Well kids...there's good news...and there's bad news.

Which do you want first?

Okay...the good news...Cash is much improved after his visit to the vet...he was put on some prednisone and anti-inflammatories and is back to his grouchy, ornery self...eating like a pig.

More good news...we have an addition to the family. We have adopted a little, red, 4 month old calf. She was born rather sickly, she was a tiny little thing who belonged to a neighboring farmer. We watched her and her mom in the pasture next to our driveway every day, urging her to hang on..and she did. And we fell in love with her...so, she's now in residence in our big barn.

She's the cutest damn thing you ever saw. Big brown eyes, eyelashes as big as a catepillar and a smile that just melts my heart. I wanted to paint her hooves red, put a big pink bow between her ears and maybe throw on a little lipsitck, but I was vetoed. None the less, she is doing well and growing every day. She may one day end up as Sunday dinner, but in the meantime, she's our baby.

And yet more good news...I will start chemotherapy on July 10th.

The bad news is that means the cancer is back...with a vengance. They found several "hot spots"...dontcha just love that..."hot spots". I think of a "hot spot" as a place to party, dancing, drinking, laughing.

Unfortunately, the medical profession has a whole different language, so it doesn't mean the same to them.

The doc tells me she thinks the chemo will do a pretty good job...and I have no reason to doubt it...it worked pretty good the last time.

And the good news is...I won't have to worry about what to do with my hair...it shall go down the drain once more and I will be able to show off my beautiful, bald dome...which gives me an opportunity to wear the funny hats (my favorite is the pink baseball cap that reads: "Super Bitch") and huge dangly earrings.

I've told all the kids...that's the worst part...I know they worry...and I wish they wouldn't...but they will.

I also told them I didn't want any whiny ass, cry babies coming to see me...I want laughter and fun...there'll be time enough to cry when the dealins done...and I don't expect that to be for quite awhile.

After all, none of us know how long we've got...for goodness sake, I could go out in the field tomorrow and be gored to death by a rampaging, long horned bull...or even loved to death by the hillbilly who runs the still in the woods behind the barn!

I must admit, I am slightly pissed off about this invasion of my body...I really had a totally different picture in mind when I thought about my body being invaded...but, that's another story for another time.

Anyway...that's the name of that tune.

I do so appreciate your thoughts, prayers, good vibes and laughter. Please save the sympathy for someone who really needs it..I'm full up right now...but, if I feel the need, I'll surely ask you guys first.

I'll try to keep you posted as things go along...hugs and mucho love to each of you.

audrey