Thanksgiving 2012

After a very difficult six months, my mother passed away in early November. My focus has not been so much on tatting (although I have done some ... just for the therapy!) but rather on family as well as some major reporting to government agencies for my company. I certainly hope to remedy that more in the coming months.

I would however like to give my thanks to everyone who sent personal notes on my various e-mail accounts and through Facebook. I've also received many cards ... especially a very special one from Bobbie in Montana. I am extremely grateful for the time and thought that went into all the notes; your graciousness means more than I can say.

I would also like to express my gratitude for family and especially our extended family. Under our sad circumstances, I was able to speak with cousins from across our country from Alaska to Florida. While many I had not spoken with in a number of years, it was as though those years simply melted away.

I wish you all a wonderful fall season; well, what there is left of the season. I also want to wish you a wonderful holiday season and a healthy and happy new year in 2013.

Last Night along the US Northern Tier

Tonight is our last night on the Northern US tier of states. We have stopped at Mitchell, SD and will go into Sioux Falls to get the oil changed before turning south on I-29. It was really hard to say goodbye yesterday to the wonderful weather in Thompson Falls yesterday.

Since we left Billings, MT this morning it's been hot, hot, hot and of course VERY WINDY! Then, it's always windy across South Dakota. Lots of folks heading to the vacation spots of Mt. Rushmore and then Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.

Should be home Sunday afternoon in time for DH to pick up a rental car and then onto work for him at one of the plants, next week he'll be in Mississippi and I'll be home then I'm back to work on the 9th.

2012 Trip to Western Montana

Our trip this year is nearly done and we'll be starting home later this week. Really enjoyed our time in MT ... just wish DH could have had a vacation as well. He spent all our time traveling (since 6/16/12) answering business calls, emails and working estimates. He actually has not had a real vacation in 7 years.

Enjoyed being will all my tatting camp friends and meeting new ones.

• Jack and Gwen from Washington
• Dick and Tess from British Columbia
• Louis and Irene from Oklahoma
• Debbie, Gary and Randy from Colorado
• Brad and Diana from Utah
• Char, Bobbie, Diane, Teri, Prue and Lydia from Montana
• Sabrina from Idaho.

DS#2 is house-sitting and called us to let us know that there were issues with the HVAC on the lower floor. A call to our long-time service company indicates that a new compressor will have to installed. Oh, well ... it's only $$. Hope it gets done before we get home as it's sweltering there.

Also enjoyed Father's Day Weekend with DS#1 and his wife. Had dinner one night at the Triumph Grill in St. Louis. The food was great and DH enjoyed the part of the museum they could enter; most of the display closes at 4:00 PM daily. DH is already planning another trip, this time on his KLR; he has to test out the new suspension he'll be installing onto the bike after we get home -- at least between his business travels.