August in North Carolina

Since August 1st we've been back in North Carolina staying at our friend's Van and Rita's. We're parked in their driveway. They had installed an electrical outlet and sewer access for us to use. It has been great to be "home" again. We've visited with family and friends.
HOT HOT HOT!!!
Eaten way too much good ole' NC food. Enjoyed some fresh vegetables from the garden. We've attended a wake for our family's friend Nanny, celebrated birthdays and an anniversary. We've visited our friends at our old employers (and my current employer). Gary went to the mountains with all his buddys on their annual camping trip. I went to the beach with my sister, niece and nephew. .
HOT HOT HOT!!!
This past week we had dinner at Village Diner in Hillsborough with Gary's sister and family. Doug, Sherry, Tim and Crystal, Todd and Donna, kids...Timmy, Samantha, Ashley, Lily, Jessica. An old friend I used to work with at UNC came by also. Janice Sumney. It was sure great to see everyone. Hopefully they're going to join us up at Kerr Lake for Labor Day weekend.
Friday night we visited with my brother Tim and wife Cheryl. They have completed a wonderful screened porch on the back of their house. It is a wonderful space to just kick back and enjoy life. We played a bit with their friendly dog Saber.
HOT HOT HOT!!!
This weekend we visited with Al and Betsy on Saturday and Steve and Robin on Sunday. Al and Betsy have moved to Oxford so Al can be closer to his job at the Oxford Ledger. As you may remember Al had a stroke last spring. He has recovered very well and returned to work a couple of weeks ago. If you can check out the paper. It is a very cool small town America paper.
HOT HOT HOT!!!
Last night we had dinner at LongHorn Steakhouse with Van and Rita to celebrate their 36th wedding anniversary. Afterwards, we watched a DVD "Wild Hogs". Very funny.
HOT HOT HOT!!!
On Thursday we plan to move down to Sampson County to stay with my Mom and Dad for a week or so. Hopefully, we'll get to spend some time with our daughter Jenn and her husband Mark.
HOT HOT HOT!!!
Ellie is doing pretty well. She feels so much better and wants to play. But, we're trying to keep it down so she doesn't have a recurrence of her pain.
HOT HOT HOT!!!
Oh yeah..I almost forget..we bought a new truck. Well..new to us anyway. 2005 GMC 2500 Duramax Diesel. It'll pull up to 15,000 lbs. Now we can look for a new larger home. Oh Joy!!!
HOT HOT HOT!!!
Well..need to get back to work. Love to all. Deb....oh yeah...did I mention ..IT IS HOT HOT HOT!!!

Back in NC

We made it back to North Carolina on Tuesday. On Wednesday we took Ellie to our Vet. She has an "old" dog spinal condition. Very strange since we're pretty sure she is actually between 4 and 5 years old. The Vet took new x-rays and has sent them off to a Radiologist for review. He wants to make sure there isn't any bone infection that he can't see in the film. In the meantime, no cure for the condition just treat the pain and try to prevent flare-ups. We're pretty sure this one was caused by her slipping in wet grass on Sunday. Medication for pain and inflammation. Surgery is the only possible fix. Yuck!!! She got a shot of steroids yesterday and has started feeling better today. And she already doesn't like that she can't chase and run. Only walks on a leash for 10-15 minutes 2-3 times a day. I think Gary will miss the playing as much as she will. This "cage rest" is to go on for 6-8 weeks. Patience is sure going to be needed. The vet was great and offered that we call him whenever we need to talk about what is happening to her. I guess this is better than some things but not as good as just a temporary injury. At least she isn't hurting as much today.