Annie, Professor Royal-Woods & the Snake Named Monty

 I am so glad that Annie had this picture taken! Dr. Royal-Woods was a Pprofessor both girls had when they went to early college. It was their favorite Biology professor who had a snake named Monty.  Both girls said that this professor resembled Miss Frizzle from the Magic School Bus series more than anyone else they had ever had as a teacher.

Annie Headed to Class in her Young Scientists Shirt

 Annie was always very proud to be in the young scientist club at early college. It involved a time a month where she would volunteer for science activities at an elementary school, and then go to the teacher's conference with her science teacher as well. Because next year is her last year at early college, Annie really wanted to be the main president of the club. Unfortunately coma that spot was taken by the popular girls who We're under qualified but joined every club and voted themselves all in through numbers. All this upset Annie, but she recovered and will still be part of leadership next year! I told her in truth all that really matters is that she can put leadership on her college application.

Mamma’s Neck Issues

Normal neck curvature 

my neck

 They were much more concerned about shape of my spine at the neck area and the stenosis in the neck. Then what I actually went to the Doctor for which was a small lump on my right collar bone, which turned out to be only Arthritis after having an ultrasound and a cat scan.

My neck is perfectly straight when it is supposed to be curved, and I have bone spurs And bone growth into the spinal canal. I already had the beginning of a dowager's hump. As a result, I am in physical therapy and chiropractor therapy. I am also asking the late Pope Francis for a miracle Healing. As well as doing the exercises to correct it.

Another Photo at Annie's Request

My Fomer Boss, Cat, & the Savanna Cathedral

Today my former boss, cat, came to work and surprised me with a gift from the cathedral in Savannah Georgia. Even though she is not Catholic, she says that the Catholic Church is the only place she can feel God's presence and she truly did in this particular cathedral as well as the Basilica in Asheville North Carolina. I was so touched by this gift!

A Jeep Named Dixie

 Meet Dixie, my 2006 Jeep Wrangler! This car has a story, and started with my desire to find something fun to do with Annie before she leaves for her 4 year University next year. She's not very thrilled with kayaking and she's not very thrilled with biking and she's not very thrilled with hiking and she's not very thrilled with tubing.  Yes, we love to go out to eat together, but what else was there?

DIXIE! 

Her name is a reference The Dukes of Hazzard:  Daisy Duke drives a Jeep.  Brian and I are in the middle of watching the series right now, and I love how Daisy Duke often saves the day!  

A lot of people buy a motorcycle for the same feeling of freedom, but after seeing my father ditch his motorcycle after he had balance issues, I knew I needed to find a better joyride car for my later years.

 I started looking on craigslist and facebook marketplace on February and, by March, I finally found this beauty! The people just had a new baby, and they honestly didn't know what they had. I got this Wrangler for only $8000 with only 90k miles!

One of my favorite stories is when I was at a light near Spartanburg highway and a young high school-aged couple pulled up next to me. The guy rolled down his window and said, "You are literally so awesome! JUST SO AWESOME!"

I also learned that, with the top down, rain doesn't really matter ... until you slow down and stop. ... and that it's important to always keep a jacket in the car in case the temperature drops.

 It took me a while to get used to it, as it truly drives like a truck. But it is amazing and according to Annie "very fun to drive"! 

 And now whenever we can, Annie & I are driving together. Life is good!

Annie took this picture of me driving Dixie on the Blue Ridge Parkway. See the joy!?!

Tears at the Death of Pope Francis

Oh how I will miss this man! I cried real tears today at the news of his death. Pope Francis had a short meeting with our vice president, and then died on Easter Monday. Instead of wearing a black funeral band for him, I had a shirt made with my very favorite photo announcing his dates and calling him beloved Pope Francis.

 Now the intense prayers begin for a successor that follows Pope Francis's vision to keep the church inclusive instead of exclusive.

Happy Easter 2025

 Because Annie and Brian had to work, Annie and I celebrated Easter by dying eggs together. Then I spent the day with the Cloer Family at Tom Tom's Church in Central.

My Coworker Molly Joins the Catholic Church on the Easter Vigil at Holy Cross in Candler

Immaculate Conception Remodel Projection

"In order for the church to look more like the grand churches of Europe," says our pastor. 

Disturbing New Study About Autism 1999 - 2000 : The Key Year

 Although no one can quite determine why, the rate of autistic children went up a huge amount between 1999 and 2000. We are lucky that Annie only has a few sensory issues!

Saved a Turtle Today

How Leia & I Share Love Across the Miles

A new product I discovered and shared because Leia calls me "Ming" and Harvest "Bing." Dear God, I love that!

Because I shared my love for the very 80s Rainbow Brite with the girls when they were little, Leia sent me this!

Pictures Annie Requested While She Was Away in Washington DC

Four Early College Friends Who Are Often Together: Marisa Luz Annie & Maddie

Here they are at the Air & Space Museum in the Smithsonian, Washington DC:  Marisa, Luz, Annie, Maddie (the 4 Early College friends who are always together).

Annie's Class Trip to Washington DC

Marisa, Luz, Annie, Maddie (the 4 Early College friends who are always together).