We have been away

Some have asked why I put nothing on the blog the past few weeks. Well, Patti and I left on February 8th and went to Florida for some business we had down there. Steve, Tyler and Joshua flew down there on the 11th and we spent some time visiting a business contact and looking the Tampa area over. Some of our customers have expressed that they would like to have us do work in the state, so we were looking things over. We did have some time to get away and enjoy the beach for a few hours and the aquarium there in Tampa. We took a boat ride out into the bay and watched the dolphins and the sting rays out in the bay. It was part of the aquarium trip. The boys played on the beach at Fort De Soto for a while. They were out in the water some, but it was too cold for the adults. It was quite foggy and it stayed that way all day. Funny thing is that is the day we all got a little sun burnt. We picked up shells and saw some dolphins out about 1/4 mile from shore. (that is all the farther the fog would let us see)

Patti and I drove back this past Monday, the 16th and got home on the 17th. We used our truck camper and had a nice time. It is plenty dirty right now from the trip down and back. We were going to wash it before we left, but figured it would be just as dirty when we got home, and we were correct.

Today is Mckenna's first birthday. We had a party for her at Steve and Stacy's Friday night. It's funny, but a year ago I never ever would have figured to see it. Now I am looking forward to seeing her married and seeing her children. I feel that the cancer was a wake up call from God to take care of myself physically, mentally and spiritually.(and not necessarily in that order) To get things into perspective and deal with those things I can and let the others handle themselves.

I told Patti when we woke up on Wednesday morning that I had had a strange dream that seemed to run all night. Many of the people who have encouraged me were in the dream and they all kept saying the same thing, live. Many of you who have had cancer and have encouraged me were in my dream. It was so realistic. Everyone kept talking about things but you all kept telling me to live. It was like no other dream I have ever had in that it was so peaceful. I woke up rested and relaxed more than I think I ever have before. I guess that tells me the power of those who are willing to take the time to pray and talk with me about the cancer. I can honestly say this is one of the best times of my life as I have learned the true power of prayer and of my God.

Patti and I will be traveling some this week. I have to take tests for licensing in Indiana for jobs we have there with CVS. We will also be working on our setting up a company if Florida. God has blessed us with some jobs early this year and I pray for a continued support from Him with our business.

Thank you for all those who are praying and asking about Patti and me. God bless you.

Shingles anyone???

Yep, I have shingles. They hurt, they itch and they are no fun. Last night was a doozie. I was up most of the night in pain. Hopefully not tonight. Patti and I are leaving for Florida hopefully Friday or Saturday. We will be there for a week. My doctor thinks I will have shingles for awhile, and he says the sun down there will make me uncomfortable, but I need it for my Vitamin D.

I ask that God gives us safety there and back. Steve T is flying down there with his boys next week so we can go to a meeting together and then maybe to Sea World with the boys. Josh does not want to go on the plane, he wants to go with Grandma and Grandpa in the diesel truck. We will be in the Tampa-Orlando-North Port area for the time we are down there. We will take the computer so we will update everyone as to where we are and what is going on.

Shingles anyone???