a couple of firsts

It had to happen eventually. My ride report today contains a couple of firsts.

Number 1 - Some idiot wanted to pass me. I was going five over the speed limit yet that wasn't good enough for him. We were on a two lane road so since the ongoing traffic didn't allow for him to get out there to pass legally on my left, he went from behind me on my right and sped past me on the grass. What a trip!

Number 2 - A van pulled out of a parking space and didn't see me. Had to maneuver quickly to a stop and wait for him to figure out what lane he wanted to ride in. For a while he was in several lanes and blocking traffic.

Other than that, the ride was uneventful. I could wave all day long. Went the speed limit plus some at times. Had no problems starting and stopping and starting again.

As always, Hope is home to me...

Tomorrow is going to be a great day. Plans have been made that I have been waiting months for... The whole week is going to be good actually. But tomorrow -- well... tomorrow will be the best.

:-)

proud aunt

My niece, Stephanie, is a junior in high school. She competed in the Junior Miss Sylvan Beach pageant last year and won Miss Congeniality. Last night, she competed in the next level - Miss Sylvan Beach - and placed as first runner up. We are all very proud of her achievement!

No matter how one feels about beauty pageants, they are quite rigorous in this day in age. The interview counts for more than 50 % of their score. She wowed them when they asked her to improvise. Stephanie is known for having a lot of humor and won a class clown award. She had them rolling in laughter by the end of the interview.

Next year she'll be a senior and will compete one last time. This year, she won a $1000 scholarship plus she won the raffle last night too! A $150 prize... it was definitely her night.

We love you Stephanie... and all of your family couldn't be more proud...

the Honors Convocation Ceremony on 04/26/2007

My daughter attended her Honors Convocation on Thursday to receive her induction into Mortar Board. Mortar Board is a national honor society whose members are chosen on the basis of outstanding scholarship, leadership, and service to the College and the community. She had been informed of her acceptance into this honor society previously.

What she didn't know, much to her surprise, was that she also was going to be recognized and/or awarded honors/scholarships in several other areas.

She received the President Bernard T. Lomas Project 250 Award. The college website states:

Leadership and Service Awards

The College recognizes outstanding student leadership and service to the campus community through the programs listed below.

President Bernard T. Lomas Project 250 Award

The Project 250 Award encourages students to contribute to the meaningful betterment of themselves and their campus community, both inside and outside of the classroom. Award recipients are selected: (a) without regard to financial need; (b) based on the applicant’s broad range of activities and how they contribute to the applicant’s personal goals in higher education; and (c) based on the applicant’s leadership contributions measured by the quality of the applicant’s involvement with activities and organizations that contribute to the betterment of the College.

~~~~~

She also was awarded the William C. Henning Scholarship in Speech Communication.

Academic Achievement Awards -
Departmental Scholarships, Awards and Prizes

A departmental scholarship given to two students with outstanding academic records in the Department of Communications.

