Rest in Peace my love

With heavy heart I need to report the passing of our dearest friend, Tiger Lily. 14 plus years have passed with so many adventures, so many furry kisses and walks. Her body plagued with cancer, multiple tumors, lupus...she was deaf and lost 20 plus pounds over the past month...it was time to let her be free. Free from the pain and limitations her body was forcing on her beautiful spirit. Since we purchased our house Tiger was here with us, she was part of all decisions and seen us through a number of changes. It was amazing how a she was just an extension of who Rich and I were...guess thats how parents feel...as she was in essence a combination of both our spirits. I will miss her every day and right now nothing seems to have that special sparkle, like she took that with her. I know life will “right”our ship and we will keep going...but losing this friend, this being who filled me with love and joy is about the hardest thing I've experienced. The cycle of life is inevitable, humbling and plain hard.

At least we have our furry and feathered family to keep us smiling...Penny is trying to get a fly and jumping 5 feet in the air...I know she is just trying to keep us entertained and amused. Plus Rich did get to use his Christmas gift finally...he got to go in a helicopter over Folsom Lake and up the American River...so we definitely have plenty to smile about but the weight of a broken heart taints everything else.

the only way to take the sting outta turning 49...

Yesterday started with plunging toilets, backing up into the showers and tub in both bathrooms....Rich had to rush to Home Depot to buy a sewage “snake.” After much fuss, cussing and perhaps a few prayers, he was able to fix our plumbing and although we were two hours behind schedule...the feverish pace ramped up...as we were having a birthday shindig tonight. So we cleaned up the soaked towels, thanks our lucky stars and headed out to do our prep work.

A mere five hours of frenzied house cleaning, backyard grooming and food prep...guests showed up perfectly on time, all with an appetite for fun, friends and food. Let the alcohol flow... as we had worked hard to get to the point in the day to revel in our friends. How lucky are we? So many wonderful, abeit crazy friends...and Anna, no group flashing (this time:P). And her Beau, Troy, once again acted as stealth photojournalist...you'll see he got a number of GREAT shots. THANKS MAN!!!

My only regret was not getting a group shot in front of Mike's cool ride, NEXT TIME! The burgers were great, the day gorgeous and night perfect. Thanks all for making both Rich and I feel so loved.

(Lisa you might see a couple empty wine bottles around- Woffard Wine was consumed and loved!!)