Only In The Country

Bill and I had a day out last week.  We had finished a “To Do” list that was as long as my arm.  Been working on it between trips and doctor appointments and so on.  So, we went out to lunch at one of our favorite hang outs and just relaxed.  On the way back to Navasota we saw an elderly lady mowing her grass.  On her lawn tractor.  Side-saddle!  I don’t know if was the wine…the moment…or Bill and me being silly, but we cracked up.  I have never seen anyone ride a lawn tractor side saddle.  Horses, donkeys, mules, and camels…but not lawn tractors.  Straw hat on, bandana on steering wheel, dog following her with it’s bandana on, and two ducks(no bandanas).  What a hoot.  Although, I could never figure out how one could be comfortable in the saddle with your ass turned sideways and leg over the horn.  I guess I’m just used to spreading my legs lately.  More exciting any way!!!!

Trip to Shreveport was wonderful.  Met so many new people.  Sold lots of books and encouraged all to listen to their body and heed the signals it gives you.  Several of the speakers were doctors that knew Dr. Bevers.  I always feel so blessed that God put Mike in my life.  One lady, Barbara, had just finished her last chemo.  She had been diagnosed with Stage 4 ovarian.  She had endured the same surgery as mine and was now battling the chemo effects.  In speaking, I am always amazed at the strength and courage of those attending.  The stories give hope and the comradely and the firing up of the troops is unequaled.  There was also a lady there who is a clown.  A clown that one hires for parties.  Going through the ovarian cancer experience in her own way.  Making children happy.  So, keep it up Rose Mary, your cheeriness is contagious. 

I have also become acquainted, through Dr, Bevers, with another lady.  Gwen will be having surgery on Monday…so I ask all  the prayer warriors to pray for Gwen.  She will find more out after Dr. Bevers gets the results after Monday’s surgery. 

Please remember the symptoms of ovarian cancer are very few.  The “silent killer”.   And as I have stated earlier.. Listen to your body talking to you and if you even think something is wrong…SEE YOUR DOCTOR! 

The four main symptoms of ovarian cancer are:  Abdominal pressure, swelling or bloating.  Urinary urgency.  Pelvic discomfort or pain.  Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly.   You may also experience: indigestion, gas, nausea.  Changes in bowel habits.  Lack of energy.  Lower back pain. Fatigue.  And if you are still having periods…changes in menstruation.  The sad part about the symptoms is they match symptoms of many other issues.  And many of the issues we just chalk up to old age.  Please check family heredity traits.  This was stressed by several doctors at the seminar.  Any type of cancer.  If someone in your family, even great grandparents, aunts, uncles etc. had cancer, GET CHECKED and tell your doctor of the history. 

Bill enjoyed the trip to Shreveport as well.  He got to gamble while I spoke.  I would like to thank all those who made our trip so enjoyable.  Although there we many casinos, we stayed at The Horseshoe(owned by Caesars) and could not have asked for better treatment, great entertainment, and outstanding food.  So many great restaurants.  So hats off to the staff at The Horseshoe. We promise to return.

Hope everyone had a patriotic Fourth.  We spent the weekend with friends.  Patrice and Shannon…and Linda and David.  Great time had by all.  And today is David’s birthday…so HB David!  Linda you’ll get yours next week.  God has blessed us with great friends and it is so much fun spending time with them.

Hugs and love to you all.  Praying for all in my prayer jar.  And  prayer warriors don’t forget to pray for Gwen.  Strength in the masses!!!!!

Ride,Baby,Ride! and Keep Those Pistols Loaded!
Leilani

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Love Is….

