Well,  it's been a long time since I've made an entry. I see lots of changes have taken place. Dad only has one more week of school! He's retired. We plan to go on many trips on our trike. (See previous blogs for pics of trike) On a sad note, our lab, Maggie had to go to puppy heaven. She had a good life, but we are still mourning her loss, as is our Sugar her sister. Those who know from experience,know this is a very difficult experience.

We have taken some of Dad's leave days and have had fun shopping and eating out. We found a tobacoist called "En Fuego" in our journeys. There are many on line if you are interested. Next, we plan to travel.  We have always traveled. Don't wait till you retire? More soon. God Bless  Kat

Fall has arrived

It's been beautiful the last few weeks!  Cool and sunny. We've ridden our trike many times.  Sometimes the wind is gusty so we only ride for a little while. (See trike on previous blogs) I have had two jobs recently. I was with Avon for one campaign.  It's not as easy to sell as when I was with them when Thad was a baby, 40 years ago. How old am I, you're wondering. I'm 66 as of September 19th. I taught school for 30 years andwhen my hb suggested I get out of the house after closing my Etsy shop in December 2011, i was hesitant and a little miffed at this idea. I love being home with our girls,{ Maggie, black Lab, and Shuggie, Redbone Coon Hound}. He would not quit. I finally decided to try Avon again; it was so easy. Not so much now. The best part is it's on line now and you can order directly or order on the net and have your Avon lady deliver your order. Go to Avon .com to find a representative in your area. In Allen my rep is Linda Roberge 972-467-9743 or go on line to her shop where all of the current campain books are there in color. wwwyouravon.com/lindaroberge. She's very nice.

After I joined Avon I went to our new Pier1 store with my hb to buy a halltree we had seen there and loved. The girls there were delightful and carried the somewhat cumbersome halltree to ourtruck and loaded it. I thought I would love to work there. But I didn't want to sell on the floor as I had done for 6 years at J.C.Penney some time ago while I was still teaching and after I retired. I applied and was hired. I've enjoyed opening freight and seeing all the Halloween and Fall items; the Thanksgiving and Christmas items too! Some sunday nights we work late and set up displays and take out all the items I hae opened with others help. We stayed till 3:00 one Sunday night! My Manager and I got along great! Her name is Heather Davis and the store is in Allen at the new Allen Mall on Stacy Road 1580 is the store number. Sadly that job ended when the assistant Mgr. decided to get rid of me. I was blindsided and set up for dismissel. So, now I'm back at home again with my girls. It was fun for awile. I asked my hb," what do you want me to do next?" He looked at me like I had two heads. I said," Well you told me to go to work;get out of the house. Now that I've had two jobs and quit them, what do you want me to do?" He denied having done any such thing. I couldn't believe my ears! He now says I don't have to do anything if I don't want to. Thw moral of this story is: I proved to him and to myself that I could get a job thst I wanted to do and I could succeed in the training Avon expects and the physical effort that Pier1 expects,have a great working with the staff and mgrs at both.And I can leave on my own terms. With a little help from Pier1. I have no hard feelings now and Heather and I are on good terms since she had no idea what the assisstant Mgr was up to. I will shop there with my hb. Carma is a great equilizer.  

Hope you all are well and happy! Share you stories with me. All the best. Kat

Summer 2012 comes to a close

It's been awhile since we talked. Lots has happened with us as I'm sure with you all also. Things have settled down to a maneagable degree. Dad, Gary my hb has been dealing with diverticulosis which apparently runs in his family but no one mentioned it to him till recently. He's had other things for awhile but apparently it was caused by his Cancer treatments, quemo and radiation in 96'. You can't eat nuts of any kind or seeds as in tomato seeds,berries,pickles the list goes on as my hb discovered on line. He's fine if he doesn't eat at night, only mac and cheese or noodle soup. The result of eating any seeds is cramps and diahrea at any time any where. He has determined that it takes 17 hours to see if he's violated some other nono, at which timw he'd best be close to a comfort station.
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While Dad works  through this jungle of trial and errors, he won't slow down. He rides his motor and we ride our trike whenever the weather is suitable which has been better than last summer. Now he's back to school teaching in Garland High School here in Texas. He's writing curriculum for a new course  he and other Science teachers in the district are creating. He was recognized for his extensive work this summer in outlining and creating materials for the teachers in the district to use in this new course meant to bridge Physics math and Science which has not been totally successful as many students are in my hb's remedial science class for tax as juniors who failed the Tax test. Sorry about the run-on sentence.

