Whisper1(Linda) Thread #9 of 2013

It is count down time to the multiple neck fusion surgery next Monday, November 11.

The image above reminds me of hope that streams through and gently filters through the clouds, leaving a warm ray of warmth.

Thanks to all who have walked with me on this long journey. Words cannot express my gratitude.

Currently reading (at a very slow pace)
The Gardens of Kyoto by Kate Walbert

Hi Linda!

Hi, Linda! Sending you all the strength and hope and peace I can find to get you through this.

{{{{Linda}}}}

(You and Richard are both up late tonight--I fear it may be pain the reason for the both of you.)

Hello Linda, that's a lovely image at the top there. I'm sorry I've not visited much recently - still going through my own upheavals - but I just want to wish you well for Monday. I'll be praying for you.

Hi Linda. Delurking to say that I'm adding my prayers for you for your surgery on Monday and your recovery in the days and weeks after. God bless.

Thinking of you Linda ... Hoping all goes well for you.

Happy new thread!
I've got next Monday on my calendar marked as "Linda Day!" just to be certain to be sending extra strong thoughts your way then.

Lovely photo at the beginning of your thread, Linda! You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers, particularly on Monday.

I am holding you in my heart, Linda. As you know it is my RL birthday, too. Turning 69. I hope we both happily live through the day, and recover quickly and totally! I know you are looking forward to some pain-free living! {{hugs}}

Linda, I hope you will feel you can soar like the bird in that image once you recover from this latest surgery. You will be in my thoughts on Monday.

Sending up prayers for you!

Linda....hugging you in my heart, reading extra for you (since you can't do it yourself) and thinking warm, happy thoughts that will waft over the stratosphere to land in your pain-killed locus after the surgery. Rest well...we love you.

Linda- Congrats on the new thread. Lovely topper. I am wishing you all the best for Monday. Big, gentle, hugs!

Lovely photo at top, Linda. Getting close to the big day! Sending you lots of positive thoughts.

Wishing you well Monday and in your recovery after.

Beautiful and inspiring new thread you have here, Linda!
I was just wondering to myself today, so I'll ask, are Will and/or Stasia going to be giving us updates. My prayers and thoughts are on you, sweetie and I look forward to the day you're able to chat with us again.

Thinking of you Linda!

An abundance of tropical hugs for you Linda, dear lady.

Linda, I have just caught up with your thread, and I am so glad that I made it before your surgery. We will be keeping you and Will in our thoughts and prayers.

Wishing you the best next Monday Linda. I've got you in my prayers.

Dear Linda, go in with courage, come out with patience, go forth with joy. I'm one who is also praying you through this.

Beautiful opening picture, Linda. I have my fingers crossed that the sun is about to break through those clouds and shine it's healing warmth on you. Wishing you all the best.

>22 LizzieD: I really like that message...consider it doubled, Linda.

Hi Linda, that's a beautiful image you've started your thread with, as well as a good one to keep in mind as you go in for this surgery. I'll be thinking of you Monday and dearly hoping for your sake it brings on the relief you need and deserve. You're a dear lady. Hugs. xx

I hope all goes well for you!

*waves* I hope all goes well! Crossing everything: fingers,toes, and eyes!

Stunning new thread. Great idea to do it now, before surgery. I hope that you are feeling well enough to visit and participate VERY soon after. Sending much positive energy your way. You will certainly be in my thoughts on Monday.

The thread topper is beautiful.

Thinking of you this week Linda.

Adding my thoughts to the others here. I will be praying for you on Monday and hoping you find relief from pain quickly. Best wishes!

Wishing you thousands of angels hovering over you, protecting you, and giving you strength on Monday. Your body knows instinctively how to heal - right down to the cellular level. Rest with confidence.

Sending thoughts and prayers for you, Will, your surgeon and the medical team caring for you. Soft hugs {{{Linda}}}

And I say to myself, What a Wonderful World!
-----------------------------------------
I am so appreciative of the outreach. My energy is low, but I'm sure that when I am recovered, I'll have more vim and vigor.

For now, thanks for understanding, and thanks very much for visiting my thread, even though I haven't visited yours in awhile.

It was a busy week of appointments to be cleared for surgery.

The hospital will call tomorrow to let me know what time to report Monday.

Thanks everyone!

Thinking of you this weekend, knowing you are in preparation. Love and hugs!

Me too. Nothing to add, but I'm thinking about you.

I jump happily on the Band Wagon making a loud and joyful noise to the Universe. You are much loved, and respected here, and we are legions holding you in the light of full, complete, and rapid recovery. Universe! Make it so!

p.s. thank you for the darling birthday cake, early means I get to eat most of it. ha ha ha

eta: I just notice I posed at 11:11 pm my time. Interesting...

Hi- good luck for tomorrow! Another big day for you, I am sure it will go OK, and that you will get through this like you have before. It is a huge weight off once the actual surgery is done.
((((hugs))))

Linda, good luck for tomorrow. I'm thinking of you and hope you are sound asleep right now.
Kia kaha and I look forward to a happy update tomorrow night NZ time.

Good luck tomorrow. We'll be thinking of you.

Just stopping by to let you know I'll be thinking of you tomorrow, Linda, and hoping all goes very well indeed.

Hoping for a happy easy day for you tomorrow!

Hi Linda, I just want to add my support and well wishes to all the others and echo Karen's comments about how loved and respected you are. Many positive healing thoughts will be sent your way tomorrow and I hope they make things as easy as possible for you. Wishing you a soft landing!

I'm thinking of you today and will be tomorrow, too, Linda. Here's hoping you get a good and restful night's sleep tonight, too!

You will be in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow Linda. Get better soon!

Yup, we've got your back, girl. All the positive energy sending your way! Complete and rapid full recovery!

Adding a note to let you know that I will be thinking of you as well, Linda. May tomorrow and your recovery go smoothly.

Also thinking of you!

FYI, I'm sitting here crying. Today I felt surrounded by love. And, in reading all the wonderful posts, I am touched beyond words.

And, I do believe it is a wonderful world, filled with people who are kind, sensitive and loving.

Who would have thought that when this group started in 2008, we would expand at such a wonderful, rapid pace.

Who would have thought that even though some of us have never met, we hold each other in the light of love.

Thanks just doesn't cover what I want to say. There are no words.

Adding my good wishes and surrounding you with peace.

Your love and courage are amazing.

Good luck today, Linda.

