Update from mom Feb 26

Hello everyone,

Wow! What a week I've had. Sunday I went to church and then in the evening I went to the Minnesota picnic for all Minnesotans that live in the park. Only 167 people showed up and there should have been 3 times that many. Guess it's too busy a time of the year for many people. Imagine though--all those Minnesota cooks. The food was awesome.

Monday I was invited to go to lunch with Norine cause it was my birthday on Tuesday and she had too many other things to do that day so she asked if we could go Monday instead. Sure, I didn't have any objection. She picked me up at 11:30 and we went to Terrace Green, the restaurant in our park, When we walked in I saw a couple of my friends and started to greet them when I noticed LOTS of my friends!! Guess what? They were all there to surprise me for my birthday. They really caught me off guard and I couldn't believe that 12 gals would take the time on this busy month to help me celebrate. They had cards and gifts and we all had a lovely lunch. Norine even brought a beautiful decorated cake. Wow--I didn't know I had that many friends here. There were even 3 that told me later that they couldn't make it. I was overwhelmed. Thanks, Norine

On Tuesday I was still reeling from the surprise. Phyllis & Bud came over and had a drink with me and that was nice.

Wednesday was the beginning of Lent so I went to church in the evening and had the ashes placed on my forehead.

Thursday was a concert, The Gateway Trio. They sand and played songs from the Kingston Trio and The Oak Ridge Boys. Good program. I helped put away chairs.

Friday I was invited to the 50th Wedding Anniversary Party up at the ballroom. Terry & Vivianna Brown were celebrating their 50th. They are the couple that made a special point of stopping in at the hospital when Marland was having his 6th and final chemo treatment. Judy King Harvey brought coffee and cookies for us to have while they were there. She is so great.

Saturday my very good friends, Richard and Joyce Jones from Oregon came to spend a month or so here in the park. I have missed them so much. They are the couple that, instead of sending memorial money at the time of the funeral, sent me a beautiful silver jewelry box with the inscription, "To LaVerne In Memory of The Hammer" with a bat inscribed on it. For those of you who don't know, Richard always called Marland The Hammer when he came up to bat. What a wonderful gift and memory!!! Thanks Richard & Joyce

During the week I received 3 lovely bouquets of flowers, one was yellow daisies with tiny yellow roses mixed in from Jere and Gina & boys, a miniature yellow roses plant from Bonnie & Greg, and baby orchids with mixed flowers in it from Peggy & Steve. Emails from all my grandchildren, a picture email from my 4 little great grandchildren and their parents from Florida. E cards from a few people, calls from Bonnie, Steve, Annie, Jeff, Sue, Heather, Jesse. A call from Chad. Several emails from friends in many states.

Ami sent me an E card and as soon as I opened it, I knew immediately who it was from cause as it was opening, I saw the ears of a cat. Only Ami would think of that. Thanks, Ami.

I say a very BIG thank you to all of you for making what would have been a very difficult time for me so very special.

I almost forgot---Most of you know that this Friday I am anticipating the arrival of 10 very special people in my life. I have baked over 200 cookies for them and I don't want any left when they leave. I am SO excited.

I don't know if there will be time for a blog while they are here so stayed tuned.

Love & Hugs to all of you. LaVerne