Would you believe that it's been 10 YEARS!?!

I know, I can't believe it!

Sometimes it seems like it was just yesterday!

Other times it feels like TEN l-l-l-l-o-o-o-o-n-n-n-n-g-g-g-g years!

We did the church thing


We did the picture thing even if we felt like goofballs


We did the family thing

MacKenzie's

Wright's

We did the wedding party thing


...and then we did the celebrating!



Three and a half years later (to the day) we did the 'Our Family' thing

Bunny Hill or Ski Bunny?!?

Last week on what was 'Family Day' we all went skiing.

It was my first time.

Never really thought of skiing as being my thing. I have always been strong in sports just never really liked the idea of doing something that you can fall at. Fail, I do not have a problem with, fall...totally different story.

Same thing with skating. Although I can do it, and took lessons as a child. I remember not really enjoying it, I was timid because I was always afraid of falling.

Thing is we have a trip coming up, a ski trip, for March Break. We all know that Geordie can ski, remember?!? Well, we figured that I should learn so that Callum could have some time to do the trickier hills and Geordie would not have to stay off the hills at that time.

So, last Monday up to Martock we went...

Both Geordie and I had a lesson. Different instructors, of course. Geordie's lesson was on the big hill. Mine started on a very small hill; far away from the bunny hill. While Geordie was learning French fry turns and hockey stops I was learning pizza turns and snowplow stops.

So, here is Geordie. This is now our retirement plan...

Notice the backwards skiing, first time doing that. Wish we had filmed him by the end of the day. He could go front to back and back to front again and again in the blink of an eye.

Then there is me. Well, I do not have the NO FEAR of Geordie but I was much better than I thought I would be. When I put on the boots, I thought that I would hate it! Those are the most uncomfortable things to wear!

So I have my lesson, I do okay. I fell once...and you know what?! I didn't get hurt. Once I had the fall behind me I was fearless! Okay, maybe I wasn't but it makes for such a better story!

After my lesson Callum and Geordie joined me on the bunny hill and we all went down together. Well, Callum stayed by me, Geordie went down, back up and down again in the one time it took us to go down.

Finally, my third time going down after my lesson went great, or so I thought...

Here are the thoughts that were going through my head as I go down the bunny hill ;

- I'm AWESOME!

- I can't believe I'm going this fast...ALREADY!!!

- I'm a natural!!

- Why is this the first time I'm trying this?!?

- I'm too awesome to start so late!

- Sure, not as good as Jenn Heil but I'm sure she was just like me!

- The possibilities that I threw away by not skiing until now?!

- I could have been an Olympian!!

- The speed I am going is unreal!

- The hill is going to use me as an example to all

yes, all these thoughts, and more...

Now, of course I prefer to show my Princessy, gorgeous, totally put together side but here, for one time only, I will show my, well, spazzy side. Very few people see this...and yes, I am sharing it with y'all!!

When watching, please remember all the thoughts that were going through my head while this is taking place...and that the camera adds 10lbs! ;)

I have a problem with staring at my feet as I go making me look even more spazzy...

The next time I went down, again, the same thoughts were going through my head until Geordie passes me going much, much faster; does a hockey stop in front of me; turns around and starts skiing backwards saying, "Mummy!! You're doing great!! Come on!! You Can Do It!! Just follow me!!"

Bubble burst!

Then I see the video...now I question EVERYTHING I have ever done where I thought I did a great job and looked cool!! :(

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So! I Ran a 1/2 Marathon...

...and lived!!! Although, let me tell you, it was very shaky towards the end!

The morning started out great. I was psyched that it was at 9AM! We usually have runs at 8:30AM and I am NOT a morning person. Could not do it to save my life! I'm totally one of those '5 minutes makes so much of a difference in the morning' type so having a whole half hour?!? Pure Heaven!

Anyway... it was said that it was -10C (14F). Although it felt cold, I did not think that it was THAT cold! The gals that I have latched on to all met up and then we went to the starting post.

You see us? We're in the back!

Doing something I like to call 'penguining' (see Happy Feet if unsure of that one!)

So...now do you see us?

Don't worry...neither do I! This is just here to give you an idea.

On to the run;

Started out great, there wasn't as much talk as there usually is but all was good!

It was a little annoying when the wind was against you. Then you think, great it will be behind us when we come back! Think again...this is Nova Scotia! The wind changes in the blink of an eye! Therefore, the wind seemed to almost always be against us!