I, in the meantime, enjoy retirement from teaching Spanish here in Texas. I keep busy with  our house and our two girls, Maggy,a black Lab, and Sugar(shuggie) our Red Bone Hound. In the last week, for no apparent reason, I've had the urge to purge our home of everything unnessessary. No, I'm not pregnant although the thought had entered my mind that I might be going to shuffle off this mortal coil, you know, die. I go through the house gathering up books and magazines and clothes to donate more than ever before. I have used our den for an office since I retired and opened a shop on line selling hand sewn items on Etsy a homemade site for over 20,000 shops of all types for men and women. After three years of pleasure sewing and taking pictures and putting the pictures on my shop on line I had to close. Uncle Sam says if you don't make a profit in three years you are a hobby. I was so busy sewing and showing on Etsy I reluctantly realized my shop was full of things our Mothers and Grandmothers made to GIVE to their families, not sell. So, since last December I've been trying to find my next project, job or purpose.  The den was this next purpose, although my hb suggested I get a job! To which I repeated, as I have before, I had worked since I was sixteen and had no desire to leave my nest to go out in the world to be told what to do by someone half my age. However, I succumbed to the idea when we happened upon an import shop that intrigued me so much that I applied for parttime work there. No news yet, but in the meantime I've turned our den into that, a den. That was the beginning of the whole house transformation. And not just during the daytime hours. My Maggie has awakened from a peaceful sleep some wee hours of the morning to me carrying things here and there and there to here. Tonight was one of those nights when I got the urge to clean out my closet. Our son, Thad, has a place of his own so I have temporarily commondered his room to store overflow as I decide what to do with it. While I was moving shoes and luggage from my closet a huge cockroach appeared before me. I tried to hit it with an old sandal but it went back into the corner of the closet.  Due to West Nile Desease we have mosquuito spray for inside and out so I grabbed the spray and blasted the corner into which the roach had retreated. Soon it raced toward me and as I grabbed the sandal and swung at it, it took off for under the dresser. I sprayed under the dresser and the bed and the night stands. By then I had to escape from my own room!  That is why I am sitting here at my computer blogging away at 5:40 am. My hb has left for school and the girls are asleep again.I will resume soon and bring you up to speed. All my best. Kathie

Summer is in full swing

Hotter than usual, we have had 100 degrees several times in June. As you are well aware floods and fires have pleged the US. My husband and I have considered going on a road trip while we have summer vacation from teaching for him. Nowhere is there safe highway north,south,east or west due to the overflowing Mississippi river which affects at least eleven states and the fires in Colorado and are in the news daily.

 At least we can get around here in Texas. Everything is still quite green and we have had periodic rain keeping things fresh. My roses have done well and all survived our winter. Mowing every other week has kept the grass green and in little need for watering. Dad (my hb) and I venture out early while it is still cool. We rode the trike the other day and were quite comfortable until 11:30 when we got home.

Having closed my Etsy shop in December I've taken up again ceramic painting. I had several pieces stored in my den. They had been fired and were ready for paint. Those pieces turned out pretty well. I've been using Rosemalling strokes and will continue adding some Donna Duberry strokes also.(One stroke)

Swimming has also given me some exersize. As a senior citizen here in Allen,
Texas, I'm able to enjoy our pool and exercise center and senior citizen center activities for 25.00 a year! These give me some options when Dad wants to ride on his motorcycle or run around in his truck. We have several places we enjoy dining in the area. Red Lobster is for special occasions but their lobster tail,shrimp cabob and scallop cabob is a wonderful choice at 19.99. Includes salad or coleslaw, rolls and another side. I really enjoy the coleslaw and the garlic potatoes.

Applebees has two for 20.00 meals that include an appetizer. We usually don't get an appetizer as a rule so we opt for other entrees. Their streak and shrimp is delicious although no rolls are included the meal is filling and a side is included.

When we ride our trike we stop at McDonalds for a breakfast burrito. Just right to hold us over till lunch. Lunch being the most important meal in the summer for us. Our routine on the road is ride,eat,shop.

