Same old, Same old

Rick is still not back to work. Scar tissue is preventing him from raising his arm up far enough. You know the routine - first we try the physical therapy, then go in to break it up if therapy doesn't work. I swear I never realized how debilitating scar tissue can be. The problem seems very cyclical - operate, form scar tissue - operate again. Personally, I say how far do you really need to raise your arm?

Mother's Day

I had an extremely nice Mother's Day. Donny said he wanted to take me out to breakfast and I thought about it and how expensive it would be and how it's always so crowded that you're herded in and out like cattle and I said No thank you!

I told him I wanted to pack something for breakfast and go to one of our favorite hiking spots that we discovered last year and have a picnic breakfast and then go for a long hike. And that's exactly what we did. It was WONDERFUL. We spread out a blanket, got out coffee out and read the paper sitting by the water watching the bikers and the joggers and the walkers go by. And then we joined them ourselves, tackling two different trails, Rocky Run and Hidden Pond. Rocky Run was the trail that we did last year that I had such a hard time with - I was almost in tears because it was so hard for me and I didn't know why. I figured it was the thyroid problem but it was SO difficult that I thought my hiking/walking days were over.

I only realized later that I was anemic and that's why it was so hard. So I really wanted to redeem myself and try it again - piece of cake! Whew! When we were done hiking we spread the blanket out again and just laid in the sun and relaxd. Followed that with a trip to Barnes & Noble to get a piece of cheesecake and an Iced Caramel Macchiato.

I would have to say it was The Perfect Day.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mothers out there. England celebrated Mothering day a couple of weeks ago, but we're sticking with the American version. Which means that unlike the States, we can go out to a local restaurant today and it won't be packed! Our plan though, is to do a family cooking challenge again. The menu tonight is Lemongrass soup and barbeque beef. Rick is also making a mushroom soup, but since no one else likes mushrooms, it's all on him.

Showing that we are total food addicts, Rick also got up this morning and made me my favorite breakfast - eggs benedict. But tonight is when the true Mother's Day festivities begin - Julie's honors project is due tomorrow and she needs a little help finishing up.

Birthday Wishes

Happy Birthday Donny

Cinco de Mayo!

Home Safe and Sound

Got in a couple of hours ago. Fairly uneventful trip back. It was great to spend time with everyone. By the time I left, I could barely close the suitcases!

Spring has Sprung

We have had such nice weather over the past two weeks I can't believe it. I actually wore a jacket today! Not a coat. Not a sweater, a sweatsirt and a jacket. Just a jacket. Surreal....

Coming Home

OK, here's the scoop. I fly out of Manchester on Sunday April 19 at 11:30 (AM) our time. I arrive in Newark, NJ at 2:25 PM your time. From Newark, I fly to Baltimore, arriving at 6:14. I'm renting a car, so I suspect I'll be arriving in Middletown around 8:30. That allows for time to get through baggage and even a little time to get lost. I'll have a TracPhone with me, but I don't think it will be active until I get to a Walmart to top it up.

Things I want to do while home:

Grottos, Crabs, Chinese. Yes, it all revolves around food! Also some clothes shopping.

I'm hoping that Mom would like to go to the Old Mill in Delmar for crabs (sparing you non-seafood lovers).

I can't wait to see everyone. Pam - if there's any way to get a day off, it would be great to spend a day with you. If not, we'll have to make do with a weeknight.