Hi there,

My daughter Mamie asked me today if I had added to my Caring Bridge blog lately and I said no I didn't think it mattered as I figured there wasn't a real need since I have been feeling so good for the last few months. She reminded me that people like to hear about good health as well as bad, so here goes. She's very wise. 

I have been very very fortunate that the Chemo treatments have shrunken most all of my cancer to the degree that is too small to see.  I still worry each time I have a Scan that it will show some re-growth of the cancer. The fear will always be there but so far I have, as I said, been very very fortunate.  If it does happen my doctor has plans in place for the next treatment which is reassuring.  

I don't know if I mentioned before that Leslie and I are planning to go with a small group to tour Italy for 9 days in October.  Six months ago when we discussed going to Italy in October, I thought it was just wishful thinking though I went ahead and bought a plane ticket because of Leslie's arm twisting. She has more faith than I do apparently:) Now here it is almost September and I am still feeling good. The trip is becoming more of a reality now and I feel like I can finally allow myself to get excited about going! And I definitely am! 

In the meantime I have continued to paint and have had 7 commissions for hospitals that have kept me really busy finishing- which I did on Sunday and plan to deliver the last 3 paintings this week. I've hardly had time to paint anything for the the Intown gallery and I am looking forward to creating some art for myself. I'm not comparing since I'm paying for my trip with my painting $.

I can't remember if I mentioned that Ken and I adopted a 1 yr. old dog from the H.E.S. at the end of May.  We haven't had a dog in years so we have had to adapt to having to walk him(Yogi) and keep a watchful eye on his chewing habits.  He is amazingly sneaky about getting things to chew that we don't want chewed. He's gone thru 2 1/2 t.v. remotes.  He shreds magazines and papers like and automatic shredder. His favorite thing to steal is coat hangers. No kidding.All of my shoes are on shelves, etc. trash cans are on top of anything he can't reach. The crate has become a well used method of saving our furniture from his gnawing. Maybe he is training us for someday having a grandchild? He is sweet and we aren't sorry we adopted him but he is so much trouble to keep up with.

That is about all I have of worth to tell.  As always, I am one very thankful person to be sitting here typing this out. The Great Healer is with me each and every day, hour by hour.

Love, Ellyn  🙏