wow, it's been a while....

So it's been a while since I last wrote anything here, so why don't I slip up the letter that I wrote various people this past week.
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Hi folks,

Yes, it's been a while since I wrote a letter. For those of you who don't like bulk letters, just want to reassure you that if I've had an email or written letter from you, this won't all be the same as I'll modify for the person getting it. :)

Not saying that some won't be the same as there are only so and so many ways of saying the same thing.

1. Jim... had a stroke, and is in process of recuperating from that. Tires more easily. Takes longer to do things that require mental effort. But he's back to muddling with the vehicles again. The van has had it's badly needed oil change, and has new shocks on it. And he's eyeing the Mazda lately...keep it, repair it, trade it in???

The meds Jim is on cause him to be cold frequently. Imagine this... sometimes he is colder than I am! Means when he is working on the van he has to pick a good temperature at which to do it. He is hopeful with his blood pressure remaining low that he can get off some of the meds he is on. Would be very nice if he could. We don't argue about the temperature as much as before. :) that's a nice side benefit. :)

He is back to working full-time. But his sermons are shorter (makes them more poignant). He still can't read books out-loud with Justin in the evenings very well yet, but it's improving. Time is our friend right now.

2. Justin...is very proud that he can spell HI and CAT! Does he know all his letters yet? no... but that will come with time. Likes to learn most anything as long as I can tie it to his loves in life...cats, trains or bunnies. Not always so easily done, but we try.

   He is a very busy, cautious type lad. Often doesn't do things until he knows he can. We are hopeful to convince him to ride a small bike this summer. And I want to get him into swimming lessons.

He goes to nursery school 2 hours/week. Enjoys his time there but wishes mommy could stay with him.

He likes to dig! We've been working on extending our patio and he is having a hoot digging out there with me. Right now it's a muddy mess as we've had rain for the past couple of days.

Overall I find he is a good mix between Jim and I. Sometimes a good thing, sometimes a shake your head and ponder thing. :)

2. Milo and Sparks. Sparks is getting old. He is developing growths, and is getting thinner looking (not such a horrid thing for this very solid cat). Just signs that he's getting older. I expect by year end he'll be no longer with us. Milo remains the best cat we could have gotten for a cat crazy boy. He is starting to mature and act less kitteny, but usually where you see the boy, you see the cat.

3. The bunnies are doing well. I've sold a lot over the Easter season. I currently raise Harlequins (a smaller meat breed), Mini rex (my favourite breed), Polish (a tiny, sweet breed), and Holland lops. (everyone wants Hollands nowadays so they are easy sellers). This year I plan to show my polish, one harlequin buck, and if my lop doe who just kindled this morning produces what I think she did, possibly a young loppie as well. :)

4. Guinea pigs. Justin likes his piggies. We have two sows, one boar, and one visiting boar. And soon we'll have a few babies to sell as well.

5. As for myself. I'm doing okay. I've had some health issues that haven't quite resolved themselves. I have a test to undergo at the end of May. I am hopeful that might produce some answers. I am very much looking forward to yard sale and gardening season. I've started going for walks in the evening after Justin goes to bed. It's a nice quiet time for me.

6. Mice. Yes, I still raise mice. I've dramatically reduced my population of my breeder females though. I”m starting to get my long hairs which I am quite pleased with.

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There, that gives an overall update quite nicely. :)