Half way through I had to stop to un-stuff my socks that were bunching up under my toes. Let me tell you, THAT HURTS! Lesson learned; do not wear socks that you have only worn on shorter runs.

Then we're on the last bit... 0.6K left to be exact (0.372822 mi). Almost to the top of the steep hill that is at the end. I start to feel nauseous. I try to ignore it. It's getting worse. I mention it to my amazingly super understanding great running friend. Next thing I know I'm finding it hard to focus and all I'm hearing is, "Helen! Helen! Look at me!" over and over.

At this point here is what is running through my head;

1) I'm going to faint! Why am I going to faint?!? There's only .6 left!!

2) Kelly needs to leave me! I'm close I will be fine! She needs to go! I can't ruin this for her!

3) OH NO!!! I'm not going to make it!! I have come this far.

4) Okay...how am I going to finish it?!? Do you think I can crawl?

My friend squirts Gatorade in my mouth. I sit down, she stuffs jelly beans in my mouth. Seriously! She holds my face and stuffs them in! At this point I remember her saying, "they fell on white snow, it's okay!". In her haste to get the beans out for me they all fell out of her pocket. Would love to see how the dog acts who finds those.

A minute or two later we were walking out of the park and then running the rest of the way. At that point I felt great! We were at the end and what makes it even better is having the rest of the crew at the end yelling for you...and bacon!

THE END!

You don't seriously think that I got away with it that easily do you?!?

Finished the Half, gave out hugs, put in my popsicle stick number, went on about the 'about to faint' situation. Then, walking to the car, in the parking lot... slip on some ice and WHAM!, down on the ground!

Best feeling in the world! That cold ice and snow on my back and legs...well, I highly recommend it to anyone after a half marathon! :)

Here's to my first half and great running mates!

Next one is in May! :oP

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Helping a Parent Along...

Canada is a little different than USA and we are using this to our advantage!!

Last week I was caught on the ice at Geordie's school. A couple of the father's had to help me out. One noticed the Georgia license plate and commented. I will admit to saying, 'yes' with a slight drawl.

But our real usage of the USA/Canadian difference is in parenting.

We have been known to say such things as;

"No, they do not allow that in Canada!"

"They do not have that in Canada!"

"Yeah, Canada, it's a little different and there are different rules"

So now, if we do not have something or say no to doing something Geordie automaticly thinks that Canada just does not have it;

Geordie was watching tv one day and needed to leave the room for a second;

Geordie: "Mummy, pause it please!"

Me: "Oh, sorry Geordie, there is no pause here."

Geordie: "UGH!!! They don't have pause in Canada?!?!"

So, are you happy to be home?!?

That's the number one question we get!!
Seriously thinking of answering the question with, "NO!" just to see what kind of reaction I would get.

Yes, we are happy to be home.

The next question is; "Is it everything you hoped it would be?"

Ah, I guess. We didn't really know what to expect.

The last time we lived here, we were not married, Geordie was not around and we were students rather than professionals. Much different life! We could also go through the day without complaining about any aches or pains AND have more than one drink and wake up fine the next morning!

Here are a few things that we did expect:

The ocean, and how much Geordie loves it!

Walking/scooting to school... 1km (.6mile) each way

The culture... yes, that is a beer!

Wearing long johns under your Hallowe'en costume. Geordie wanted to be a skeleton, I went looking at all the costumes and they were horrible so...we made it! Less than $20 for supplies; horribly cheap looking pre-made costume $30! ...and this one glowed in the dark!

Snow in November!!!

by the way; while everyone else was cursing this snow Geordie and I were strolling in it, loving every minute of it!!

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HELLO WORLD!!!!

It has been three months and fourteen days that we have been back in The Great White North, eh?! -and that is one of the only times that I have said "eh"! I will admit to making statements sound like questions though!

I'll take you back to October; the travel up was great! Callum's brother came down and helped us drive back. One 26ft Uhaul with trailer carrying our car and our other car driving in convoy. We broke up the drive over five days.

Day one saw not one, but two flat tires. Luckily it happened when we were parking the Uhaul at the hotel in the evening.

Day two was a long day of driving but all were in good spirits and Callum's brother was a demon with the Uhaul! A demon in a good way...he left 15 minutes before us and we never caught up to him!

Day three we took out the brand new Nintendo DS...it was a quiet day.