~~~~~

She was initiated into the Order of Omega. This is an honorary fraternal group for sorority and fraternity leaders on campus whose goal is to encourage inter-fraternity relations and bring together the numerous groups to promote scholarship and leadership within the general college community. Order of Omega is a Greek honorary for students who have shown outstanding leadership within the Greek community.

~~~~~

She is currently carrying a 4.0 point so I know that there's another list she must be on (like the Dean's list or something) but I forgot to ask her. I'll update this when she calls me.

She said that you can only wear two cords when walking at graduation and that will be a difficult decision for her. Which two to pick.

What a wonderful dilemma to have!!! *lol*

My daughter. She is an amazing woman. She is doing this all on her own. I am very proud of her.

the bridges of SE Texas

As shared by CAPPY at MC101... thank you!

{ Turn your speakers on and enjoy}

slaying dragons

"Perhaps all the dragons in our lives are princesses who are only waiting to see us act, just once, with beauty and courage. Perhaps everything that frightens us is, in its deepest essence, something helpless that wants our love."
~ Rainer Maria Rilke


When fear ruled and my life turned upside down a few years back, I found this quote and installed it as a scrolling marque screen saver on one of my home computers. It was comforting to believe that what frightened me at my core might not be anything to fear in the end.

Yesterday I slew a dragon and discovered there was nothing to fear. Hope and I took to the road with the intent of conquering the causeway. As I pulled into traffic from storage there was a tinge of apprehension. The wind was blowing hard.

Was this the right thing to do? Should I wait another day? Could I handle the higher highway speeds with the gusting air all around me?

Yes. I could.
Yes. I would.

The decision was made. I would not allow fear to rule me. I left that girl in hell when I moved home. The scared one. She wasn't allowed to control me anymore. She had already used up way too many years of my life.

The traffic was heavy as I inched my way off the island. As always, riding Hope felt like I was riding a cloud. The light at the underpass finally glowed green and we turned left towards the access road. No turning back. I took a deep breath in and exhaled. This was it.

Getting her up to speed was no problem. Merging traffic happened naturally. The wind gusts weren't any worse than along the ocean. She handled the whole process beautifully with grace and dignity. Self assured. She was calm and at home travelling down the road.

Piece of cake. I smiled. Zero to 60 in a few seconds flat. We were on our way to freedom.

After crossing over, I decided to ride for awhile. Spent four hours on the road with no agenda. Dropped in on family who had never seen Hope. Made my way down the road through Kemah and met a few guys along the way. Stopped and discussed bikes, future road trips and events.

It was all good. The causeway, at the end of the day, was nothing. A limit only in my imagination.

Fear.

What a powerful emotion if we allow it to control us. The dragon disappeared when action was initiated despite feelings of helplessness and anxiety. Calm and peace replaced it with the knowledge that there was nothing there to fear. My mind was at ease. My physical body at home. My soul at rest.

Fear will not be allowed to rule my new world. My life will not be immobile due to imaginary dragons. Life is too short to waste it being scared.

What do you fear? Embrace it, love it, act upon it and move forward. The dragon will transform into a thing of beauty with wings. All you have to do is love that which is inside of you... without allowing it to limit or control you.

Choose.
Choose you.
Choose to fly.

Life without limits...
Choose to live every moment...
Free.

18 years ago today

I remember wanting you more than anything in the world. Your sister was two and I asked your father if we could try for another baby. It was in the summer... July 1988. He said yes! I was beyond ecstatic.

Eighteen years ago today, I remember my amazement when I woke up from surgery and your father told me we had a boy. I made him promise not to tell anyone else before me. The first time, I was the last one to know. This time, I wanted to be the first.

I remember them bringing you to me. C-section babies are so beautiful. No trauma. Your head was round. Your eyes asleep.

Born at 9 pounds, 11 ounces and 21 inches long -- your father saw visions of an athlete from the beginning. You do have natural abilities born from him. At 6'2 (or are you 6'3 now?) and 230 pounds, you have become a man in so many ways these last few years.

Picking your name was easy. Your father said if it's a boy, he wanted him to carry the same name. The first time, when we had Bethany, he didn't want that. For some reason, this time he did. So going into the hospital, we had a boy's name but not a girl's. Strange how that happened both times. I knew. I knew you would be a boy.

I remember you sleeping soundly as a baby. I was so worried. All I knew was a baby who had colic and cried. You rarely cried except when you were hungry. You always seemed content to watch and listen from the very beginning.

I remember Bethany always telling us what you needed... wanted. So you didn't have to speak much in those early years. You may not realize this, but the bond between the two of you was strong from the beginning. She has always loved you. She mothered you from the start.

