their days are bad.  You really do have to celebrate the good days......the bad days make themselves known loud and clear.

Tomorrow is Friday, my day to rest and get ready for our weekend gig.  I hope your Friday is full of good surprises, unexpected kisses and many hugs.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Fingers Crossed, Hope for the Best

Serum sickness.......that's the diagnosis......over two years of symptoms, I hope the doc is right and I hope we bring a halt to something that has robbed me of so many days these past two and a half years.  So what's the solution?  One bottle instead of two during treatment.  Keep your fingers crossed.  Once again I tried to teach my classes yesterday, and Rick had to fetch me home......but tonight I feel different, stronger than I have since July 2, my last treatment.

My plans are to teach tomorrow........my plans are that Rick will not have to come and drive me home......my plans are, that the symptoms are gone.  Prayers, hopes and the last smidgen of energy I have for the symptoms to be gone.

Alabama weather has been so northern California like the past couple of days.......lows in the fifties.......highs around 80.......I love it.  Our skies have even looked like those out west, big blue and endless.  So grateful for this beautiful weather.  I hope where ever you are, you are enjoying a beautiful summer.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Sittin' with the dogs

Rick and I have had many dogs since we were married. Most were mutts, but all were great dogs with distinct and interesting personalities.
I'm not sure how we wound up with two thorough-bred dogs. Both are beautiful and good hearted creatures.

Answers

Looking for answers  can be a slow process.......after over two years of treatments and dealing with difficult side effects, we may have found an answer.   Time will tell, as it usually does.
It is hard to be patient when you want answers, even more frustrating when your health is involved....I do know this, from the bottom of my heart......there are answers, you might not find them or they might not be the ones you seek......but they are there.

I hope to be back  teaching tomorrow.......I have missed it and my students.  But my body has been adamant......rest was demanded, whether I wanted to or not.  Good health is the most precious gift of all......without it, everything pales in comparison......life becomes grey and shadowy  and loses its vibrancy.

Hoping your Monday was smooth and easy and that the rest of your week follows the same path.  If it was bumpy, I hope the bumps are smooth as silk tomorrow.
Goodnight, Sweet dreams

Mamie's Star

My grandmother Mamie called this flower a blazing star.....this came from her plant many years ago.
We sit  on the deck each morning drinking our coffee and enjoy the brilliance of "Mamie's Star".

I hope your weekend has been a good one.  Wishing you a new week as bright as the full moon was last night, and as happy as Mamie's Star.  Enjoy the summer, it's passing quickly.

Taz

Sometimes transformation comes in ways you never dreamed possible......back in February, the treatments were grueling and I spent a great deal of time on my couch.  On our coldest night, ( it was 5 degrees)  I heard a tiny scratch at our door and there sat this shivering little fur ball.  I picked her up, wrapped her in a blanket and she slept with us that night.

It was obvious she was sick......and actually near death.  Her journey to our home and living with us has been a long story.....but that is not the story to tell tonight.  Tonight I want to tell you about my transformation and hers.  It seems we were meant to be good medicine for each other.  Taz, like me has some serious issues, which  means meds and good care.  She is playful, and loving and needs lots of rest, just like me.  When I am at my sickest ( as I have been this week)
she never leaves me.  It seems we have that connection.
Her appearance now, like mine is one of good health......but the issues are there......always lurking in the shadows.  Words cannot express how much her presence means to me, how much better I feel, when she lays in the bend of my knees.  The couch is more like a sanctuary now for Taz and me.

This morning as Rick and I sat on the deck drinking our coffee, she sat on the steps ever watchful, making sure that all was well with me.  Somehow by some divine grace, she is truly my guardian, my balm of soothing love. That cold February night, she knew we would save her and care for her.......she has done that much for me as well.

Good to Be Back

Apologies for the brief entries and quotes the past few nights.  I had gone a couple of months with no side effects from the treatments, guess I got cocky because they came back this time and put me in my place.  Just when you think you have it figured it out......you don't.

I did find an incredible on line magazine that is written for those undergoing IVIG treatments, called IG Living.  If you or someone you know is getting IVIG , I suggest you check out the magazine.
I realized reading it, I may be rare, but I am not alone.

