What? Back home again? How can that be, you might ask, because I just got back on Tuesday. Well, I returned to Lockport and came back again yesterday. The mother-in-law of one of my cousins had a stroke a couple of days ago and passed away on Tuesday morning, with the funeral being scheduled for yesterday. I just felt that it was important that I go, not only because of my cousin, but because this lady was someone I've known for a long time, and I wanted to show my respects on her passing.

The church was filled with friends and relatives. Mis' Mary Jane had a large family--6 kids and many, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was 88 years old and lived a good life. She was the type of lady that was always there to help others, as I already knew, but heard so much about at her funeral yesterday. God was good to her, even at the time of her death, not allowing her to linger on a ventilator for a long time. May she rest in peace; she has earned her heavenly reward, and I'm sure she is enjoying the glory of heaven at this very moment. Please pray for her family, as they deal with this loss.

My trip to Lockport and back was uneventful. I am truly grateful that my trips there, ever-increasing, it seems, have been devoid of problems that sometimes travelers have. I must have a Guardian Angel riding alongside of me, and for that, I thank God.

Sid and I are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Joey and Beau to Louisiana on Saturday. They will spend a couple of days in NO, Beau will spend a couple of days with his family, Joey will come here on Tuesday, and Beau will follow on Wednesday. Thanksgiving dinner will be here, and I look forward to Joey contributing in the food department. Seems like he's anxious to do some cooking for us, and he has turned into a very good cook. His specialty seems to be in the baking department, but he also cooks main meals as well. I know he wants to bake a pecan pie; beyond that, who knows, but whatever it is, I know it will be delicious. My kitchen is yours for the taking, Joey!

Still don't know how many of our other kids will be here, if any, but we'll make the most of what we have. This world just is so filled with activities that one hardly has time for the old-time celebrations, so we must adapt--and we do.

It seems almost strange to be in the Cottage alone all day again. Sid, of course, is at school, and Randi is back at her house. The lives of our children are so full--with school and sports and dance, projects to do, places to go, and on, and on, and on.

I think I'm in one of my "blah" moods today, just thinking about our family and how I wish I could see them more often. When we lived in Lockport, it seems we saw them so often; living here, I see them only when I have to head to Lockport for my Mom's appointments. I miss seeing them; that makes me understand a little better how my Mom feels, sitting in her room all day long all by herself. At least, I can drive to the store or whatever if I want to, but she cannot do that. What a lonely existence that must be! Of course, I do try to get there at least every other week or so, even if she has no appointments, but that's not very much. Well, we all do what we can, and we cannot do more that.

I miss seeing my brothers and sister, too; even when I go to Lockport, it's often hard to see them due to the short time I am there. Work is always a problem in scheduling visits, so we don't get to see one another as much as I would like. Again, we do what we can----

We usually keep in touch via e-mails and phone calls, but even these have become scarce lately. What a shame that we don't keep in touch with those we love more than we do. I so wish my Mom could use a computer, 'cuz I know she would enjoy that; however, she never learned to type and probably couldn't now even if she wanted to (rheumatoid arthritis has crippled her fingers); using the phone has become a real hassle because of the difficulty of her being unable to hear very well (read: not much at all), but I do try that, too, making sure to call every few days.

Yes, I'm in a down mood, but that's OK; we all need those now and again to remind us of the blessings we do have--and I have been blessed. I thank God for my family and friends and my ability to visit, call, or write to them whenever I feel the urge to do so. Life goes on--too fast for me, but it does go on!

Hope you have a great evening and a super weekend. We're starting to get ready for our Thankgiving meal with Joey and Beau. Hope you have a wonderful day with your family, too, and that eveyrone will appreciate the blessings they have received, not only on that day, but every day.

QUOTE: "I think people that have a brother or sister don't realize how lucky they are. Sure, they fight a lot, but to know that there's always somebody there, somebody that's family."

---Trey Parker and Matt Stone

NOTE: I think I would include parents, children, spouses, cousins, aunts/uncles, etc., etc., etc. in that quote. To have people in your life that you love and care about is a sure sign of a life fulfilled. Oh, yeah--we argue at times, we get mad at one another, we question one another's decisions, we do not agree about important and unimportant things---but we always end up "back in the fold" at some point. One thing about family that is so important to me is that no matter what happens, now matter how serious, no matter how mad it makes us at the moment--we can always count on family when the chips are down. And THAT is what family is all about--loving and caring and being there for one another. And what more appropriate time than Thanksgiving to recognize that, to appreciate that, to share those feeling. HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all of you--and may your families be together, whether in body or spirit.