14+ days of weather in the 100's!

This is apparently the worst drought in Alabama in many years. We have had a high water alert for weeks now. Being on the odd side of the street, I can only water on Tuesdays and Fridays before 6am and after 6pm. If you have a lawn it must be hand watered. The water company is invoking a surcharge on people's bills who use too much water. I feel bad for the farmers, as well as the lawn care people (there's lots of individually owned businesses with a guy, 2 workers and a truck...that sort of thing). The state has had 11 deaths because of the heat.

And for some more bad news...Patty had to put Sweet Pea down a week ago. She was in kidney failure and had a growing tumor either on her liver or abdomen. She had her good days and bad, but I was over there the day before she died and her back legs were giving out on her and she looked so unhappy. Needless to say, this is SOOO difficult for Patty because she literally took Sweet Pea everywhere (her massage clients were used to having Sweet Pea in the room). But she was 13 (like Courtney) and impermanence is a part of life.

As Steven knows, I'm getting a new computer! He really helped me with my decisions. After six years with the old one, I think Dixie Studios is ready for this. I'm feeling a little misty-eyed since this old machine has seen me through the beginning of my business to the success it is today! :) This is it, the new XPS 410 with duo-core processor (I know that's not impressive to Patrick, is it Steven?) but without the monitor cuz I bought a flat screen last year.

Patrick, did I tell you about the nice hand-written note I got from Michael Holmes, your buddy in South Carolina? He said what an amazing wedding it was and thanked me for my part in it! He said, "Patrick is one of a kind and I couldn't be happier for him." (Steven, he's the one who read from Tuesdays with Morrie.) What a great thing for him to do! Send me his email, will you?

Erin, you and Patrick have some wonderful friends...several of my relatives mentioned that.

Well I'm dating someone right now....we have a lot in common. Will see how it goes! Not that I'm looking to get married again...I like living alone, visiting all my friends, going to activities. Life is good.

Do you remember Uncle Steve mentioning a woman named Lillyvette about 5 years ago? Well, they are dating again and seem very happy. They've both dealt with some personal issues and done some growing...so who knows? Corey always liked her.

Well, another day awaits. I will be meeting with two women this morning about a website I'm doing to help raise 11 million dollars for a new Library in the Forest (the architectural drawings look cool). And, unbeknownst to her, I'm checking out three assisted living homes within ten minutes of me for Mimi. It takes 35 minutes to get down to the Oaks, and since I'm the only one who ever visits her, it's getting a little much. Now just to convince her. Plus if she ever has to be hospitalized (she's had 4 falls in the last year), I want her in a hospital in Bham, not Shelby County where Daddy was....almost an hour away! Wish me luck.

Love you all,
Mom/Pat