Spring Break...

I've mentioned before that I never know who or how many are upstairs with Adam until I look at the shoes on the floor in the entryway. Can you tell it's spring break?

God Speed Valerie Agosta...

About a year ago, I had the opportunity to live the job of my dreams, even if it was only briefly. I got to work as a Private Investigator with the Spy Moms. The first time I met Val was at the airport, she was watching for a man to get off an airplane to see if he had a woman with him. It was so exciting and right then, I was hooked! Val took me under her wing and taught me so much from digging through garbage to doing hours and hours of boring surveillance. She had the kindest heart yet she was a damn good PI. I didn't get to work for very long as Val's cancer came back and she had to quit the job she loved so much.

Last night I went to pick mom up at the airport and picked up the newspaper. There on the obituary page was my friend Val. How odd that my relationship with Val began and ended at the airport. She fought a good fight...

Valerie was first diagnosed with breast cancer in December of 1999. She endured two mastectomies, numerous radiation and chemotherapy treatments. She never complained about her situation. Instead she took on the cancer and battled it toe to toe. Eventually her body wore down but her spirit never did. During the last nine years Valerie started Spy Moms Private Investigative Services. She became an excellent detective and served many clients, most for no charge. Valerie's Private Detective talents and her strong desire to beat cancer earned her guest appearances on 20/20, MSNBC, The Today Show, along with many other TV, radio and magazine articles written about her. Valerie was a giver and touched the lives of many people. The family requests that any memorial for Valerie be sent to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure to support the fight for breast cancer prevention and to find a cure.


You were my hero sweet friend and I'll be walking for you during the Komen Race this year. God Speed...

The Pig Cooker...

I thought you'd all appreciate an update on the pig cooker. I know you've been wondering "I wonder if those hillbillies are gettin' that pig cooker ready for the big Hillbilly Gatherin'".

Well, we got her all painted up purdy and Elmer's dad went out and bought a trailer for her. Yup, we got the pig cooker free and Elmer's dad spent a whole bunch of money on a trailer. So, today they got her permanently placed on her trailer and now Elmer and his brother and cousin are out puttin' a double BBQ together to go on one end. The baby BBQ is going to be for doin' things like jalapeno poppers and stuff.



Elmer works on this thing almost every night. I have to admit, when it's all done, it's going to be a pretty neat set-up. He's going to try and get some catering jobs for a little extra money. Now I know you're thinkin' "Geez, I hope she posts pictures of that beaut when it's all done!" Well, of course I will.

But, she's just about done and will be all ready to cook that pig for the Hillbilly Gatherin' on April 25th.



Hope to see you all there!

Ya'll Come!

If I don't have yer email address, here's yer invite ta the First Annual Hillbilly Gatherin' and Warm-Fuzzy Fundraiser. Double click the image ta make it big anuf ta read!



Feel free ta bring a friend 'er 2 but RSVP yer intentions (jpogue56@hotmail.com) so we know how much moonshine ta make!

Gentle Lessons of Life...

My mother sent me the following and so much of it hits home, I thought I'd share...

When I'm feeling down, I like to whistle. It makes the neighbor's dog run to the end of his chain and gag himself.

The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right time, but also to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.

The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight, because by then your body and your fat have gotten to be really good friends.

If you think there is some good in everybody, you obviously haven't met 'everybody'.

There's always a lot to be thankful for if you take time to look for it. For example, I am sitting here thinking how nice it is that wrinkles don't hurt.

Aging: Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it.

Some people try to turn back their life's odometers. Not me, I want people to know 'why' I look this way. I've traveled a long, long way and some of the roads weren't paved.

You know you are getting old when everything either dries up or leaks.

One of the many things no one tells you about aging is that it is such a nice change from being young.

Ah, being young is beautiful, but being old is comfortable.

First you forget names, then you forget faces. Then you forget to pull up your zipper. It's even worse when you get to the point that you forget to pull it down.

Lord, Keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth...AMEN!!

Just a Reminder...

I'd love to have you join The Riot Squad for The Race for the Cure! Click on the link on the right of my Blog page and sign up from there! If you can't walk/run with us but would like to help our team raise money, you can follow that link and make a donation under our team name. I appreciate those of you who've signed up for this great cause and I look forward to walking with you!

This Is Me...

I've used this picture on my blog several times. It's so, well, ME. But I've made a decision that I'm posting here for all the world to see. I found a website that just makes sense - it's all so logical and I am finally determined...

to quit smoking.

This program is called "Become an Ex" and it's all about re-learning life without cigarettes. It just makes sense. Instead of trying a drug (which I also intend to use to increase my chances of success) I have to practice being a non-smoker. For the next 2 weeks, I'll keep track of when and why I smoke. I have to identify my triggers, and then I have to practice doing the things I do while smoking (such as driving) without cigarettes. It's all just so logical and I think if I really have to THINK about what I'm doing, it will help me understand that this is just about the most stupid thing I've ever done and how happy I CAN be without them. I've discovered just today, how much I want to AVOID going out and having a cigarette just because I don't want to look at this paper at the end of the day and see that I smoke.

I've always felt like such a strong person, but I've smoked since I was 16 - thirty six years - do you know, that's the first time I've actually counted that out - but nicotine has had such a strong hold on me. I'm going to be updating my blog as often as I feel I need to in order for you all to tell me how I CAN do this - I'm going to need your support.

I've been cancer free for 5 years. I dearly love my kids and grandkids and I have a new one on the way (Grace and I are calling it "Jellybean"). I want to see Adam have his kids too.

I CAN and WILL do this!