Wow … been a long time, huh. I’ve wanted to post something many times over the last few weeks, but every time I tried I just couldn’t get my thoughts all together and would end up just walking away. Well, anyway, I hope you are all fine and dandy.

Oh man, so much going on, where should I begin? I think I will start with the most important thing. Remember back when my grandson was born (which will be 2 years ago next Friday!)?? Do you also remember that my son and daughter-in-law had to have his blood tested right after birth to see if he had inherited the blood disorder hemophilia? And we were all so happy that the test came back negative? Yeah, well, we were wrong. Turns out the stupid doctor had the wrong test done, then months and months later when the kids wanted him tested again because they knew something wasn’t right, the damn doctor ran the same damn test! So, long story short, they took him to the specialist in Denver themselves, where they ran the CORRECT test which, unfortunately, came back positive. They were devastated, understandably. But … well, it’s better to know the truth than to be plagued with the thoughts of thinking something is wrong but not knowing for sure, you know? So anyway, Hubby, Daughter and I all went up to Denver with the kids to meet with the doctor and nurse specialist to discuss everything from A to Z about the disorder, which was extremely educational, enlightening and helpful. I actually felt tons better after that meeting. While we will all have to be diligent in watching him for symptoms of soft tissue and joint bleeds, it does not mean he can’t live a normal life, including sports (except for football, which broke my son’s heart, and others like boxing, wrestling, etc., all the rough contact stuff), including baseball, basketball, track and maybe even motocross. It’s just a matter of watching closely for symptoms of a bleed, and getting an infusion of clotting factor before games and stuff. Speaking of clotting factor - oh my, is that stuff expensive!! Whoa! I guess it’s understandable, considering only 20,000 people in the entire country have hemophilia and it probably can’t be mass-produced like other meds, but dayum!! We’re talking thousands of dollars a month, depending on how much factor he will require on a monthly basis. Thank God for good insurance!!!

Unfortunately, right after Brayden was diagnosed Ryan and Hubby had to leave for Kansas, where they are currently undergoing Engineer training (Railroad Engineers). They’re both Conductors, but thought becoming Engineers was a wise thing to do right now, and they may be right, as it looks like they may not be forced to another town at all after graduation. At first they thought they would be for at least 2 months, but it doesn’t look that way anymore. They will be back on the 26th after finishing the first “leg” of their training, then will spend 3 months doing student runs with other Engineers, then it will be back to Kansas for 2 weeks to study, study, study and then take the final exam. They should be finished and licensed by Christmas.

My daughter will be a whopping 14 years old next Tuesday. We have some fun stuff planned and it should be a hoot, but I can’t help but get a little sad when I look at her and see how fast she’s growing up. Being my baby, her impending adulthood is hitting me harder than it did with my boys. She’s my last baby bird at home. And that’s where I think she should stay. Forever. lol

So, unless you live under a rock I’m sure you’ve heard that a suspect has been arrested in the JonBenet Ramsey case. What do you think about that guy? Do you think he’s for real, or just a sicko freak trying to take “credit” for something he didn’t really do?? He’s a child molester for sure, but is he a killer?? I really hope it turns out that he’s guilty. It would be wonderful to have “closure” in that case, especially for her father and brother. Poor Patsy died in June of ovarian cancer, which I didn’t know anything about until I read it in the newspaper when this story broke. I feel so bad that she died before they found JonBenet’s killer. But I’m sure she and JonBenet are aware of what’s happening, anyway.

While watching TV tonight I was reminded of something I’ve thought about before, and which really bothers me: why are there so many fat prisoners? I mean, so many of them are really fat! How does someone get that fat in prison??? Do they really get that much food in prison?? Or is it their sedentary lifestyle?? Maybe it’s both, I don’t know. But it’s totally wrong. Yeah, I may sound like a cold bitch, but when there are people starving on the streets of America, no one who has broken the law and is incarcerated for their transgressions should get enough food to become obese! Like I said, that’s just wrong.

Our County Fair just got over a few days ago. My daughter went each and every night, once the rides started. She had so much fun!! I remember all those summers of hanging out at the Fair with my friends. It was awesome! I found myself feeling very nostalgic every night when I went to pick them up, wishing I could go back in time, even for just one night. I sure hope she is appreciating this time in her life!

Speaking of the Fair, last Saturday was the annual County Fair Parade. It was great! Lots and lots of entries this year, including a 1918 Model-T school bus! Here, look -

Is that cool or what! Daughter was in the parade, riding atop her boyfriend’s demolition derby car, but she doesn’t want me showing any pictures of it. Geez! Ruin all my fun! LOL It was his very first Derby ever, and he was veeeery nervous, but he ended up doing really well, landing a spot in the consolation heat. Considering there are gobs of cars vying for the top spot in the final round, getting to the consolation round on your first try is pretty darn good!

Hey, are any of you watching Big Brother? I’m a certified BB freak, so of course I’m watching! And you know what? As evil as Dr. Will is, you just gotta admire his game-play. He is one master manipulator, isn’t he?! He’s like a puppetmaster! He can make virtually anyone and everyone do what he wants! It’s truly amazing, and a real hoot to watch! lol

Well, I guess that’s about all for now (I bet you’re saying “thank goodness!” lol). I hope you are all well and happy.