Love is God’s blessings, loving family, wonderful friends, an awesome dog, the beauty of nature, a caring doctor and great blood work results!!!  Got great news from the “Bev”.  He called me late Monday evening and told me that the complete blood work tests were all normal and to top it off the CA125 was a 2.4.  How awesome is that?  Lower than a few weeks ago.  I am experiencing mild aches under my right rib cage.  It has lingered for too long.  I will complete the ordeal with a CAT scan next Tuesday.  Just to be on the safe side.  It just feels like a combo between an ache and a bruise.  There were thoughts stored in the archives of my “incredible” little brain that maybe it was kidney or liver problem.  Heaven forbid not having a red wine during the cocktail hour.  But Dr. Bevers  convinced me not to give up the grape.  With blood work that good, don’t give up what your doing.  Makes sense to me.  First thing on Bill’s “honey do” list tomorrow is stock up on wine.  Never know when another storm may creep up on us.  Be prepared!  At least that’s what we were taught in Girl Scouts.  Too bad they didn’t have merit badges back then for wine expertise!   So, I am relieved that my up coming travels will be worry free…of course until time for the next blood count. 

Getting ready for my journey to Shreveport to sell books and go to the ovarian conference.  Pumping myself up for a great trip.  Hope to make more money for my MD Anderson cancer fund.  By the way if you are looking for a charity which will help thousands, please think about donating to the Leilani Essary Hurles Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.  Dr. Mike Bevers is the trustee and decides what research the money will be given to.  When sending the donation to MD Anderson be sure to put that it goes in my fund or it will end up in a general fund.  This not only helps ovarian cancer research but breast as well because some of the trials are connected genetically.  On behalf of all the cancer patients that will benefit from this …the “Bev ” and I thank you.  Please help us find a cure!  I am also donating money from my book sales to the fund. 

Why is it that it takes 3 men to break a weed-eater and one woman to fix it.  The yard needs weed-eating…weed eater is broken.  So, I get it started and go out to weed eat…..oh, you shouldn’t be doing that it’s way to hot.  Oh really…are you going to do it?  Later.   Does any of this sound familiar?  If only it came with a remote!!!!  Just think girls we’d never see them.  It would keep them busy forever.  I also figured out if I want to shop in peace….I find a mall or stores that have an Academy or a Bass Pro  in the vicinity.  It makes spending money so much more enjoyable. 

Blessings sent out to friend Pat who is getting ready to tackle her last breast cancer chemo and preparing for her breast surgery.  Also, Bill’s daughter Jo Ann who is recovering from breast surgery.  Prayers to Olivia and Nicki and their daily battles.  Hugs to you all.

Headed to the kitchen…Chico is giving me the “LOOK”.  Time to eat grandma.  So until next time.  God bless you all and as for me I see a red wine in my near future.

Ride,Baby,Ride! And Keep Those Pistols Loaded!
Leilani

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Dam It!

Meant literally, dam it, and that’s exactly what the next family project is.  Building a dam.  Not a big dam but a small compact dam.  Big enough to keep the neighbors overflow from draining off into our horse field. So, I have recruited a dam crew.  It will be the best damn dam party ever.  Food and drinks on dam Bill.  Dam Leilani will cook.  And the dam kids will be little beavers for a day.  If you remember the story about getting all the vehicles stuck after the last deluge, well, this is the sequence to the last disaster.  Our neighbors have 15 acres and their cow pasture has a pond on it.  When the pond overflows it drains behind our horse field and takes forever to dry up after a lot of rain. But we have come up with the best construction plan taken directly from our furry, flat tailed, water mammal, friends.  Gee…almost feel like something right out of Duck Dynasty!

It has been a busy couple of weeks.  After retrieving the vehicles out of the mud we had the roof patched up to repair the places where tree limbs have taken their toll.  Bill and I cleaned the gutters.  Well, I climbed the 16 foot ladder and Bill held it.  We didn’t draw straws for cleaning duty …I just figured that at 74 Bill shouldn’t be 16 feet off the ground.  Actually, Bill shouldn’t be a foot off the ground.  Ever since his mild stroke in 1999, his balance has not been very good.   So ovarian cancer gal got the call. Only one mishap and thank the good Lord it was on the ground.  Bill and I were carrying the ladder back to the shed and Bill tripped, which made me trip over the flowerbed railing and cut open my shin.  Talk about a goose egg and bruise. I’ll take advice from Reba’s new song “She Ain’t Going Out Like That”!!!   I know now why one hires people for that crap!  We had to water, never thought I’d say that again, after the first storm because we put weed and seed down. Mowing is one thing…throwing that stuff is something else.  When did this city gal get so country?

