Ok, a mini uptdate for those who are interested.

1.  I am alive

2.  Internet connections have been sporadic at best - due to electrical storms, power outages, various blown parts of computer paraphenalia, not to mention the rest of what has been going on called LIFE.

3.  Yes, I have one....a real life, as unbelievable as that might be to some people to learn.

4.  I have someone very dear to me in that real life and while every day is an adventure (sometimes good sometimes frustrating for both of us) I treat each and every day with him like the gift it is.  Life is too short to take any of it for granted and I don't take the gift of his time spent with me lightly.

5.  We've got PUPPIES!!!!!!!!

6.  I've unpacked the pods from hell - and have gone thru 90% of the boxes.

7.  For those of you who are aware of my situation - Thomas still does not get it and takes every opportunity to make me feel like the doormat he believes I should be under his feet.  Until the divorce papers are filed I have to play nicey, nicey....but Goddess I am so tired of it!  I hate the duplicity and the hypocricy of it all but I truly do not want to have to pay spousal support to that leech for another 30 years. 

8.  Blood Family - since I've been in Texas only 2 of my family members have bothered to call to see if I got here or if I'm ok.  None have been brothers.  Mother has called twice - once to tell me how her cruise went.  No I haven't called any of the brothers either and have no intention of doing so.  

9.  The Family - Challenges there on some fronts.  Nephew needs to be slapped into some semblance of a sense of responsibility and out of his pity party.  My dear younger brother Trev had a birthday as did my niece Breeze as did my brother Bear.  Happy B day to all of you!  I'm being able to spend a whole month with my nephew Brandon and that is a treat.  Both he and I learned how to play Texas hold 'em the other night and stayed up until 5 am.  I learned that I cannot bluff but that isn't news - especially with those who can see into my eyes.  Brandon is also helping his uncle and I out and earning money for it...a concept that has tickled him no end...to be able to do things and be appreciated for it.  To be told and shown that he is a young man and not an incompetant child...and that adults that he respect believe that and reinforce it.  It's a wonderous thing to see him walk taller and with his head high and his chest puffed out because he did a good job. 

Enough for now...I've a real life to go back to.  Love and miss you all.............

Kate