Lake Tahoe
November 2008
Lake Tahoe: November 8 - 15th
Thanks to Pat for offering the use of her condos. It made it a wonderful place to hang out! And thanks to Sue for all her help with the organization and driving!
Notes from Leni
I am so honored to have been included in the Tahoe trip with such an amazing group of women - old friends and new friends - sharing tears of sorrow and joy and laughs continues to help me get thru the days. Melanoma took Donald from me but gave me this group of friends that I will forever be grateful for. I continue to take from melanoma and feel that by doing so I am weakening the disease. This week I took hours of friendship, laughter, and good food from melanoma. The week will be forever in my memory plus the sound of coyotes going after their prey - ugh - and the sight of a bear digging in the dumpster shed by the condo at 4:30 in the morning then leaving his trash net to the patio - much too close and personal for me.
I continue to send love and strength to all, Leni
PS If I were to ever have Pollutin Pat's luck at the casinos I might become a gambler! Thanks to Pat for the generous gift of condos and Sue for putting it all together.
Notes from Sue
Thinking about our week together. So much has gone thru my noggin and so many words not said. I would just like to thank everyone that was able to be with us in Tahoe, it was truly a blessing to me and warmed my soul.
When Pat suggested this get together last March I was a little leary of how we would pull it altogether since neither of us are "party planners". We didn't want to structure it but really wanted everyone to just come for rest and relaxation and I think for the most part we accomplished that and the right people were able to come. I'm sorry others were unable to make it but I have always felt that whoever shows up is the "right one" to be there at any given time.
It was such a pleasure meeting each of you and to be able to talk to you face to face. What a fine group of ladies. What a supportive group of ladies. You are all such a blessing in my life. Thank you for joining us.
My only regret is that I didn't make the time to bring all of you to my home to meet my husband - he would have loved that and I'm sure would have made you welcome. Afterall, he is very used to the female species having four daughters. lol I would have liked for you to see the Carson Valley which is quite different from the Carson City to Reno area...we view the mountains from our living room and front porch...Pat's favorite sitting spot as she does a "controlled burn". Another time, another day.
I hadn't planned on staying in Tahoe as I wanted to be sure that everyone had a bed but it all worked out and I was able to be there too. I canx work for the week and just stayed in contact by phone....people that I work with are stunned that I was getting together with people I've met on the internet...they don't quite understand the connections we've made and probably fear I've lost my mind. hahahhaha
Once again, I thank each of you for making our connections on MPIP come alive.
Love from my home to each of yours
Notes from Lisa
I had THE best time! Thank you all for the friendships and fellowship----never been to just a “women” only thang before.. and it rocked! Thank you ALL for a wonderful time, even though I left a loser! Hah!
My flight back was sheer terror.. the bumpiest ride I’ve ever had! Fortunately, I sat by a nice, good lookin’ Air Force recruiter who ALSO hated to fly (as a passenger.) hah! The tail winds were strong and the winds in Dallas were over 40 mph, so a nice hard bumpy landing too! We made record time though (good thing!) ---2 hours 32 minutes. John was NOT waiting for me since we landed early, but it gave me time to have a ciggy or 3 waiting on him. And it’s COLD here!
We went to din-din and I was checking email about 2am, when I got a call from a friend who’d been in a motorcycle accident. It wasn’t his fault—a girl pulled out in front of him. I drove to Waxahachie (about an hour from here) and sat with him at the hospital. He broke his ankle, broke his spine in 4 places (L1, L2, L3, and L4) and just got banged up all over. They RELEASED him.. couldn’t believe it! He has to see a spine specialist next week, and an ortho surgeon for the ankle. Anyhoo.. got him home, and we had to call the fire dept. to get him in the house—he can’t even walk to the bathroom---thank God for those Folger’s cans with the lids! =) I got him settled and fed, picked up ‘scripts, etc. I was sooo tired---by then, I’d been up way more than 24 hours. I got home sometime after noon. His mom arrived from Tyler, so she’s taking care of him and his critters now (horse and 2 dogs). Needless to say, I’ve pretty much slept since I got back! What a homecoming!
Soooooo I hope everybody got home and had it a bit easier! Pat and Sue.. THANK YOU SO MUCH! And thanks to all the Chefs and Chauffeurs! I can’t wait ‘til we do it again!! Thinkin’ next time I’ll DRIVE and not answer the phone at 2am!! =)
Love you all bunches.. I’ll send pix soon! “hugz”
Notes from Nancy
When Leni & I were up at 4 a.m. to take Amy Busby to the airport, I went out on the stairway and heard something. I looked over at the trash area just outside the condo. A bear was on top of the dumpsters, inside the covered area. He (or she, I did not check) peeked his head out and looked directly at me. Fortunately I was still upstairs (was actually going to warm up my car.) I went back inside and told Leni to come see.
Then, I go over to Amy's condo and she asks me to go to our patio area to get the pine cones she had gathered. When I opened our door to the back, I looked really well to be sure he wasn't out there.
Well, when we returned from the airport, Lisa said that there was a bag of garbage strewn all around just outside our patio. YIKES, too close to comfort.
But, I must say, he did not appear aggressive at all. He just looked at me since I had disturbed his daily garbage run.
It was such a wonderful week and I had a great time.