In a differend vain, I just signed up for Medicare. I have a hard time saying Medicare. Probably because I can't believe I'm turning 65 soon! Be sure to call your health provider to see if you need to get part B.  A is free and is hospitalization so take that for sure. D is for prescriptions. My hb only took part A because he is still working but I am retired already so in order to get help of 80% I must get Part B too. Call Social security  and your health provider to be sure what your case requires. Also, if you qualify for social secuity, as I do a small amount, the fee in my case 115.00 a month will come out automatically each month.

You probably wonder how all this applies to you. Believe me. Staying active and taking care of the future are the most important thing now. We have time we didn't have when we were working to enjoy simple things.
I enjoy riding on our trike because everything around us is stunningly beautiful. The trees and the animals, the old barns and the big ranches with bales of hay are a picture I'd like to paint in my primitive style; small cottages and small towns, mom and pop restaurants for a quick bite. Taking pictures on the back of the trike of beautiful horses and precious donkeys and calves give me memories to share with loved ones and friends.

You young ones with new spousea or new babies can enjoy with them these things too. A ride in the country always made me happy. Getting out of town is refreshing. Spiritually I'm still studying Beth Moore. Jesus, the One and Only is wonderful as are many others available at Christian book store for 20.00. There are many to choose from and each has 10 lessons of 5 chapters at least so for the money you get a lot. Beth makes us look up lots of bible verses and answer many questions from the scripture. She is inspiring and writes from the heart. She credits the Lord for these study materials and she shares her life experiences with us. Joyce Meyer is also wonderful. Both ladies are on tv. Beth is on Wed at 6:00 on the James Robison show in the religious section of the guide.  Beth is for ladies and gives us the tools we need to raise good kids and have good marriages. I was late to read the scripture but Beth makes it come alive. Some churches,  especially the Baptist churches have classes for a fee of the book only and the videos are shown. I enjoy the books enough I can work on my own and on my schedule,

I must go now. Thanks for joining me today. I hope you and yours are enjoying the summer. Please let me know what you are ding and share information you have found that we all could benefit from. God Bless You All. Your friend, Kathie

Christmas has come and gone

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. We took a short trip to Fredericksberg and Johnson City to see all the lights. It was so unseasonably warm everyone was in shirtsleeves. Nothing like the past few days with at least 5 inches of snow and freezing temperatures! Several more to come. Our County had the most accumulation in the area I was told.

I sadly closed my shop on Etsy. After three years it looked like a no go even after many craft shows and elementary school presentations it was time to admit my crafts aren't people's choice. On to my next challenge.

With the new year I've gone through the closets and drawers cleaning out many unused items to donate to our Cancer Box up the street. Feels like a new place. I've heard it lightens one's spirit to unload the clutter and it has mine. Four piles: keep,throw away,donate, sell.

We've discovered a new source of fuel for our fireplace. Having run out of newspaper I used some shredded paper to start the fire. It really works. And not all of the paper goes at once. Spots flame up at different times starting other logs. I keep a bag of shredded paper near the fireplace and shovel several batches under the grate, light and wa la you have a fire. It works especially well in a fire pit outside. Smaller pieces of wood burn for a long time with shredded paper. We've enjoyed cool evenings recently and cooked hot dogs and marshmallows together. Dad's idea to use shredded paper in fire pit.

Well I'll close now with best wishes to you all for a great New Year. Leave a message telling me about your holiday activities. Hugs, Kat xo

Happy Trails Coming Soon

Thanksgiving we will be taking off on our trike for some mountains and familiar sites in Arkansas. We'll load up the trike on our trailer and five hours later we'll be in heaven! We'll head up to Eurika Springs and the War Eagle Mill Restaurant and gift shop. We'll ride the Ouachita Mountains and rough it in a Comfort Inn and Suites for five nights, since my hb has a week off from school in Garland, Texas.
I'll sit behind him on our trike and snap pictures as we ride along. I'll put some in my blog when we get back. Hope you all are planning some fun for Thanksgiving. Let me know what youall are going to do. Hugs. Kat

It's SOOOO Sweet! The Rangers Go to the Big Dance!

It's been awhile since I've gotten so excited! And never about baseball. But these Rangers have a fire lit under them like no other! Thanks to Nolan Ryan these Men have one of their own to look out after them! What a pleasure to see a team that cares about each other and works hard to reach a long elusive goal. Go Rangers! Add your comments, please. Kat

Summer is in full swing.