Day four; Freeport...need I say more?!? -although when shopping Freeport do not go with 3 males!

Day five was the home stretch! We stayed the night before in Houlton, ME so that we would be fresh for the border crossing. All paperwork was in order, plus copies of everything just in case! Stopped on the US side to deal with the cars (one is Canadian the other American). That took about 15 minutes.

Then on to the Canadian side...lots of paperwork but we had everything that was needed. Finished in about 20-30 minutes then the Customs person smiles at us and says, "Welcome back!". That was it, we were done. They didn't even look in the cars let alone open the truck. Callum was mad! All that strategical packing...

Walking back to the cars;

Callum: "Well, we're Canadian again!"

Geordie: "I don't like Canadians."

An hour later he was back to being happy about being Canadian!

Now he is loving it!! First day of skiing, after one lesson he was ready for the big hill;

...although once in a while he will remind us that when he's 18 he is moving back to Georgia.

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Moving right along...

Finally on the road;

Not without some drama;

On our way home;

Counting Down!

11 more sleeps and we're gone!

Lots to do, trying not to get sidetracked. As well as packing and dealing with all the paperwork also trying to get resume up and at'em as well as looking for work. So, trying to stay away from my cute little computer...kind of...

Geordie's doing well. He goes back and forth between wanting to go and not wanting to go. Most of the time he is more for the 'wanting to go' side but once in awhile he gets a little teary-eyed at the thought of leaving his friends.

One afternoon within half an hour he called for his gurls 4 times. They were doing homework. Finally on the fourth time when they said that they couldn't come out he said, 'Fine then! I'm moving to Canada tomorrow and you will never see me again because I will be there until I die!!"

Drama Queen anyone?!?!?

Speaking of which. This was Callum just seconds a go when Geordie had a small toy up to his lips;

Callum: "Get that out of your mouth!! You don't put small things in your mouth. You could swallow it and choke then we will have to take you to the hospital and spend at least $500! Wait until we are back in Canada!"

Off to be somewhat useful!!! Be around soon!!

I am SO going to heaven!

A cute little 112 year old (not looking a day over 80, I might add!) arrived at the pearly gates;

St. Peter: "Yes my dear, what makes you worthy of entrance?"

Cute Little 112 year old: "I lived in rural Georgia for five years, 11 months, 5 of those years under the Bush Administration..."

...and with that the bells rang, the choirs sang and the gates burst open...

St. Peter: "Come in, come in, my dear. You have served your time in hell!"

If I Want It, I Get It!!!!

This weekend past was pretty big back home!

Sir Paul McCartney played Halifax, in his only Canadian show!

Now my Father is an incredibly huge McCartney fan and believes that they have some kind of bond as they are both left handed (remember my bubble and that bubbles do not fall far from the sky). So, the 'children' (a.k.a. The boys, Callum, and I) got Dad tickets.

In the end it was the 3 MacKenzie Boys that went. **

They said that they had a great time.

Now, as I am in Georgia, I was not there. Of course this killed me. I actually have seen Paul McCartney in concert and he's amazing!!!! If you ever get the chance...GO!! So it wasn't entirely that, what bothered me is the fact that they were all doing something together and I wasn't there. Me?!?! Princess?!?! Seriously?!?! How can they have fun without me?!?!?

Yes, my friends I suffer from F.O.M.O. (Fear Of Missing out).
Unfortunately, I have passed this fear on to Geordie as well.

Since, in my bubble, I get everything I want...

WE HAD A GREAT TIME!!!!!!

**Nobody leaves Sissy out!

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Thoughts on Moving...by Geordie

* This is all talk, there is no moving...yet!*

Geordie has been talking a lot about moving lately. A couple of weeks a go this conversation came up;

Geordie; "Why are we moving?"

Me; "Mummy & Daddy are not from here and we only came down here to live for a bit and experience a different 'culture' and we feel that our time is more than up."

Geordie; "But I like it here. I don't want to leave my girls! Why do we have to leave?"

Me; "Well, it's kind of hard to explain but this is not exactly a great fit for Mummy and Daddy. We are a lot different than most of the people here, we think and believe in different things and we want to be with other people who are more like us. Plus, we like winter. Remember Mummy & Daddy are Canadian."

Geordie; "But I'm from here."

Me; "Yes, you were born here but you are also a Canadian citizen because Mummy & Daddy are. Just like Daddy is Canadian but he is also Scottish because that's where Grannie & Grandpa are from."

