What a Year!

As I gather farm expenses for 2014, I find myself reflecting on the year. In May, we adopted a five year old chocolate lab.  Maddie is a delightful, well mannered girl and is a great addition to our family! In June, my sister, Jeanne took us (Anne, Joan & me) on a trip to New York City. I was born in Brooklyn and had not been there since 1946. We stayed in Times Square, saw "Wicked"', attended Mass at St. Patrick's, did the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock and so much more.  We spent a day exploring my roots in Brooklyn. We toured bakeries, bars & churches.  I found the street where we lived and the church of my baptism.

The month of September is a blur.  Our daughter, Joannie, was critically ill & after three long, scary weeks was finally diagnosed-ulcerative colitis.  As she was dealing with that, the 'other shoe dropped'-she tested positive to Celiac Disease. Fortunately, she is a quick learner with a positive attitude. She will do just fine.

Just a Glimpse!

(Sorry, I've been away for awhile.  Sometimes LIFE gets in the way!)  I will continue my story and eventually get to the point of this blog-sharing helpful tips.  Anyway, as I became a big sister and "mother's helper" to four,  Norman was becoming the middle child of seven and a farmer.  After living in California, my family moved to Indiana, to me near my paternal grandmother.  It was there, I went to high school and college.  Norman graduated from a very small school and embarked on a successful farming career.  Although our paths crossed often during our young adult years,  we didn't date for ten years.  I was 31 and Norman was 37 when we married.  I worked at Public Libraries and he farmed many acres.  We have two daughters, the joy of our lives! The girls are now in their thirties.  So that's a glimpse into our lives!

Once Upon a Time......

I was born with cerebral palsy and my husband,Norman, lost his right arm in a farming accident.  He was thirteen years old.  We were each blessed with very determined, positive families!  While my family was busy mixing physical therapy with swim, ballet, tennis, golf lessons, Normans' family was adapting farm life and machinery to his new needs.  At this point, we did not know each other.  I grew up in California and he grew up in Indiana!

A Lifetime Journey

Three years ago, I broke my hip.  After alot of rehab, I realized I had learned so much and have been encouraged to share my journey.  The journey has been slow because I was born with cerebral palsy.
My husband lost his right arm, many years ago, in a farming accident.  He is a genius at adapting everything to our abilities.  So I would like this blog to help others with either temporary or permanent challenges.