I was going through Digg this morning, reading and digging away, and came across a real cool site that I thought I would blog about.

I love Christmas - I love Christmas lights! I can’t get enough of them, and my kids love them too. From the start of December, on through the month, the children and I travel around the neighborhoods by bicycle oooohing and ahhing at all the pretty sights!

Well, Bronner’s, a Christmas store in Michigan has created “My Christmas Wonderland” - you can enjoy lights from all over the world! My kids love it and I do too!

Check it out at http://christmas.bronners.com/ 

While I was there I came across this one particular house that had a URL in it’s name. I went to the website that was listed and boy what a treat that is - too much fun! The guy that has this site is using webcams, and internet controlled lights (yes, YOU can control the lights and more) to try to raise money for his two boys who have Celiac Disease.

This one was too much fun to not share, so check it out yourself: www.komar.org - but don’t mess with the Hulk

It was more than I could have imagined! The poker run to benefit my Dad was a huge success… more than a hundred riders came out on Sunday to participate in the fundraiser for Daddy.

We started the day at Mac’s Pub - first bike out at noon, so we arrived early, around 11am. Lani and Andy showed up about 11:45. Lani rode with Waterbed, and Andy brought up the rear, driving his car behind our group. My first three cards stunk - I was NOT on my way to a winning poker hand!

Denny and I decided a few days earlier that we would make a special stop that was not part of the run at my Dad’s house (photo to left). We were joined by several of the Mechanized riders, and it was an emotional stop for all.

After that, we rode back over the ridge, past the accident spot where we all honked, waved and Lani, Andy and I bawled (we miss you Dad). Next stop, Hawg Wild.

Arriving at Hawg Wild we were met by most of the other people that took off at the same time as us - it was packed and many beers were flowing. My second draw was as horrid as the first - I think I was going for ‘worst hand’!

Lani took a few minutes to call Mom and give her the details on the turnout - she too was just thrilled that so many people were there to support Dad!

We all hopped back on to head to the next stop… SCV Headquarters in Trenton. It was such a perfect day for riding! Not a rain cloud in sight, and leading the pack for my Dad. Trenton was again packed with supporters for both Dad and the SCV - lots of items were sold, and tons of laughs were shared. Dad’s colors hung above the sale items table - his presence was felt by all. Elaine (Dad’s fiancee) dealt me out the next round… finally some better cards, but still nothing to jump for joy over.

Andy took over my camera at this point, and off we went to the next stop - the VFW in Brainerd. He took some shots from the back as we headed back through the mountains to town.

The VFW hosted a full house of supporters, and great music too! Regina and Sheila were the dealers here - I was sure to get some great cards this round… not, LOL! Definately not a poker day for me.

On to the last stop we went - back to Mac’s where it was standing room only - Got my last set of cards from Alan, and threw in the towel. My hands stunk! Last bike arrived in at 5pm, and it was time to start the auction!

Tons of items were donated for the cause, and it took over three hours to auction all off - Denny and I got some vases, a hammock, and Daddy’s favorite cookies, made by Elaine of course

You can see all of the photos on my Flickr - it was a great great day!

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Been a while since posted an update so I figure now is as good of time as any! So let me get to it…

I am working again… and have been hard at it too! I have been getting up at about 5:30 everyday, and I *think* I have officially caught back up to speed - two months off is a VERY long time when you have clients waiting! But, I have everyone covered now, and am ready to begin taking new clients again.

For an update on my Dad, things are really just about the same - well, he is not any worse is more appropriate to say. He is getting stronger by the day, and will squeeze onto my hand HARD - he will hold on to my wrist and I can lift his arm… He moves his arm (right side) around pretty well; moves his fingers all over the place… toes are wiggling well on the right side, and he will give the occasional kick… For commanded movement, while it does take some time, he will squeeze hands, move fingers and toes, and he will open his mouth. Each day he is doing a little better, but we are still not yet at the rehab level… to get to that, he has to open his eyes when asked and keep them open - then focus on things… he has been opening his eyes in response to pain, but not often on command, so he still just needs more time and prayer. There will be a Poker Run for him on Sunday August 27th and I am excited to see how many people participate!

Kids. Well, they are still with their father in Florida… I have not seen them since the 3rd of July I even missed my little boy’s fourth birthday (ya. that was NOT an easy day!)… but they are having so much fun with him. We should be meeting up two day’s from now to have a special day with them, then I should have them back full time by Sunday - I miss them like mad!

Georgia/Tennessee life. I hate the weather here. It is too darn hot! I miss the beach! I went to Fall Creek Falls, TN on Sunday - we rode there ‘the scenic’ route, and it was just amazing… a perfect day. Found a nice cliff overlooking people playing in the water, and just lay there a bit… it was great to just do absolutely nothing. While I hate the heat, the lack of wind, I sure do like the scenery here… it is most certainly NOT flat - and besides, I like the wind that I get from riding on the back of a Harley! (giggle - grin)

Married life… He should get a medal! Praise for the patience of my husband with all I have been going through the past few months… It has not been easy, but I guess nothing worth anything is In the past month I have completely relocated my home, business and kids - and it has been almost enough to make Denny insane I think…

Did I cover everything?