Well this year has been an interesting one thus far. I've continued a very loving relationship with a wonderful man whom I met and clicked so strongly with seven months ago. I'm head over heels for the first time in my life, and am constantly amazed at how much two people can grow together while being so far apart. Only time will tell what's in store for us, but I cherish what we have, and find that my cheeks often hurt from smiling so much. I can think of worse things in life, that's for sure.

My baby bear grandnephew Evan just turned a year old.. he had a wonderful little party yesterday. He's just an amazing little guy.. I'm in love with him too.

I have a new grandniece, Katelynn, who was born on Christmas day. I saw her yesterday also.. she's getting so big, though just over 9 pounds now (smaller still than her cousin Evan when he was born). She's a little cutie pie, and boy does she look like her big brother Harley. He's doing pretty well. Some of you may recall that he has lung disease, and has really struggled with his health in the past. He's in first grade now, and is reading very well. He doesn't play too much because the kids rough-house a bit, and he's just not up to that activity, but he does well in school. His speech is certainly much better since his tonsils came out last year, it's easier to understand what he says now. lol He's doing well considering, and he hasn't even been in the hospital for a while. Small miracles are good.

I'm continuing play time with Horton, that would be my banjo. He's an interesting hobby, and very relaxing. I'll never be a pro, and don't have a need to be, but it's sure nice to make some music. Evan even dances to it.. so it must not be too horrible. lol I think I'll start teaching him how to play this year. I took a road trip to NC recently, with a pal from WI who also plays banjo. It was a nice little weekend getaway, and I met some other banjoists from the area. It had been a while since I took a road trip, so it was nice to get ouf ot Dodge for a while. I'm hoping to further my banjo abilities somewhat, and meet some other pickers.. it's almost Spring, there should be some festivals going on somewhere soon. Annnnd I'll have another road trip in the coming months.. but not for banjo purposes.  

I suppose I'll close for now. I hope you're all happy and healthy, and managing to avoid the 'illness' going around. I've been sick since Dec. 27th, though I think I'm about over it. Knock on Wood. Sinus cold, cough, sinus infection, cough, flu, cough, and something like pneumonia that was really painful, cough. I've still got a touch of the cough, and some asthma like symptoms, but I'm improving. I hope you all avoid it, it's really nasty stuff. Take care of yourselves, and keep in touch.

--K

2008

HAPPY NEW YEAR Xangapals!

I've been invisible here lately. Lots of things going on in life....

The little Bear baby born back in Feb is now 10 months old and cute as cute can be. He's an investigative little guy, intrigued by electronics, and thrilled with music. A beautiful little child.

I have a new grandniece born on Christmas morning, little sister to Harley. She's a tiny little thing but looks like her big brother and has her mommy's dimples (which would also be my dimples even though I'm just the auntie).

My son still struggles, and things are not well, tough love is tough.

I'm still at the bookstore, and wonder sometimes if that will ever change. lol They're good folk though.. I'm happy to be a part of such kindness.

Personally, I've had some of my happiest and saddest moments over the past months. My heart is full, and I haven't been able to say that in a very long time. I hope this new year holds some amazing new experiences for me. It seems it will.. time will tell.

I wish you all a wonderful New Year, complete with fulfilled wishes and dreams, happy and healthy days, and lots of love and friendship.

--K

Life

I've been keeping busy sewing, working, learning to play the banjo, playing with baby Bear etc. Not a lot of anything in particular, just bits of everything occupying my time.

I'm desperate for a road trip, but I don't see it happening any time soon. I long for a weekend at waters' edge.. for a walk in a canyon or forrest, or a relaxing dip in a pool. I really need to make time to re-create with nature, I think the artificial light is clogging my brain. lol

I've been reading Harry Potter. After chatting with my sister, I've decided to read all the books starting with the first year. I had read book 5, so when I saw the movie on Monday nothing surprised me, now I have to catch up with all the other books so I can read 6 and 7 and know what happens without someone else telling me. Everyone I've spoken to, or read opinions of, had read the book before seeing the movie. I'd like an opinion from some who've NOT read the book but saw the movie... what did you think?

Allrightythen, I guess I'll be off to my nightly read. Take care of yourselves, and enjoy the weekend. *** I added a couple of photos to my photo page.. Nephews Evan "Bear", and Harley/me.

Slightly Absent

So, I've not been around much, but I've been keeping busy.

I finally bought my banjo. Woohoooo. An RK20.. which probably means nothing to most of you.. lol.. but it's pretty and sounds great, contrary to what classical guitarists might think lol. I'm learning.. and it's great. It's a hobby, it's relaxing, and it has made me an oodle of friends all over the world in just a very short time.

Yep.. I'm lovin' it.

My son is doing okay.. though he might be struggling with temper in about thirty minutes when I go give him a piece of my mind. I'm doing fine with him out on his own.. it's actually nice and quiet here. Ahhhhhh. I still love him, he's just got to learn some things about finances.

My family is doing well. Baby Bear is nearly four months old.. and  is nearly 27inches long, and he weighed 15 pounds when I got on the scale with him and without him the other day. My other grandnephew Harley is doing okay, though I don't get to see him too much anymore. His mommy is expecting another baby, she's due in December.. and I hope Ihope I hope it's a girl so we don't have to worry about this genetic illness with her. Little Bear will have tests done in August to see if his immune system is developing and working as it should. He's beautiful and healthy, and I think with all my heart that things will go just fine for him in August.

I guess that's it in a blogshell. I hope you all are well and enjoying your Summer. I think of you often, and read my xanga sub. digest daily... so even though I seem slightly absent.. I'm really out here watching from a distance.

xo,
Me.

A picture of the Ducklings