Hi there. . I'm back.

Sorry for the delay in updating folks. . we have been very busy with launching the new campaign, UnChain Buncombe. Seems like every day there is something exciting going on.  The campaign will officially lift off during the week of July 1, with a press release, a big fence with a crew from WLOS, billboards (two on Leicester Hwy), ads in Critter and Mountain Xpress, a huge raffle booth (Home of the $1.00 Raffle) at Bele Chere, a new website, posters and donation jars all over the county, new brochures and bumper stickers, and radio spots (one day on WCQS - our local NPR station which was donated to us). We are extremely happy about all of these media folks who have donated or heavily discounted their time/space!!!  We also have some events lined up and even more coming.  Fields BMW is giving us a free booth at their Mom, Dad and Dog Day and the local radio station group is setting up something for us during their Dog Days Celebration on the river.  I am also teaching first graders at Brother Wolf's Critter Camp this summer.  We have set up most of this in the last 3 weeks since we have returned to NC.  Whew! 

Hobby wise I am delving into plant land (I have a grey thumb) and will try to get something pretty for our decks going. . will post pictures if and when.  I will also be painting rocks (The "Dogs Rock" Collection) to give to people who donate to us.


Health wise I am fine.  Seeing a surgeon on the 18th to determine if she can shoot me with a steroid to cut down on the pain in my stoma.  That continues to be the main problem.

Chemo was postponed on Monday due to low platelets at 53 (minimum is 75).  So we will have chemo next Monday-Wed.  

Today we went hiking with the Palmers into the Blue Ridge (Craggy Pinnacle) and it was a great day to be out.  We're planning our next trip with them which might be aboard Celebrity's new ship to explore St. Kitts, San Juan and St. Thomas.   Can't wait for this! 

The Big Spring tour of ABBA inns is on Saturday and Gil and Joe will be joining us.   It will be wonderful to visit with former colleagues again and meet some of the new owners.  We have heard that many inns have drastically redecorated!  Also, a big hug to Jim for stuffing ChainFree material in all the registrants' bags and placing a poster (see above) and jar at their inn.  Such generous folks!

We're doing the Studio Stroll in the River Arts District this Sunday to get more raffle prizes for our booth.  Also going to the Police Academy annual picnic on the 16th (I miss Chief Hogan!) and was so flattered to be included in this event.  It will be great to catch up with the officers and my classmates and I hope to sign up for the shooting range. Hello!

Patrick and the dogs are all fine.  No illness, Thank Goodness.   (But the Cardinals need to start performing better, ok?)   We had our share of sicknesses in Florida.  Patrick down for 11 days, Reese's cancer and Allie's cancer scare.  Reese is tolerating his meds very well and has concluded his 3rd chemo round and will remain on prednisone for the near future anyway. 
Hope you all are keeping busy and staying happy.

Love,

Peggy