Friday, May 2, 2008, Nashville, TN, 7:07 a.m., D.S.T.~

Dear Journal~

Louie here.  Just got here to work; figured I'd write in here before I start my shift in a few minutes.  Am going to write in here just long enough to try to wake up (and drink my cup of joe).

Ain't nothin' like a cuppa strong Cajun coffee to get the juices pumpin' this morning! LOL

Ahhh!  That's better!  Instant wake-up call! LOL

Am working until 2 today (I hope); yesterday, I didn't get off until six, worked four extra hours in the MICU (my usual hangout as of late).  Had two patients:  Emily Tagaq (she's back in; has another infection in her stump), and Annike Vanderstrejdt (in for a shattered pelvis, broken legs, broken arm, cracked ribs, contusions; she was struck by a drunken driver while crossing the street). 

I wouldn't be surprised if I end up back in the MICU today.  Hopefully it will be an easy day for me.

Hope Emily and Annike had easy nights last night!  Guess I will find out when I report to the MICU!

Nothing much going on except for us getting ready for our trip to Louisiana.  I am going to have to get some extra cash just to keep the bus filled; I hope someone gives us some gas cards beforehand or else we're going to be broke before we even get to Louisiana, and then we'll have to start living in our bus!  Not a good position to be in!! LOL

Last night, after I got home, we had supper, then watched "Coal Miner's Daughter" on the AMC network.  We all love that movie (not to mention, the music).  Sissy Spacek did a marvelous job in portraying Loretta Lynn; sang like her too.  She deserved Best Actress for the Academy Awards!  The movie is a classic piece of Americana, and we never tire of watching it.  We just love it so much!

Speaking of Loretta Lynn, she is back touring after a recent bout of instestinal flu; she is going to have to take it easy.  She will be doing the Opry later this month; we already have tickets to see her.  This will be the first time we've seen Loretta in over a year; we are looking forward to it.  She always generates a lot of applause from the fans when she plays the Opry!

The weather here is beautiful: warm, sunny, delightful humidity.  Perfect spring weather.  Our flowers have exploded in color, and the yard always looks so lush after a fresh cutting!  Not so good for the allergies, but oh, well.  Thank GOD for Kleenex and Zyrtac! LOL

In a week we'll be in Louisiana for the Crawfish Festival.  We always look forward to it because for me it's like going home:  I'm from Breaux Bridge; I was born there nearly forty years ago.  I always seem to run into some relatives whenever we're at the Crawfish Festival!! 

I will be working until the day before we leave for Louisiana; even work the day we leave, but I get off at noon; then we will start our journey to Cajun Country.  Hopefully we'll have a great trip without too many bumps/bruises! LOL

Bill is sick: he has a case of nausea/vomiting; must have eaten something last night that didn't agree with him.  Guess he won't be working at Wal*Mart today.  He'll probably stay home and in bed, away from the kiddies.  Mama and papa Moliere' will have to kidsit today while my husband nurses his nausea/upset tummy.

Hopefully he'll start feeling better by tomorrow; if not, I'll have to take him to the doctor's, to see if he can do something for him.

Well, I have to run:  start work in less than five minutes; have to report, see where I'll be working.  I will write in here again, probably after when we're in Louisiana; until then, this is your friend, Louisiana, signing off.  Take care and God bless!

~Love, your friend, Louie May. :D