95 years ago today the Great War was ended by the Armistice. I hope on this auspicious anniversary peace your pain gets its own peace treaty via your neck fusion surgery today.

You are very much in my thoughts today. xx

Will is supposed to call to update me this evening after Linda's surgery is over. I will post here the minute I know anything. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers for her!

Strength and precision to your surgeon's hands today, Linda. Strength and courage to you...better days are coming.

Linda, I am holding you, Will, and the surgeons in my prayers today as, once again, you undergo surgery to relieve your neck pain. Your attitude of hope and thankfulness is an inspiration to all of us.

Thank you in advance, Stasia, for keeping us informed. You are a good friend.

Thinking of you, Linda, as you go to surgery. I've been praying for you, and continue to do so. May it be a very successful surgery with no complications and a record-breakingly fast recovery period!

You're in my thoughts today, Linda, and my prayers for you and Will and your surgeons. Hugs and best wishes.

Today's the day! I'm very excited for you, and like Paul, I hope it's the day of a lasting armistice with this damnable disease.

Love and hugs and abundant healing vibes are all coming your way.

Thinking of you!

Adding prayers for a successful surgery and very quick healing.

>32 Whisper1: Wow, gorgeous!

Thinking of you today and sending positive thoughts, Linda.

Thanks, Stasia, for being our link to Linda.
Quite by coincidence my bible study leader, who's never done this before, asked if anyone had someone they'd like the group to pray for in the coming week, I didn't hesitate a second. Linda, Linda, Linda!

Thinking of you Linda.

I know that it's really too early to know anything, but I thought I'd check in just in case there had been an update. Praying and hoping for totally successful surgery and as easy a recuperation as possible. We love you, Linda!

Will just called: Linda is out of surgery and everything looks good. She will be in the recovery room for the next 90 minutes-2 hours and then be transferred to a regular room.

Thanks Stas!

Well... done, Linda.. I hope this is the beginning of the end of the pain
you have endured :( hugs

Thanks for the update, Stasia. I'm so glad everything seems to have gone well. Looking forward to hearing more good news.

I am so glad the news is good, and now its time for Linda to relax and rest and recoup! Maybe some light reading could be allowed….

Glad the surgery is over safely, Stasia. So glad you are able to let us know how it's going.

That's one great relief! Now on to the healing part. Thank you, Stasia! (Now you get some rest too.)

Wewt!

Now, Let the recovery begin! Yeah, Linda, you're the bomb!

So glad the surgery went well! Wishing you a speedy recovery, Linda!

Great news! Thanks Stasia.
Be well, Linda, wishing you a speedy recovery.

Will called while I was sleeping to let me know that Linda is now out of recovery and in her own room. He also said that the surgeon remarked how pleased he was with how the surgery went.

Great news. Stasia, thanks for keeping us informed!

Stasia- Thanks for the encouraging update! Hugs!

Oh, that's great news!

That's even better! Thanks Stas!

( I was beginning to be convinced that you don't sleep at all, I'm glad to hear that you do :)

Thanks for the updates Stasia. Hugs to you and (I'm sure you don't mind this once) especially to Linda.

Excellent news!

Couldn't check in last night, but am very relieved to hear that all went well. Now, let the healing begin! (With this much mojo at work, I'm surprised Linda isn't up doing the watusi already!)

This is all heading in the proper direction! So happy to hear the news is good, since that means more good news is most likely in the future!!

Great news! Thanks, Stasia, for keeping us informed.

Go Linda! Thanks, Stasia. The surgeon being happy about how it went is what you want to hear.

Thanks for passing on this great news, Stasia! Linda, I hope you are resting comfortably.

Yay! Great news!

Many thanks for the update, Stasia. Heal, Linda, heal!

Excellent news! Thanks Stasia and take care dear Linda.

So happy to hear that all went well. Thanks for the updates, Stasia. Wishing you a speedy recovery, Linda.

:)
(((hugs)))

Just got off the phone with Will: Linda is in a lot of pain, but she is doing well. She was projected to get out of the hospital in 3 days, but Will does not think that it is going to be that soon. He spoke with her surgeon who is very hopeful that this surgery has remedied the problem and that it will provide Linda with a pain-free life once she has recovered from the surgery.

I will continue to update here as I get news from Will, but at this point, things are looking good!

OK, this is beyond wishes now…I'm going to cross my fingers, cross my legs, and work on trying to cross some toes! I hope the recovery goes very well.

Thanks for keeping us posted, Stasia. I'm sorry Linda is in a lot of pain now but I'm so happy to hear that the surgeon is optimistic that Linda will be pain-free in the future.

May it be true that, after 3 surgeries, Linda can achieve a pain-free state--truly a condition to be wished for!

Thanks Stasia! Hopefully Linda's current pain will be short lived.

#91 Thank you for the update Stasia. Praying this will be the case!

Amen!

Thanks for the updates Stasia.

Linda I am thinking of you and praying this is the case for you that you will be pain free. Sending Healing Energy Dear and gentle hugs.

Thank you for the updates, Stacia.

May the pain be controlled and resolved soon!

This must seem like such an ugly deja vu from last year. Your courage is inspiring.

ETA: Also sending hugs to Will!

Thanks so much for those updates, Stasia. I am so hoping and praying that the surgeon is right and that this surgery has at last taken care of what was causing the pain. Please, please let that be true.

Sending all my best to you, Linda, and to Will.

Thniking of Linda and so wishing for that pain-free life to be hers.

Linda update for today: Will left a message that Linda is still in a lot of pain, but when she is awake she is lucid. They are projecting 5-6 more days in the hospital at this point, although obviously that is subject to change. Things are still going well though and her surgeon is pleased thus far.

It is challenging to have this pain in early recovery and to hear the surgeon say he is "happy"; but, I guess that means the pain at this point is normal recovery process. Crossing my fingers that this is true and all is progressing as it should.

I'm holding the image of Linda completely recovered and pain free! Soon.

Thank you @Stasia! Sending healing energy >>>>> Linda

Thank you for the updates, Stasia. And best wishes to Will.

Linda, I'm praying for your rapid recovery from surgery and pain!

Terri, you said it for me.

Blessings on you, Stasia, and of course on dear Linda.

Thank you, Stasia, bearer of good news. To Linda, keep up the good work!

Thanks for all the updates Stasia! I'll be keeping you in my thoughts Linda and hoping this painful period passes quickly so you can get back to the things you love.

