Thursday, January 19, 2005~

Dear Wilma and Frederick~

I was agrrieved to learn that you lost your home/belongings to a wildfire! Is there ANYTHING that I can do for you? Do you need anything? If so, PLEASE don't hesitate to let us know!

I AM glad, however, that you are staying with Rachel, your friend in Kansas. At least I know that you are safe, and at least you can still sleep and eat and be safe from the uncertainty that the terrible drought has brought to the Southern Plains! I pray that y'all get the needed rain SOON!!

The weather has been wet here, and warmer thatn normal, but we HAVE had some cold weather (and snow). Still, the weather, as a whole, has been mighty strange: overbundance of rain in areas that DON'T need it, NOT enough rain in areas that DO need the moisture, warmer-than-normal temperatures across a good part of the United States, a record-breaking hurricane season last year (and the possiblity of yet another record-breaker this year!), and just the lack of Arctic/winter precipitation. One only wonders what is REALLY going on or what is going to transpire. I hope the situation improves soon in the Southern Plains!

How is Pearl Xie doing? She sure is a lovely little child! I know you are enjoying her emmensely! I also know the joy/excitement of having a new child in the family, and I share in your joy! Give her hugs and kisses from us! :)

My kids are all well, and they are now eating their supper. They eat any time from four to six or seven, and tonight, they are having tacos, salad, nacho chips (plain or with a choice of nacho cheese or salsa), and plenty of water, milk, or low-sugar fruit drinks (just in case their mouths get a little warm from all the Mexican spices! LOL). They are eating before "American Idol" comes on. Ah, yes, "American Idol Fever" has struck the Sandusky abode once again! Most of the children absolutely LOVE "American Idol", and it is during this time when they all pretend that they are auditioning for the show! For WEEKS I will hear them singing with reckless abandon, and it will be enough to make THIS mama SCREAM!! LOL

Speaking of "American Idol", my daughter, Ronee', has tried out TWICE for the show. She would have made it both times had it NOT been for one minor thing: she is technically too young. She has a few years to go before she even qualifies for the show. Oh, the judges (Simon, Paula, Randy) DID enjoy her singing, but her age axed her from making it to the first round. Oh, well--at least she still has the determination, and nothing will stop her if she wants to try out! :) She also has the talent, and as long as she wants to try out, I won't squelch her dreams! :) Ronee' has always enjoyed performing on stage, and she has the drive in order to succeed. She LOVES to sing, and God has blessed her with a beautiful singing voice and a strong  musical ability. (Besides singing, Ronee' plays several different musical instruments. She is quite talented! :) )

Well, I'd best go now. Time to clean up after the kiddies and get things washed/put up before "American Idol" comes on! Take care, Wilma, and God be with you during this difficult time! I will be praying hard for you, and I will put you on our list at church on Sunday!

Love, your friend in Tennessee, Louie May. :)