Relief from the heat of June found it's way here in Allen, Texas when for three glorious days we were blessed with downpours of heavenly sent rain! Mornings remain quite comfortable still allowing for walks and rides on our trike, see below right. By 10:30 the heat begins to be noticeable. This morning we rode till 11:30. Riding is cooler to begin with so is pleasant longer as the heat increases. Also, the sun was covered by clouds most of our ride. Watering our plants grass and now our trees is essencial. Bigger trees are losing limbs because of lack of water. I water individual trees showing signs of stress in the morning and evening for extended periods to help them recover. A rose of mine has not progressed as some of my others. My son, who has experience with plants and landscaping, says the lack of water is the primary reason for loss of limbs and less growth of plants like my rose. Since I planted nine hybrid tea roses all at the same time early in the spring the growth of the group is of interest to me. Having provided Miracle Grow Rose Food on a three month time period and the other roses are growing more shoots of new growth than the one mentioned before. The coincidence that that rose is planted next to the tree that has lost several branches due to stress was brought to my attention by my son. Food can only do so much. Water, he said,is essential for both. I would welcome input from those who are experiencing this same or other conditions in their plants. I have removed yellow leaves from my roses, a sign of Rust. Also, a spray with pepper juice,a product of the "Dirt Doctor", deters bugs on plants.Seven Dust helps deter a webbing on the roses. I look forward to any response related to these issues. Thanks Kathie

Memorial Day Sale! PRICES LOWEST EVER! Through Monday

Memorial Day Sale!If you've ever been to my shop you know I have handmade beautiful items. Their prices are SLASHED!Sale ends Tues. June 1st. See some pictures at: http://www.katscozykrafts.etsy.com NOW to see what your missing. Kat

Summer is right around the corner!

My husband, Gary, and I are really counting the days till he will be out of school. He teaches in Garland. We have recently converted out Yamaha V-Star into a trike. We plan to take some day trips and two or three day trips to really get used to riding. The stearing is much different than without the trike. More like a car as those of you who have experienced the trike know. Here are some pics of our new trike. Kathie

I love my roses!

Anyone who has roses knows they are a lot of work. I recently put in 9 rose bushes and they were gorgeous. The blooms were perfection. Then the blooms died and all I have are the pictures I took. I've watered them and fed them and deadheaded them. My husband says they will get new buds soon. I sure hope so. If you have advice on why or what I can do to produce more buds I'd sure appreciate your help. Have a great week. Kathie

News about Beth Moore studies and her new book.

