<!--sizeo:6--><span style="font-size:24pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo--><!--coloro:#8B0000--><span style="color:#8B0000"><!--/coloro--><b><u>FRIDAY - OCTOBER 10TH</u></b><!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--><!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--><br /><br />Good morning Crazies - TGIF and it will be a busy day for me.   I will be waiting for the mall to open as I have some  serious shopping to do.   The Heart Association gala is Saturday night (this is where they go after the corporate sponsors for donations) and they had asked Deb to speak at the banquet.   I know I am her mother, but I was amazed at the job she did during the Heart Walk Campaign.  I had no idea she was so comfortable speaking to large crowds and she sure can bring a tear to your eye and reach in your pocket at the same time.   lol   At any rate, right after the Heart Walk they came and filmed the family a second time and will be showing the film at the Gala.   After the film they want Deb to speak again.   She gladly agreed before she found out 2 very important things last night.   1) the gala is black tie and 2) they would like the Children to be there.    So I am off in search for a suit or dressy outfit for TJ and a frilly party dress for Ash.   I have my work cut out for me.  <br /><br />Today Deb has to go to the Pumpkin patch with Ash&#39;s class and tomorrow they are taking part in the Diabetes walk for a cure.    They signed up since Heather &amp; Cait were coming up for it, but neither of them could get off work.    I have no idea when Deb will get to go shopping for herself for tomorrow.  Hopefully Michael can squeeze into Jim&#39;s tux.     <br /><br />For those who have asked, Ashleigh is doing well in school.   The teacher called Deb on Wed. and said she is fitting in just fine and is &quot;a joy&quot;.   She is making friends and participating in class and is thrilled that she doesn&#39;t get much (if any) homework which does not thrill her parents.   lol<br /><br />Cheryl - have a great trip and birthday celebration for your MIL.   I&#39;m sure Scotty is looking forward to going away with you and Greg again.     <br /><br />Steve - sorry to hear you may have to delay your retirement.  I know how much you have been looking forward to that.    These are certainly scarey times financially.    We got our IRA rollover statement yesterday and it was not pretty that&#39;s for sure.  We lost considerably more than we expected.  We also lost a sizeable chunk of the grandkids college funds.   Your vet certainly had a good day after your visit.  OUCH&#33;&#33;<br /><br />I&#39;ll be back later to report on my shopping.  Right now I need to get some laundry going and get Jim moving.    <br /><br />Make today special<br /><br /><br /><br />