Geordie; "I like it here though."

Me; "I know, but you'll like it there too. You'll make more friends and there will be things to do there that you can't do here...like skiing and snowboarding."

Geordie; "But I don't have ski boots."

Me; "Well, we can get some. There is also skating."

Geordie; "OH YEAH!!!! ...and then I can do hockey.
Okay...I'm ready, let's move to Canada!"



Since then there has been much talk about moving from Geordie, although nothing has come up yet!
Only problem is that he thinks that moving to Canada means moving to Halifax. We have had to explain that, that might not be the case. Just hoping that wherever we end up they have a skate park as good as Halifax's. He talks about it all the time... to the point where he only goes to the one in Carrollton to practise for the one in Hali!

Here was the conversation the other day;

Geordie; "Will we live with Nana & Grandad?"

Me; "Remember Geordie we might not be moving to Halifax. There are other places in Canada too."

Callum; "...but yes, we would probably stay with Nana & Grandad for a bit and then move to our own home."

Geordie; "But I want to live with Nana & Grandad forever!"

Callum; "Yeah?!?!? Well Mummy & Daddy DON'T!"


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It's A Cultural Thing...

As Reese Witherspoon's character in Sweet
Home Alabama says, "People need a passport to come here!"

We have found many cultural differences between here and home. Truthfully, we didn't think that we would see as many as we have American television as well as books, magazines, etc...

But alas, there are. Starting with the graduation situation (yes, I realize that rhymes in a weird way... and I'm keeping it!). As soon as the notice came out for the pictures Callum and I were laughing our heads off! Pre-schoolers?!?! Cap & Gown?!?

Back home you do not get a gown until high school graduation (grade 12) but there is no cap. When you graduate from University with an undergrad, again, there is a gown but no cap. When you receive your Masters, during the ceremony at the time you receive your 'papers' they put the cap on you for a second and then take it off. I'm almost positive you have a cap for the ceremony when you receive your PhD. These same 'rules' exist for your grad photos.

Now, as funny as we think this is... HOW CUTE IS THIS PHOTO?!?!?

Yes, I am afraid I have turned into one of those parents!! ...and just wait, the ceremony is this coming Monday evening!


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Guess what?!?! Your S#@T does stink!!

So there is a big commotion going on up in Canada, eh!?!?

Has anyone heard about it?!? Probably not!
Unless you go out of your way in this country you don't know about anything that happens outside of it!

This was a couple of days a go...



There is really not much to say. I am not surprised by this at all!! We've been dealt with numerous ignorant words from people. It's not all their fault. Seriously! There are not many opportunities to learn about other countries here... unless you take the time yourself! Hopefully the new government will change that!

A little over a month a go this email was going around down here;

"We have just found out that hidden in the so called stimulus package is the creation of Universal Healthcare including the rationing of care for certain age groups. This Universal Health care plan is a duplicate of the Canadian system and will destroy healthcare as we know it. Please contact your Senators, Chambliss and Isakson, and tell them to take Universal Healthcare OUT of the stimulus package!! "

I would make a bet that 95% of the people that forwarded this off have never been outside this country. Have never experienced anything outside this country...so how can they criticize another's ways?!?

There is way too much to say about how this country sees itself and those outside of it. It does need to wake up! Here's an example of how some things can be done!

Meanwhile, Bill Maher (who, before moving down here I thought was a little too over the top, I now think is spot on!) says it best...and this was 2 years a go when many things were not as bad as they are now!





* on a side note...not all Americans are like this. It's just unfortunate that there are so many that are.
Also, just asking but what flag are American backpackers told to wear when traveling around the world?!?!?!



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Can you righfully criticize another countries health care system?

I can!

Why?

Because I have lived in two countries that have two totally different health care systems!

Which one do I prefer?

USA
Where we have now lived for 4 years, 11 months and 1 day

-or-

Canada
Our home and native land, where we were born and raised

We work for a Canadian company and we have one of the best health care programs in the US. Well, that's what we are told!

When we arrived we were a little over five months pregnant. Let me tell you...a little stressful changing doctors as well as systems!

We would pay out so much money each paycheck (on top of the insurance payments) to go towards the hospital bills; a lot like a layaway plan or one might say, just like TAXES!

Anyway, what was great was that I went to the doctors office, I had three doctors looking after me. It was for sure that I would have one of MY doctors, that I had been seeing, delivering my baby.