Meanwhile, in South Carolina,  Lani and TJ were battling TJ’s disaster.  He was cooking Lani a nice dinner and dropped hot butter on his foot.  Wound up in the burn center in Augusta with 3 degree burns.  But TJ is recovering quite well and was lucky he didn’t have to have surgery.  And Dr. Bevers has a complete blood work ordered this week to check on my liver and kidney counts.  But, I just reshuffle the cards I’m dealt until I create a hand that I can live with.  It’s all we all can do.  I was thinking the other day during my physical with the”Bev”…While examining the ole who-who…I hope he never calls me by the wrong name.  It’s kinda hard to tell women apart from that angle!!!

Bill and I will be traveling to Shreveport soon.  There is an ovarian cancer research and cancer survivors update conference.  Plan on selling my books and learning about the new research being done to find a cure.  Always fun to meet new people.  Especially those nice people that are going through what you are.  Life is challenging but it is what you make it!

Had lunch with dear friends Linda and David at Mel’s before Tropical Storm Bill hit.  Always a good time and great food.  This Saturday is our Anniversary.  So I feel a nice steak dinner and a wonderful bottle of wine in our near future.  It’s fun to reminisce about the years and all the fun we’ve had, the people we’ve met, the friends we cherish.  Always good to remember what my mom passed on to me….men will be men.  They can’t help it.  So, never go get your underwear stretched out of shape over something they did or said.  Not worth it!  How right you were mom…as usual.

Have a great rest of the week and a wonderful weekend.  And keep those panties out of a knot!  Love and prayers to you all.

Ride,Baby,Ride!
Keep Those Pistols Loaded!
Leilani

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Happy Memorial Day!

Happy Memorial Day everyone.  Hope you are dry and safe.  For those of you not in Texas or Oklahoma…we are being hammered with rain, wind, flooding and tornadoes.  One or two days is enough but 3 weeks is a little crazy.  But the weather has not been the only crazy stuff going on around here.

High winds and heavy rains has damaged our property in several places.  The insurance adjustor will be out tomorrow to assess the loss.  Bill and I are spending today making a list for him of things we know need fixing.  Bill took the golf cart around the property to check the seven and one half acre fence line.  The next thing I know and hear is “I got stuck”.  The sandy soil by the back fence line was like quick sand.  So Dusty joins in and between the two of them decide to take my Jeep to pull it out since it has four wheel drive.  Family friend Amy was here and she and I were sitting on the back porch drinking wine.  Both of us thinking this was not such a great idea.  The next thing we know Dusty and Bill are walking back to the house cussing.  OK guys…where is my Jeep.  AHHH..the Jeep got stuck.  Amy and I were on the floor laughing.  Next brilliant male idea was to take Dusty’s pick up to pull the Jeep out.  Before you know it here comes Dusty cussing and screaming don’t f____ing talk to me …don’t ask me anything.  Again Amy and I are on the floor.  Then here comes Bill dragging his ass for about the fifth time.  Dusty’s truck is stuck.  No sh_t!!!!  It was like every time they left …we were missing a vehicle.  Alright, that left Bill’s pick-up and our old utility Dodge truck.   Amy and I look at each other and at the same time ….don’t you dare!   Fellow church goer and friend J came over after church on Sunday with his tractor and pulled them all out.  Not enough wine in this country to get Amy and I through that ordeal.

Son Casey, left for California with his friend to visit for a week.  And of course they leave and the news plasters all over the TV that there was an earthquake.  No worries here!!!!   They went to San Diego and I believe the quake was near LA.  Had to go to the store to replace depleted wine. 

