The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

A happy day for a young couple in love and a happy day for all of the United Kingdom.

Belated Easter

With all the stuff going on, arranging for the move of John's mother and brother to NM next week from AZ, I forgot to post this cartoon. I think it's really cute. It is definitely getting a little hectic with many, many phone calls a day to and from Arizona. John leaves on Tuesday morning and they will all be back on Thursday night. Florence, John's mom, is very excited about the move - as we are. Simon, however, is not too happy about it. He wanted to stay where he is alone but, although almost 60 years old chronologically, he is only 8 years old and obviously cannot be on his own. Once he is here and settled we would like to get him involved in some things to make for a happier and full life for him.

Cartoon provided by: Reader's Digest

Krista

It has been four years since Krista, Danny, Bekah, and Roxie left for the Czech Republic. We have seen them once since then in June of 2009. We visit with them on Skype at least once a month - thank You, Lord, for Skype. I think I would go "nuts" if it weren't for Skype. I can't even imagine what families of missionaries used to go through when they had no phone contact and would wait, endlessly, for mail. We are blessed, in this time, to have he ability to visit, face to face, with one another. We miss them so very much and can hardly wait until next summer when they will be visiting California and, if it can be arranged, us here in New Mexico.

Easter 2011

Marcelle and her cute bunny basket. She didn't seem to realize that the marshmallows were edible but really enjoyed playing with them. Funny. She had two of her cousins visiting in California this weekend: Adam and Henry. They had a blast together; if their parents had allowed they would have been swimming in the fountain. We had a chance to Skype on Easter morning with them - it was great seeing Mary, Nathan, and the boys. Great weekend for all.

What Is Real?

This is a funny cartoon however, more and more, we are seeing young children committing violent acts. Some say it is just the violence in our world influencing them and some say it is the very violent games they are allowed to play even though they are marked for older young people and adults. I really don't know the answer to that but I do know that, if I were raising youngsters right now, I would not allow them to play violent video games regardless of what age they were for. I don't see what good that kind of game is. There are lots and lots of video games that are fun, educational, and non-violent - why not play those? Just asking.

Cartoon provided by: Reader's Digest

Tome Hill Pilgrimage

Every year on Good Friday people come from all over the state to climb Tome Hill as a pilgrimage. They walk for many miles. This is a huge sacrifice for some. A difficult climb, as John, Danny, Krista, and Alan can attest to. Misha was unable to climb as she was pregnant at the time.
I will not post on Good Friday so I will wish you a Very Happy Easter!

He is Risen, He is Risen Indeed!

Tome Hill photo provied by: John

Napa Rocks!

Misha, Alan, and Marcelle went on a short trip to Napa wine country a few weeks ago. This photo of Misha and Alan is awesome - love it. They had a great time for their few days there - exploring and, of course, tasting (Misha and Alan, not Marcelle - Ha! Ha!). The three of them always have a fun time together - nice to see. Good parents.

Italia

Danny and Krista in Italy. They were blessed to have an all expenses paid trip last week. They were in Trent, Verona, and Venice. They travelled with two friends who know Italy (one also speaks the language). They had an awesome time. This is the first time since arriving in the Czech Republic four years ago that they have had any time alone. They deserve it and the girls deserved the fun time they had with friends. God's blessings.

Latest "Me" Photo

This is the most recent photo taken of me - April 2. Behind me is our huge Christmas tree that stands outside the front of our house. The weather has been gorgeous lately; high 70's, sunny, and breezy. We don't seem to get much of a spring - winter to summer very rapidly. Would love a much longer spring - love having doors and windows open and feeling the breeze through the house.

Spring Lambs

There are sweet newborn animals everywhere here. These lambs were all hanging out together while their mothers quietly grazed. They were fascinated by John when he took this photo; they couldn't take their eyes of him. Perhaps they were a little afraid but they didn't run. I love this time of year as every grazing area has little wee ones romping around. Too cute!

TGIF

I am happy that it is Friday. We have been working furiously for the last 2 weeks to organize the move of John's mother and brother from Arizona to here. Lots to do. Lots to organize. They will be 20 minutes away -- which is awesome as we will be able to see them all the time. Pray for a smooth, uneventful move. The move takes place the week of May 3 - 5.

Cute photo of Marcelle. She's such a happy camper.

Have a Super Weekend!

Photo provided by: her proud parents

From The Window

Krista, Danny, and a couple of friends took a brief trip to Italy -- one day drive back and forth and three days there. This is a photo from their hotel window in Venice. They also visited Verona - makes me think of Shakespeare. The girls remained at home with a close friend of Krista's staying with them for a couple of days and then they had a three day pajama party at another friend's home. Fun for everyone!

