My First Blog Message

I think this is going to be fun! Gloria, you have been an inspiration to me in yet another way.
I have now joined the ranks of many mothers before me, those who are experiencing an empty nest. After a lifetime of apple juice, little league, car pools, pony club and 4H, our children are grown. Of course they have really been grown for some time now, I just didn't admit it. But since Gloria and Ryan have moved out West there is no denying it any longer. Yes, Ryan has been on his own for several years now, but while he lived in Kentucky it seemed he still was "in the nest". Even after he and Gloria married three years ago, we didn't lose Ryan, we gained Gloria. What an important part of our lives she has become. She truly has become my daughter. All mothers in law should as blessed as I have been.
Reece has been in his apartment almost a year now and has become a very independent college man. We are thankful that he lives fairly close and comes home often. He especially likes to come home for Sunday dinner.
Even though we miss the antics of the boys, Randy and I are learning how nice it is to have the house to ourselves again. We have lots of company with our dogs, cats, horses and oh yes the adopted snake, Belinda. Belinda couldn't move to Washington with Ryan and Gloria because she was not welcome on the base of Ft. Lewis where they are living. So we are learning about snake care. I am getting rather fond of that snake and I check on her frequently in the afternoons and evenings. I may take her to school with me and share her with my class. I am pretty sure they will enjoy getting to know her like I have. Even though she is now living with us, she is a small responsibility.Thank goodness Libby and Dax, our grandpups, were not only welcome but are very happy in that much cooler climate. As much as we love them, two high energy huskies are a lot of work. They are great fun when they go horse back riding with us in Illinois, but trying to keep them satisfied in the back yard the other six days a week is almost impossible. Gloria this is where I wanted to add a picture, but I need a little help. We'll talk and I'll get the hang of it!