Your sister will always be there for you... just call her and she will drop everything for you. She loves you more than you can ever imagine. Remember that when you feel alone, Joel. Always.

Bringing you home from the hospital, our family was complete. I can honestly say that was the happiest time in my life. Having my son and daughter... together at last. We were a family.

We didn't have a lot of money back then. Your father worked two jobs. I stayed home and did daycare just so you could be home with me. We didn't want your baby years to be with someone else. I wanted to be the one who taught you everything. I wanted to be the one you woke up to from your naps. I wanted to be the one to feed you, love you, take care of your every need. I wanted to be the mother.

I loved every minute of staying home with you and your sister. I want you to know that. No matter how tough life has been for me since, I have no regrets for that choice. None. I wouldn't change a single choice I made in my past. Those choices gave me you.

I remember missing your first steps. We were on one of our trips to Disney. Coming home in fact. Spring Break. You were two weeks shy of turning one. We had brought Papa and Nan along. Bethany had gotten sick in the car so I was washing blankets at the hotel laundry room. You decided to walk to Papa.

Oh how happy you made him that day! He felt so special being the first one you walked to. You always were special to him. You always made him proud.

I remember the time when you were still in your crib. You weren't even a year old yet. You kicked and broke out one of the wooden spindles one morning. You weren't crying. You were playing. From the very beginning, your strength amazed us. You were all 'boy' from birth... *lol*

Over the years you have amazed me. Your ability to make friends came easily when you began school. I still remember walking down the hall with you when you were in first grade. All the older fourth and fifth graders were saying, "Hi Joel" and "hey" to you. I kept asking how you knew the others and you simply replied, "They're my friends." You would play with them during recess. Everyone enjoyed your company.

You are 18 today. You have basically raised yourself these past two and a half years and have come out of a difficult situation a grown man. You are taking care of yourself. You are making a new life. You are making good choices. You are choosing to live honestly. Honorably. With conviction.

I will always feel cheated though. Cheated out of the last few years of being able to be a mother to you. In some ways, it was probably good for you even if it wasn't for me. You have always been strong and independent. That strong independent streak will carry you through life.

You have always been one to know what you wanted and gone after it. You don't allow rejection to get to you. You know who you are...

Omg... I still remember you as a baby... barely crawling. You'd go up to the VCR and want to touch it. I'd say, "no" and you'd back away. But only for a second. Then you'd go back again and I'd say, "no" again. We danced like that for your whole childhood. You humoring me for awhile, allowing me to 'feel' like I was the parent... and then doing what you wanted afterwards anyway. Choosing your own path that was right for you.

If it was something you wanted, you didn't take 'no' for an answer. Persistent. You are that. Self-assured. You know who you are and you don't care what others think of you.

Honest. Trustworthy. Loyal. Caring. Intelligent. Talented. You are all of these.

You know that all I ever wanted was children. The hardest thing in my life was moving home without you. I will always miss you, Joel. I will always wish I could have stayed or it would have been good for your life to leave and come with me.

But I also know, that you not only survived -- you have thrived in the independence of your situation. You have taken on the responsibility for yourself and matured into a man.

I am so proud of who you are and what you have become. You are smart and talented enough to do anything with your life. You don't have to choose anything right now. Just know that whatever you decide -- you have all the ability in the world to make it happen.

Eighteen years ago today, I woke up to a dream come true. I had you. You make me proud every day. Every single day. Remember that always.

Happy birthday, honey...

I love you,
Mom

knock on wood

I don't want to jinx anything but it appears my eyes are a 'go' yet again...  woo hoo!  *lol*

My pre-op appointment is confirmed.  My surgery date is scheduled.  One last hoop I have to jump through (or rather -- my eyes) to get the definitive 'yes' and then I'll be good to go. 

It will be nice to have this done before that long ass trip up north and back to get Samantha.  Not having to mess with glasses.  Being able to see.  Omgosh..  I'm thrilled.

That's going to be a heck of a week between the festival, graduations, and having to be in three different states and five different cities all across the country in only six days.  Talk about a road trip.  Oh but I do love road trips.  I am so at home on the open road...  *happy sigh*

Anyway, add in my move to the new rental, trying to outfit my new place with appliances, dealing with utilities I've never had to deal with before, learning this new job I just started, and bringing Faith and Hope home for good ...  well, it appears I won't be resting until June.  Then school starts...  *LOL*

So much to do.....  I love it!

:-)

it's time

Things are coming together in my life and I know the next phase will be my education. The tuition reimbursement program has already accepted my application. It will cost me only the first initial semester out of pocket to get started. After that, my degree will be free. It's time.