Woo, that's a long hospital stay. Thanks for keeping us in the loop, Stasia. Joining everyone in wishing Linda good healing and recovery.

Stasia, I have just got on here after a crazy week - thank you for the updates. Linda, I am thinking of you and hope you are healing.

News for the day about Linda: She is HOME!! Will was extremely surprised they released her so soon. She is in a tremendous amount of pain, but the doctor felt like she could go home, so she did.

Great news! I hope you are more comfortable in your own home, Linda, and sleeping is always better.

Thanks Stasia.

So glad you can give us the latest updates, Stasia! And I also hope the comfort of home helps your recovery to go faster, Linda.

Welcome home, Linda! I hope you settle in more comfortably and your recovery speeds along.

And thanks to Stasia and Will for keeping all of us up to date on your progress. We all care about you so much, and hope this surgery finally brings you the freedom from pain that you deserve.

Home is good. I hope the pain subsides soon.

Will is a blessing! I hope he's getting some assistance from visiting nurses etc. Hospital's kick you out after you've reached their criteria so Linda must fit the bill, whether she or Will are emotionally ready or not. Continued get well prayers and hoping the pain is not long lasting.

Linda is home! Linda is home! See, all this LT love pays off!

Oh, great news! It's always nicer being in the comfort of home.

Thanks again to Stasia and hopefully Linda will be back posting and in no pain in no time at all.

Home? Well at least she will have peace and quiet, and no one constantly poking at her. Rest is very helpful for healing. Good on you Linda... it sounds like you are already beginning to heal well. Sending mojo!

Thanks ever so much everyone...Your outreach helps.

I am home. The medications I received intravenously and in tablet form are god awful. I can be home as a test.

I'm taking the strongest dose of dlaudid. If I begin to develop rashes, shallow breathing, racing pulse, or irregular behavior (Will tried to make light of this when he asked "What is "irregular behavior" from Linda? I laughed and the nurse looked somber,

I also have a heavy duty muscle relaxant, a cervical collar and four other prescriptions. Will wrote a chart for me so I can remember when to take them.

I know hospitals need to hold down costs, but I think because I was able to stand and get to the bathroom, they labeled me ready. I can rest better at home, that's for sure. The room mate was a lovely lady. But, she had family visiting night and day and they were loud.

The surgeon was very happy to tell us that he really thinks this invasion will be the one that will help to release me release me from pain.

------

I'm hobbling down the hall now to tell Will to worry! It took me 20 minutes to type this message -- Do you think the hospital will think this is irregular? It is for me.

Thanks again to all of you. I am blessed.

Now I heading back to bed. I wish I could read....I so miss reading...

Love

I suspect your insurance is more to blame than the hospital itself. I know that several times we've had doctors say that they'd prefer to keep a family member longer but that insurance just will not pay for those extra days. They can usually get by with "home health" when it is an older person which the insurance companies don't seem to mind as much. Of course, there is a limit even to that but they will pay for awhile.

Good to hear from you, Linda -- I hope you can rest and that the pain eases soon.

Don't push yourself, Linda dear. Rest, relax, and rest some more. Have Will pull out a few of those lovely picture books you have been collecting. We miss you, but we want you back 100% well and pain-free.

Keep resting, Linda, and the reading will come in its own time. We will all still be here rooting for you while you heal!

Dear Linda, you are an amazing, amazing woman! REST! Let all that stuff in your system work. We do so look forward to the day when you come here and write, "I FEEL GOOD!!!!!"
Bless Will. Bless you.

glad you could write your entry for us, but sorry it took so much effort. Rest, read, sleep. you've been through a lot.

Rest is the best cure, and I'm betting you'll get better rest at home than you would at the hospital. Also, it's good to get out of there so that you are away from the chance of hospital-caused infections.

Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way. You sound like you're one tough cookie!

Linda *gentle hugs* I'm dancing around the room with my pom poms! I hope you get lots of restful healing!

WOW!! From your own fingers, no less, and who cares it took 20min! You can focus! Your pain drugs aren't cosmetic, remember. The gross insult to the body needs pain control to heal promptly and properly. Remember not to skimp!

xoxoxoxoxo

Now THAT I wasn't expecting yet, Linda. So lovely to hear directly from you, but as others are saying, don't push yourself. Your body needs rest and time.

Home - nothing better. Thanks for posting, Linda. That's some major healing work you're doing. Not being able to read is hard, I know. Audio books? Hope it starts getting easier for you. Lots of positivity heading your way.

I'm amazed that you're already posting and I'm praying that your surgeon's optimism will soon be a reality for you!

I'm glad you're home where I'm sure you'll be more comfortable, but I do hope you continue to rest so you make the quickest, fullest recovery. xoxo

Linda! You are AMAZING! How nice of you to think of us in the early days of your recovery. You're an inspiration to me!

I second Lynda's comment that you're AMAZING! How great that you're able to recover at home and what a treat to see a post from you this soon. Please take good care and be conservative in what you try to do while you're healing. We're all pulling for you and hope you can feel all the love being sent in your direction.

Chiming in with echoes of what everyone has been saying. There's a psychological benefit to being at home that surely helps with the healing. And don't forget they have to warn you of all the dire things that might rarely happen; it doesn't mean any of them will happen to you, especially not with this bunch standing guard! Just keep looking ahead, with patience... Run Will ragged if you have to; sounds like he's quite willing to serve!

Linda - So glad for the updates, but please take care of yourself! You need lots of rest, but I'm so glad to hear that the outcome may be exactly what we've all been hoping for! Prayers and hugs!

So glad you're home. The hospital could only serve to make you sick so much better to be home. Hugs. And continuing prayers.

Just checking in. I didn't think that we would be needing to remind you to be patient yet, but I expect the time is fast approaching. Patience and Courage! (You have more than one woman's share of the latter; work on the former.) We're so proud and hopeful for you!

Best wishes Linda. Glad to see that you're out of hospital and that your surgeon is very hopeful of the outcome. Take it easy and don't do too much.

> ditto 141 take it easy, my friend

If I could paint, this is what I would paint to show how I feel today.

Hopeful, little dark around the edges, a tree in the foreground with many branches representing the paths I've taken in my life and then, looking upward in prayer that this terribly painful recovery will be worth it all.

Thanks to everyone in encouraging me to walk through it right on into the bright cloud.

