Hi Everyone!

[judy]

My SIL got a job! YAHOO! It's for an established contractor right near him, so his work will come to be known. I am so happy for him. There is not a ton of work because money is really tight up here right now, but it is work!

His boss leaves his little boy with Jessie a lot. He has custody of him, and the boy is Kassidy's friend. Jess and Steve have decided to go along with watching him a lot because Steve needs this job. It began to get out of hand - something about another neighbor and his kid, etc., etc. - but Steve straightened it out with the other neighbor. I say what I always say..."That's wonderful, honey."

Jessie called me to go shopping with her on Friday. Now that Steve is not around, she has time. I said no because it was my first day home all week though, and I had cleaning up, laundry, etc.

I had fun last week. I had a brunch with my writing group on Tuesday, a dinner with lots of people at my friend Ev's new apartment on Wednesday, beautification day on Thursday (hair and nails), and I don't remember what on Monday. Last Sunday was the Communion.

I think I'm in with high society here between the writers' group and the womens' network. I am waiting for Ev to invite me to one of her parties with the artist community, and I think that might be the Roxbury A list! I'm a celebrity now! Well, I am still going to wear jeans and flip flops and watch Dr. Phil!

Regardless, all of the people I have come to know here are so nice. As my friend Barbara put it, "There's no meanness between all of us." There is a bit of gossip, and some people don't like others, but it seems to be different in a small town. We all get along and help each other out if needed anyway. The gossip is not mean spirited either. There are just not that many people, so everybody's story is more or less known. I like it so much better than city living. So far...

[gja1000]

Steve got a job. YAY!

That should help out a lot, in more ways that one! I'm so glad to hear this news. I can't imagine being out of work that long. WHEW!

[Janet]

That is so wonderful that Steve finally got a job. I know that has got to be a big relief for them.

Judy I'm so happy that you're so involved and having a great time with friends and clubs.

[DianaB]

Judy, I'm so glad to hear that Steve got a job!!! I hope that everything works out well for him!!

Gayle, I'm so glad that you weren't very far from home and that it wasn't any worse than it was!!! Too bad that it took a few days out of your vacation!! At least in the picture you were smiling in spite of your problems!! Have fun!!!

[DianaB]

Wellllll...........Graduation is finally over!!! Friday night we had Jaci's grad party. The menu was wonderful.......smoked brisket and chicken.....hashbrown potato casserole.....green bean casserole......homemade rolls.........banana pudding and a chocolate pudding dessert.......and a decorated cake!!! It was ALL so yummy!!! This is about the same menu that Jaci's having for the wedding minus the desserts!! We had quite a few people come....mostly family.

Then yesterday was her graduation!! The gym was packed!!! There was a big squabble over prayer.....two girls went in and requested that they not have it and the principal felt that legally he had to go with their wishes. Our whole community has been in an uproar over it. It ended up that we did have a moment of silence........then the crowd started reciting the Lord's Prayer. When it was over they broke out in applause!! It was an awesome moment!!

I managed to make it through without crying....I think that I'm saving them all for the wedding!!! Just a little less than two weeks!!! Sigh........

[gja1000]

Oh Diana! The graduation and the party sound like so much fun! I know you are so happy for Jaci - yet, sad that this is your last graduation. But soon (well, not too soon), you'll be attending grandkids graduations - and that will be just as much fun!

Judy, I forgot to say how happy I am that you are integrating so well into the community. You must feel so good to have friends and be a part of the community life. I know exactly what you mean by small town gossip - I came from a town of 350 - and if you were related to someone, you were related to someone who was married into or related somehow! LOL!!! The gossip was usually very harmless - a bit more than harmless at times, but not often! I'm just so happy for you!!!