APOLOGIES TO THE LEFT SIDE OF MY FAMILY

I just wanted to let those of you whose political persuasion is not exactly in line with mine that I have no intention of turning this family blog into some kind of political commentary, although everyone is invited to post whatever they wish.  I was just trying my hand at political cartoons, kind of, and I wanted to share my effort with my family, thus, my previous blog entry.  All of your comments, positive or negative, are welcome.

Oh, and by the way, the more that other family members blog here, the more time I will spend reading about you instead of blogging more myself.  You liberals should take that to heart and blog your butts off just to keep me occupied. hahaha!

Love to you all, especially as we approach Thanksgiving and Christmas!

AND OBAMA'S HITS JUST KEEP ON COMING!!

Hey, President Obama, congratulations on another stunning policy success!! Yes, I am certain that bringing Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the 911 mastermind, to the courts of New York City instead of those stodgy old military tribunals will turn out to be one more, in a long line, of stunning policy successes. Not only will this decision result in millions of dollars being spent for the security of such a trial, but it will also open New York City to heightened levels of danger. I am sure most New Yorkers will agree that it has gotten a little dull in town, so this excitement will certainly be a welcome diversion.

And, hey, who knows, what with the more defendant-friendly rules of evidence, he might even be acquitted and walk free from his crimes. Or, if he is convicted, he will be able to avail himself of years of appeals of that conviction, while living on in a prison at the expense of this country's taxpayers.

Yessirree, Mr. President, I gotta say it!! Job well done!! Now get busy with that lipstick!!

WELCOME TO DJ's DANCE FEVER PARTY

This video was taken today, in my office, when Domenic James Sutton (DJ, aka Mr. Busyfingers) discovered my radio. He finally, through process of elimination and trial and error, managed to get music, or at least sound, and then the Dance Fever kicked in. Dance along if you've got the beat. Love to you all.

MORE PICS FROM BEAUFORT

Now that I have figured out how to do this blogging (you would never know that I spend all day on my computer at work!), I am going to attempt to add some more pictures. These were taken last month in Beaufort at the cemetery and then after Mom's funeral at the house.

Thanks again to Brian for setting this up! (from Leslie)

HI, BRIAN

Thanks for setting up the blog. It is a great idea, and I've already enjoyed the pictures and remembrances posted there. A couple of folks at Mom's wedding asked for this photo of Mom and Dad, which I've attached. It was taken around 1992, for their church directory. I am working on getting reproductions for everyone of the photo of Grandma Ferrell with the four children. In fact, the photo is with a restorer right now, so I am hoping to get those photos to everyone before the holidays.Many thanks to everyone who traveled to the funeral. It was very meaningful to have so many family members there. Mother would have been very pleased.That's all for now--Leslie

CATCHING UP

First off, a big thank you to Brian for setting up this blog. What a great way to keep in touch and share the big moments of our lives. I think the last time I saw many of you was at Abby's wedding.

Four years ago today, actually, Troy and I got on a plane to Beijing, China to meet our daughter, Jayna, for the first time. On November 9 we will celebrate four years of being a family. Three years and one day later, Troy, Jayna, Mom, and I took another flight to Beijing to meet our son, Alex. On November 10 we will celebrate one year of being a family of four. Jayna and Alex are without a doubt the best things to ever happen to us. This week we will celebrate our good fortune to have adopted two wonderful children into our family.

AUNT JUNE'S LAST DAYS

Dear Family,

By now you are all aware of Aunt June's passing. I was so grateful to Leslie and Susan for inviting me to spend those final days with her. When I arrived on Wednesday, October 21, she was very alert and welcomed me with," I'm so glad you came!" We talked about things we would do during my visit. I had brought my Scrabble game and my keyboard because she wanted to have a sing-along and some tasty treats to share.

We were not able to play Scrabble but I set up the keyboard after we had moved her to the Wilmington street home that the girls had rented, and on Friday night she actually was singing some of the old songs we loved. It was difficult to watch her strength ebbing away, at first day by day, and then hour by hour. Our health-care workers were so gentle and kind to her, so caring in every way, doing everything possible to keep her comfortable. Leslie and Susan were wonderful, doing everything they could as well. We watched and waited together through the long weekend and finally on Monday about 2:50 p.m., she slipped away.

Now that I'm at home again, I miss her terribly because there is time to think about her and the childhood and girlhood we enjoyed together. She appeared to be fragile but in that small body was a great spirit, a great heart and tremendous courage. As I said at her funeral, I will always remember her with deep love and respect for the way she lived her life.