My friend from Kroger Sara Boyer passed away on Thursday.  She had gone in for a hysterectomy and bladder repair and came home to recover and was found not breathing.  So sudden.  Please pray for her family.  Then, my other Kroger friend Pat, was admitted to the hospital.  Pat is receiving chemo for breast cancer and her white blood cells went way down.  But she received news today that she gets to go home.  While she was in there…on the seventh floor in the tower…they sounded off the tornado alert.  Take cover.  OK where the hell is she supposed to go?  IV and all jump your ass into the bathtub?  Anyway, all is well now. 

Met my good friend Velma and got a haircut.  We went to Pappadeaux’s afterwards and had wine and a salad.  So much fun and met the nicest couple …JR and Anna.  Turns out he has been battling cancer as well.  The Lord works in mysterious ways.

Special prayers out to my friend Olivia who has decided to stop her chemo after trying over a year.  She has  decided to have quality over quantity.  Her decision is one all of us going through similar circumstances will no doubt have to make one day.  Blessings to you my friend.  God will guide you.

Due for another deluge of rain this afternoon.  Getting ready ….again…with the emergency kit.  Yes, it includes wine!  I might as well get saturated just like the land.  So, everyone enjoy your Memorial Day.  Hope you can get some BBQing in.  I had to do the pork roast in the oven.  But it did turn out delicious.  

Love and hugs!
Ride,Baby,Ride! and Keep Those Pistols Loaded!
Leilani

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Rain Rain Go Away!

I love rain but this is the pits!  According to our rain gauge…In just the past three days we have shown over 12″ of rain.  I guess we can all sympathize with Noah now.  The horses hibernated for days in their barn.  The turkeys were clinging for dear life in the tall pines with wind gust up to 25 mph.  The rabbits were hanging around the garden and Chico stayed curled up with anyone that would snuggle during the wrath of the lightening and thunder.  The old saying goes…”with the good Lord willing and the creek don’t rise”….  well, the creek rose.  In fact several creeks and ponds around here were blocking the roadways.  We are blessed to have a sandy soil so it drains well and fast.  Like being at the beach.  However, we did lose power a couple of times.  On Sunday we lost power right before I was leaving for church. So God had to mark me absent.  It didn’t come back on until about 4pm.  That pissed me off because the Rockets were on.  So missed the opening tip off and first part of the game.  And also kept us from a Big Brother Big Sister function at Audi Central Houston.  The Big Taste of Houston did however raise 150K for the BBBS.  Way to go all you hard workers…in spite of the weather…to raise that much for such a great cause.

Thank you again for the prayers.  Like I mentioned last week…CA125 was a 3.  My physical with the “Bev” turned up nothing…and that was including the “hinny excavation”.  Always a fun thing to have done. UGH!  But (no pun intended),  I will have a colonoscopy scheduled sometime this year only because I’m due for one.  I ran into my good friend Pat while at the hospital and got to visit her while she was getting her chemo for breast cancer.  She looked great and in good spirits. 

Bill and I have yearly eye exams coming up and also Bill has a hearing exam approaching.  The hearing one I’m really looking forward to.  This ought to be good.  Everyday is more challenging.  He cannot hear on the phone hardly at all.  I have been taking over calling for appointments, making reservations, and business matters.  So when we go I am asking about a phone for the hearing impaired.  So if you are talking to Bill on the phone…remember he hears maybe one word out of ten.  He may not answer you and he goes long periods without saying a thing.  Just because he doesn’t know what the conversation is. 

Casey and Dusty came over during the rains to help with electronic stuff.  Added more security cameras and barn fans for the horses.  Excited to say all is settling down now.  We have pretty much recovered from our trips.  We met Linda and David on Saturday at the horse track for the Preakness.  A wonderful day spent with dear friends.  Buffet was good and drinks flowed freely!  We even won a little money and now may be looking at a triple crown winner in “American Pharaoh”.  

