Running around like a chicken with its head cut.....

would not even start to explain the past couple of weeks. Let me apologize up front for both of us for neglecting our blog. We really have not given it the attention it deserves. It didn't ask to be created....but even though we don't pay enough attention to it, it's still here when we return.

I'm not even going to try to come up with excuses for why we haven't posted except to say life gets busy. I'm sure you all understand. Correction, life is busy, but not work - at least for me. I am on week 4 of my excruciating training process. I am so ready to get on my own it's not even funny. I would say that the "training program" is geared towards employees with no credit experience, if there was a training program to speak of. I'm basically just sitting with someone when they have work..... and when they don't I just sit at my desk and stare at the wall..... or in this case, decide to take this time to post.

Let's see.... let's see. What's been going on in our world? Mike is getting settled in at Lowe's. He really seems to be enjoying it. It's nice to hear him at the end of the day just rattle on about the goings on on the 5th floor, east wing, 1600 row, 3rd cube..... i think that's right? All I know is I'm the 2nd cube from the door. Ha.

Last weekend we joined Mike's family in Lake Junaluska for the Western North Carolina Methodist Conference. We got in around 8 on Friday night and ate at Snappy's for the 2nd year in a row. It's our own little tradition now. You'd never believe.... but there's really good Italian food in Maggie Valley. So it was us and about 100 bikers eating dinner. A Methodist Convention and bikers in the same town.... interesting combination. We met everyone at the house afterwards, got settled, and spent the rest of the evening just chatting with the fam. Saturday was a lazy morning for Mike, Nancy, and me while the others were gone to meetings. Then in the afternoon we went "plundering" in downtown Waynesville. We looked at some great artwork, shopped at the Christmas store (of course), met some of Waynesville's 4-legged residents, and had the best Italian Gelato this side of the Atlantic. It was Mojito flavored...... YUM!!!!! Saturday night we went to Granny's (the restaurant) for dinner where we met up with Kathryn and Andrew who had flown in from Wisconsin. Saturday night involved a walk around the lake and string art...... trust me, you had to be there. I haven't laughed that hard in a while. Sunday we all got up and went to church at Conference and headed down the mountain. That night, Andrew was subjected to a surprise birthday party. The big 30.... I'm not commenting, because I'm next (shuddering). Again, Happy Early Birthday Andrew!!!

Poor Flip was nice enough to volunteer to "baby-sit" the "children" for me while we were gone. Moa isn't allowed in the house that we stayed in. Wouldn't you know that's when he decides to get an upset stomach. He seemed to be recovering by Sunday, but it reared its ugly head again last night. There's nothing like standing outside at 3 in the morning in your pj's watching your dog have the runs. Priceless, ha. He's eating/drinking so hopefully he's just got an upset tummy. Thanks again Flip!!! I really owe you.

I guess it's about time for me to quit rattling on and attempt to look busy doing actual work. Does moving papers on your desk count?

Before I publish this post, please keep two of our family members in your prayers. My Uncle Verlie who I've mentioned before does in fact have bladder cancer. He's successfully had surgery and is currently undergoing radiation/chemo. Also, a couple of weeks ago we found out that Mike's Uncle Harold was diagnosed with Grade 3 breast cancer. Obviously we were all shocked by the news. He had surgery on Monday and is at home. He'll start his treatments next week. After spending the weekend with them and visiting him in the hospital, I'm convinced that a good attitude is half the battle in these situations. I hope that if I'm ever faced with that kind of challenge (God forbid) that I'd have one ounce of the courage that he has. Harold and Ann have both always made me feel like part of the family. I hope they know how grateful I am to all of the DeBerry/Davis clan for that. Here's to a quick/successful recovery for both of our uncles.

Have a great Thursday, y'all. I'll be in Hickory this weekend for Dad Day....so, Happy Father's Day to all of you!!! Remember to hug your loved ones and tell them how much they mean to you every chance you get.