I told my boss yesterday that I think I'll go to law school. When I was 29, I took a battery of tests at the college after my husband at the time said no to more children. The gal behind the counter had to re-score my test. She said she had never seen anyone get a 99% before. My results were complete a match for 'physician'.

Well, I feel it's too late for that profession. At least that's how I feel today. Who knows what tomorrow will bring. But I know the things I'm good at now and a law degree could match a pretty close second to a medical degree.

It's exciting to see a whole new future ahead and know that it will keep getting better for me. My new home is perfect. I went over there yesterday and walked around the backyard. There is a huge covered patio where a patio set, a swing and a grill will go someday when it's provided to me. There is a nice area for my hammock also. It is a peaceful place that reminds me of those mornings in Michigan when we'd sit outside, drink a cup of coffee and enjoy the woods while we discussed everything and anything. There were some good times in my past life. I do remember and am grateful for those...

The family room/country kitchen is huge and I'm going to need another set of furniture for it. I've got a lead on a full set (couch, loveseat and recliner) but it's $500 and, with getting Samantha this next month plus two graduations, I just don't have any cash. I'm strapped as it is. I'm going to have to find cheap appliances also. I need a stove, refrigerator, washer and dryer. Everything. I've got the lawn mower already.

It will all happen. God hasn't taken me this far to leave me without what I need. All in it's own time.

Oh, and the first of next month, Samantha will have a sister to come home to...

Yes, I will be bringing home Faith. She's a sweet girl who loves to sit at your feet and be petted. She will be a wonderful addition to my growing family.

Oh how overwhelming it is to have what I lost three years ago restored to me! Not only restored but abundantly multiplied. It's more than I ever dreamed of... more than I ever expected... more than I ever hoped for...

I am in awe of it all... totally.
It's time. It's time for many things... for me.

my baby brother

My baby brother turns 40 in three weeks. For almost three years now we have been travelling parallel universes.

The week my sister and brother-in-law rescued me from being stranded in Chicago and brought me home, my little brother was released on parole. He is an alcoholic, as was my older brother, as was our father. He had been in and out of jail and/or prison his whole adult life due to DWI and PI charges.

That first week of September 2004, we both began a new life. A new journey. His release brought about a short-lived "freedom" mentality where he once again was drinking. At one point, he almost bit off his tongue due to a severe reaction. The alcohol was killing him according to the ER doc that tried to bring his blood pressure down. One sip at a time.

It will be almost two years since his last drink. He goes to his AA meetings religiously and mentors others who are beginning new again. Yesterday he told me it was humbling to go back to the halfway house where he stayed and made that solid commitment to stay sober. The men there were asking him all those questions that he asked initially of those before him. He loves being an example of what can happen good in a life -- when you think you're too far gone. He tells them it's all about letting go. It's all about not deciding. It's all about acceptance.

When I became homeless what seems like ages ago -- I had lost all hope. I thought my life was over. I was ready to die. The darkest period in my life is when I lost my children. I didn't believe I would survive. I never dreamed I would once again thrive. Though our situations of how we had come to that darkest day were different -- our headspace was the same. We were starting over... separate but at the same time.

In the last two and a half years, my brother and I have held several jobs. It seems every time I move up or change jobs, so does he... and vice versa. Twice now it's been almost down to the same day. When he was getting his first apartment, I was moving into my first rental home. When I was able to finally get dependable transportation -- within months so did he. Everything in our lives seemed to be happening to both of us at the same time. He just moved this past month and here I am moving again. It is all so surreal.

On the phone last night, he reminisced about his birthday last year. He was doing all the right things but was still lonely. The job he had wasn't the one he has now. The life he wanted seemed far off... out of reach.

God has given him a stable, good paying job. God has brought a wonderful woman into his life to love and to love him. God has given him a home to live in that is filled with peace and happiness. He is content.

He said last night it amazes him how much he's grown and how wonderful his life is today. He said the confirmations affirmed him in so many ways. Let go and let God... that's what he's done. Everything becomes easy when you do. Everything happens for a reason... in the proper order... in the right season.

I am so very proud of my baby brother. Very proud. He has become a man.

i got the house!

The little three bedroom rental house is all mine! Woo hoo!!! *lol* Put my deposit down on it today. I beat out ten others who were looking at her at the same time.