Any of you who know of Beth Moore or have studied her materials have got to read her new book about Insecurity. Now me, I'm not so insecure but I'm loving this book. You can find it anywhere really. The title is "So Long Insecurity you've been a bad friend to us". The last bible study I finished last month was "Believing God" and was only second to "Living Beyond Yourself" which was the first one I studied and had a profound influence not only in my life but on how I viewed the Bible. Up until I was introduced to Beth Moore Studies I could not get through Genesis let alone the whole Bible. King James is very difficult for me to interpret. The NIV version New International Version is clear and in my language, English from here in Texas. Beth's approach is amazing. She picks a topic and goes through the Bible to find biblical verse pertaining to the topic. Somehow she makes the subject come to life. Did you know that God had all our lives and experiences planned before the beginning of the world? And one study compared all the profecies from the Old Testament to the actual event taking place in the New Testament. So there were prophecies of Jesus birth in the Old Testament that validate Jesus as the Son of God in the New Testament. And better yet. Jesus was in existance before the World was created. Believing God did all of the above. Now I'm studying "Jesus, the One and Only" Even though I know the story of Mary's visit by Gabrial and Joseph accepting her as his wife even though she was carrying God's child,
Beth goes into detail about the events and asks questions of we girls as to how we would feel in her position and what would we do. She really wants us to put ourselves into her situation. Details are included like aafter Gabrial came to her and told her she would carry God's child where did she go? Well she went 50 to 70 miles on foot to see Elizabeth who was ccarrying a child, at advanced age I might add,who was to be John the bBaptist. It's funny how Beth mentions that Elizabeth had to borrow maternity clothes from her friend's granddaughters and that she was not likely to blame her wrinkled skin and gray hair on this child she was carrying. She's a hoot! Beth,that is. So if you haven't gotten into the Bible yet because it's to difficult, get an NIV version and a workbook at Mardel or other Christian stores or get into a class at a church near you. The classes get a discount so it's cheaper and they show the videos Beth has made. If you don't know of any place that have her classes,call any Baptist Church and ask if they have the classes. I'm not Baptist but I take classes at the Baptist Church in Allen every time they are offered. I could not wait till fall to start another class so I got a workbook on"Jesus,The One and Only" and do it on my own with my Bible. I find myself drawn to this book often in the morning and sometimes even in the evening when I have quiet time by myself. Comuning with the Lord through Beth Moore is a blessing I crave. She is the real deal. And You can hear and see her on the Robinson's daily show on angel network on dish network and Direct probably too on Wednesday at 6:30 the first 15 minutes of the show. I record it so I don't miss any of them. Hope you will tune her in or get her study books or take a class. God loves us all and our children too. If we learn about the Bible it will give us understanding of the promises he has made to all of us for just believing Him and in his son Jesus that will be passed on to our ancestors if we teach our children how to praise and show respect God and Jesus. The Holy Spirit is within each of us if we acknowledge Jesus as our savior and open our hearts to the spirit of God, ask for forgiveness of our sins through Jesus, who died for all our sins,thank God for forgiveness and ask Him to pour the Holy Spirit into our hearts and minds in every space. We must do this EVERY day in our quiet time to have a personal relationship with God and Jesus. Thanking God for forgiving our sins is essential for the Holy Spirit to enter our hearts and minds. All these things are supported by bible verses throughout our lessons. I never looked up any bible verses till I found Beth Moore. She makes you look them up and they're there to see for yourself what she teaches. She's not preachy and is not perfect,her words, has had hard times and overcome hardships in her life. Sorry if I got carried away. I just want others to know the Lord as I do from my study of Beth Moore's materials. Love in Christ, Kathie

Spring has Sprung

Hi everyone. I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's day. I did. My hb spoiled me rotten. Check out my Spring Flowers pics on Flikr.com. And my hb's new Trike. He actually got a kit and transformed our Yamaha cruiser into a Trike for a substancial savings! We are lookng forward to taking trips this summer to Colorado or Montana. The guys from Yamaha in Allen on hwy 5 did the work and Matt helped order the kit. He gave all the measurments to the company; my hb actually ordered it himself to save more money. It all took place at the Allen Yamaha Dealers. They are the best!

I'm having an After Mom's day sale till Friday. Buy one get another for 25% off and don't pay till an adjusted invoice comes to you from PayPal. Get somethings you like for less. Hugs, Kat

Spring Showers bring May Flowers

Hope you all are flourishing in our spring weather. I just finished the most enlightening and spiritually beneficial bible study by Beth Moore! "Believing God". I highly recommend it to everyone. It can be found at most Christian book stores. It's another "life changer" by my favorite shield of faith speakers. And it is entirely scripture based.

I don't know if I've shared the influence that comes over me each year at this time to plant something, bulbs,flowers,my husband,kidding about the last one. Well, I hate to plant but I love the beauty once I've done it. I've decided it's my Mother's influence because she always had a beautiful garden. So, thanks Mom for sending it to me. Not to leave Dad out, he influences me to mow and trim. Our Son is mowing for me now. He's 38 and doesn't break a sweat and does it in no time including the weedeating! Bless him. His Dad can't do much with his osteo arthritis except teach school, which is definitely enough. Can't believe this school year is almost over! Go graduates!

Hoping not to sound like I'm bragging but since his shoulder surgery my man can't pick up our big motorcycle that I ride with him. Soooo, he bought a kit to make it into a trike so we can still ride. We are anxiousely awaiting it's transformation. It could be in a couple of days. Our Yamaha dealer is doing the work beginning Monday. Those of you who know how much the trike costs will be greatly surprised to know it is much less if you change a bike using a kit. Google trike kits for more info.

Lots of people are suffering around the world. My prayers go out to all of those in disasters and suffering from terrible diseases. Closer to home, friends of ours are experiencing dire problems as I'm sure yours are too. I pray every day for help and wisdom in the care of these people from God to the doctors and nurses and caregivers around these people.

