We finally feel financially secure enough to consider buying a house on some land--the house is a another one third larger with a hugh fireplace.  The land has cattle barns in very good condition and is fenced and cross fenced.  It is small (only 35 acres) but it is a gorgeous piece of land.  I am hoping our mortgage comes through; the Farm Service Agent seemed to think it wouldn't be a problem.

My biggest problem will be moving again.  It is hard to live almost 50 miles from where a person works.  But I think having the land will compensate him for all of problems he had while he was here (having to buy roll bales every four days).

Ana Bryant, a friend of mine since Jessica first joined 4-H (seventeen or eighteen years ago) is representing a company called Ignite, an alternative electric company (deregulation oriented) with cheaper rates that the big three.  I would take advantage of the noticeable difference except we are out of their zone.   So if you are down Brazoria County way, consider contacting Ana and seeing if she can get you a better electric rate.  PS...I am adding her site to the Family sites on the right side.  I have known her for so long, she is like a sister to me.

I am out of the hospital and out of physical rehab.  My staples come out on Friday.  I can walk farther than I have in months; the surgery was definitely a success.  There is some pain at the surgical site, but that is to be expected. 

After the surgery, I walked all over the rehab center.  Every where I could because it was so wonderful to be walking again, even with that back brace.  I walked mostly in the middle of the night to avoid stumbling over a bunch of people, but sometimes I walked very early in the morning, before too many people got there.

My first roommate was 96 years old and didn't talk much.  My second roommate immediately reminded me of my mother, was even near my mom's age.  We got along great, swapping stories about our families, swapping lunch stuff, and helping each other get through the day.   Made the days go by faster.