Excuse me while I familiarize myself with what I’m supposed to be doing. It’s been so long, too long… I shared a little about what my life has entailed here. Two people close to me have suffered strokes in the last month. “Jack” is 43, “Mary” is in her 50’s. Obviously very unexpected for both of them.
In addition to the stroke, “Jack” had deep tissue bleeding on the right side of his brain, in an area that would have left him a vegetable had they operated to stop the bleed. If it continued to bleed, death was imminent. Thank GOD, the bleeding quit on it’s own. “Jack” left the hospital after several days in I.C.U. much a much different man. His speech, memory, thought process and his right arm were all compromised greatly. Those first few days were much like watching after a toddler, absolutely heartbreaking to say the least. Things are slowly coming back to him, but he has a long ways to go. He is alive, and for that we couldn’t be any more grateful, the rest will come in time….xoxoxo

“Mary” was taken to the hospital a few weeks ago for what they thought at first, was a heart attack. She left diagnosed as possibly having Vertigo. Two days later she was admitted with a blood pressure of 230/113 and went into a coma. A CT showed fluid in her brain and she was taken into surgery immediately. The doctor came out and told they had removed the “dead” part of her brain which affects the equilibrium. At best, she probably would never be able to walk again and would not have any coordination skills. He continued to tell us, their concern was being able to even keep her alive. That was less than 2 weeks ago…her facebook status today reads (via her daughter) “Nubs for a hair do. Front and back. Bruises on my arms and bruises on my hand. Partial brain removal. What makes it all worth it? Knowing I have FB family and friends to pull me through it, THANK U! Love “Mary”” Can you say Amen? Unbelievable…not to mention, she took steps on day 10!
I am so proud and love you both very much!!!

So, yeah. Before during and after all of this, I was moving. Kind of had to rearrange a few dates and stuff but it got done, thanks to both my boys and my bestie from Ventura!!! I love you guys! Oh…and me too! →

Oliver…well he’s always in the mix!

This past weekend was exciting…one of my babies turned 27 • TWENTY-SEVEN! I will post more on that tomorrow! Woo-hoo!

There is a light at the end of the tunnel…I just hope it’s not an oncoming train! I have so neglected my site, but life is finally starting to slow down a bit, I hope! With that being said, I share with you another blast from the past! Originally posted February 11, 2008

So my son bought a new car a few months ago. Well, at 21 you CANNOT have a new car without G.P.S. It annoys the heck out of me. I call her Belle and she has absolutely no personality. How did we, ‘in the olden days’ ever find our way around? (barefoot in the snow)

You spend a small fortune for an emotionless voice to tell you where to go, not to mention by the time you enter all the information for Belle to process you could be half way to your destination. Part of me wants to “be hip” so I designed my own device. H.I.P. Heidi’s Ingenious Plan

It’s cheap.
It’s user friendly.
It’s portable, transfer it between your cars in seconds!

How does it work you ask?
You simply attach it (with velcro) to your dashboard facing towards you. It is at eye level, you will never lose your signal, etc…
So now you have made it to your destination but how do you find your way home?

You simply detach from the velcro, flip it upside down and WALA!
Now that’s H.I.P.

What an amazing legacy this little guy has left behind. Such a heart warming, yet heart wrenching story….

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For three years, Moko was a familiar sight around the beaches of New Zealand’s eastern coastal city of Gisborne, where he swam among beach-goers stealing balls and surf boards. In 2008, he gained international fame after successfully guiding two stranded pygmy whales to safety after human attempts had failed. His actions probably meant the difference between life and death for the whales. Moko was found found dead on the beach at Matakana Island near Tauranga on July 8th. The cause of death has not been determined, but postmortems have ruled out deliberate violence or a boat collision.
(Pictures are click-able for larger view)

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Moko plays fetch Mahia style ↓

Moko plays ball with beach goers ↓
(video picks up at about 38 seconds)

Hundreds of mourners marked the death of the bottlenose dolphin who won hearts and sometimes annoyed New Zealand swimmers and surfers with his antics. Moko’s body was placed in a blue coffin covered with flowers and was carried through a seaside town last Friday. After the ceremony with over 400 admirers present, his casket was loaded on a charter boat that toured his favorite bays. He was buried privately on Matakana Island, where his carcass was found.

Mascot, friend, lifesaver and entertainer, Moko was definitely a cherished member of this community.
You’ve touched a lot of hearts little buddy…may you rest in peace!

Couldn’t resist…