Before I get started today, I just want to thank you for all the prayers.  My prayer warriors came through once more and I received an excellent blood work report.  CA 125 was 3.4.  So excited for that news and the great news about my colonoscopy last week.  I will do a follow-up with Dr. Bevers tomorrow.  Thanks for your continued support.

Feeling extra love from the Heavens today.  July 26TH was my mom’s birthday.  Leila would have been 100 today!  And the amazing thing about all of this is that the family has been feeling her presence more than usual.  Dusty said even little Kaden is looking around like he is communicating with someone.  I always feel her, smell her, or even see a movement out of nowhere.  And…no…it’s not after a few wines!  My mom loved all animals and I just know she had something to do with the showing up of Cleopatra!  Mark my words.  It’s her satisfaction that I was not a kitty fan as a kid.  Loved dogs but always got mad at cats for killing birds.

I have decided that all the animals on the Hurles acreage have formed a “breakfast club”.  As of this morning…backyard only …there were 10 squirrels, about 20 cardinals, other bird varieties, and several rabbits.  The front feeder sports about the same but more rabbits.  Last night on my way out to feed the critters …Oscar, my grouchy raccoon friend was eating what everyone else left on the ground during the day.  So, he followed me to the fence and waited for all the leftovers.  Still growling at the others like he owns the place.  I have to throw him something first so he won’t growl at the foxes.  His friend…which I haven’t named yet…grabs something and runs… as not to hear the crap from Oscar. Definitely the bully on the block.

Hope everyone has a wonderful week.  We are almost through with July and can’t believe it is almost August.  Time isn’t just flying it is going at space rocket speed.  I saw where school starts around here on August 22ND.  Looking forward to that to get all the little hoodlums off the streets and back in school.  Poor teachers…I’m sure they are thrilled.  Take care and thanks again for your prayers and unending support.

Ride,Baby,Ride!
Leilani

Jury Duty!!!!  What a wonderful experience.  And, of course, out of 31 people called yesterday morning…six jurors were picked for a criminal assault case.  And, of course, Leilani was picked as juror # 5.  Thank goodness we reached a verdict at 5:30 PM so we could go home and not have to return.  Always interesting to perform your civic duty.  And I always get picked.  What do I look like?  A pushover for the defense or a rock hard asshole for the prosecution.  Anyway, when dad was alive I used to get out of duty because I was taking care of him.  Now, not being 70 yet…and no other excuses…I’m courthouse bound.   Although it was quite an experience.  It never ceases to amaze me how stupid people can be.  And the things they do… due to bad decisions and bad tempers. 

Now…the great news.  I had my colonoscopy on Monday.  No polyps, no cancer, and a squeaky clean colon.  Of course the prep the day before sucked!  Finally finished pooping at 3AM.  And had to leave for the hospital at 5AM.  Not much sleep there.  But I had a “nice flight” while I was out.  In this modern day and time there has to be a better, easier, and better tasting way to prep for this crap!  Literally! The only sunny side of the whole process is the loss of a few pounds.

 Grandson Kaden continues to grow and just gets cuter each day.  Every morning Dusty texts me pictures to start my day with a smile and warm heart.   I bought some cute frames for the pics I have and I know the house will run out of room soon.  

Well, after three days off from work….I head back today.   so, have a great hump day and enjoy the rest of your week.  Love and hugs my friends.

Ride,Baby,Ride!
Leilani

All is good in Grandma’s world.  Each day since Kaden was born has been a flow of pictures and videos of Mamie’s little love.  It is a time in life were you wish you could hit the “snooze button moment” so that it would stay there for a while longer.  Amy and Dusty are such good parents and it tickles me to see the change of their life, duties , and the over all schedule of daily time.

