I haven't posted in a while... just wasn't up to it. I apologize because I also haven't visited many other sites or even thanked those wonderful visitors who commented on my last post.

I went painting with my good friend, Sharon Weaver, last Thursday. She had invited me to join her friends in the Artists of the Canyons Group. They were venturing "out west" to Malibu Creek State Park... certainly miles closer to us than to them but not "just a short drive from our house" as one of them suggested. I fully had expected to post something - a story ... a painting something shortly thereafter but when I left I had begun feeling poorly and realized before the day stretched out too long that I wasn't getting better. I actually painted something ... somewhat disastrously I might add.

Sharon and I both were the only ones of the groups familiar with beautiful Malibu Creek State Park. We kept urging them to walk the extra steps to see the truly wonderful scenes but most chose to stay close to the parking lot. Although we thought they had all left and were ready to drive home, when we saw them they were unofficially critiquing their work. It was interesting and instructive.... but I had to leave.

I had some NASTY FLU. Did I mention I was miserable with body aches, fever, chills, and nausea? I thought I would be getting better then BAM... back in bed. We had a party with 50-60 people coming over to celebrate Independence Day. It happened. My husband and several friends and my dad were champs... They cooked and entertained and I think everyone had a great time...... NOT ME... I stayed upstairs in bed. Around 9:00 p.m. I opened the curtains that overlooked the country club down the hill and to the north of me as they have a terrific fireworks show each year. It was pretty spectacular... Happy Birthday America!!!

I have to thank a few friends who ventured up into my darkened room. Several suggested that I visit the doctor. That and the fact that I was feeling even worse convinced me to go Sunday morning.

Glad I did... The doctor said that I now had pneumonia! They poked, listened, prodded, x-rayed, gave me breathing treatments and sent me home with every antibiotic known to man.... Thank goodness I have healthcare!!! .... And just for the record... I will NOT skip my flu shot ever again like I did this season!!!

I am feeling better but I will be a while getting back to normal I think. It's surprising (to me) how not feeling well seems to rob one's enthusiasm for what used to be important. Hope you'll still visit once in a while and say hi anyway.