Beth, thank you for taking the time to stop by and read my blog. I am humbled and, as always, encouraged by you. I also jumped around my living room and announced to my family that Beth Hoffman, author of "Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt", commented on my blog. I then put my hand on my hip and said a breathless, "Just sayin'." :)

Wendy, you made my evening last night. It is wonderful when anyone reads words that you type, but even more studpendous when someone not related to you takes the time to leave a comment. You put a smile on my face. Thank you so very much for your encouragement!

First time reading this story. I have read a few of your other posts. I especially enjoyed the Scrabble game story with your wife. Checked out your blog via Twitter,by way of Leverage. I will bravely admit that I have never watched Star Trek, but through your writing here, found you to be a man devoted to his family and a witty, insightful writer.

Oh Cathy, thank you for taking time to stop by and leave a comment. It was an absolute riot spending time with you and the rest of our crazy, funny, family of women. Is Chicago ready for our motley crew next year?!

Talea55, or Talea, or 55 (like the ketchup, I think about food alot, can you tell?), Thank you for reading the post and leaving comments that had me laughing. I follow The Pioneer Woman on Twitter and she is witty awesomeness. It makes me feel better to know even an articulate journalist like your sister gets fangirl geeky. I've said it before, but I truly loved Portland. Friendly people, foodie heaven and we walked everywhere. Bliss. Let me know how it goes if you ever get the chance to meet Tim Hutton! Bring a family member to interpret for you, just in case. They are quite handy. :)

Ruth, it seems I am blessed with a family full of women who love to have fun. You know you ARE one of those characters! Thanks for stopping by and for your encouragement. Looking forward to you and Lee visiting again in a few weeks!

Paola, thank you so much for reading the post and leaving a comment! I am still in awe of the detail you put into the walking tour maps. I love that. Thank you for all of your work in that fantastic Leverage weekend! I wish my midwestern accent made everything sound as chic as your Italian one.

Dear Raputathebuta (is that a vegetable?), Thank you for leaving your kind comment about the post. I was not cool, calm and collected. I was a babbling broad who burned her forehead with a curling iron fangirl. My Mom's name mix-up had us in stitches all weekend. She embraced my crazy adventure and is ready for our next one!

Lori- My Mom knows where I live. No before pictures. :) Actually, she looked great even before her makeover. Sage- Thank you for your comment, so nicely given. I am my Mother's daughter apparently! ;) Rikki- Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment and for all of your work with the events that were so memorable for my Mom and I.

My Mom and I found Portland to be a big city with a small town heart. Good luck in your writing and thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. :) -Jen

Whoooohoooo Wendy! Make sure you email me your address so I can send out the book ASAP. Hope it inspires you! jenniferlynnerickson AT yahoo DOT com.

Two awesome comments. I am sending you both a book. Thank you for commenting on the blog. Send your addresses to my email: jenniferlynnerickson AT yahoo DOT com. Thank you Wendy and Merimo! Enjoy!

Hooray for you Wendy! It does help to have support and motivation. I have always searched out workout buddies. I need accountability! :) Thanks for your comment!