It’s been a couple of months since I’ve been with you, feels even longer. Like so many of us, life has 
been an extraordinary challenge. I have moved four times between May 2020 and June 2021. Downsize, move, unpack and create a new home with Puppy Girls Emma & Gabby and sweet kitty Jackson. I’m very lucky I have any friends left with all this moving. The most recent was into a place I feel safe and was assured I could stay through Winter into Spring.
With news of housing shortages and knowing that Spring will be here before you know it, I continued looking. Rentals, if/when you can find them, are outrageously expensive AND no pets. Have been a renter for most of my adult life, have also had multiple furbabies and home insurance, references from previous landlords and the vets.
When the opportunity arose to buy a mobile home and financing was arranged, I was disappointed again when the seller accepted a higher cash offer. Cash money really does talk!
In early December, after being vaccinated, wearing a mask and social distancing, what I thought was a simple cold turned out to be a Covid (2nd time), Influenza A (2nd time), strep throat, and bilateral pneumonia (2nd time). I spent the next 6+ weeks home in bed. I’m sooo tired of this Covid stuff! Instead of celebrating Thanksgiving or Christmas, I focused on finding a new home for the kids and me and did all I could to get healthy. 
My soul took a beating the past couple of months and it’s only now that I have any energy for life. Am back to teaching EMS, am back looking for a place to live and am back to explain to all of you where the heck I’ve been these past months. I sincerely hope that each of you and your families are healthy, that you found some joy during the holidays and are looking forward to being creative in the New Year. It’s good to be back!
Lynn
I’m so sorry your life has been such a wreck. Fortunately we have animals who love us and you have a wonderful talent that you share with all of us.
Merle,
Thank you so much for the kind words. You are correct, our furbabies add so much to our lives, I’d be lost without mine.
XOXO
Missed you Hope things get better.
Don,
Thank you for missing me! I’m so looking forward to getting back into the creative life
XOXO
I wish I could help with that whole… packing and unpacking… but I live too far away to be of any assistance. I am so sorry that your opportunity to be a homeowner fell through. This is really a bad time to have to move or try to buy!
My dear friend Beth,
If anyone knows about the whole “moving” thing, it would be you! It’s the whole Covid situation that has everything upside down. There’s a reason that the home deal fell through, it must be something better!
XOXO
I am so sorry life beat you up this way. Prayers that things work out.
Lori,
Thank you for the prayers! It has been quite a challenge but I’ve had my furbabies. Honestly don’t know what I would without them. Their unconditional love is everything!
XOXO
You’ve certainly had your share of troubles, I’m glad you’re on the road to recovery and I hope you find a new home soon.
Carmen,
Thank you for your kind wishes. I continue to feel a bit stronger most days and for that, I am most grateful.
XOXO
Hope you are feeling better and that housing works out for you. All that packing and moving takes a lot out of you and weakens your ability to stave off illness. I enjoy your site and your designs.
Alys,
You are so right about the enormous energy moving takes!! Thank you for your kind words, I so look forward to creating again.
XOXO
Thank you for taking care of your fur babies. Better luck for this year. Stay well and safe.
Nancy,
You bet I took care of the furbabies, they are my family! And while I don’t have many answers, as long as we’re together, it will work. Thank you for the kind thoughts.
XOXO
I wish you that you will find a real home for yourself and your family and pets again, where you can really feel good and heal in peace. It takes health for body and soul. May you find peace about your whole situation so that you can find inner peace again. Everything else like the blog etc. can wait. You are now your closest and most important person.
God bless you.
Guilitta
Guilitta,
Once we move to a “home”, I think we will all feel better. The kids have felt my worry and have kissed (licked) away my tears. Thank you for the hug, it is so appreciated.
XOXO
Prayers XOXOXO
Carol,
Thank you for the prayers.
XOXO
Love those little fur babies. We work for a group, one of many in my area (outside of Chicago) who try to help with food and medical for the puppers and kitties so you can all stay healthy and together. Reach out to these people. Let your readers know as well. I can’t build a house but maybe there is something I can do. I just don’t know what but sending a hug and a prayer.
Joan,
Thank you for your hugs and prayers. I understand what you are saying about reaching out. I’m normally one who does the helping but for the kids, I will ask.
XOXO
I am so sorry you have had these struggles. WOW! You certainly have a lot on your plate. Please get plenty of rest. Cuddle up with your fur babies. They may not cure you, but they make you feel a lot better.
I wish you all the best for a speedy recovery. I wish you find a nice home for you and your little family.
Lila,
I would be lost without by Girls Emma & Gabby and sweet kitty Jackson. We can often be found snuggled under a couple of quilts. Thank you.
XOXO