december 31, 2007 - So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed - (John 8:36 NIV)

top of the evening, friends....



here it is, the end of 2007, and i pray that 2008 is wonderful for each one of you. with each year, comes new opportunities and adventures. i am so excited to return to work and school! i just know that the coming year will bring great things!



i don't really have any grand plans tonight, other than maybe getting something to eat. my sister has invited me down, but i'm not sure about the weather, so that's kinda on hold.



dianna and her mom came over last night for some homemade green beans, red skinned potatoes, cornbread, and cottage ham (whatever that is!!!). oh, yeah...and custard pie. we had a great time, but i think we all ate too much....lol



the above picture is of me and my dad, ross. we were preparing for a beautiful day of riding. it's obvious that i received my "passion" for motorcycling from him. he had me on a mini-bike at about the time i could walk, so i guess he can't blame me for my favorite hobby! we can't wait to get back on our bikes this summer.



i received an email from retired lt. mike hunter (from the athens post) that i felt compelled to share with you (i hope you don't mind, mike). he is one of the many people who have inspired me more than you know (thank you again, mike!). i'm so honored that he chose me as his "purpose" in riding for 2007. the following is a part of his correspondence:



"On June 15th a friend and I rode our bicycles 70 miles to Zanesville and stopped a troop to talk to him about you. I had just gotten back into bicycling with a little bit of seriousness, as I was trying to get "back" into shape (feeling soft and fat), and I was looking for motivation. The overnight trip got me going, and I kept it up. Well, as your recovery started, I thought about doing some serious riding with a purpose - to reach 3000 miles from the 13th of June for the year. It was your recovery that motivated me, as I saw no signs of self-pity, and a lot of gritty tough work and pain. I worked all summer at it and into the fall. Getting a full-time job put a crimp into my riding time. Winter brought a new challenge - COLD!!! Nevertheless, as my riding season was dedicated to your recovery effort, I decided I could not fall down on the job. I had a crankset meltdown yesterday afternoon and had to hitch a ride to the bike shop (with much dread). However it was an easy fix, and I finished my 42 mile ride at 9PM. I have 2954 miles as of today since your accident. My lights and winter riding gear have gotten a workout. (Even now as it is only 35 degrees, I am procrastinating by writing this e-mail! LOL). I will ride the last 46 miles (since I started counting) this afternoon. You have shown a lot of courage. Your crutches have gotten a workout (don't fall any more). My 27-year-old Panasonic touring bike has too. Solidarity! Keep up the great work. I see a future of motivational speaking for you, and until you start talking, no one will know your story as you will get out of your chair and stroll brisky to the podium to begin - just like most everyone else. Gotta go ride."



retired major fred goldstein - thanks buddy, for the call today. you always are kind to call and check on my progress. i'm so thankful that your knee is progressing and you are feeling better with each day.



major bob brooks - thanks to you too, for your phone call. you and mildred have also been great about calling me to see if i needed anything and to update me on OSP issues. i appreciate that more than you know.


retired lt. colonel gil jones - i'm so glad that your daughter is showing progress! the prayer warriors are at work for you, friend.

elzie fish - if i'm home, some refreshments will be here! be safe, my friend....it doesn't sound like the weather will be cooperating for our annual "new years motorcycle ride."

dan richhart - i DO appreciate your humor and frankly, i'm going through withdrawal...lol

laura pascuzzi - thanks for the phone call today. you always know how to lift my spirits. i'm glad that your shoulder is healing nicely. we've all had to learn to be patient, haven't we???

tina phillips - i know you're ready for retirement....but i'm not - yet! i want to go out on MY terms, not on disability, if possible! thanks so much for your help with the attorney, court cases, etc... it's great to have a "protector" in WV. who would have guessed we'd have been here a couple of years ago?

quote for the day:

"Be like a postage stamp. Stick to it until you get there"

Bob Proctor

well, until we talk again, in 2008, continue to expect to be blessed!

lisa - 1095