I love how you think about things, Linda! I am also praying that your painful recovery will be worth it all. Keeping you in our hearts and in our thoughts. You continue to amaze us!

Glad to see you posting but also a little worried. Please take it easy. We'll wait however long is necessary for you to come back to us. Take care.

Happy to see you posting, but please take care of yourself and rest! Your body needs rest to recover.

A beautiful visual metaphor, and a charming simile of life to the tree. Making beauty out of pain, that's out Linda!

I'm taking a deep breath of relief that you are coming back to us, and a deeper breath of trepidation that you might be overdoing. Please take care ....we want you with us for a long time, pain-free and we're willing to wait for your gorgeous and life endowing insights until you're more comfortable. Love and hugs.

Linda has posted on FB that her pain is tremendous today. Crank up those ommmmm generators, friends.

Linda, wishing you a release from pain as soon as possible. Sending lots of love in the meantime.

Hi Linda, just stopping by with a big, warm, very gentle hug. Hope today is a good day for you.

Hi Linda, it's great to see you posting on-line, I am sorry to hear that the pain level is high, hopefully this will eventually fade and then simply be gone. Take care, gets lots of rest and don't overdo. ((Hugs))

You bet the pain now will be worth it later! Just think if all the books you'll be able to carry out of a future book sale. Hang tough, lady! :0)

>144 Whisper1: that is beautiful! (words and pic)
Just keep at it day by day. Its a tough road for you I think? But the destination might be just what you are after :)

Warm fuzzies to soothe the pain away, Linda, zillions of them to surround you and draw it away. Wish we could do it faster!

Dear Linda, I do hope that you have seen some improvement today. It's time for you to have a good stretch of time to balance out this bad one of the past couple of years.

Thinking of you Linda and hope tomorrow is brighter.

Sending fast-healing whammys, dear one, and a boatload of slurps from Stella.

Hopefully those cloud laden skies are being beset by warming winds Linda. Will sounds like my kind of guy and his quirky "irregular behaviour" comment is exactly what I would have said under the circumstances although in my case I would still be nursing a bruise or two as a result.

I remember vividly your proposal story. He was obviously a keeper even then and you're lucky to have his care and good cheer along for the ride. xx

Linda, sending you hugs and prayers - I hope your pain levels go down really soon.

Thinking of you, Linda. Positive thoughts for your body continuing to heal and normal life, with less pain, returning.

Many thanks to all. I firmly believe that all the love and positive thoughts are helping.

I spend most of my time on the couch, trying to read. Lilly is by my side. What a dog!

Last night I was hurting and she moved from the bottom of the couch to the top, snuggled right up by me. I held her so she would not fall off the couch. We fell asleep.

I awoke to Will's chuckle and I heard, "Well, all be darn, will you look at that."

Thanks and thanks again to all. I am blessed...richly blessed.

Ah, sweet Lilly. And sweet Will. Hugs to both for being there for you.

Wishing the best for you! May the pain lessen soon!

Linda, you've told us often how sensitive Lilly is to people who are hurting. I'm so glad she's turning her healing magic on you!

Sending more love your way Linda! That's a wonderful story about Lily and Will. Hope today turns out to be a good one.

#165 What Julia said - glad to hear Lilly is taking care of you Linda.

My reading consists of books of Victorian paintings. The Victorian age of art included fairy paintings.

I find serenity in Victorian Art.

Wishing you serenity and quick healing, Linda!

Hurray for Lilly! I hope her powers took effect today, Linda.

N need to worry any more... Lilly is clearly on the job and you will be well before you know it!

I'm glad Lily is proving to be such a God-send Linda. Wishing you the best.

Thanks to all for visiting! I went for a small walk yesterday. Will walked Lilly for fear she might see something and tug at the lease.

There are so many things I must remember.

I am overwhelmed at the continued outreach.

Soon, very soon, I hope I can concentrate on reading and not pain. It is a long journey and wonderful to have this lovely group to walk the path with me.

ILLUSTRATED BOOK #105

My Father's Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett

This 1949 Newbery honor recipient is a simple tale told in a marvelous manner.

Weary of admonishment by his mother, Elmer Elevator listens to a verbal stray cat regale his tales of travel. Hearing the tale of
Wild Island and a dragon captured there, Elmer decides to free the dragon.

With lovely illustrations, we accompany Elmer in his quest.

While certainly not intellectually stimulating, this book is a delight. Read and loved by children and adults, this is meant to be shared time and time again.

BOOK#79

Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr

This is the story of twelve year old Sadako.
Secure in her family and loved by friends, Sadako runs in her schools team.

Faster and faster she sails until one day she becomes very dizzy. When these spells continue, a doctor confirms that she has
suffered the fate of many.

Ten years after the bombing, Sadako develops leukemia as a result of the radiation effects of the United States bombing Hiroshima.

Her tale is one of courage and speaks loudly of the effects of war upon those who were very innocent.

Hearing the story of the crane who lives 1,000 years. If a person who is ill makes 1,000 paper cranes, the gods will render her healthy.

While hospitalized, Sadako begins to fold paper made into cranes.

Setting the goal of 1,000, sadly she does not live long enough to fold them all. After her death, her classmates finished the project and she was buried with all cranes.

Today paper cranes are a symbol of peace.

BOOK #106


The Gardener by Sarah Stewart with illustrations of David Small

This Caldecott Honor winning book is a delight for the eyes.

It is 1938 and jobs are scarce. When hearing of their plight, the Uncle of Lydia Grace Finch agrees to allow her to live with him temporarily.

Longing for her gardens, Lydia Grace turns the roof top of Uncle Jim's apartment building into a lovely wonderment of flowers.

When her father finds employment and she much return home, she teaches the skill of gardening to one of her Uncle's employees

While the illustrations are simplistic, they are worth studying. There are lovely details in each page that encourage the reader to pause and study.

You went for a walk!! Hurrah! That sounds like progress.

Linda, wishing you all the best for your recovery. The illustrations in the last book are lovely by the way.

That first gentle walk outside after any kind of illness or surgery is always uplifting, isn't it? I hope it's just the first of many that will eventually wash the pain out of your memory banks. I love My Father's Dragon, and illustrated books in general. They have healing power too. *hugs*

Glad to hear that you are up and about!

David Small, who did the artwork for The Gardener, also illustrated One Cool Friend, one of my favorite picture books from last year.

I'm so glad to hear you got out for some fresh air. One of the first steps of many to a complete recovery!