What was also great was everything was done in that one office. Blood tests, in one room, ultrasound in another. I remember, a week before Geordie was born asking the doctor if he was in the right position. She looked at me and said, "let's go check!". To the ultrasound room we went (ten steps away...tops!).

Since then for the most part things have been okay. We were having some problems with bills being paid from the provider but that was due to Callum's HR department not knowing how to do their job.

Then, back in the spring, this happened?!?


Do you know how much this cost us?!?!

FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS

yes, $500.00

In Canada, we would have left the hospital and never had to deal with it again! Here, we have to come up with $400 (we had already paid the $100 co-pay) right now to pay it!
As we're trying to get the hell out of dodge (ie. sell the house, leave this country owing nothing as well as money to leave it with)...$400 is quite a sum! Well, really, it's quite a bit at any time!

Here's the thing...the whole ER experience was just as long as it would have been in Canada, possibly a bit longer because we had to deal with the whole money thing.

That blows that whole 'you wait forever with universal health care'!

When going to the doctor, you also wait just as long here in the States as you do in Canada.

Yes, there are waiting lists in Canada for various tests and operations but there are also openings left for emergency cases.

Here, in the US, money is taken out of our paycheck by Callum's employer and goes to the insurance company. The insurance company then only pays for a percentage of the bills, we have to pay the rest. I'm not even going to go into the fine print of things...I have heard people in the medical field have problems understanding the system. Now, the 'rest' that we pay, only is so much per year. It's something like after $2000 the insurance company steps in and takes over 100% of the bill.

In Canada, taxes are taken from your paycheck. You do not have to 'top off' any medical bills after that.

What I think people do not understand is that in this country you are paying out, just as much (sometimes I think more) as what Canadians do with Universal Health Care. Difference being... everyone has health care in Canada! AND you don't have surprise bills popping up!

So, I do believe in Universal Health Care?!? Yes, maybe for the most part because that's what I grew up with but it's also because I think it makes sense!

With that being said, I do think that there are some things that Canada can do to make it better. I'm all for a two tier system (basic health care for all, and a private sector for those who want to pay more). I also like the idea of the co-pay. Paying $5 dollars when you go to the doctor is not much to ask. Maybe $25 when you go to the ER. Might make people think about if they really have to go!

Sorry, I am going to get a little hypocritical here as I am a firm believer in the separation of church and state! But one thing that I really do not understand, specifically down here in south (a.k.a. The Bible Belt) where they are all wild about WWJD and they seem to be the most against Universal Health Care!

Seriously...What Would Jesus Do?!?

I think that Jesus would be all for Universal Health Care...don't you?

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Thursday Thirteen #6

Here are 13 things that have kept me away from the computer while 'vacationing'...

1)The sights and fresh ocean air!

2) Going oat and a-boat with friends without little people!

3) Cooking Lobster

please take note of my father's white legs

4) Eating lobster

Geordie actually backed out on the trying of it. I tried a bite...still don't like it!

5) Going 'down Bayswater' (the cottage)

6) Skipping rocks

7) Hangin' with the Uncles!

Which, by the way; Uncle Russell will be on CMT tonight as a judge for the Karaoke thing

8pm Easter/ 9pm Atlantic / 9:30 Nfld.

8) Eating freezies and spending time with family and friends!

This one is a twofer

9) Shooting off potatoes!

10) Forgetting your age!

11) Geocaching

12) Seeing how fast we can get our grandparents to fold!

and of course...

13) Skating with the dudes!

Here's to more busy days! We have five more sleeps left...here's hoping I get everyone in!

Thursday Thirteen #5

Here's to my fifth TT!

I'm home for a bit so a little out of the loop. I apologize if I have not been 'round to visit!

Here are 13 thoughts, discoveries and/or tidbits of information...

1) When living away from a bilingual country you forget that labels have two different languages on them.

2) Oil on the street can look very much like snow to a four year old.

3) When travelling with a child under 5 by yourself ALWAYS use the car seat on the plane, bring a DVD player and a book for yourself!

4) Pack less snacks than you think you need for the travel day. Less to carry around and you still end up with snacks left over! If need be you can always take out a loan and buy something at the airport!

5) The whole 'only under 2 can bring a juice box through security' rule is STUPID!! A parent did not make up that rule; the least they could do is have 'healthy drinks' once through security! Preferably for free as yours were just taken from you! AND WATER THAT COSTS LESS THAN $4 A BOTTLE!

