Howdy from Lise!

[Pax]

I think you and Queen with your SO should come up to Janesville on the 16th and do this ride with me:http://www.janesvillemorningrotary.o..._pie_ride.html

You get a tshirt and a WHOLE pie after the ride! Come on, who doesn't like pie??

I'll have to forward that link to my SO, she's a pie fanatic! We do this ride every year because of the pie (and home cooked chicken and noodles), you should come down for it.

[Lise]

You guys crack me up! I forwarded the Janeville ride link to J, who *is* a big fan of PIE, which he pronounces "PYAH", being from Alabama...he has the cutest accent...sigh...he's cute all over. In a handsome, manly way, of course. Can you tell I'm smitten?

Yep, he likes to ride. We were in a bike shop the other day, where he saw gel seat covers for the first time. "Oh!" he said, "I must have one of those!" I said, "Honey, if your saddle got any more comfortable, it would be a barcalounger!" He did start looking at road bikes for the first time, so who knows. We're planning to move in together in the fall, into his condo, and it looks like the bikes will be on a rack in the small dining room. That should be interesting; it's already three bikes!

You're right, CC, good memory, we went to Rome in March! We had a wonderful time. What a beautiful city.
Took the cat in today--the vet was a guy I hadn't met before, but he was wonderful. Our main vet had written good notes in her chart, and this guy was suggesting the same thing the other one did, exploration under anesthesia. So I'm giving her 3 more days of antibiotics and sub-q fluids, then taking her in on Thurs. I'm aware that anesthesia may be too much for her, but she can't keep on like this, either. I am lucky that it's easy for me to give her the fluids and the meds. I'm quite comfortable with needles and IV bags because of work.

It's so sweet to know that I have been missed, and to be welcomed back so warmly.

Brina, I'm doing Lake Zurich tri on 8/5. This is the first year they have a sprint. www.lztri.com Come do it with me! Aww, come do Bike the Drive next year anyway. You can get back at BofA by refusing their stinking t-shirt or something.

Queen, you know the one thing I didn't throw in the pannier for BTD? Dry socks! I was wearing wool, which were soaked through, as I was wearing my well-ventilated biking shoes with cleats. J offered me his extra pair of COTTON socks, which I graciously declined. At least, I hope I was gracious, as internally I was horrified. COTTON? I think not! So, yeah, I had damp feet for most of the ride, but at least it was wool. Next year I'll remember.

OK, time to get back to work. Y'all sure know how to hook a girl on re-upping at TE! L.

[maillotpois]

Oh Yay!! I have missed you!!!

I am so glad you have been happy-busy and I suspected as much! Glad you're well and happy and that things with J are good!

[btchance]

You're back!! Great to know everything is going well, except for the kitties. I hope they figure out what is wrong with your girl so you can bring her back home, healthier than before. And congrats on the J, it sounds like he's terrific!

[Dianyla]

Nice to see you, Lise!

[bikerz]

Lise - it was so nice to see your avatar again! Welcome back, and congrats on the new special person in your life - you deserve him (and he you!)

Looking forward to reading your funny and wise posts again!

[Lise]

awww...you guys are great! If I'd known how much looove would flow my way, I would've popped in a lot sooner!

I went through some major changes this late winter/early spring with a group I'd been very closely involved with for nearly seven years. I made some changes to a major relationship within the group, and the rest of the group members decided to have nothing more to do with me. It was a painful decision, and I was horrified to find myself absolutely shunned. J. was great throughout, and I've made some new, good friendships. I am glad to be free of what had become an unhealthy dynamic, but it's been pretty hard. I put Isaac to sleep the same day I made the break with the person who had been like a spiritual advisor to me for the seven years. Both things needed to be done. But no matter how much it needs to be done, it's hard, and there's no way to speed up or skip over grief.

It feels so good to be getting free of that, to be enjoying my life much more.

Dianyla--the nurse at the clinic who called everybody "Precious" is on leave, but I still think of you and your bike when I have a (traumatic) memory of working with her!

MP--how's your health? What thread can I go to for updates?

BZ--what's the "7" about?

BTC, how's residency going? Just finished a year, right?

love to all! L.