I'm glad to hear you are out a bit. Yay for the healing power of sunshine and a gentle walk with your best friends.

As always, thank you for the beautiful illustrations. I am so touched that you are in such pain and yet have the energy to scan and share and bless us with them.

My daughter read Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes in grade school. The teacher taught the kids to make the origami cranes and DD, 15 years later, is still making them. I have a variety of them that I hang on my Christmas tree. Teeny tiny fingernail size ones, large ones, some done in elegant foil and some from brown paper bags.

I loved My Father's Dragon when I was a kid, Linda, and the ones that came after, Elmer and the Dragon and The Dragons of Blueland. Unfortunately, while I was successful with our kids on some favorites from childhood, they didn't connect with these. Those illustrations really bring back memories.

I'm so happy to think about you - reading and snuggling with Lilly (and probably Will too) AND WALKING OUTSIDE!!!! Wonderful! Keep it up!!

What lovely books you are sharing with us! The illustrations are so marvelous, and I remember reading both The Gardener and My Father's Dragon to the kids years ago. The Gardener is reminding me of another book that my kids loved - Miss Rumphius. Have you read that one?

Sounds like Lilly and Will are taking very good care of you. Sending you my own love and healing thoughts and keeping you in my prayers. Wishing for you only good things.

>176 Whisper1: What charming illos! So pretty. Lilly and Will, between them, are doing a great job of making this a good journey back to health. Sending hugs!

Linda, in the midst of all of my stuff, I'd forgotten about your surgery. I'm so sorry! But, I'm glad to hear that you are at home and healing with the help of Will, medications, and Lilly. Many blessings and much healing energy are being sent to you right now...

Always so beautiful here :) No surprose, as it is your thread, Linda. Take care and go slowly ~

HI, Linda! So glad it sounds like you are making progress, getting a bit of a walk and reading some lovely books. You continue to be in my prayers.

Hello! It is raining and a perfect day for reading. I have a stack of books that I plan to read while recovering.

Looking at the stack, I'm not sure what I expected and think I reached too high in the goal.

Energy is very low. I saw my primary doctor yesterday and she was amazed at how well I'm doing.

Dear LT friends, thanks for your outreach. It means so much in the healing process.

Love to all

*smooch*

Happy healing *whammy* for daily increases in energy and focus!!

So good to hear your doctor thinks you're doing so well. Enjoy your rainy day of reading and keep on healing!

>192 phebj: Yes, what Pat said! Making the doctor happy should make you happy. Read for solace, joy and healing, not to reduce the stack!

Good news from the doc is what we want to hear! Keep up the good healing work, Linda.

oh yes. It's always good to know that you're actually ahead of the curve when you're still feeling miserable. Like a little sunshine peaking over the rim of the horizon.

Enjoy your reading. Wish I were doing the same! (work, work, work, work). Can't wait until I go home today.

Hi Linda, just dropping by to say hello. I'm glad your family doctor had an encouraging perspective! I appreciate you stopping by my thread but please don't over do it, m'lady.

Super smiles on my face when I hear good news from you!

Just don't try to go too far, too fast!
{{{{Hugs}}}}

>191 richardderus: & Linda

I envision Richard as a fairy running around glitter bombing people. . Or perhaps rapping them over the head with an oversized fairy wand. :P I hope you are doing well dearie!

Hi Linda! what terrific books you've been reading lately. They look comforting and heartwarming.
Hope you're pain free today!

Hello Everyone

It was a lovely fall day today. I took Lilly for a short walk. We were both happy to walk and see what fall has to offer.

I slept most of the day, awoke groggy and in pain. Each day will get better. For know, I'm losing patiend.

Hugs to all

Linda, you have handled all of this so well, I can imagine your patience is getting a little frayed around the edges. Hopefully all this pain and discomfort will soon just be a memory.

Thanks Judy!

My attention span is limited to illustrated books.

I continue the quest to read all Caldecott medal and honor books, and all Newberry medal and honor books.
ILLUSTRATED BOOK #107

The Little Island by Margaret Wise Brown and Leonard Weistard

This 1947 Caldecott Medal book is lyrical and charming. The illustrations pull the reader into the story.

The beauty lies in the simple tale of an island and the changes that occur during the seasons.

What gorgeous pictures - and they've been around since 1947? They really look fresh and contemporary.
I think you've been remarkably patient, dear Linda. I'm pretty sure that you will continue to be remarkably patient with far fewer slips into the bad stuff than most of us. You are essentially sunshine, and I hope and pray to find you brighter and brighter every day. (You GO, Linda - but not too far yet or too fast, please.)

Love those kingfishers! Rest and heal...steady as you go.

Please take it nice and slow, Linda! One step at a time. I can understand your impatience but your body needs to heal.

I love the illustrations from The Little Island. Thanks for posting them. How many Caldecott winners are there anyway?

Thanks Peggy and Linda!

Here is another lovely illustrated Caldecott winner that I read today:
ILLUSTRATED BOOK #108


Snow-White and the Seven Dwarfs translated by Randall Jarrell with illustrations of Nancy Ekholm Burkert

Learning she will have a child, the queen longed for a child who was white as snow, red as blood and black and the wood in the window frame.

After birthing the baby, the Queen dies. Quickly, the king marries another -
this one vain and wicked.


When the wicked step mother Queen learns from her mirror that she is not the fairest of them all, she bans her step daughter to the woods with henchmen shortly behind to kill her.


In the woods, no animals harm her.

Finding a cottage, she enters and learns of the seven dwarts.

When they go to work, her wicked step mother in disguise laces her ever tightly in the hope of killing her


Learning she was not successful, the Wicked Step mother attempted again.

When Snow White bit an apple given by the step mother, she immediately falls in a trance.

Enthralled by her presence, a Prince takes her body away. When the cart carrying Snow White bounces over uneven terrain, the piece of apple becomes dislodged and she awakes.



The Prince marries her and they live happily ever after...

-----------------------------------

The images in this book are art work to be cherished. I'll re-read this many times.

Preparing for surgery, I knew if I ordered books in the hope they arrived when I came home from the hospital, I would have a reward for all the pain. Here are some received; the rest will be noted tomorrow:

CONTINUATION OF BOOKS OBTAINED IN 2013

BOOK #455-470

Do I see The Sex Lives of the Kings and Queens of England? LOL

Linda - you are priceless and a joy. One post on from telling us that you hope to soon be reading again you put up three reviews.