Kroger is still keeping me busy.  I love the Nutrition department because of the variety of duties required.  Never bored.  I checked out the other day and one of the kids checking asked me if I was an undercover boss!  I cracked up.  If only I was…..there would be some changes.  Being in the back of the store you see it all.  I was buying three cases of bottled water.  One kid asked me where’s the wine?  I laughed and said oh, today I decided to surprise my liver.  Besides, I only drink to make other people interesting.  It’s been six months since I was hired and I didn’t realize how much these kids love to communicate with me.  Lots of Texas A&M students and other small colleges around the area.  Many times I have to ask them what they are talking about…computer classes, PHD in engineering conversations and so on.  I just ask that they respect me having graduated from college without the internet!

God has sure shown the beauty of summer here on the acreage.  The vegetables are over abundant, the various shades of green, and the beautiful colors of the different flowers.  I so enjoy sitting on the back porch reading, sipping a glass of wine, and thanking the good Lord for all the beauty to make up for the horrible goings on that people are pulling in this world.  I pray for peace and love.

Lani will be coming in to visit within the next couple of weeks.  She can’t wait to see Kaden and I can’t wait to see her. I hope the weather stays nice for her visit.  Of course a little cooler or at least a small breeze would be ideal.  It’s not so bad here under the trees and we do get a nice breeze on most days. 

So…take care.  Keep cool…and stay out of trouble, as boring as that can be.  You know right from wrong…but you also know that wrong is a lot more fun.

Ride,Baby,Ride!
Leilani

For those of you who have not heard the news on Facebook.  Kaden was born June 30TH.  Our unexpected precious little bundle was brought into this world with the news that Amy amniotic fluid was low.  Plans for the afternoon C-section were put into play.  Our little blessing was born 4:37 PM.  Weighed in at 6lbs. 9oz. and was 20 1/2 in. long.  Considering he was 3 weeks early, he was perfect.  They went home on Sunday …so they got to enjoy the Fourth of July in the comfort of family and familiar surroundings.  Needless to say, Kaden Daniel is so handsome and I think has features of both Dusty and Amy.  And of course, has my extremely incredible personality!!!!!

Bill and I have spent lots of time outside.  We have had a nice breeze the last couple of days and have really taken advantage of it.   Working in the yard and enjoying the grilling that we have been doing almost everyday.  For the Independence Day we grilled Nolan Ryan, all beef, hot dogs and Shiner beer brats.  We had not done “dogs” in a while and I can say that they hit the spot.  So good.  All the kids were busy.  Dusty and Amy getting settled in with Kaden,  Casey and Jen trying to close on their house,  and of course Lani and TJ  in South Carolina.  So we grilled and watched movies all day.  So relaxing but back to the old grind today.  BUT…lots of leftovers!

Is it just me?????  But the last month or so people have really lost their minds.  Driving has become a skill of diverting collisions every five minutes.  The other day going to work a lady in a beat up hooptie, went speeding around six of us pulled over to let an ambulance, coming towards us, by.  She literally almost went head on into the emergency vehicle.  At work, customers have been helpless.  They can’t find crap!  It’s like they took a pill that defused their human GPS system and have lost all sense of how to get around the grocery store.  They can be standing in front of the bread and ask…”where is the bread”?  Then there was the man who wanted a HEB BBQ sauce.  A HEB BBQ sauce at Kroger?  Talk about your GPS being off!  Like to know what he’s been smok’in. 

I found a quote that I thought was awesome.  Life is so short and giving love is so scarce in a world so unsteady.  The author is Anonymous. “The ideal person is not the one with whom one can be happy, but the one without whom one can’t be happy”.  As my journey continues through God’s guidance, I realize more each day how blessed I am to have all of you in my life.  Have a wonderful and safe week.  Ride,Baby,Ride!

Love and Hugs!
Leilani

More than enough to do these days.  Between working a few hours a week, yard work, animals, doctor appointments, household chores…the weeks just fly by.  Visited the infusion clinic Monday for my port clean and Dr. Mauk, our “butthole” doctor, on Tuesday for pre-colonoscopy exam.  Just love those colonoscopies! 