Hope everyone has a great week.  Stay dry….hopefully it won’t rain every day!  Prayers out to all who occupy a space in my prayer jar.  Remember…never give up.  When He is ready, God will take you in His arms and until then… He holds us with His love.  Hugs!!!!

Ride,Baby,Ride! and Keep Those Pistols Loaded!
Leilani

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Finally!

Well, with the rough ride that we have had we finally have some positive news.  CA125 came back a 3.  Yeah!!!!!   Such a relief.  So good for three more months unless the “Bev” finds something during my exam on Thursday.  I was supposed to visit him today but was rescheduled.  Which was fine for Bill and me due to the bad weather.  Coming home from blood work and port flush yesterday, we ran into two detours.  Raising creeks are big around here due to all the hills.  But we made it home with the help of lunch at Willie G’s and a bottle of wine!  Bill’s physical with our wonderful friend and doctor…Mark… turned out well also.  Mark was not worried about his nose bleeds or his stomach aches.  Nose bleeds most likely due to change of altitude and loss of humidity and stomach ails due to change of diet and water.  All other minor problems are chalked up to “OLD AGE” …go figure.

Getting used to missing Starr.  I still expect to see her every morning.  Chico looks for her too… but is enjoying being the only child.  And is working it in only the way Chico can.  So funny.  Got home the other day and he was stretched out on our bed..on our pillows.  We now close our bedroom door.  We go through the routine…this is Chico’s bed….and this is grandpa and grandma’s bed.  He only looks at us like we are senile.  Which of course I tell him that “Bill’s the only one in that category”. 

So, things settling down now.  We are meeting friends, Linda and David, for the Preakness on Saturday.  And we do have a Big Brother Big Sister event this Sunday.  Should be loads of fun.  But other than that we are off free for about another week when we have our annual eye exams.  It’s hard to believe it’s been over a year.  Time is really traveling way too fast.  I was just talking to Bill’s brother Harp this morning (who happens to have a birthday today)…I remember at school and all those years at work and raising the kids thinking….WILL THIS DAY EVER END? 

I need to send out prayers to several today.  Patricia, Olivia, Debbie, Joann, Alan, and Tricia.  Hang in there with chemo’s, surgeries, and ailments that need “our angels” attention.  Let’s nip this in the butt!  A special Happy Birthday to Harp Hurles….Bill wants you to know that you will always be older than he.  Love ya Harp! 

Have a great week and hope for great results for us all.
Ride,Baby,Ride! and Keep Those Pistols Loaded!
Leilani

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It Was The Best of Times…It was the Worst of Times!

A familiar phrase… but true.  Actually the good times were a complete blast.  Returned from our seven day cruise to Belize City, Belize, Roatan, Honduras, and Cozumel, Mexico.  Bill and I have cruised this before but we took Lani, Casey, Dusty, and Lani’s fiancee Timothy with us. The Navigator of the Seas,  left out of Galveston Sunday April 19th and returned Sunday April 26th.  Everyday was an adventure to say the least.  First evening on ship we attended the “who done it” dinner.  So much fun but Casey got lost and missed out.  (Kinda bad when you lose a kid on the first night).  Anyway..someone had killed “Pimp-daddy”during the first 5 minutes.  Turned out one of the girlfriends and her attorney.  As we boarded, Bill tipped our main bartender and he took care of us the rest of the cruise.  Special thanks to Alex who put up with us all.  We became good friends and plan on keeping in touch.  

Monday was a day at sea.  That means Bill and the boys disappeared to the casino.  They should actually call it a daycare for men!  Gave Lani and me lots of time to hit all the stores on the ship.  Then we pooled it.  Two swimming pools, seven hot tubs, sauna, and three bars.  Definition of Heaven.  Monday night was the formal Captain’s Dinner and then a very entertaining comedy show. 