Thanks for checking in today. God Bless you. Hugs, Kat

St. Patrick's Day sale begins TODAY 3/11 through3/17! 35% off all/no ship

Well, it's time to let everyone know I am here and I want your business! So, beginning today through St. Patty's Day EVERYTHING is 35% off with NO SHIPPING! My customers will get an e-mail too. So when you choose an item or more I'll request a modified invoice with the reduced amount BEFORE you pay. Or after if you have paid. There are many holiday items and lots of my most prized items for you to choose from; some quaint folksy items and some warm items too like scarves and headhugger hats. So come in and look around. See you soon I hope. Hugs, Kat

Spring is just around the corner!

Hope everyone had a great Valentines. We had nice weather. Snow forcasted for tomorrow. Really looking forward to March! Always pretty and warm here then. Started a new Beth Moore bible study, "Believing God". Believing in his promises to all those who believe his word. Very bible based workbook and videos with additional Beth Moore input. She'll change your life. She changed mine.Materials available in most Christian stores. Mardel for sure.

Hope you have a blessed week. Hugs, Kat

Happy New Year Everyone!

Brrrr It's cold outside! Supposed to get to single digets by morning with below 0 chill factor! Be sure to dress real warm if you have to go out. My Mini Shop has some new items I'd like you to see.(Click Older Posts, Thur.Oct29th) The Folk Classic Pillowcases with Classic Cars and Folk characters especially. I'm proud of these because I used iron on transfers on plain pillowcases and sewed them and added detail with washable fabric paint! Three items are highlighted at the top that are Folk Classics. I'm going to get some hot chocolate now. Why don't you join me? Hugs Kat

Welcome to my Blog

I'm honored to have you visit my blog. Please feel free to provide your blog info or a site or shop you call your own. I want you share with me too.
The weather was cold but extremely sunny today. Almost painfully bright. After the last gloomy period a welcome change. My hb and I rode around for awhile and commented on the warmth of the sun on us even through the windows. Hb is recuperating from a shoulder surgery. He suffers from Osteo-arthritis and has to have things restitched, so to speak, frequently. He's not one to baby himself though and his doctor has him doing therapy less than a week since the surgery which is fine with him. He was driving yesterday working out how to get in the driver seat and close the door with his right hand and turning pulling his left arm in before the door closed. He had it down today.

Now that the decorations have been put away and the house returned to normal I can go back to my favorite activity,sewing. By hand that is. I have a shop in the den here at home. The tax people say not to get too fancy or the gov. will not give you a write off on your taxes. So I have a card table to work on with a good light and bookshelves on which to store my wares in boxes to keep them clean in plastic bags. And a computer in the family room. That's my set up. What's yours?

I want to visit other blogs so please give me your blog address. I just started mine so it's not anything like some I've seen. But I hope to interact with people with common interests so this works for me.
Well, I guess I'll go read. I also love to read. Real books that is. I tried to keep up with books on line and was really frustrated. I got behind and lost interest. Every night before I go to sleep I get into bed and like a thief read my book of the day voraciousely devouring the words. Till my eyes droop and I put it away till the next time. Take care and leave me a note so I know you've been here. Hugs,Kat

Wasn't it Beautiful! Snow in Texas on Christmas

I can't think of a nicer surprise than snow on Christmas. Having lived in the mid-west we were used to snow on Christmas but in Texas it's a rare treat which I have seldom experienced in the 30 years I've lived with my family here in Allen, Texas and never on Christmas Eve or Christmas day. We make snow ice cream with snow,milk and vanilla. Kids old and young love it.

What did you get for Christmas that you were not expecting? My hb bought me a beautiful new Bible by Joyce Meyer! She has written notes of summary and explanation throughout the chapters and the print is large enough for these old eyes to enjoy reading the word.She has Life Lessons throughout as well. I have always admired her gift with words and this Bible includes her unique way of helping us understand the meaning of this beautiful text. I'm looking forwart to using it in Bible study next year. All my best to everyone. Hugs Kat

It's supposed to snow here tomorrow!

In Texas we don't get much snow. This year already we had snow and tomorrow we are to get an accumulation. It will be great for the kids. And perfect timing with tomorrow being Christmas Eve. Merry Christmas to you and yours.Hugs. Kat