As usual…never a dull moment with Bill on board.  Casey came out to help change motion lights, weed eat, and heavy duty work, while Bill supervised.  Or thought he was supervising.  Casey has learned to tune out his suggestions, which absolutely floors me.  Bill says something and Casey answers…”Good idea Bill” and then goes about doing it the right way.  To which Bill thinks it was his expertise and not Casey’s.  Casey and Jennifer are buying a new house in the Katy area.  With Casey’s talents as electrician, carpentry, and handyman… plus Jennifer’s smarts…. the home will be amazing. 

Dusty and Amy are about to be new parents.  Amy is due July11TH.  That is when the C-section is scheduled.  Little Kaden has decided to stay in breech position, starting out as stubborn as his daddy, so we have a scheduled birthday.  I had three c-sections because Lani decided she liked where she was and wouldn’t drop.  After reviewing my options, I had decided back then, that having “twat stitches” was not my idea of fun anyway.  I mean if stitches have to go somewhere I preferred the lower belly. Having people come visit you with your who-who under a heat lamp was not my idea of lady like!!!! The wine would really be flowing.

On my second book of Nora Roberts..The Guardian Trilogy.  The first book called “Stars Of Fortune” and the second book is “Bay Of Sighs”.  If you are a Nora fan…this trilogy is very entertaining.  The final book is “Island Of Glass”, which is due out in December.  Writing is fun.  And I wish I had half of Nora’s talent.  Which reminds me …I’m still working on book three.  So, hang tight ….it’s on the way darlings!

Dealing with the exterminator this morning.  Actually, I’m not …Cleo and Chico are.  Cleopatra hates strangers.  She disappears inside of my recliner and will not come out till she hears the strangers vehicle leave.  Chico is “Mr. Protector” and allows no one near us unless we say it’s OK.  He moves where I do and keeps an eye on Bill at the same time.  His bark sends Cleo running for cover.  She jumps about three feet in the air and runs sideways.  Looks just like Garfield when Odie barks.  One day I’ll probably see her hanging upside down from the rotating ceiling fan. Cussing Chico and meowing…damn-it!

Praying for those who have requested a pray warrior.  And while you are at it, please pray for a healthy baby boy for Dusty and Amy.  My colonoscopy isn’t for a few weeks but please pray that no cancer is detected.  It is only routine but still need God’s strength and blessings.  And for the people in Turkey who have endured another terrorist attack.  God bless those who lost their lives and those who are injured.  Peace and Love. 😥

Ride,Baby,Ride!
Love and Hugs!
Leilani

So much news to talk about.  We have had the  insurance adjuster out, we have had clean up work done, I have gone into a nesting mode, and Bill is busy getting all of our equipment up and running again.  On my days off, I’m usually having one of my “fat-ass” days!  My fat-ass days consist of doing laundry, vacuuming, dusting, and cooking a nice meal and putting my fat-ass in my chaise lounge and watching my favorite shows.  What got into me …I don’t know.  I was totally nesting!  Rearranged furniture, hunted down every dust-bunny in existence, and through out everything from clothes to odds and ins that have been stored since we moved to Navasota.  Seriously the dust-bunnies were running for their lives from the SHARK….you remember, my deadly vacuum cleaner that can suck up the largest of items. The old saying “you will be known by the tracks you leave”…well, boy…I was leaving the tracks!

In the middle of all of this I lost another “teal sister” to ovarian cancer.  Rest in Peace Olivia!  Olivia passed into the Lord’s arms surrounded by her family.  She also requested that instead of flowers that a donation to the Leilani Essary Hurles Ovarian Cancer Research Fund be made.  Not selfish in this world or the next.  Thank you Olivia for your determination in finding a cure.

I’ve always heard when God takes someone… a new life is created.  In our front yard we watched mommy doe give birth to her little one.  It was the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen.  From birth to nursing, and nursing to standing up.  The fawn was so healthy and energetic.   God sure works in mysterious ways.  And I have to hand it to her…mom did it all during a thunderstorm.  What a lady!!!!  Albert Einstein said ” Look deep into Nature, and then you will understand everything better”. Nothing else needs to be said.

