Monday, October 2, 2006, 10:13 a.m., D.S.T.~

Dear Carmen~

Please forgive me if I haven't written, but I was in Alaska for two weeks on a cruise with my family, and then I came down with a particularly nasty stomach virus that really knocked me on my tail. Thank goodness I am feeling a lot better, but it will be a while before I am back to speed. At least I feel well enough to go back to work.

It is good to be back; I missed my co-workers terribly, and I missed my bosses, too. They were really glad to see me when I walked into the door; they cheered and applauded as I entered, totally embarrassing me! LOL

Today is a rather slow day, but there are plenty of patients to keep me busy. Seems quite a few of them caught the  same virus that I am currently recovering from! Some have been admitted, but others were sent on their merry way after they were  looked at in the E.R. and were then treated for their worst symptoms. I hope I don't get it again; once was more than enough!

It says fall on the calendar, but  you wouldn't know it from the air outside. Temps in the upper 60's at night, and upper eighties in the day. Feels more like summer than fall. Crazy weather we are having! How is it there in Georgia? Hope it isn't hot there like it is here!

No, Carmen, I am not mad at you. Whatever gave you that idea? I am sorry I  haven't written as reguarly as I did when we started corresponding with one another, but I will try to make amends. Just know this, though: I have to find time to write, and for me free time is a luxery. Most of the time I am tied down with different situations, be it with my parents, my husband, or my kids, my patients and my job, and also trying to meet deadlines in my writing career. Add to this the adoption community, plus church activities. No, Louie doesn't have very much in the way of free time, which is one reason why I looked forward to this cruise I took to Alaska! Alaska was absolutely majestic, and it was everything I remembered  it would be from the last time we went! I wouldn't mind going back to Alaska  again!

Well, this is about it for now. Take care, Carmen, and God bless!

(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tennessee, Louie May. :D