"THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS FRIGHTFUL....

But the Fire is so delightful.." Words to a song of long ago, but so perfect for Austin, Texas today and for the past month. We had such a wonderful Winter last year. Warm and sunny. I think this is nature's way of saying here's what you missed! We are going to get a terrible storm the end of next week, just in time for our trip to San Antonio, and Geoff's graduation from USAF basic training, at Lackland AFB. It should be miserable to walk in the cold and rain..but anything to see one of your family members graduate from basic!!!!!

Heard from Greg and Holly, we finally got the cell phone situation straightened out. They had to have deployment papers in office before they would let us change phones! Holly gave John her Treo 650, and he is going to have a lot of fun (and time) figuring it out!

Kitty Ashby is curled up on the end of the bed with her heating pad. I finally got another one, as she was always on the one I used...she loves it. I guess so..it is warm and cozy on a day like today. It is 44 degrees, but...damp and nasty.

I have been making bread and trying to occupy my indoor time. Do you think I would clean house or get my IRS stuff together..of course not. I would rather go walk in the rain outside, and get pneumonia!!!!

Going to meet my friend after our trip to San Antonio. She and I met on and Ebay buy. She does stained glass, and roseries, and baby bibles..she is talented, and the best one, her mare had a foal last week. How sweet is that? I used to love watching our babies grow, and I miss that.

Well, enough for today...Check your local weather for freeze warnings!!!!!

FROM TEXAS TO ITALY

Holly and Greg are in Italy. They flew out of Austin the 18th, and have gotten to their new home. I think they are going to have a wonderful time there, as they are in a new place, but already know some people who were at Fort Bragg with them. That is lucky, as they can be shown the ropes without wasting a lot of time and energy. I hope their Jeep fits the little lanes that they call roads, in the cities and towns.

They have emailed a couple of times, and wait for their housing to be available while living in an Inn. They go to the Library to get and send emails. That will end, and they can do more corresponding, with a little less effort. We are all so spoiled .. The Internet is a click away in most cases. Take the computer away, and you would have withdrawal problems!

Well, we wait to hear about their new home, and if all their belongings are there, and in one piece. Good luck Holly and Greg..we love you. Thank goodness for the Internet and Emails!

GOODBYE TO GREG AND HOLLY

They came to say goodbye before they boarded an American Airlines bound for Italy, via Dallas and London. They had a long flight day. I think I was with them all the way. I started thinking..they are over the water, they are landing they are there..I have no idea when they arrived, but do know they are there, now. I think there is a 7 hour difference between Italy and the United States.

I hope they have a great experience in Italy and points beyond.

So Much For Global Warming...

I never thought that was much of a problem anyway..but tonight and tomorrow make me wonder where that theory is headed? It is 31 on my outdoor gage, and wet, and icy and cold and snow is going to get here before morning.

I sure won't be playing any golf this week, that is for certain.

More tomorrow if the electricity is still on!

Got First Letter from Airman Young

Today, when I picked up the mail, there was a surprise! Geoff wrote me a letter. He is a very good letter writer, and what a thrill to have our first word from Basic training! I wonder if the USAF read their letters? I know they do read the letters we write to him! Or at least I think they do. I try not to say anything that would be worthy of a knock on my door!

He has had a life changing experience. Hopefully he will do the best he can, and get rewarded for his good behavior. He made a 98% on his test that the USAF gives to all recruits. I think that sort of surprised them. Geoff is a smart man, and he has to channel all his energy to the positive side, then he will attain his goals.

Debbie's birthday yesterday. Can't believe she is getting close to 50. I bet she can't either. It is so young these days. When my mother was 50 she was older than dirt. At least I thought she was. Maybe that is because in those days, people didn't put as much importance in being young.
Times have changed, and so have attitudes. 70 is not young, but it certainly isn't old either. (I hope)

I was at a meeting today, with some of the 1957 graduates and students at University of Texas. We are planning the reunion. It will be at the end of April. There is a lot to decide, and a lot of work to do. I admire the ExStudent staff..especially Carol. She is at every meeting I have ever attended there, and was there today. Always cheerful, and helpful beyond her duties. Most looked wonderful..that is a compliament to our age. The room was filled with 70-73 year old ExStudents!

I am going to write to Geoff tonight. I imagine he would like "some mail" ..as I have said, even if it is from us!!! God love him..

God Bless Geoff, and Gregory and all our soldiers!

God Bless America.