Tonight my ability to think straight has finally come back, the nausea has subsided, the chills are gone, the headache is over, the ability to walk is back.  It is good to be back to some version of normal.  I have worried about my students today, half way during my last class yesterday I became so ill I could not stand.  I know they were so concerned and wanted to help me......for me, I was crushed that they all saw me in that shape.  I try very hard to keep the illness and the side effects of the treatment in the shadows, but that was not possible yesterday.  To be seen at your weakest and your most vulnerable is difficult.

I have lost all track of time this week.  I can't believe it is Friday.......couch time can be quite surreal.
Wishing you all a weekend of good health and fun times.  It is good to be back.

Journey

This treatment has kicked my butt.....just up to writing much the past few days.  So sick at work today, Rick had to come pick me.  I share with you tonight another quote. I your journey leads you to the incredible human being that you are.


"Sometime in your life you will go on a long journey.  It will be the longest journey you have ever taken. It is the journey to find yourself."   - Katherine Sharp

Failing/Succeeding

Sharing another quote with all of you tonight.......I think this one knocked it out of the ballpark.
My friend Charlie sent me a new book to read, "Love Does" by Bob Goff.  This quote comes from Bob.

"I use to be afraid of failing at something that really mattered to me, but now I'm more afraid of succeeding at things that don't matter."
- Bob Goff

Caregiving

A few years ago I did a teacher training with a most amazing woman, Karen O'Donnell Clarke.
She has MS, is a cancer survivor and a wonderful teacher/trainer.  She does a monthly newsletter, Yoga Heals.  Today's newsletter had a quote that struck a nerve with me.......I think it will with many of you, any of you who have ever been caregivers will feel this quote tug at your heart.

"That we go numb along the way is to be expected. Even the bravest among us, who give their lives to care for others, go numb with fatigue, when the heart can take in no more, when we need time to digest all we meet.  Overloaded and overwhelmed, we start to pull back from the world, so we can internalize what the world
keeps giving us. Perhaps the noblest private act is the unheralded effort to return: to open our hearts once they've closed, to open our souls once they've shied away, to soften our minds once they've
been hardened by the storms of our day."  - Mark Nepo

Yoga Works

New faces in yoga class tonight......there are always many questions.  So many think yoga is religious based or they think it's just an exercise class......wrong.....on both accounts.  Yoga is a mind body science that includes breath work, movement, meditation, ethics and morals, awareness......all that and more.

I love to watch new people as they move through the class......and then see their faces at the end of class.  Two new studies have come out, one in Prevention magazine about yoga and weight loss.....it works.....and one from from the Army on yoga and PTSD....it works.  I and many other yoga teachers have known these two facts for a long time, but studies have to be done and all has to be proven.

My first day of teaching since treatment last week......my knees are shaky and I am tired......my bed is calling my name.  Goodnight, Sweet dreams.

Keep On Smiling

Our great nephew Jordan wants me to paint his room......for years I painted murals on walls, floor coverings, etc.  He gave me a list of bugs and creatures  that he wants on his walls.....the list includes,
crickets, dragon flies, frogs, roaches, spiders, butterflies, snakes and lightening bugs.  I am sure he and his  mom will have to reach some sort of compromise.  I look forward to this project,  it will be the one I am most proud of.

I love painting, even just plain old hum drum walls.......there is something about the process that becomes very zen for me.  It is like meditating for hours.  I even enjoy taping off the walls.
Tomorrow is Monday, back to work for me.......my energy is still a little off, but it will build in the next few days.  Wishing you all a week of summer fun, easy days, blue skies......and remember what
Mother Teresa said, "Peace begins with a smile."   Keep on smiling.

Aging

Aging is a strange phenomenon in our society.......often I hear the words, you don't look your age, or you look great for your age..... "you look great" would be a nice compliment. For some reason I watched two movies about aging today......The First Wives Club and Lost Vegas.  Both were comedies with
undertones of poignancy.......Aging is scary.  It is not for the faint of heart.....watching your body change, knowing that time is flying by, finally understanding you probably have lived the greater part of your life already........this is coming to grips with  life and yourself.

Everyone faces the passing of time differently.....some react out of shock and fear, completely uprooting their lives......leaving families behind, forming relationships with younger partners, trying to relive a part of their life they have lost. Some grow old before they are old......maybe they figure if they embrace it, it will be easier.  There are no guide books, nor a compass for the passing of years......it becomes a fly by the seat of your pants journey.

