Birthday Party in Raleigh, NC

Last weekend I went to Raleigh, NC to celebrate my sister's birthday. She lives in Hilton Head, SC and Raleigh was halfway point. Joni (birthday girl) and John came up from Hilton Head. Beth and A. J., Madge, Bob and me went from the D.C. area. Cory(Joni's son and Katrina) came over from Winston-Salem area. Niece Chris with Gerri arrived from SC and niece Candi came from Texas. Tropical storm Hanna was expected later Friday, the day we arrived. It never amounted to much there. Let's just say it didn't stop us from celebrating for 3 days. I had a wonderful time.

HARD TO BELIEVE

It is hard to believe it has been 2 and half months since my last posting. Labor Day was yesterday, so I guess summer is over. It has been a busy summer. Redoing my kitchen. I have gone to my sister's lake property and attempt start landscaping a acre and half of woods. First I had to clear out the underbrush and poison ivy. Yes! I did it in shorts and short sleeve shirts. Oh yes! I did get a good case of it. Fourth of July and spent at a Bar-B-Q on the 12th floor condo overlooking DC. Great view of the fireworks. Every year near the second weekend of August we have a family reunion at my niece's lake property. It now last from Tuesday thru Sunday. Original it was to celebrate mother's birthday. We do have fun and it is great that we can get together. Couple of weeks ago a friend and I went over the Skyline drive and hiked one of the trails for an hour or so. It was a great day. The butterflies were out in abundance. Way back in the woods we heard running water and came upon this little falls and creek. This coming weekend we are going to Raleigh NC to be with my sister for her birthday. This is a very special birthday in that last May she discovered she has stage 4 stomach cancer and sure she would be around September 4 for her birthday. Not only is she here to celebrate but she will coming the first of three series of chemotherapy. She looks great, acts great and said she feels wonderful. She has a very positive attitude which has a great deal to do with it.