Still Kicking (and Screaming and Bundling up!)

Aren't these paintings absolutely beautiful? They are painted by a woman here at Grandfather Golf and Country Club. Her work is EXQUISITE!! Her name is Ruthie Windsor Mann and you can view her website and buy her art at http://www.ruthiewindormann.com/. Do yourself a favor and visit her site, it's very impressive and she LOVES to paint English country manors. So refreshing!!! WELL ...

I drove to work in the snow this morning ... you know, the first day of Spring and all. Our daffodils were face down in the white fluffy dusting . . . must be tough to be a spring flower in the High Country! Tomorrow is supposed to be LUXURY with sun and almost 60 degrees. As Paul and I are both having a Holiday (OMG!) for Good Friday tomorrow, I'm hoping to drag his tired and weary welding ars out to hike! Hopefully, by noon it'll be warm enough, and he'll be awake enough, and I'll have the backpack ready. I figure if we go to the Tennessee side, we'll have plenty of warmth to enjoy a few hours of Mother Nature's sheer beauty. My fingers are crossed!
In the news here ... and with our friends and family:

First of all, Sara did indeed make it to the competition, albeit a comedy skit from what her mom, Janet wrote and shared. I'd forgotten how challenging loading a horse into a trailer can be. There was absolute determination in those women, they did eventually load, unload and load and unload yet again. Badger, who is new at all this, is apparently unharmed and no worse for the wear. He's 17 hand high - holy moly! It's a wonder he fits in a trailer!!! Sara did get to lunge him ride him around an arena, even though it wasn't for show. The "first timers" seem to have done ever so brilliantly and I'm so impressed and proud of everyone involved. I know this will not be the last of stories from Sara and Badger (and Janet as well) and I send them many kudos for their effort and education!

Our niece, Erin, had a birthday on the 18th! I'm so excited to be able to wish her a happy birthday ... and to even know when it is has just been a huge thing! She seems to be doing just fine on the pig farm, although I know she'd love to be over that (in a BIG way). Happy Birthday, Erin ... AND MANY MANY MORE!!!!

Since last I wrote we've been to Atlanta to help my sister-in-law pack up some of my brother's office and bedroom. It was a very intense weekend counting the travel and the nature of the trip. But all in all, we muddled through (some of us are just better muddlers than others anyway) and most of his office is packed up and ready for the next step(s). Debbie is healing, better than many I've seen, but she still has a crater sized hole in her very big heart. Please keep good thoughts streaming her way as she makes huge decisions in her new adventurous life! Her dad is healing INCREDIBLY fast!! I can hardly believe how amazing science is ... he had a triple by-pass of his heart not quite a month ago. He's driving and has been released to work as he feels fit. What a huge testimony for living right and getting medical checks when you're supposed to! So amazing...technology! Pennisu and Lois continue to face Lois's treatment and recovery with courage and grace. Lois had her first round of chemo this past Tues and seems to be doing very well. These tough cookies we know just continue to make unbelievable strides to continue good life. And we continue to send love and prayers their way to aid in their strength and determination. Bless you all as you "carry on".

The Dancer's Pointe kids danced in a VERY COOL competition last weekend. (JUMP, I think)

I was amazed when I found out that you could actually watch the live feed on the internet. So, much of my time last weekend was consumed by watching the kids dance!!! WAY TO GO YOU GUYS! And congratulations to those of you who got to meet the So You Think You Can Dance extraordinaires! I'm so excited for y'all! Here's Sam with Danny --- How Cool!!!! You guys are SO lucky! Don't forget to thank your parents! ;-)

Dance for me here is always uncertain. For example, is anyone going to show up for class, is anyone going to want to dance, is anyone going to wear leotards or a bun ... etc., etc. Very different! But it's fun when everything comes together!!!! Working on recital, the fun time of year. Everything is different here in the High Country!! I probably have already mentioned that.

Anyway, Paul is still having a big time at work. He comes home tired and happy every morning, so who could ask for anything more! He always has a tale to tell and it keeps me plenty entertained. Between his tales and the guys here at work, I'm set on daily stories!

Hope this finds everyone read for a beautiful Easter weekend and in the mood to celebrate the FIRST DAY OF SPRING and the equinox and the coming of fresh, new things. Hope you all have dreams to fill and happy hearts. Happy Easter to one and all! Paul & Cheri