Monday, June 11, 2007, 10:04 a.m., D.S.T., Nashville, Tennessee~

Dear Journal~

Bill here. My, what an exciting week we have had! First of all, last weekend was the CMA Music Festival, which we attend every year. This  year's shindig proved to be no exception: another successful festival, a record turnout of country music afficianados from all over the world, wonderful music by today's hottest stars, the legends of yesterday, and tomorrow's talent. (We plan on doing again yet again next year!)

Secondly, our son, Johnny, who was scheduled to have an MRI done this week, is a very happy young man: his test was cancelled (the machine broke down). Johnny, as a result, does not enjoy having MRI's done; I know I don't! Whenever Johnny has to have an MRI done, the docs have to knock him out cold; he is severely claustrophobic. In fact, if Johnny were awake during the MRI, he'd either: a.) need a sedative to keep him calm, or b.) try to rip the machine apart! LOL

Thirdly, our daughter, Ronee', went to California (she is due back today, this afternoon; so is my wife, who went with her), where she auditioned for the tv talent program, "America's Got Talent". From what I heard, she wowed the judges (Sharon Osborne, David Hasselhoff, and the infamous Piers Morgan, who makes fellow Britainer Simon Cowell look like a sweet little kittycat!); she MADE it!! The judges loved her!! This means that Ronee' will be eligible to go to Las Vegas, Nevada, to compete in the semi-finals, which will happen in August. This is a huge break for her; we are all very proud of Ronee'!

Fourth, we are trying to decide where to take the kiddies on vacation. We have already gone to the CMA Music Festival (see above), the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival (in May; that was in Louisiana, in Breaux Bridge, where my wife happens to be from; she was born there!), and performed at the Memorial Day Tribute and saw Johnny and Ronee' "do their thing" at the Childen's Miracle Network Telethon, which was held prior to the Memorial Day celebration. We have already turned nut-brown from the sun, and we have gotten some serious yardwork accomplished, too.

So far, we have narrowed the choices of our upcoming vacation between Orlando, Florida, theme parks Universal Studios or Animal Kingdom (I think that is the name of the place; I'm not so sure on this!), and one of the world's premier amusement parks, Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. (We've been to Cedar Point three times; they now have 17 roller coasters and over two dozen regular rides; the year we last went was just a few years back, when "Wicked Twister" went up. The kids all have the time of their lives, and I ended up nursing an upset stomach, which is something that normally doesn't happen to me after riding a roller coaster! LOL)

Yes, it will be expensive: having to search the 'Net for cheap tickets isn't easy, let me tell you! (Thank GOD for group rate! LOL) Hopefully, we'll find some cheap tickets for the parks soon, or else we'll end up staying home for vacation! (The price of gasoline does NOT help!)

I'm recovering well from my recent back surgery: very little in the way of pain (still using my forearm crutches, but at least I can still walk! :) ). My mood has improved considerably since having this surgery. For one thing: NO sciatic nerve or crippling back pain!! :) That has been nothing short of a blessing!

Well, Louie, my dear wife, is just beginning to show: she is still suffering from morning sickness, but it appears that the worst of the symptoms have eased off. It's hard to believe that she is pregnant!! We will have 61 children in our family come Christmas time: 60 adopted, one "homegrown"! This coming Christmas season will certainly be one to remember--not to mention, celebrate--for the rest of our lives!

Well, journal, I am going to get ready to go to work; work from 12 to 8 today at Wal*Mart. I will write in here again soon. Take care and God bless!

~Bill.