Tuesday was another day at sea.  Played bingo…didn’t win.  The kids closed the disco and Bill closed the casino every night.  I got a call at 1:30 with Lani calling from her suite saying…Mom, you’d better get down here.  Walk into the room and Dusty is spread out on the floor… blasted!  I’d say too many Red Bulls and vodka.  He proceeded to throw up in the trash can and crash.  The room stewards knew the boys well and of course we took good care of the stewards for all the crap they had to attend to.  There was a Elton John Impersonator that did comedy and played the piano and sang. Very good show.

Wednesday we docked at Roatan…drank beer at the bars and shopped.  Then at 4pm set sail for Belize.  Took the tender into the city and had a blast.  We all ate at the Wet Lizard….that is all but Dusty who was recovering.  Friday was Cozumel.  We got off the ship and took a taxi to Carlos and Charlie’s beach.  Got an umbrella and table and chairs. We swam, ate, bought stuff from all the people trying to sell their crap. The boys got on the big water trampoline and then taxi time back to Senor Frog’s. Ate nachos and drank beer.  

Returned Sunday and we all went to Pappasitos for a great meal and then we all parted ways.  AND NO ONE GOT ARRESTED!!!!!!  But Timothy was banned from the ships pizzeria.  They said he ate too much pizza.  We expected to see his picture on America’s most wanted pizza dude!  A huge thanks to my brother for house and animal sitting.  Love you D.

Monday at 4:30 am we woke up to the worst thunder storm ever.  Lost power due to a tornado that went through not 1/2 mile from us.  The power was off for 2 days.  Finally came on Tuesday late.  But that’s one good way to clean out the fridges and freezers.  But then Starr had a real bad night.  We decided it was time to say goodbye.  So we lost our 16 year old baby.  Bill was devastated.  I stayed with her and held her until she entered Heaven. 

Bill and I just returned from Vegas.  After we lost Starr we got away and enjoyed 6 days in Sin City.  Went to the Kentucky Derby party.  Met many nice people.  Of course Vegas was also rocking because the big fight was Saturday also.  We had a wonderful relaxing time.  AND NO ONE GOT ARRESTED!  Got back yesterday…and walked into an empty house.  Still missing Starr…but Chico is awesome and is enjoying being the only child. Thank you Dusty for house and animal sitting.

Special prayers out to my brother and his wife who had to put their baby of 16 years, Precious, down about one week after Starr.  My prayer jar has a new name.  A man named Alan that we met at the Sportsbook in Vegas.  He has heart issues and is trying to make it to next year for his daughters wedding.  Keeping you all in prayer.  Tricia, Patricia, Joann, and my hubby Bill.  He has not been feeling well since we got home last night.  Couple of bloody noses due to change of altitude and the dry air of Vegas.  I think it’s just age and time to rest and regroup after 3 great weeks of love, family, and wine! 

Ride,Baby,Ride!
Love and hugs,
Leilani

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Saying Farewell To A Friend

This has been a rough week for our family.  As you know from the last blog, we lost a dear friend and said our final farewell on Tuesday.  Federal Judge John Singleton’s service was amazing.  The church, St. Martin’s Episcopal, was filled.  Federal judges draped with their judicial robes, other types of judges and hordes of attorneys, The Honorable Mark White (Gov. of Texas in early 80’s), and Congress woman Sheila Jackson Lee and a slew of U.S. Marshall’s.  It was almost like being in a well protected glass jar with stained glass windows.  And I would say, we that lean more to the right in politics, were outnumbered by the left.  The Judge’s reception was at Lakeside Country Club.  The American flag, that was flown over the U.S. Capital, was presented to the judge’s widow in a moving presentation, the U.S. Navy played taps (the Judge served in WW ll in the Navy), and the University of Texas Alumni Band played The Eyes Of Texas and Texas Fight.  Lots of individuals told funny stories about the Judge going back to his childhood and his time at Univ. of Texas as one of their cheerleaders back in the day.  And I say that lovingly because he passed at the age of 97.  So, so long my friend.  I met the Judge when I was three.  He was a good friend of my parents at Lakeside C.C.  So lets see …that would be for 61 years.  I will miss you.