Trust that your recovery continues apace and that you'll have a wonderful weekend.

Looks like things are humming along Linda as you continue on the road to recovery. Bravo!

Pat, I'm not sure how many Caldecott winners there are. I'll try to find that number tomorrow. Thanks for stopping by

Morphy...If it contains the word "Tudor" or
words "King of Englad", I have no standards...I'll read it...LOL right back.
Thanks for making me smile... I appreciate you.

Paul...funny you should mention that because as I was writing the reviews I thought the same. I'm frustrated that I haven't had the strength and stamina to read a novel. I've tried six-seven different ones and put them down. Any suggestions? What was your favorite book thus far this year?

Hello Dear Bonnie.Is is cold and snowy in your area? We had some flurries this evening. It looked so pretty.

#205 -- The Caldecott Medal has been awarded yearly since 1938, so there have been 75 medal winners, but the committee usually names honor books as well, the number of which varies from year to year. So, a total of about 315 books have been recognized as Caldecott Medal or Caldecott Honor books.

Dear Linda,

This is from my best of list so far in 2013. I know that some, at least of these you've already read.

Fiction
1 The Yellow Birds by Kevin Powers
2 The In-Between World of Vikram Lall by M.G. Vassanji
3 The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
4 Mr. Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan
5 What a Carve Up! by Jonathan Coe
6 Among Others by Jo Walton
7 The Gift of Rain by Tan Twan Eng

Thrillers
1 Phantom by Jo Nesbo
2 Thirteen Hours by Deon Meyer
3 A Quiet Flame by Philip Kerr
4 A Conspiracy of Faith by Jussi Adler-Olsen
5 Dominion by C.J. Sansom

They are not listed in any particular order.

Hello, Linda. So glad to hear that you are home and enjoying Lilly's company and even getting out for short walks. As for being impatient, it's understandable. But remember how crazy it must be at work at this time of the semester; then lie back and enjoy your illustrated books in your calm environment with a smile on your face.

I was going to recommend Garden Spells but you've already read it. Hmm...

Suggestions are welcome regarding favorite books of 2013. Please take a minute to steer me into book heaven...

Today is lovely, cold, but lovely. I watch the cardinals at the bird freeder while sipping tea.

Happy Sunday to all.

CONTINUATION OF BOOKS OBTAINED IN 2013:

BOOK #471-493

Happy Sunday to you, Linda!

Have been following your progress and am quite pleased you are doing so well! Cudos to Lilly and Will for taking such good care of you. I know time seems to go so slowly while you're trying to heal - but your body knows just what to do to knit itself back together. You are still in my prayers and thoughts.

Gentle hugs...

As I remember the recovery from my first hip replacement surgery in 2000 I spent many hours alternating between watching Animal Planet on TV (or CNN), flipping through magazines of pretty houses, or creative ideas, or just whatever, trying to read books and finding a few pages, or even paragraphs was all I wanted to do at a time. Then I would eat, or do a couple of dishes, and go back to sleep, nap, or being a vegetable in front of entertaining TV shows. Really. It does take a good deal of time for the body to re-enter its full self, I think. So, be gentle with yourself and pump up the patience muscles. Reading and loving picture books is perfect. Poke about on the computer. Take a nap. Love the dog. Eat healthy food. Repeat. And the healing will continue without you even noticing; and of course, we are all sending you warm, comforting, and healing energies. Whammies.

One of my most favoritest bestest most-ut reads of 2013 is The Luminaries, but I don't want you to read it until next year because it weights ~10lb and can do *serious* damage to one's neck and wrists if read without proper reinforcement...ie, an iron reading cage upon which to rest the book while the book-butler turns the pages and periodically administers soothing wines and unguents.

Alternatively, it can safely be read on the Kindle.

Just dropping by to wish you well, Linda.

I recently read a book called Jerusalem Gap by T.R. Pearson which was a relatively short, gentle story about a man and the dog he adopted, and their relationship with the folks at a nearby nursing home. I got a Kindle edition, and I see it is available again for 99 cents. Just a thought.

Isn't The Little Island just wonderful? Charlie has a copy on his shelves that we ooh and aah over every once in awhile.
And you're up and taking walks! That's amazing! Cheering you on, lady!

For a gentle novel., I would recommend My Antonia by Willa Cather. I've read it twice this year, and its rewards just grow.

Oh, yes, My Antonia was a delightful, and not challenging, read. I think most of Willa Cather's work might just suit.

Linda, I have been following your recovery with awe. I'm glad you are able to take short walks. Fresh air is a wonderful form of medicine. And those books. How clever of you to place book orders in advance of your surgery so you would have some wonderful little surprises in the mail. Your attitude is amazing and an inspiration to me.

My tiny new granddaughter's name is Hope. It is one of my favorite words and a very fitting name for a premature baby. My 'hope' for you is to continue to feel better and get relief from the pain you have been struggling with far too long.

Beautiful thread as always, and so happy to see you. Please carry on getting better every day.. hugs

What great illustrations from the Margaret Wise Brown and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs books, Linda. We always think of Goodnight Moon with MWB, and I hadn't thought about checking into other good books she may have done.

Glad to hear you're continuing to improve. Being able to walk a bit is major.

My dearest Linda!!!! Very gentle (((((hugs)))))) to you!

I'm shocked that you are up and posting so quickly! I never would have imagined that you'd be back to LT'ing so soon! I hope you are resting all you should and not overdoing things.... I can't imagine all you've been through.

So sorry that it has been so very long since I have been by, but it doesn't mean I haven't thought of you. Will continue to keep you in my heart and prayers!

>227 jnwelch: Joe: MWB has a bunch of great ones, The Big Red Barn being a favorite at Scaife Manor.

Linda: I strongly urge you to add Press Here to your Must Read Children's Books list - both you and those wee neighbors of yours will *love* it.

Hugs to you !! Just wanted you to know even though I have been busy I have been thinking of you and praying for your recovery. I see you are doing well so far. Sending Love and Healing energy..

I'm lurking through on my way to starting my big House Move! My POD arrives in my drive way today. It is game on for us.
1
I am so glad you are doing well, and encourage your gentle slow recovery! One lovely thing about books is that they wait for you, and are very patient, too.

Thanks to all for posting. One of the most difficult things about this last year is that I haven't had the energy to post on threads as much as I would like.