Notes from Misty
Coyotes and Pinecones and Bears Oh My.....:)
Sounds like you all had a very eventfull time after I left. Glad you all survived okay, and got to see the bear.
Amy Jo, I am so sorry to hear you had such a hard time getting home. I bet you were just pooped when you arrived. At least you had some entertainment next to you. My flight went well, and they didn't even open my bag, so it made it home in one piece. My car acted up a bit when I got there, not wanting to start, but after a few attempts and some prayers, it started.
I will send some pics soon as I get a chance. It seems that my customers have all discovered that Thanksgiving is on the way and they need their hair done! Busy busy busy, keeps me out of trouble. This trip was healing to me. I know my Daddy must have given me that extra nudge to go, as I really went back and forth on going. You all were so wonderful and welcoming, listening to me talk, and laughing with me when I laughed and Sue, hugging me when I cried. I am so thankful to have met all of you while my Dad was sick, when he was gone, and just this last week. It was amazing to know that through all of our sorrow and grief, fear and courage, we all came together just like we knew each other so well.
Carol, thank you so much for cooking and being so wonderful. I am now craving your english muffins with cheese and mayo. Nancy, had a grand time meeting and visiting with you, even trimming up your bangs. Lenni, you are such a strong and wonderful woman, so giving of yourself. I sure enjoyed meeting you. Lisa, such a fun spirit you have Lady! I enjoyed visiting with you and meeting the face with the beautiful voice. Amy Jo, I had so much fun visiting with you about our Mom's. It is so nice to have someone on the same sorta page I got going on. Amy, after many months of courage you have shown us, I so enjoyed meeting you. I pray your surgery went well, and for only good health for you. Pat, you are such warmth wrapped up in such a beautiful package. Thanks so much for sharing your condos with us, and for making me feel so welcome. I sure enjoyed our chats. Sue, you surely have elevated to sainthood, as your daughter says. You are such a beautiful woman and I so appreciate all the invites to join your groups. I appreciate you driving us around and picking everyone up and dropping us all off. Your husband was such fun to visit with too, and tell him when he's ready to hunt an elk, give us a call.
I will definatly be up to visit with you, my new friends anytime. I am sorry I didn't get to meet you Jan, but have heard so much about you and will see you next time. You all are welcome at my home anytime you need a break. You are such wonderful ladies and I thank God for you all. With lots of love, and few giggles here and there!
Notes from Amy Busby
drumming my fingers waiting for Amy's email
Notes from Amy Beaumont
Okay, I'm dyin' to know how much Pat won!
My flights: Let's see, my flight out of Reno was delayed two hours. I had a long layover in Chicago and thought I might still be able to make my connection. We landed in Chicago at about 9:25 or so & my connecting flight was still scheduled to depart at 9:35 all the way on the OTHER SIDE of the ginormous airport. I literally RAN to the other side & by the time I got there it showed it was delayed until 9:50...okay, so far so good. Eventually, it was delayed longer & we take off until about 11:15 (12:15am Indiana time) arriving in Indianapolis at about 1:15a.m. The flight to Chicago had a really scary landing & this Irish/Scottish (sort of reminded me of what johno might be like?)older gentleman sitting next to me shouted "Jesus Christ!" and was muttering then as we were pulling in to the gate he was doing some sort of yoga/meditation thing & then as we were waiting FOREVER to get out of the plane he was saying "GOD!" I was cofused, and I must say, entertained by him as well. But, I did make it back to the ground safely in Indiana! :-)
It was so great getting to meet ALL of you! Thank you so much Pat for the use of the condos, they were just perfect. And SUE (swatts) thank you for all the transportation, food (Carole too!) and for the persuasion to come in the first place. I love what Leni said about "taking from Melanoma" I'm so grateful I was able to come & glad to have met you all, in spite of the circumstances.
Notes from Pat
on pins and needles waiting to hear from Pat
Notes from Jan
Thanks for a great time, everyone! I kept vacillating whether or not to come - it was a long drive! But everyone made it special. I'm sorry I missed AmyIN, Misty and Carole, but I just couldn't arrange my schedule to be there earlier.
A special thanks to Leni and Nancy - for letting me tag along while the others went gambling. Also thanks for your understanding while I was under the weather! I have no desire to be known as Janner V, however!!! How's your cha cha, Nancy? I had a Gyro today in your honor, Leni! Still wondering how exactly to make that tsatsiki sauce??? ;-)
Pat is the greatest. I met Pat and Mur and I met 5 years ago in Las Vegas (Lisa, too), then once again in Seattle - and 2 years ago on our trip to Boston. You're a special lady and I'm thankful to have met you! Thanks for the donation of the condos - what a treat! (And what a change from the condo on Cape Cod, lol!
Sue, it was fantastic finally meeting you. Thanks for your organization and kindness in getting things put together. Those Utah National Parks: Bryce and Zion - are calling out to you, Sue. You DO need to make a trip... you won't be sorry!
Amy and Lisa - it was nice to meet the Texas contingent. Second time for Lisa, and a first time for Amy. Glad you were able to make it despite the hurricane setback, Amy.
Melanoma sucks - I don't think there is any better way to say it. But it does have a silver lining -- all the friends I have made via MPIP have meant the world to me!
Notes from Carole
breathlessly awaiting Carole's words....