It's in a great neighborhood, has two full baths, a living room, a family room/country kitchen, fenced yard, and an attached garage for my Hope. I guess I'm moving... ***all smiles***

Things keep falling into place for me... all on their own. When it's meant to be -- it's easy. Sam and I will be together soon and I may actually have a friend to keep her company. Got a lead on another golden. That would be sweet.

What was that quote from last night's show? There's a lot to do -- but nothing to worry about. I totally agree. Life is good...

:-)

no control

My daughter has viral pneumonia. They say it's viral at least. She's got a temp over 100 and green stuff coming up also. She claims the doc said that antibiotics are not the answer. I've always thought green meant infection. WTF???

She said the schools all closed down today due to the storm. Must be blizzarding and/or icy. She's achy and having those shocks she gets whenever she's feverish.

I hate this.

I hate not being able to go to her and comfort her and take care of my baby. She spent hours in the ER on Sunday night. She needs to go back in again now that her symptoms are worsening. She's not going to she says... *sigh*

There is nothing I can do. I have no control. None. What can I do -- except wait.

it's all set

I'm bringing my baby home next month. My son has confirmed that he wants me to take her. I've waited three years for this day.

I am overwhelmed with relief. The last time I saw her she cried and cried for me. Stayed at my feet for two days.

Omg... Now to find a home with a yard. I need to start looking at a move again. So much to do... Maybe I can find one with a garage and then Hope can be with me also. Oh what a great day!

My Samantha... She is my joy. I have missed her every day since I had to leave her. Every day.

Happy Birthday, Baby...

Twenty-one years ago today, I was being prepped for surgery. The c-section was planned. Being put under was not.

As I lay on the gurney waiting to go to surgery and without my glasses, they came to tell me that I would not be awake during the procedure. It was too risky to do anything with needles to my back. The doctor was concerned about my VonWillenbrandt's and didn't want any bleeding in my spine from an epidural. It was a last minute precaution decision.

I started to cry. I couldn't see them when they were talking to me as they had taken my glasses and I was blind without them. Your father had been shown to the area where he was suited up for being in the operating room. They said he could not come in now that there was not going to be an epidural. I asked that they get him. I needed to tell him what was going on. Mostly, I needed to tell him something else.

Your grandmother, my mother, and her sisters all have a low acetacholenestrace (sp?) problem. She doesn't wake up from anesthesia. We all were tested after her incident. They took the tube out only to have to reintubate her when they found she couldn't breathe and was turning blue. I have the same problem, as do you and your brother. I truly believed I wouldn't wake up.

They brought your father to me and I was sobbing. We had been discussing names. I didn't know if I was having a boy or a girl. I didn't want to know before the actual birth. I wanted to be surprised. We had picked out a girl's name. Well, actually, I picked out a girl's name. The whole pregnancy I knew if I had a daughter I wanted to name her Bethany. Your dad would tease me incessantly about simply naming our baby "First"... as in First Church of whatever...

"You don't have to name her Bethany, if it's a girl," I sobbed into his chest. We had never decided on a boy's name. I brought the name books to the hospital so we could look through them if we had a boy. We had no ideas other than he said that he didn't want a junior.

Your dad smiled at me and told me not to worry. Everything was going to be fine.

They rolled me away and into the surgery room and moved me off the gurney and onto the table. It was so cold my teeth were chattering. They heaped warm blankets upon warm blankets on me as the tears streamed down my face. Lying there, my doctor came to the head of the table and took a tissue to blot my tears. He stood there for the longest time silently... simply catching my tears. Then he spoke of how it would all be fine. It would all be ok, he intimated. Not to worry.

They called him to the other end of the table as they put me to sleep. I heard him say to a woman next to him, "Keep doing this until she falls asleep and stops crying." Oh how he cared for me!

That OB doctor had done so much for me my whole pregnancy. It had been a difficult one in the beginning. I was so sick that the first six weeks I lost thirty pounds and was in the hospital on IV's for dehydration twice. Each time he comforted me with his strong confident manner. I loved that man for taking care of me. God bless you, Dr. Edlund. You are what a doctor is supposed to be...

Due to their concerns for the anesthesia, at least this is what I'm assuming, they started cutting me before I was totally under. They didn't know I was still awake and could feel it all. I screamed but nothing came out. I couldn't move. I couldn't do anything. They didn't know.

The searing pain to my belly was horrifying. I don't know how long I was able to feel. I passed out shortly after that cut. But I will never forget it.

Waking up in recovery, I asked what did I have. A girl. Healthy. Beautiful. Perfect on their scale scoring. Born at 11:16am. you weighed seven pounds and 11 ounces, 19 inches long.

