Time passes and the journey continues. We now have 7 grandchildren, and so many more miles under our belts. We have traveled more of the World, and it sure doesn't disappoint. 

I found it so interesting as we traveled through Northern United Kingdom, Scotland and Ireland it felt so much like home. I guess there is some truth to the saying home is where your roots are. I found myself wishing for more time and yearning for more visits with the wonderful people we met along the way. The food is different, some great, but not the mushy peas! The beauty of all that we saw was so breath taking. I long to return. Hoping the world returns to a more normal pace, now that covid is waning. I love our United States. They are so beautiful, and worth visiting. I have now visited all 50 states and found lovely places in all. Life is good.

Tomorrow I go into the hospital to have a kidney stone removed. In our modern age of science it's no longer an overnight stay in the hospital, it's a few hours and then back home to the comfort of our own beds! Thankful for all those who study diligently and research- bringing new knowledge towards cures! I am a bit nervous to "go under", the drugs always worry me, you're no longer in control!
 We have so much going on right now, just finished up with our youngest, Ashley and Coty Palmer's wedding reception/celebration. We had so much fun, love seeing old friends, meeting new family ( love the Palmer's family).  Had it not been for my sister Yvette Jackson, it would have been a disaster! She really helped out with so much, love her and of course the whole family! A few people just sort of no showed at the last minute and we were a bit short in the kitchen area. So, Yvette and Steve picked up the slack, and Steve and Robin Callahan and Bruce and Brenda and Melody Pittard rounded out the crew. Brenda Shuey helped for a bit as well. Yvette's sacrifice was two fold as she is finishing up her Masters this semester and she had several papers to finish during her Spring Break. Instead, she shopped, chopped and prepared with myself, Andrea Meyer, Brenda Pittard, and Darlene Shanks Rawlins. So happy for the new Mr. and Mrs. Coty Palmer, so glad it's done!

Now, we have Yvette's Master's Celebration on the 17th of May in Boise, Idaho, a party at Johnny Carinos' afterwards. I will be off to St. Louis after that! Danielle and Joseph are expecting their fourth daughter, hoping for the first week of May, but Danielle feels she may come earlier. So, I am planning on flying out after the party in Idaho to play Grandma to some very wonderful little girls. I will get to spend a few days with my Idaho grandchildren before I fly out to St. Louis, I feel this could be a very fun time in my life.

I am hoping that after my stay in St. Louis to fly to San Diego and visit with my mother -in-law Donnie and then on the train up to see my folks in the San Luis Obispo aread. Poor Duane will be lonely, but he's working so much, he may not even notice...( just kidding)

When I get back from all that, I will have foot surgery, and may be down for about 6 weeks, looking forward to getting it over!

Time keeps on slipping into the future...I've heard those words somewhere before...? But they are so apt, we have had an extremely fun and busy past year! WE moved to our new townhome in April, and are loving the closeness to work and the extra guest room!

This is our guest room, make your bid now, slots are filling up and we'd love to have you come visit!

 The first of May we had Nancy Madsen, Brian and Melanie Stengel and boys stay on their big Florida Vacation...the day they left we had Craig and Heather Hamann and their sweet children stay with us as well. My brother Mike Madsen will be here this Wednesday for a few days for grand opening of the Antartica Exhibit at Sea World here in Olando. Haven't seen Mike since he helped us move from Idaho 2 years ago.

 Now getting ready to have Joseph and Danielle Cullen and our beautiful granddaughters visit for a week the first of June. Danielle and Joseph are going to entrust the girls to Duane, myself and Eric for the week, as they hope to have some quality time together here in Florida! WE hope to have some seriously good times with our girls...the hard part will be cramming it all in, including the sewing and crafting we have planned!

Work is going well for both of us. Duane is doing well at Mears Transportation, currently driving the Disney Magical Express. He is having so much fun, and brings joy to those he transports to the magic at Walt Disney World...I love sharing a moment of pixie dust with our guests preparing to join us here at Walt Disney World. Being a REservationist is fun, I work four 10 hour shifts and have Sat, Sun, and Monday off...very nice. Hugs to all, hope to see you real soon!