SRS--I always was working on a stage set for a theatre camp when the books came out so I would have my youngest read to me as I worked. I did NOT want to wait for the show to be done before I got the book read!

Yes, I am back after an about 8 year hiatus. I started taking on AFS (exchange ) students and then became the support person for a 4 state area, had a fire, a wedding (the daughter who got me onto mudcat)and the illness and death of my husband. I have been aware (and supportive of) several many of the folks here that have lost spouses, parents, friends, and children, but I am sometimes a bit insular and it seemed a bit much to say "I am back and please give me hugs". But I was cold all last winter, and I don't think it had to do with the weather (tho I was not the one who was good at keeping the fires going)My house is so cluttered that I think it might take a year of nothing but cleaning, but I also have to build sets, a bar in a local restaurant, keep animals fed & watered and eggs gathered and cleaned, keep a stone sales business running, and do 2 church services a week--Sunday and Wednesday. I know I have forgotten something...

I deeply appreciate the company here even if I cannot be on so much. And I WILL check in. I did get the vacuuming done today (and the dog will shed a whole nother dog tomorrow. 3 people have picked up their lamb, so stuff IS getting done. Just not enough of it. End of rant.

Kat --

I wish you were here too. I WAS in CO last summer, but only for 10 days. Maybe next time. (This was my first time at the ranch without David. Really hard. My mother in law has been SO helpful. We talk about every 10 days. She's walked the same path, but always had one of her kids around. Wavestar (Jessica) is in CT, Josh is in CO and baby(!) Ben is in high school in western MA. The sheep are not good company, though the dog and cats do try to take up the slack. But if you ever want a place to land out here I don't intend to go anywhere soon. *hug* to you as well!

CamiSu