Well, I'm back. . .

I am not totally well. . LOL! . . But I am back because let's face it I love to blog!  It is like a medication to me. . getting all the news out and letting me pretend I am reporting on my life. . like a journalist.  I can see how it can be addicting. 

In the wellness department, my stoma has a ring of fire (irritation and skin breakdown)  now which stings like heck and we're trying different topical products to reduce the pain likened to someone dropping acid on your body.  Not much is helping except my pain meds which I am taking double the amount of for now. By Tuesday I can call Dr. Lucas' office and see what she recommends for this.  This happened in Florida but then suddenly went away. . what in the heck is causing this?

Patrick and I are doing no work for next 48 hours to relax away from Chain Free and I thought we would have fun -- not be burdened by pain.  The city fireworks are tonight (the 3rd) but I just don't feel up to going.  Patrick has a new  book that Seamus gave him so he is content.   We can catch some fireworks from our balcony/deck.

The cousins, Seamus and Marty, have come and gone.  They are delightful people.  We had a welcome to America party with about 13 folks along with a happy birthday cake and a wonderful performance by Howard on his bagpipes up at the clubhouse and pool.  Everyone seemed to have had a great time and they were surprised by the photo cakes of Seamus at 2 and one of the two of them last New Year's eve which I took from Facebook and printed, gave to Wal*Mart and they made the cakes.  Surprisingly good cakes but they did not use red ink in the pictures so they came out with a blue cast, but they were ok. 

We did the Biltmore, dined at Corner Kitchen, and visited Knoxville to see my grandfather.  While there we found my great grandmother and great grandfather on my grandmother's side (Nellie's mom and dad).  Amazing. Ha!  John was born on St. Paddy's Day in 1851.  I wonder if they had green beer back then?

My cousin John came down from Maryland and said meeting Seamus and Marty was was slipping into an old pair of shoes.  They are very easygoing and fun to be with! I heartily agreed!

So tomorrow we are dedicated to relaxing a bit and I will try to get in one mile on Mr.  Treadmill.  It is getting easier and easier to go the mile.  Now if I can only get to three!

HAPPY FOURTH everyone!

Love,

Peggy