Hello, from Mary Jo

Does anyone else carry a residual uneasiness from childhood when we have hot, dry days and STRONG winds? Today's a real downer for me. At least we have a thickening cloud cover and some chance of rain tonight.

I still remember the year I was turned 10 years old was a horrific summer and I was aware of a general air of anxiety in our house. On the very day of my birthday, the corn died and turned white before our eyes. That is a powerful memory.

Maybe it wouldn't disturb me so much if Paul wasn't farming. Of course, it's not the same thing...we have another source of income, which is a huge difference...but it is still wearing. I asked him this morning why he still thought farming was fun. He just smiled.

Speaking of Paul, he is feeling very well and seems to have all of his strength, plus more, back. He goes in to the cancer center monthly for general blood work and every three months will have blood work to detect cancer markers and to see the oncologist. The Dr. says everything looks very good. Of course, this will be a several-year process. After 3 years, the chance of no recurrence is better; and five years is considered to be the time you can talk about being cured. As they say, one day at a time.

Don't worry that the parole officer will have the Meyer household under surveillance, Nancy! Suzanne is accompanying a female officer from Grand Island for 120 hrs for an internship this summer. She usually goes with her two days a week, and they've hit lots of communities. She must have a huge territory. Suzanne never says anything about the people or the cases they work on. She is very aware of the confidentially issue. However, she does seem to be interested in the work. I think it would be pretty depressing; but obviously, it's work that needs to be done.

Thanks for all of the recent posts, and please keep them coming. Oh, one more observation: Has anyone else noticed the strong genetic trait us "blood cousins" share? NONE of us have been able to post pictures, whereas Suki, Sue, Ed, and the contributors from the next generation have shared wonderful images with us! Thank goodness the gene pool is getting diluted!! Speaking of that, now I have to refer to the wonderful directions Sue sent us on how to post messages so I can send this thing. GRRRRR