Louisiana tells her friend in California how they are faring on their Alaskan cruise, amongst other things.
Monday, April 26, 2004~
Dear Kendra:
Hello from the ship! We are on our way to Fairbanks, Alaska; we were in Anchorage for five days, and other than my husband getting sick and being in the hospital for two days, and the ship developing sudden mechanical problems, we have been having a very good time so far here in Alaska.
My husband had an asthma attack, and it started before we got off the ship in Sitka. In Sitka, we met some friends, Michael Doucet and his fiancee', Jenna Aurora Whitson, and as we headed towards Anchorage, where they live, Bill's breathing started to get worse and worse, so we had no choice BUT to get him to a hospital, where he was then admitted. We thought he would be in for only overnight, but he ended up being hospitalized for two days, and ever since he has gotten out, he hasn't had any more problems, thank goodness! The kids, Johnny and Ronee', are doing very well, and they are having fun. So far they have gone to the zoo, to a movie about the Northern Lights, to the Heritage Museum (Ronee' got herself a new porcelain doll to add to her collection), to an Inuit festival where the kids had their first tastes of whale (they did NOT like the whale!), caribou, moose, and reindeer, as well as lots of salmon, and they also heard Inuit music and language, and learned more of the Inuit culture (we all found that quite fascinating!), to a ride on a train through the mountains, and to one of Anchorage's fine malls. Ronee' and Johnny also got to see the Northern Lights, and they were really quite spectacular! Ronee' was in awe of the Lights, and it was all she could do to keep from dancing along with the Lights! She was very happy about seeing the Northern Lights, and I told her that there would probably be more opportunities for her to see the Northern Lights, and she was really pleased about THAT. They also saw many animals common in Alaska: bear, wolves, all kinds of birds, deer, moose, whales and other fishy friends, and more smaller creatures like oppossums, raccoons, squirrels, and chipmunks. Alaska is just teeming with wildlife, and it is REALLY an animal lover's paradise! We never saw so many animals, especially eagles! We must have seen at least a hundred bald eagles so far! The other day, while exploring Denali National Park, we counted at least 50 eagles (possibly even more than that!)! We also saw many eagles on the way to and from the park! So you are easily counting over 100 eagles!
How are you doing? I bet with Anna's expected arrival in a few weeks, y'all are just plumb excited! I would be if I were in your shoes; and we are excited for you! I know how it is to be welcoming a new child into a family; you can't wait to meet the new child to be, and when they finally DO arrive, it is a time of great celebration and joy! We have been in your position many times with OUR brood, and it is always such a happy and special time! Even though we have welcomed 50 children into our family each time they have come it has been nothing but a day full of happiness and excitement..and even some apprehension, nervousness, and even tears!
Are the girls behaving themselves? How do they feel about little Anna Grace's arrival? Have you heard from her again? I know when you first talked with her you were plumb excited, and I know you can't wait until she is right in your very home and in your arms! Tell your daughters that we all say hello from Alaska, and let them know that we are thinking of them! Tell them if they are good, we just may get them something from Alaska! How does that sound??
I know the picnic is coming up in August, and I know you all are planning on attending (at least we HOPE you are! LOL). It will be a time of fun, games, and laughter, and it is a great way to make new friends and forget of problems you may be having! And you will learn so much about adopting and the issues associated WITH it. We always do learn a lot, and we always find new (and inventive) ways in dealing with a family such as ours and how to make ends meet, even when our wallets squeal in pain! LOL If you HAVE decided to attend the picnic, I hope that you have already sent in your application and have gotten your tickets to come to Nashville! We do know of many great hotels (and even motels) that are handicap-friendly, and they would be more than happy to accomodate you and your girls! There is so much to do in Nashville, and if you come, we can take you to places like the Grand Ole Opry (my daughter, Ronee'--the one who is so "aurora-crazy!"--is a gifted little country singer, and she has sung there on several occasions; we are so proud of her!), to Opry Mills (used to be Opryland USA, but now it is a complex of shops, and also the Grand Ole Opry is still there!), to the Country Music Hall of Fame (even if you AREN'T a country music fan, it is still fascinating!), to the WildHorse Saloon (it's a dance club/country music concert venue), to the Hard Rock Cafe', to Music Row, and other famous places that make Nashville tick. We can even show you Fisk University and also a replica of the Parthenon, like the one they have in Greece, and also to the Hermitage, which is the home of former President Andrew Jackson. We can maybe even swing by Hurricane Mills, which is 40 miles north of here; Hurricane Mills is a town that is owned by country legend Loretta Lynn, and when she is not on the road or at her homes in Hawai'i or Mexico, this is where she will be. She has a house on the property, and a ranch, and in the spring, summer, and fall, her ranch is just brimming with all sorts of activities including concerts (some by Miss Loretta Lynn herself!). Nashville, Tennessee, is a great place to visit, and there are many wonderful people here, singers, business men and women, and common folk who all live and work together to make our city more pleasant and vibrant! I know we would be tickled PINK to have y'all here, and I know you would love our city and all that it has to offer!
Well, sweet Kendra, I must run now; we are going to go to the game room (Johnny is chompin' at the bit to play a video game or two, and Ronee' wants to play some too!), and so on that note, we must leave! We are also going to eat supper and probably go to bed. We will be going to the Glacier National Park and see the glaciers; should be fun tomorrow! Don't know what else we may do tomorrow, but we are definitely going to the Glacier National Park! Until I write again, this is Louisiana signing off! Take care, and give all your darling girls (((HUGS))) and XXXX's from us, okay? You take care of YOURSELF too, and if you get a headache, please do take the time to rest! I worry about you, you know...
With much love, your friend in Tennessee (by way of Alaska!), Louisiana. :D LOL (Doesn't that sound rather funny?? Sounds more like a lesson in geography!! LOL)
This is an excellent write, I love thios series too, you bring a greater to my characters than I could do on my own, stay tuned for
Kendra's response...
God BLess
Michelle
It's almost Christmas. Lynn Basil is writing her last book about a secret entrance into the magical doll land of Sha Bebe that she loves so much. Bagannos have taken over the world! Lynn finally meets her dolls in real life. Can she write in a Secret
A wicked Cajun Fairy named Robes Pierre entered the impenetrable Magical doll land of Sha Bebe. Queen Faustina, the ruler of the doll land, thought she had destroyed him, but he's back! Will the doll land survive his evil ways?
Monday, April 26, 2004~
