Dave,
I think I know a lot of people who might argue with the "real sweetheart" part (right, Mark???) but I try. The older I get the more natural it feels to try to be there for anyone who needs an ear to listen, a brain to know when NOT to talk, a heart to understand, and a hand to help them up when they're down. When you get right down to it, that's what we are all here for, isn't it??

The Reuion sounds fantastic - as does your little piece of "Heaven"! If it's far enough down the road for me to save my pennies, I'll make it! Besides, it will give me an opportunity to get rid of about 30 pounds!!! I have to warn you, at my age, I'm not real keen on camping out and have grown to love a hot shower in the morning. As long as I can work around those, I'll be happy!

Seriously, I would not miss it! I'm looking forward to meeting as many of you all as I possibly can. When we lost Jack, I was really sad because I was looking foward to meeting him very much. He was very close to Marty while in 'Nam. I feel fortunate as I was lucky enough to speak with him on several occasions on the phone, so I got to hear his voice. Shaking his hand would have been an honor. I do not want to miss out on any of the rest of you.

If I don't make it, please don't curl up and die. That would be a tragic loss for all of us!!! Hang in there. If our paths are meant to cross, they certainly will at some point in time. Everything happens for a reason! Finding out that "reason" is what makes life so damned interesting - you just have to pay attention to the clues!

Sounds like you are getting pretty busy with your "dream" - I'm excited about adding a 1/2 bath to my tiny house so I feel like you are taking on the Taj Mahal!!! Good luck! Wish I was closer to give you a hand. I love projects like that!

Don't overdo - take care. Gail