What a Difference A Happy Mother Makes :)

Last fall my mother had this "vision" of wanting a Yellow VW Beetle. Well, the whole idea laid dormant until winter had passed. She didn't want to be driving a new car in the Wisconsin snow!

April found my mom and I venturing out to do some car shopping. Lo and behold we stumbled upon a 2006 USED vehicle. While it wasn't Yellow... this buttercream version was even classier. The whole shopping, decision making, negotiating, all the way through to the final sign on the dotted line "it's yours" was quite an adventure. Yes, my brother put his saintly patience hat on and stepped in to take the lead (thanks little "Loren").

Last week my mom took delivery on her "BEETLE". It was a memorable event; the story will be told over and over within the family. Here is my mom with Roy, the wonderful salesman who worked with her!















I am thankful that everything fell into place so that my moms vision became a reality!

What A Difference Running in Honor of A Friend Makes...

SOLE BURNER - May 2007 Race Results

Race/Walk day dawned a bit cool and breezy (which is actually good run/walk weather)! This is the first year I've been able to participate in memory of my friend Kathy; typically I work the Saturday before Mothers Day.

Yes, I could have walked but I decided it was more appropriate for me to RUN. While running I found myself remembering Kathys' positive attitude during her illness, and the fact that she almost never complained no matter what trauma she went through. She ENDURED all. So... it was a bit emotional for me (eventhough it's been 5 years since Kathys' death). I thought of how easy it is to run downhill (Lawe Street) with the wind at our back; I thought of how hard it is to run uphill (Drew Street) with the wind in your face. The correlation to life and illness are obvious to me. Don't take life for granted, embrace the day and be thankful. Yes, be thankful for your health. In an even stranger sense, be thankful for your struggles.

RACE RESULTS: There were 366 women in my age group who participated in the SoleBurner. I am proud to say that even though it was slow going for me up the Drew Street hill (yes, I confess I walked the hill, and there were times during the race where I was slowed down as my eyes filled with tears which then rolled down my cheeks) .... of the 366 women I came in 43rd.

I am thankful that Kathy was there in spirit cheering me on!

What A Difference A Vacation Makes !!

FINALLY... a vacation! During late April, early May my mom and I flew out to Maryland to visit my sister. What a wonderful getaway from work and my normal humdrum daily routine. We traveled to "St. Michaels" on the Chesapeake Bay for a day.



Most often we were off to Annapolis, as it's close to my sisters' house. Here are a few of the many front doors of Annapolis historic homes which participated in the "MAY Day" contest. The owners of the homes/businesses in the historic area place fresh flowers on the front door/home and are judged.

I am so blessed to have had this time with my mom and sister; even more importantly I am THANKFUL to all family/friends who helped take care of my cats so that I could have this time of relaxation...