6) Green grass rocks!!

7) hhhhhmmmm... Smarties!

8) It's really nice to have someone else do your laundry and clean up behind you after you cook!

9) I reply to everyone that comments on my blog. Just found out that it doesn't always get to everyone! If you don't leave your address I can't do it! You wouldn't believe the amount of messages the 'no-reply' folder must be getting from me!

10) EVERYONE here has an accent...and it's very easy to fall into it, even without a drink!

11) Why is it that you can get ready so much faster when you are not home?!?

12) The difference in price between the States and Canada is insane!

Just before we came home I had to go out and get school supplies for Geordie. I went to Walmart as the list said that certain things are there ( I am not normally a Walmart shopper, the whole political stuff about the company bothers me but really I just feel 'dirty' when I come out of there!) I had to run to Walmart here the other night as it was the only thing opened and I desperately needed a fan!

I was walking by the school supplies and I wanted to compare prices. This is what I found... the same box of Crayola crayons that was $0.77 in the US was $2.14 here. The same box of Roseart crayons that was $0.22 in the Us was $1.16 here. Isn't that insane?!?!?

13) It is nice to be around your family. Question is...would they drive you crazy if you lived around them?

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Not Too Bad!! Beware bragging happening!

I'm home! My accent is back to prove it!

Travelling was great! Yes...I said great!

Weather here is awesome! Sure when we arrived and walked outside a part of me did think about taking out my fleece but I faught it! I can adapt...to cold weather anyway!

Then yesterday there was drizzle! I love drizzle!

Geordie is quite a little traveler. He should be he's done it enough!

People even commented on how good he is.

The flight attendant in the first flight was gushing (yes, gushing) about how great he was to the pilots in front of me.

The second flight we had a pilot sitting next to us and at the end of the flight he commented on how good a traveler Geordie was.

If only they knew what he was like normally... ;)

Once landed in Halifax he was beyond excited. When we were at the top of the escalator he quickly picked out Nana and Grandad in the crowd. I let out a sigh of relief. I always have a small fear that he's going to forget what everyone looks like.

He wanted to run so I told him I would hold his 'packpack'. He went running to them. As he passed the security guards they laughed and said, "aaahhh, someone saw their Grandparents!"

That night bedtime was 10:15 for Geordie. Wake-up call on Monday morning was 6:00 AM. See picture above for 7:00PM, Monday evening when in time out!

This morning found Geordie up before 6! Luckily he fell asleep around 8:30 and woke up around 10:15. He is now enjoying his toast and tea! When in Rome and all!!

So far Geordie has gone through 2 bikes, first one was too big so another one was needed. Now he is in heaven! Everyone who has come 'round has had to watch him (first) ride his new bike (second) see him do tricks on his scooter and finally see him do tricks on his skateboard!

Last night Lynn came over and it killed Geordie to go to bed because "everyone was going to have fun without me".

He's in heaven! So many people so little time!

This afternoon...

SKATEPARK HERE WE COME!!!

Sunday Song #5

NO MORE SLEEPS!!! Today we're going home for a visit, this seemed appropriate!

Thursday Thirteen #4

Geordie and I are going home in three more sleeps, Callum in eight!

Here are thirteen things that Geordie wants to do while home...

1) Go to the skate park.

2) Hang out with Uncle Russell and Uncle Greg


3) Play with Ben & Keighan

4) Go 'down Bayswater'


5) Go to the beach


6) Ride the mini bike


8) Cook a Lobster with Grandad

9) Have a fire and eat marshmallows on a stick. "cause that's what you do when it gets dark!"

10) Get freezies and gum from Nana!

11) Go to Bud the Spud

12) Get a haircut with Grandad.

13) Wants to go to the playground with Grandad & Nana, "not nobody else, just Nana and Grandad and me!"

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Yes, HE did just say that the pregnancy was easy!!!!

The other day I wrote to an old friend who is expecting his first child with his wife soon. I asked how things were going.

This is the answer I received...

"Yep, the time is comin' real soon... 1 month to go...Aug. 14th. Everything is going very well...I'm actually surprised how easy this was...I was expecting some crazy woman...but it's been pretty smooth going. She starting to do a little complaining now about the heat and swollen ankles...other than that everything is great."

left; the old friend is somewhere in this picture (07/00)