Family + Friendship + Fun =

A perfect day.

All rolled into one.

Me, my Mom and Karen.

I am truly blessed with the gift of Karen's friendship and I'm so grateful my mom was able to be a part of what feels like, "my Seattle family".

For the first time in a long time, it felt like home.

And that feels good.

Karen doesn't know it yet but I'm plotting to cat nap Latte and spray paint Chumley in his place. I'm sure they'd never know the difference. There's something very calming and peaceful about her home that may actually have a positive effect on Chum. I know it does for me. I am thankful for a beautiful day spent with two very special ladies in my life. Looking forward to many more!

Happy Birthday Sweet Charlotte!

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Even though your my cousin,
You still smell like poo!

I LOVE YOU CHAR!

then:


now:
Come and visit me soon or you will never get another birthday poem again!!! And that is a promise!

I miss you soooo much. Thanksgiving is not the same without you guys.

(sniff sniff)

Sweet Aunt Janie

passed away this morning.

Aunt Janie

1927-2008

This is a very difficult time for my mom, as this was her last remaining immediate family member. Up until a few months ago my aunt was very active and just recently things took a tragic turn. Too much suffering, too much pain. She is now at peace and my mom was by her side.

My Aunt Janie was so much fun and was such an animal lover. I just realized I posted a little story about her back in May, a few months before she had fallen ill.

I'm going to miss her very much. I still have the nightgown she gave me when I was 10, on one of my visits to her house. She let me borrow it and I felt so grown up that she insisted I keep it. I'll have it forever.

Here come more tears...

time out

Movers are here today. I needed 5 minutes to sit and gather my strength.

Got one hour of sleep last night.

Intense thunder and lightning storms late last night and early this morning.

I am starting to feel sick and my energy levels are zapped. In addition to the stress of the move we've had some family crisis's arise in the last week.

Tom's Dad is in the hospital for a recurring illness. Please keep him in your prayers.

My aunt (my mom's sister) fell and broke her hip and now has pneumonia. It doesn't look very good. My mom is flying down to see her tomorrow and if there was any possibility I could go I would be there. My heart breaks for her and my mom right now. I feel helpless.

Tom's aunt (his mom's sister) was recently diagnosed with stage 4 lung and brain cancer. She is being treated for this now and we are hoping and praying. Just struggling with quite a bit of sadness yet there's nothing we can physically do.

My sister was on her way to come help today but her husband is not feeling very well so she may be taking him to the ER. Symptoms sound like they could be heart related and they don't want to chance it.

Puts things in perspective.

Ok back to packing up...

my folks

Ok this scanner is pretty darn cool and so far it's working well! Here's an old photo, taken back in the late 50's of my mom and dad. They're both sipping Manhattans poolside, and my mom even has a cigarette in hand. How come my mom's dress from 50 years ago is more in fashion today than the one I wore in my 11 year old photo below?!?

My Grandmother, My Friend