Photo provided by: Danny

Legal Opinion

Spoke with my primary lawyer yesterday. He and the secondary both agree I have good case but it will not have a positive outcome unless we can get two independent doctors to agree that my vertigo is not preexisting. So, each of the lawyers is getting the opinion of a doctor. If they both agree that my vertigo is not preexisting then we will go forward with the case. My neurologist says that it is not preexisting but the insurance carrier has chosen to disregard his opinion. If we go forward with the case we would not only be suing for the Long Term Disability Insurance benefits that I am owed but also for what is called Bad Faith Insurance Claim; wherein an insurance carrier does not consider the medical information it has. This is quite common, apparently. Most people when they are denied insurance benefits drop it and that is what the insurance carrier hopes for. In my case, the insurance carrier is very well known for doing this. Will know more at the beginning of May.

No News Yet

No news as yet. These particular attorneys are very much in demand and so it is difficult to speak with them. Their staff is awesome and so I am happy with what is going on. Just hope that they have had the time to go through everything and complete their research so that they can determine whether we can pursue this or not. The stress of not being able to work for a year and a half plus being denied LTD benefits (three times) and three lawyers who have already said they cannot handle this case... Just need an answer. Here's hoping!

Perry Mason Rocks!

Calling today and should find out if my two lawyers feel that they would be able to win the case for me to get my Long Term Disability Insurance benefits. It has been a year since my Short Term Disability ended and have been unable to return to work. I am anxious about what they will say as they said they have to go through the insurance policy and contract between my employer and the insurance carrier. There may be clauses that forces me to go the the carrier's arbitrator which, my first attorney told me, would virtually guarantee a loss for me. However, I am still hopeful and and praying for the "Perry Mason" end to the story: he wins!!! Will keep you posted as to what I find out.

Unravelling

Sometimes we take things way too seriously - get upset - worry way too much - and ultimately "unravel". This is not good. Really? Due to the vertigo my brain became confused and would cause me to have great anxiety so I have definitely experienced "unravelling". It is not fun at all but over the last 18 months my brain has somehow adjusted to the vertigo and so I do not experience the anxiety nearly as much. I am happy about this as I really don't like taking a lot of medications and so now I very rarely use anything for the anxiety. Good thing - right?

HAVE A SUPER, DUPER WEEKEND!

Cartoon provided by: Reader's Digest

Heating And Cooling

As the cost of a barrel of oil increases so does the cost of heating. There are millions of senior citizens who are on a fixed income that will not be able to afford those increases. Seniors are the most susceptible to the cold (along with infants) and so there is a concern for their lives. Every year there are seniors who die because they cannot afford to heat their homes properly. The cost of electricity has also gone up and so the converse is also true. PNM, the utility company here in New Mexico, has just submitted a request to increase their prices by, are you ready? - 21%. Really? Who can afford that? We are praying that the PUC (Public Utilities Commission) will deny their request - we are not holding our breaths as they have never denied PNM the increase they request. But, there is always a first time.

Cartoon provided by: Reader's Digest

Smooching

There is nothing like a good kiss. A sigh as you come into the arms of the one you love. A sweet embrace. The comforting scent of your loved one. Whatever your age or the length of your loving relationship - remember to kiss.

So, go kiss them and kiss them well!

Cartoon provided by: Reader's Digest

Wildfires

The photo was taken in 2008 in North Carolina. The fire is beautiful, frightening, and enticing. The deer seem almost oblivious to what is happening. Fire is mesmerizing.

We have at least 5 wildfires going right now here in New Mexico, one of which has consumed over 10,000 acres including homes and racetrack paddocks. We have had no precipitation in the Albuquerque area in over 60 days - so, this entire area is a tinderbox.

We need rain!

Las Vegas

No, we didn't go to Las Vegas. But, imagine this: very heavy thunderstorms with funnel clouds, snow and ice, small town atmosphere. This doesn't sound like Las Vegas, does it? Well, in fact it does - Las Vegas, New Mexico. Yup, there's another one. It is a couple of hours east of Albuquerque. Nice little place - we've been through there a few years ago. Nothing at all like it's "sister" in Nevada. Just thought I would let you know there's another one.

Cartoon provided by: Reader's Digest

Spring Has Sprung

Spring is really here. The nights are cool and the days are warm. Buds on the trees are popping with new life. Windows and doors are open. Winter clothing is being put away. People are cheerful about winter being over (it was a snow filled, very cold one here). Delightful. Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Photo is of Sapillo Creek near Roberts Lake, NM