They brought you to me then. I cannot describe the complete love and joy I felt the first time I held you. My whole life all I wanted was to be a mother. It was all I ever dreamed of... all I ever needed to be whole and complete. Holding you finished the puzzle piece to my soul that makes me who I am. My core was complete.

Today, my baby turns twenty-one. You are vibrant, intelligent, stable, motivated, healthy, honest, trustworthy, loyal, loving, beautiful on the inside as well as the outside. You are more than I could have ever asked of in a little girl. You are more than I ever dreamed you'd be as a woman.

Happy 21st birthday, my beautiful Bethany... I didn't think it was possible to love you more than that first time I felt you inside of me. I was wrong.

You make me proud -- always...

I love you,
Mom

what i like best

You know what I like best about Hope? She reminds me of my little black taurus. Oh yeah... I have a need for speed.....................

***all smiles***

Sitting at the stoplight tonight, first in line, I whispered, "Let's see what you can do Hope..." And she did not disappoint! *lol*

Took a couple hour ride after work. Went west first for the long drive at higher speeds. Then east second to practice the stops and shifting. When it came to traffic, for some reason I was always at the front of the line.

It was so much fun watching the guys in the trucks next to me at the different stops. Omg... I was laughing the whole time. I rev'd her up at each stop and then gave her throttle as soon as the red changed to green. Had one actually catch up to me and try to get my attention. Too cute! *LOLOL*

Hope is perfect for me. Peppy and quick. Dependable and ready. A lot of fun to ride... oh yeah... I so understand what she needs. She needs the same as me.

:-)


p.s. Thank you, P... For everything tonight. I appreciate the tips and the suggestions and the hands on technique you showed me at storage. Oh, and thanks for the compliments also! I feel like I've been riding for a lot longer too. Can't wait to ride with you and your brothers...

thank you for making me laugh tonight, Bill...

First off, if you're reading -- thanks for the great laughs tonight Bill!!! Omg... you cracked me up.... *LOLOLOL* Tell headbolt and PY2 'hey' for me this weekend... *kotc*

;-)

Now... on to tonight's ride ---

Since I'm down to only two jobs, I have decided to dedicate every evening I can to Hope. I knew there were some things I needed to figure out (tire pressure for instance). Got off work, ran home and changed then headed over to storage.

For the first time, I got right on her and rode straight out of storage. Didn't worry about warming her up or anything. So, for my additional firsts tonight, I:

1. Let go of the grip to push the choke back in while going 50 mpg down the road... omg! *lol*

2. Figured out tire pressure... yes, the front tire was only about 22... yes, I found out how to add air... back tire was low also (28).... Got them both set up at 36 and 38 respectively, which is what Doc told me to shoot for... (and omg! Hope handles so much better with inflated tires!!! *LMAO*)

3. Rode uphill to a stop sign and held my ground until traffic cleared.

4. Rode uphill to the storage touch pad and held Hope upright while I keyed in my code (woo hoo!!!)... *lol*

5. Had my first sharp stop at a light. Remembered to use both brakes, downshift and stop all within a few feet and a few seconds. And I didn't have one single problem! ***all smiles***

The wind gusts were really bad on the island tonight. There was a storm coming in. I figure this was really good practice for the causeway. I was being blown all over the road but held my own. The suggestion to remove the windshield worked wonderfully. I felt the wind, but Hope didn't...

All in all, a great ride for after work. I told Bill tonight it felt like I was floating when I was on Hope. It's amazing. It's like I'm just sitting there and she's doing all the work. I don't see how I'll ever get used to how she makes me feel... I never want to take it for granted. It's a special gift to be able to fly... I am truly blessed to be one of the chosen for such a wonderful moment.

It's all good... :-)

i am amazed

I am amazed every time Hope and I ride. All the anxiety I feel melts away the minute I lift the storage garage door. There is no fear. There is no concern. There are no worries. There is only her and I... and the open road.

Went out today in the 78 degree sun and took a couple hour ride west down the Gulf coast. Removed the windshield and had no problems with wind gusts. There was wind riding along the water though. I'm assuming that is normal at the speed we were travelling. I did feel the bugs hit but that was no big deal. Felt stable, even at 60 mph. Felt at home... and relaxed... content.

On the way back east, I decided to ride the Seawall into traffic. I was so surprised how well it all went. I downshifted and stopped at lights and had no problems watching for traffic changes. Everything went smoothly. Everything felt as if I'd been riding this way for forever.

I find it interesting that both fear and anxiety leave my core the minute I sit down on Hope. There is no room for anything except peace when I start her up. I don't worry about anything in my life when I back her out. My mind is quiet and my soul calm. When she starts is when I start -- to breathe...

I'm no longer frightened about the causeway. I'm no longer concerned about hitting highway speeds. There is no worry about traveling through traffic or long distances. I have no fears about anything where Hope is concerned. We are a team. We can do anything together...

And we will... it's all in the timing, baby... ***all smiles***