With so many people asking me about my cancer experience and the dealing with the dreaded chemo knowledge, I want to stress something very important.  Cancers are different, the way to deal with each type of cancer is different and the chemo’s are different for everyone.  There are so many types of chemo drugs and every body is different.  All I can say is pull up your pants and fight for your life.  I have had several people I know that have had to stop the chemo because of side effects.  Talk with your doctor, read about chemo as much as possible, and I can recommend a book that was very helpful to me named “Chemo For Dummies”.  Available at any book store.  I gave mine to my cousin Sandra when she was going through her lung cancer.  And again, I can’t comment on radiation because as of yet, I haven’t had the pleasure….and hopefully never will.  My doctor was adamant about being radical.  Get in there, get it out, and chemo.  So, whatever it takes I would do.  Cancer doesn’t give a crap about you….so deal with discomfort now…get rid of anything you don’t need (that includes lymph nodes, body parts, and anything else suggested).  My prayers are with you all.

Our Easter was wonderful.  Bill and I went to church.  Great Easter Service by Dr. Brand.  Came home to a amazing Honey Baked Ham, baked chicken with mushroom gravy, green beans, artichoke salad, and whole grain rice.  Trying to eat right.  Then Bill and I split a bottle of Chianti and watched all the old movies on TCM.  King of Kings, Greatest Story Ever Told, Easter Parade, and Holiday Inn.  Then we ran out of wine and went to bed.  But a very relaxing day.  Thank you to the kids that joined us and to those who called that couldn’t be here.  We love you all.

Busy week ahead.  Horses need their nails done.  Dogs are due for their yearly exams.  Bill returns to dermatologist to look at his Vincent Van Gogh ear and hopefully all will look well.  We both need haircuts before our cruising days arrive.  And…I will definitely buy a new fragrance of room spray for one of the guest bathrooms.  The one we have is nauseating when mixed with the poop smell.  And I say that because there are just some sprays that do not help when one has the pooping experience.  Mentioning no names. I seem to have better luck with the Lysol brand. 

Hope everyone has a wonderful week.  For those fighting for health reasons, I ask my prayer warriors to keep up the good work.  Pat, Joann , Julia, Karen, and Olivia to name a few, are fighting different types of cancer.  Have a blessed day.

Love and Hugs,
Ride,Baby,Ride!
Leilani

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Giving

Bill and I had the pleasure of attending the Big Brother Big Sister night at Polo Ralph Lauren.  The charity event helped raise money for the BBBS.  Thank you to The Lauren family for opening your Galleria Store for the fundraiser.  Champagne and Lime Vodka cocktails were served with tasty hors d’oeuvres.  The president of BBBS, Pierce Bush and his team out did themselves.  Daddy has to be so pleased watching from Heaven. Pierce’s sister Lauren, just happened to marry David Lauren (Ralph Lauren’s son).  Always a plus when you are trying to raise money.  Pierce was running a little late due to the fact he was doing some kind of appearance at his uncle’s Jeb Bush get-together for his presidential run.  The staff at Polo RL were so nice.  Thank you to Jonathan, Tim, Millie, and DJ just to mention a few who took great care of us.  Bill and I bought several things and can’t wait to wear them. 

We have been working out in the yard quite a bit.  Planted a few things in the garden and added some flowering plants to some of the beds.  Pulling those pesky sticker-bur weeds so that the dogs don’t hurt their feet.  We have eliminated most of them but a few still pop up every now and then.  I feel so sorry for the babies when they just stop in their tracks with that pitiful face.  The wild turkeys are back and sleep in the trees over the horse field.  We counted eight of them.  We counted ten last year when they disappeared for the winter.  They turn out to be great watch dogs!  When they start “that noise”…you know somethings going on in their world.

