I did that avatar just for you Mikie

Well, actually, I didn't have any pix of me save the dreaded driving licence and passport (not photogenic here), so it was about time for another one. Hopefully I will lose the 30 pounds I've put one owing to hormonal weirdness once the tumour is out.

It's just a bit spooky cos I have to go to Tampa (yup, the one in Florida) on my own to have it done. Then again, it is a much, much simpler procedure there than it would be in Canada or even New York (one surgery, about 20 minutes, with a 99%+ cure rate, as opposed to two surgeries, about 6 hours each with a 40% cure rate - and people are wondering why I'm bankrupting myself to do this? Don't worry, there will be money left over for MMU - always seem to find that )

I leave Monday afternoon, surgery is Tuesday morning, back in New York on Thursday (ouch), then we'll take it from there.

Thanks for the prayers and good wishes - they are very much appreciated!

You will be in my thoughts, too, Rhys! You do everything those docs tell you to!!!

Take care and I hope you have a speedy recovery!

Rhys:

You will be in my prayers and thoughts also. Keeping thinking positive , everything will be ok.

Hollis

Rhys- you are in my thoughts, and I hope that your surgery is a complete success!

I can't wait to meet you and toast to your good health!

Thanks, guys, all of you - it means a lot. Having kind of a nervous breakdown today but I suppose that's to be expected, and trying to work out how to fit my laptop into my carry-on bag (don't want to deal with checked luggage), as well as doing the 'what did I forget?' routine - and so much for cutting down on smoking, I seem to be out at the end of the walkway every twenty minutes. Ah, maybe after this is over.

I really, really appreciate the good thoughts, and Karen, I am looking forward to that toast!

You are going to *meet*?!

Rhys, your nerves are justifiably acting up. By next week at this time, it'll all be behind you.

You will *find* a way to fit that laptop into something somehow. I am a woman of great faith & resourcefulness .

mikie

I am fortunate to be in that *meet* up, too! I can't wait to see the operation and meet our Karen! (Yes, I am excited to meet the others in attendance, too. ) Cheers!

Yup- when all of this is over- we're going to have a big old open house at the new studio! Everyone who wants to schlep to Trumansburg is invited (we're about 90 minutes from Binghamton, Syracuse and Rochester- about 20 min from Ithaca)! I have a couple of really good bottles of champagne in the fridge ready to celebrate everyone's health and happiness.

The date is TBA- a weekend in early to mid April- when the new studio is done. Good health and good friends need to be celebrated- it's been a long winter- and I'm really excited to meet all of you!

Rhys,

I am sending good wishes and positive vibes to you as well for your surgery and recovery. I look forward to meeting you all at Karen's studio for the opening of her new space/studio

Take care!
Susan/Ruby