That last paragraph put a lump in my throat just reading it, so I know how difficult it was to write it, Juana. My heart goes out to you!

Are you still considering moving back here?

Hello there, Juana! You might not feel like the same Juana, but she's in there! So glad to see you are doing this for yourself and for Pepe. Hugs.

In photos, your hair looks great! But, I suffer with the same limp and fine hair you do. I'm not sure mine is thinning or that it's just breaking off. I have started leaning over the sink as I style my hair to see how much is coming down. It's in broken pieces mostly, so I don't think it's thinning...just fine, weak and dry. I hate my hair! Always have. The grass is always greener..... Let me know if the Rogaine helps!

"I'm finally learning to burst those melancholy balloons before they take flight." Love it!! We finally got to the point where we are out of our rain barrel water. A first!! Apparently, we've been drier that I thought. I assume if it rains up at the lake, it rains at home as well, but I guess it hasn't in quite some time.

oh, how nice that would be....

I agree with LF...you need a break! I hope this week brings back happiness for you!

Oh my...they don't mind the excessive heat??

I love that earring frame! What is the material that MK used for it? I'd love to make one! And congrats on making "Post of the Week"!!

Here's to a nudge on its shoulder and lots of rain over your head! :-)

It makes me think of a summer job I had when I was in college and I loved it!!

I have been using one of Neutragena's face lotions for several years every morning except for a couple of years when I switched to Arbonne products (much more expensive). Honestly, the Neutragena has done the same as Arbonne but for a fraction of the cost. I don't think I have that many more wrinkles now than I did several years ago. Where I do notice the biggest difference is in my neck. Ugh! I have to find out if there's any exercise for that! You are looking fantastic, so high-5 to you!

Food is so difficult to shoot, but you've made me hungry, so that counts alot! :-) You've really put your nose to the grindstone!

I'm so late to the party! But, better late than never, right? My apologies. Happy Belated 51!! And such good news about Alonso!

He really resembles your Dad! So happy for them both!

Oh, and BTW...CONGRATS on reaching 1000!

You've got several late night/early morning viewers! Good for you taking on a challenge like that! I know what you mean when you go back and look at old recipes and how unhealthy they sound just reading the ingredients and how it's prepared. It's nice that the food industry is changing to a more healthy diet. I have just recently (in the past couple of weeks) signed up for daily recipes from www.allrecipes.com. I love that site. In the short time I've been receiving them I've gotten two fantastic recipes that I've already made. One of which was last night's dinner. Rosemary and bacon wrapped chicken and a Pulled Pork recipe. Both, couldn't be easier and more delicious! If you're interested, I'll send them to you. I, too, like casseroles and will give yours a try (although hubby doesn't care for rice)!

you're so lucky to have this group of friends still in your life!

Okay...what's a Super Texan? That house of shelves is very cool (but no handrails?) Congrats for your bro...falling in love is very special! And congrats for Shake...I know you're one of his biggest fans!

Congrats to Chris! (although, I had no idea you had a son here in Atlanta. Duh!) And, only because I know Atlanta so well (at least the major roads) that top photo is from 285.;-) Are you almost close to publication?

Holy Moly!!!! I knew it was hot out there, but THAT hot!! OMG...I can't even believe they were out there working. I would have collapsed after a couple of minutes. Yes, that one of the fountain is fab for the challenge! :-) And I REALLY like Daniel's expression in that shot! That's a keeper!

The code didn't work. Oh well, here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiXjCifQn0w&feature=related

this can be considered both "the most frustrating" AND "the most sweet" of the week: I'll start off by saying that two of my three lenses were left back in my office this past weekend by mistake, and the only one I had with me up at the lake was my macro which I didn't even bother to take on the boat. (I mean, what macros are there to shoot on a boat??) Mind you, this is the ONLY time I've been on the boat that I can remember when I didn't have my trusty zoom (other than a few weeks ago when we had that surprise fireworks display). So wouldn't you know it, we think it was either a female bald (or golden) eagle and a red-tailed hawk that got into an airstrike with one another practically right over over boat! It was amazing! The shots I could have taken would have been to die for! The territorial battle went on and off for a good 15 minutes. At one point the eagle, who wasn't going to be shooed away that easily, dipped into the lake and caught itself a fish, then stood on the bank near us and ate it! Then after that show was over we heard a loud eerie calling and found out a little later it was a Common Loon floating in a nearby cove and crying for a lost one! Here's a youtube video of its call (and it sounded just like this) we NEVER see or hear Loons! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiXjCifQn0w&feature=related>LOON CALL Pretty sweet experiences!

Thanks for your vote of confidence! ;-)

Well, if nothing else, this post is written in the style that I've come to know you by. Your words flow like wine and wrap themselves around you.