Friends die, you don't recognize the face in your mirror ( or maybe you do, it's your mom or dad staring back at you) and things that once came easy are difficult........touching your toes for instance.
Some go to the gym and exercise relentlessly, some seek a plastic surgeon, or buy a sports car.......and when health issues  whack you in the face........life tumbles like a bad dice throw.

We all go into these waters, this uncharted  territory  without a map......we make out way daily hoping for some sort of sign that we chose the right path.......you might have planned for the financial part of retirement, but what about your free time?  Or maybe you think you will just work forever.
What if your spouse retires and you continue to work, that is a whole different can of worms.
I thought that aging would bring all the answers, that suddenly every thing would be crystal clear......instead, I have more questions than ever.  Wow, who knew?  I really did have all the answers in my twenties and thirties and forties.......then the rules changed, and no one knows what they are....and the answers I seek......it seems no one knows those either.  Living in the moment is  my survival technique........so far it's working.

Fourth of July

it has been a fun day.....my nephew, my brother and sister-in-law, my sister and niece all brought food and lunch was wonderful.   About sunset, Jordan and Samantha and Ricky and Deb came over to shoot fireworks.  Jordan liked the sparklers, but he also spent a great deal of time chasing fireflies.

The dogs are still freaking because the neighbors have the "big" fireworks going. Calliou has gone to Rick's shower stall ( the same place he goes when we have tornadoes) and Taz is sitting on my feet once again.

The side effects from the treatment are subsiding, and my energy is better.......there is light at the end of the tunnel.  But the joy of the day has been watching Jordan and Anthony play, running through the sprinkler and hearing their giggles.

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

Freaking Dogs

The neighbors are celebrating with fireworks tonight........Taz and Calliou are freaking.  Honestly, I didn't think Taz was afraid of anything.......storms never bother her.....but the boom of fireworks has definitely pushed her buttons.  It will be a long weekend for these dogs.  I was telling Rick this morning that we should buy those thunder vests for them.

A "cold" front moved through last night........this morning was cool and crisp for July......the sky was the blue that you see out west.  Our humidity and pollution make us forget how blue the sky can be......but today, blue skies and white fluffy clouds, plus low humidity created a picture perfect day.

Taz is now resting on top of my feet, the booms have ceased.....at least for a while.  Calliou is hiding in the guest room.....thank goodness we have no guests this week.  My nephew Haven is bringing us a smoked butt tomorrow.  The boy can cook some meat......I can't wait.  I know I am rambling, I'm still a little fuzzy from the treatment.

Goodnight, Sweet dreams.

Treatment #31

Treatment #31.......the green chairs were busy today......and I am exhausted....and there seems to be some side effects rearing their ugly little heads tonight.
I know by now, I should be an old pro at this.......but I am always apprehensive before treatment.
I don't think I will ever get use to them.  It is amazing after all this time, there can be new and different side effects........sorry for the whine,  I have to remind myself daily, it could be much worse.
I have such wonderful nurses who care for me, and doctors who found answers.  A good night's sleep will bring a better day tomorrow.

today was the hottest day since last summer here in Alabama......there is a rumor of cooler air headed our way tonight.......almost the fourth of July......I think our celebration will be rather low key.
If you are on the road to someplace delightful........safe travels.  Remember the reason for the celebration, and if you have forgotten or the memory is foggy......take a few moments to read some American history to your kids this weekend.  I am a descendant of Thomas Jefferson, I am serious about my independence.

July 1

July 1.......hot and humid....did I say hot and humid?

July 1 .....ice cold watermelons, juicy sweet peaches

July 1.....fireworks

July 1......fourth of July, Independence Day, red, white and blue

July 1.....bugs, snakes......need I say more?

July 1......treatment tomorrow, #31

July 1......BBQ, homemade ice cream

July 1.......I need a vacation

July 1......Arthur, first named storm of the season

July 1.....sweet iced tea, a necessity

July 1......memories of rock concerts

July 1.....ripe tomatoes, fresh corn, boiled shrimp, the perfect summer meal

July 1......bare feet, long flowing dresses

July 1....gratitude for a cool breeze and a summer thunderstorm