I sincerely appreciate the patience shown. I didn't feel well today and slept most of the day away.

Perhaps tomorrow will be better.

Thanks for the book recommendations. I have a copy of My Antonia...somewhere...somewhere in all the piles of books.

Linda, I want you to know I am thankful that I've gotten to know you a little bit through LT. Thank you for the many wonderful book recommendations and for all your kindness over the past couple of years that I have been in the 75er group. I hope your recovery continues until you are finally, truly pain free for good!

Hi Linda, I am wishing you a restful, relaxing and healthy Thanksgiving. Hope you enjoy the holiday.

I'll second what Judy just said!

I'll third it! That sleep and horizontal time will speed healing. Don't do too much tomorrow.

Hi Linda, just wanted to drop by to say hey and see how you are feeling. So hey. :P

.ie, an iron reading cage upon which to rest the book while the book-butler turns the pages and periodically administers soothing wines and unguents. Can he be scantily clad and look like Chris Hemsworth? I think he needs to . . massage me, too, while I read. :P

Wishing you a peaceful, pain-free Thanksgiving Day, Linda.

Dear Linda, Happy Thanksgiving! I hope it's a better day for you and that you have so much less pain that you are overwhelmed with thanks.
I'll bet you'd love The Light Years by Elizabeth Jane Howard. I loved that and The Daughters of Mars, but it's a WWI book, so maybe not so conducive to recuperation.
Take care!

Happy Thanksgiving, Linda! I hope that today is a good one for you, and that you continue to heal and improve.

Happy Thanksgiving, Linda! Thank you for all the beautiful illustrations that make your thread so special. I'm putting a special whammy on pain today; I hope you'll be able to enjoy your day.

Happy Thanksgiving, Linda! Sending freedom from pain whammys. You and Lilly and Will have a lovely day.

Happy Thanksgiving, Linda! Ditto what Richard said, have a wonderful day!

BOOK #80

How Six Found Christmas

written and illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman

This small book is filled with lovely images and wisdom.

A young girl never heard of Christmas and thus began a trek to find it.

Believing that Christmas could be found in the great snow forest, she walked many miles through the snow. Along the way, various wildlife creatures accompany her.

In the end, the girl learns that "Christmas is not only where you find it; it's what you make of it."

The illustrations are lovely!

Have a bright, peaceful, restful, thankful day...

Have a happy Thanksgiving

Wishing you a Thanksgiving full of fabulous! Gentle hugs to you, dear.

Happy Thanksgiving, my friend!

Happy Thanksgiving, Linda!

Hi Linda! Stopping by to wish you a feel good day and a Happy Thanksgiving. Hope you sleep well tonight after eating turkey and get some major healing accomplished. I'm thankful for our friendship because of LT. I still remember you being one of the first people to welcome me to the 75ers.

It's so nice to see you here, my friend...

Thanks Everyone! I am so blessed!

Today was a quiet day. We celebrated the holiday yesterday.

My wonderful friend who is a homeopathic doctor stopped by with medications that will help heal my muscles that are red and swollen at the incision cite.

We were invited to a friend's house for dessert. I opted out and told Will to go. It is wonderful to have the house to myself.

I've read a few books in the last days:

ILLUSTRATED BOOK #109
Night Running by Elisa Carbone with illustrations of E. B. Lewis

Based on a true story, James is a young black slave, poorly treated, he longs to escape.



Admonishing his dog to stay and not to follow, James seeks freedom in Ohio.

Disregarding James, his dog follows


When James is captured, his dog frees him


In the end, boy and dog work together to arrive in a land of freedom.

OOPS...PLEASE DISREGARD THIS DUPLICATE POST.

Today was a quiet day. I had energy to read some illustrated children's books


Night Running
by Elisa Carbone illustrated by E.B. Lewis

When young James grows very weary of mistreatment at the hands of his master, he longs for freedom of slavery.

Deciding to run to freedom by reaching Ohio, James admonishes his dog to remain behind.


His dog follows and helps James along the way

Hello Dear Friends. Thank you for blessing me on this day when pain is high and spirits are low.

ILLUSTRATED BOOK #110

But Who Will Bell The Cats by Cynthia von Buhler

Based on the Aesop's fable of the same name, the illustrations tell the tale of the sad, sorry mouse who lives in the basement of the castle with his friend the brown bat.

Longing for more than mere crumbs, the mouse devises plans to place bells on the cats in order for the mouse and bat to hear them approach.

After futile attempts, in the end, the mouse and bat find a solution.

This delightful upstairs/downstairs tale is wonderfully illustrated.

BOOK # 81

The Very Best Christmas Tree by B.A. King



This is a delightful tale of a husband/father who loved the roundest, tallest tree in the forest.

Each year went to the woods and found what he believed to be the perfect tree.

Towering the entrance, the family and friends had to go through the back door.

As year after year, his wife pleads for a regular size tree, the husband pays no mind.

Finally, they meet half way and a large, but non imposing tree decks their halls.

Sweetie,

Sorry I didn't get a chance to wish you and Will a great day.
I was busy visiting om at the hospital and spending some time with my sisters and niece. A Busy day, but special with memories.

Glad you got to have some time to yourself today, Linda--such a precious gift!

I hope you had a fantastic Thanksgiving, Linda. I also hope your pain levels are in decline. Fingers crossed.

I'm flying through to wish you well. I hope the pain, and discomforts, of recovery are retreating. Healing does take time, and you are making some good lemonade out of those lemons. Lovely books, and interesting reviews. You are the best.

With you on having the house to yourself now and then.. quiet! I wish Dan had a friend where he could go and watch football! Even if I had to reciprocate, it would at least be quiet sometimes.

I'm interested in what your doctor friend brought to you? Arnica Montana? Rhus Tox?

Hi Linda.... a very happy belated Thanksgiving! I hope you are resting and taking care of yourself! I hope that the remedies your homeopathic doctor friend brought worked miracles on your pain!

Sending you lots of gentle (((hugs)))!

Kath
Happy and single for a long time, I liked living alone. Then, when Will invited me to join him, my life changed dramatically.

Since he is retired, he has the house to himself all day. It truly is one of the hardest things I've had to adapt to, ie sharing a space.

Regarding homeopathic medications, I cannot read what my friend wrote on the envelopes. In addition to 1/2 of a wafer, there is a liquid to place under my tongue. I also have a patch to place over the area that hurts the most. Thus far, they have not provided relief.