More later.  Love you all!  Blessings.
Ride,Baby,Ride!
Leilani

Bill and I just returned from 6 days in “Sin City”.  We always have a blast.  We were invited to the Kentucky Derby Party by Caesar’s Entertainment and enjoyed ourselves beyond words.  Thanks Amy for house and animal sitting….you are the best.  BUT>>>>>>>>>>Bill had a bad back attack about the second day .  Blue Emu and Alieve do wonders.  Met so many wonderful people and sold many books.  Thank you to everyone for supporting Ovarian Cancer.  Another highlight was getting to visit with our friend Pete Vallee.  Better known  in Vegas as “Big Elvis”.  For anyone who visits Vegas, please look him up.  To Bill and me and thousands of fans….his voice IS the voice of Elvis.  Met new friends at the Diamond Lounge…Dwight from South Carolina and Bill and Terry from California.   True “bar fly” buddies.  And thank you to bartender Robert…you are the best!

On the flight back we experienced a lot of wind gust.  Not enough alcohol on the plane for me.  Of course Bill snored through the whole event.  Life is to short to plummet 37,000 feet with no buzz and a husband in a coma!  The flight attendant said that they always have half the passengers sleeping when they return from Vegas and to make sure they do not have “bed head” when they leave the plane.  With Bill’s bald spot he didn’t have to worry about the flat hair doo. 

Home for a day and Bill is doing better.  I did all the mowing and weed eating today while he snoozed.  Chico and the turkeys kept me company.  Cleopatra watched from afar and eyed the squirrels and rabbits.  I even fed the horses …which isn’t my job…and they thought I was going to brush them…thanks Amy for spoiling them rotten…but they know mom always brings treats. 

Well…better close now…Cleopatra is starting to type for me.  Little brat is actually better at it than I.  So for now…thanks for the well wishes and the caring thoughts about my CA 125 results.  Your prayers are very much appreciated.  And to those who we met this trip dealing with everything from breast cancer to sinus cancer…Ride,Baby,Ride!!!!

Love and hugs,
Leilani

Entering Tuesday with beauty and love.  As I write, I look out the window at the amazing beauty God has sent.  The trees have never illuminated so green.  All shades of chlorophyll in God’s paint-brush.  And…the relief of knowing all blood work and physical exam results were awesome.  I wrote to y’all yesterday of the results instead of a complete blog because I was so happy with the doctor visit and the rest could wait until today. 

On Sunday morning as were we getting ready for church, I was drinking coffee and watching the news.  I hear a really strange noise, look over to the open window and see Cleopatra entering with part of my back porch flower arrangement.  She proceeds to place the long stem fake Iris at my feet.  Awwww…thank you kitty.  So I put it back.  I went to the kitchen for another cup of coffee and return to find two flowers at the foot of my recliner in the study.  OK,  thank you kitty.  Now, if I leave the house and come back…I have flowers deposited at the foot of my chair.  What a hoot.  Now the clincher is I went into the bathroom to pee..the same bathroom that Cleo’s litter box resides…and she gets in there to pee at the same time I do.  The damn cat looks right at me …like I going to go when mom does.  Can’t wait to see what happens next.

I have enjoyed going back to work for a few hours a week.  Kroger has been nice enough to let me off when I need to be and for that I am very grateful.  This week has been especially busy with Mother’s day coming up this weekend.  It’s also a great opportunity to talk to people about my goal of getting the word out about ovarian cancer.  Since I work in Nature’s Market I encounter many folks who are going through different cancers and are trying to change their diets and eat healthier.  I always tell them not to forget the value of red wine!!!!!  And how convenient that the wine department is next to mine.  The way, I have reminded myself, that it’s the good Lord’s way of giving me incentive to get through the work hours and the BS from the boss!

Mother’s Day is this weekend but so is the Kentucky Derby.  They will announce the list of horses on Wednesday when they draw their post number.  When I glanced  over some of the names I noticed one of them is “Lani”.  Guess who I’m putting my money on?  But it’s always fun to watch.  Maybe we can have another Triple Crown winner this year.

Hope everyone has a wonderful week.  I pray for all that may need a lift.  Until next week…..

Ride,Baby,Ride!
Leilani