Our family lost a dear friend this past week.  Federal Judge John Singleton passed away.  A friend of my parents for 60 years.  He passed on his 97 birthday.  God bless you Judge.  He and dad are reunited and on the tee box in Heaven.  Ready to continue that golf game and play cards in the mens grill the Heavens Country Club.  Also, prayers for all who are fighting cancer.  Patricia good luck on your biopsy.  And Bill’s daughter Joann who is battling breast cancer.  Olivia keep up your strength during chemo.

Tomorrow is the Easter Egg Hunt at the church.  Bill and I will deliver cookies in the morning.  Then continue on to our next project.  Several things planned for tomorrow.  Need to pick up a couple of more hibiscus and potting soil.  Dusty helps with much of the lifting which I am so grateful.  Bill just can’t do it anymore and I am borderline if things are too heavy.

Enjoy your weekend.  And don’t forget sunscreen. 

 

Love and Hugs,
Ride,Baby,Ride!
Leilani
Leilani

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Catching Up

Gee…it’s been a while but it’s been crazy.  So many trips and events.  Bill and I flew to Atlanta, rented a car and drove to Cherokee for a few days.  Lani and TJ drove up to meet us for the weekend from Columbia, SC.  And we were well on our way to having a ball.  A short jaunt but never a dull moment.  Met many nice people at Brio’s bar.  Including Peter and Terri.  Who turned out to be our drinking buddies.  All the staff at Brio’s were amazing and great at giving us attention.  We will definitely be returning to their bar.  Lani and I stuck with 3 card poker…Bill, mostly blackjack….and TJ is in love with the video roulette. 

After returning Bill had a phone call saying that the biopsy that was taken from his ear at Dr. Czelusta office was determined to be a melanoma…so we made an appt. with the surgeon Dr. Ahern for removal.  OK….it’s located inside the lip at the top of Bill’s left ear.  The Mohs procedure was done and Bill resembles Vincent Van Gogh.  Now he has an excuse for not hearing me for sure.  Pretty big dig out but Dr. Ahern said they got it all.  Cancer is so scary no matter where it is. 

I hear footsteps and they’re not mine.  I feel a heart beat faster…it’s mine.  I look up expecting to see someone standing before me but no one’s there.  The feeling is so overwhelming I get goosebumps.  There is someone there…but where.  Someone I love, someone very close to me…I sense them, I smell them.  I embrace the moment of pure love.  I have no idea what just happened to me…but it did.  And as I look back on this experience I feel like it was either my mom or God….or both.  I don’t know if this has ever happened to any of you but I’d like to hear about it if it has.  I was so at peace.  And the feeling left as fast as it came.  WOW!

Drinking lots of green and black tea.  I have been reading up on all the antioxidants that are supposedly good for ovarian cancer.  I’m assuming most cancers as well.  My diet has always been pretty good.  But I was mostly drinking just regular tea.  I really enjoy these two and Oolong tea as well.  Lani has been trying to lose some weight and I am trying to maintain.  So becoming experts on all these diets people throw out there.  I guess we all have to try until we find the right one for you.  I mean you can only eat so much fish without having a nice steak….you can eat only so many salads before you need pasta…etc.  I figure small portions and several meals a day…not eating after 6PM (unless it’s an apple or something) is the best for me.  As long as I don’t look like Petunia Pig and Porky looking at my fat ass, I guess I’m going down the right road.

Getting my port flushed next week.  It seems like I just had that done.  Boy, time sure is flying by.  Then Bill and I are taking all the kids on a cruise to Belize.  Can’t wait.  My brother and nephew will be house, horse, and dog sitting.  I am already trying to decide what to take even though we have a while to go. 

Don’t forget to tell me about your experiences with the spirits.  I am so fascinated with this.  Have a great weekend and send out the love.  Make someone’s day and smile at them.

Ride,Baby,Ride!
Hugs,
Leilani

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