For My Friends

Just wanted to share with my friends. A general update on me and mine.

Bug is doing outstandingly well in school. She's had her art displayed at the local museum. Been accepted to the Duke University TIP program for her writing. All A's Honor Roll and perfect attendance. Looking forward to getting to start training Prissy, her horse, this summer.

Bubba has just started a new job where he's actually hired out as a welder. He's loving the money.

Pete's awaiting the sssssllllloooowwww arrival of our new colt. Has a beautiful garden going. Been cooking up some great meals. He's gotten into trying things with pasta. Watch out Olive Garden!

And me. Well, I'm really me again. I've taken Bug to the carnival and rode all the rides with her. I always loved the rides. I love the wind. Love the wind in storms as well. It always makes me feel invigorated, alive. Even the winds in Rita, though I dare not step out in them, thrilled me more than scared me.

Bubba, Bug and I rode down to Galveston one day not long ago. My first time there since Ike dealt all it's destruction. Unbelievable view once we turned on Hwy 87. All the tall grass is gone. Clean up beach side is almost total. You could see the Gulf all the way down to the ferry. Really more beautiful than before. Yet, still when you thought of all that was simply washed away....it was painful.

It was Bug's first trip to the ocean. She loved it! We rode the ferry over. I was amazed at the emerald green of the water. I am used to the Gulf being a muddy, mucky looking brown. Perhaps all the dredging to clean out the water way for the ships is responsible. I don't know if Bug's little camera pic does it justice.

We rented a four seater bike/buggy and rode up and down the seawall once on the Island. Then the kids souvenir shopped. I hung out front and talked to old beach bums. ;o) Bug and I wadded in the surf and sea shell hunted. Bubba sat back and took in the view. The only person on the beach with Wrangler jeans, Wrangler denim shirt and Redwing boots.

On the way home we detoured through Pt. Arthur and refinery row. Finished up at Tony' s in Beaumont for Bar BQ. A great day!

I'm taking time to stop and visit with whomever comes through our little spot on the hill. I'm not taking any crap off of anyone. I do what I feel, when I want to. Hang out with the girls, sip a drink, talk and giggle. Taking better care of myself.

I really don't know how to explain it. All I can really say is I'm me again....and I haven't been for quite some time. Those who have known me for a long time say, "Watch out, Barbie's back." Those who haven't known me that long look at me like "What's up with her?" And I love it.

Hugs to all my friends. I'll try not to be such a stranger....but there's a lot of living to do!