I hope your holiday was a good one!

Hi there Tina

I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving..your first since your union with Lisa. First holidays are special...

Linda......
Thanks for your warmth
Thanks for your good cheer even when it hurts to smile
Thanks for your aquisitive nature and for escaping from the axis of evil by shaming RD into withdrawing his charge
Thanks for being a caring, sharing and good-humoured you.

Have a tremendous thanksgiving weekend and hopefully the last physically painful one. xx

Linda, I'm following your recovery and sending you positive vibes and prayers. I love your illustrated thread.

I noticed a mention of Margaret Wise Brown some threads up. There's a biography about her that I enjoyed, Margaret Wise Brown: Awakened by the Moon, by Leonard S. Marcus. It's in paperback, or there are plenty of used copies at Amazon for 1 cent plus shipping. I enjoyed reading about her--and I so loved reading her books to my son. Unfortunately, it seems that she more or less looked down on her own talent--"just" a children's book illustrator.

The author, Leonard Marcus, has written many books about children's book illustrators, including A Caldecott Celebration: Six Artists Share Their Paths to the Caldecott Medal. He wrote another one that I just might have to get: The Making of Goodnight Moon: A Fiftieth Anniversary Retrospective.

Hmmm I wonder what the remedies are. Did he explain to you about not using them within at least 30 minutes of eating or drinking ( or brushing your teeth) ..

That might keep them from helping.. wish I knew what it was. A patch is new to me !

Sorry they aren't helping :(

Hi Linda, your thread is such a visual pleasure! Look at all these beautiful pictures. Thanks for taking the time to post them all, do you take the photos on a camera yourself or find them online somehow?

Hi Linda, dropping in to see if anything's new, and hoping it's that your recovery is leading to less pain all the time.

Linda *hugs* hope you are doing well.

Thinking of you today, my dear!

Hi, Linda, I too am thinking of you and holding your recovery in my heart, seeing it progress.

Paul--Thanks, you made my day!

Becky-- Thanks for recommending Margaret Wise: Awakened By The Moon I'm going to see if my local library has this book. I own A Caldecott Celebration: Six Artists Share Their Paths to the Caldecott Medal. Your message prompts me to try to find it and read it.

Thanks also for your kind comments. They mean a lot.

Hi Kath Thanks for the information. My friend did not mention how to use the remedies. She may have, but the prescriptions I'm taking--flexeril abd dukaudid--render me very forgetful and spacey. Thanks, as always for your visits here and your special friendship.

Megan Thanks for stopping by and for your kind words. To post images regarding the illustrated books I've read, I do a search ..images____________(the title of the book). To post them, I then copy the image and paste them on my thread by using the instructions Tad created for our group.

Hello Richard! It brings a smile to see you here. I'm having a tough day of pain (I know you can relate) and I am a tad depressed today.

Tamara Thanks for stopping in.

Roni and Karen I appreciate you both!

I am so sad to hear you've had a bad pain day. It's a big big bummer. But at least this bad day is likely to be healing pain!

I hopeIhopeIhope

ILLUSTRATED BOOK #111

Good King Wenceslas by Jane Seymour, illustrations by Omar Rayyann



This is beautifully illustrated tale of a boy and his journey through the forest. Accompanied by his father, they help a poor man in need of food and fuel. When I finished, I started again.

I'm sorry about the bad day, Linda. I hope you're having some good ones that give you a glimpse of better times to come.

#275 -- Oh, that one looks lovely.

If only Linus's blanket could help ease your pain, Linda. I'm so sorry you're having a bad day. {{gentle hugs}}

ILLUSTRATED BOOK #112

When It Snows by Richard Collingridge


A delightful tale of a boy and snow. This is a charming story filled with lovely illustrations.

ILLUSTRATED BOOK #113
The Man Who Walked Between Two Towers by Mordicai Gerstein


This Caldecott Medal winner is based on the story of Philippe Petit who walked on a tightrope high above the sky between the two towers in NYC.

Though the towers are gone, Philippe Petit's story lives on.

BOOK #82
The Mitford Snowmen by Jan Karon

The Mitford Snowmen by Jan Karon
There is nothing in depth about this book. If you have read the Mitford series, you know that the stories of small-town living as seen through the eyes of the local pastor are charming. The characters are well developed.

This small book is a delightful tale of snowmen who are lovingly built.

ILLUSTRATED BOOK#114

Rainbow Crow by Nancy Van Laan with illustrations by Beatriz Vidal

Using the legend from the Lenape Indian tribe, the author tells the story of the crow who bravely rescues forest animals from the snow storm that promised to bury them.

Before their death, the crow flies above the sky to ask the Great Spirit for help.

Providing the crow with a stick of fire, at great sacrifice, the crow carried the stick of fire to the earth, and in saving the animals, the crow developed brightly colored rainbow feathers.

>282 Whisper1:, ooh pretty!

ILLUSTRATED BOOK #115

Ben's Trumpet written and illustrated by Rachel Isadora

Using black and white illustrations, this Caldecott Honor book tells the story of Ben who longs to learn how to play the trumpet.

Creatively pretending to play a non-existent instrument, Ben lingers outside a jazz club so that he can hear the beauty of the music when played at the hands of a master.

Obsessed with the sound of the trumpet, in public, Ben plays his pretend instrument. Made fun of, Ben is ashamed and walks home slowly.

The following night, Ben still goes to the jazz club and sits outside, longing to enter.

When the trumpet man comes outside and notices Ben, he brings him inside and fulfills Ben's dream.

The illustrations in this book are shining and sleek. The lovely tale is highlighted by the magnificent art work.

Stopping by to say hi and I hope you have a better day tomorrow. . .
Hugs

Linda, your name was mentioned more than once in Joplin yesterday. We could feel you there with us in spirit! I'm sorry that you are still experiencing those bad days. I hope they become fewer and fewer as your healing continues.

I am stopping by to say hello, and hoping your pain is somewhat better today. Your lovely choices of illustrated books are a joy to peruse. I feel the joy they spread may have a home in your heart today.

Found you! :) I'm sorry to hear about the rough time you've been having, though. You're a very brave woman to go through what you have been. I wish you the best while you recoop. And I'm glad to hear you had a nice, quiet Thanksgiving. :) I hope the rest of the holidays are just as peaceful. Btw, it's good to see you reading again. I'll make sure to stop by soon! :)

Please join me at my new thread