Gabrielle

I guess it is time to catch up! My surgery went well, but it has been rather a long recovery. Things are pretty much back to normal healthwise, although this is a busy time of the year as it is graduation season and winding down for summer break in some ways. It is good to be back to swapping, and thank you to everyone who let me know I would be in their prayers. Again I want to remind everyone -- all our mail, even things for right here in town, now goes to Phoenix for sorting, so even if I take it to the PO a day or two early it may still be delayed and not have the correct postmark. Wish that weren't the case, but we have no control over the postal authorities. Guess we are lucky to still have it! Now back to the normal profile stuff -- Mother of 4 plus a "courtesy daughter", grandmother of 10 (the oldest one is now working for AK Senator Lisa Murkowski -- the youngest is now 4), life member of Girl Scouts of the USA, retired teacher, married for 51 years to a wonderful man, call Alaska home (Univ. of AK/Fairbanks, '67). Currently living in Arizona, active in my church and a little with Girl Scouts although I no longer have a troop. Love to read, do counted cross-stitch, and travel. Please note this says "living" in AZ, not "loving" AZ. No offense to true Arizonans -- there is a lot to enjoy in Arizona with great people and fun things to do -- but it's just too hot here for someone who prefers -22 degrees!

Almost anything except heavy metal. Especially love Kathy Troccoli, Babie Mason, Point of Grace, and the Baroque period in classical music. And the Eagles!

Fried Green Tomatoes, The Silence of the Lambs, Driving Miss Daisy, and Day of the Triffids -- and most of the Disney classic animation! And I am now adding I Am Legend, thanks to a grandson who said we had to see it.

All the Law & Order and CSI shows, NCIS and the spin-offs, although the original is still the best. And Rizzoli and Iles, which I will hate to see end, and Castle -- until it ended! and Wheel of Fortune!

Mostly cross-stitch, although a slight vision problem since my stroke makes that a little more difficult. I enjoy ATC's and try to use "leftovers" to create 3-D effects. I also like zentangles, and often make up my own patterns. Also some plastic canvas work, and painting murals on walls, especially for the grandchildren. I prefer "cool" colors, esp. greens and blues. I don't really like mustard tones (lived with too much of it growing up as my mother really liked them!)

One additional note! My first name seems to pose a problem for some partners, so I just want to point out that it is spelled correctly when it comes up with my address. It is Pamelia, with an "i" before the last "a" and is pronounced so as to rhyme with Amelia. I really love it because I was named for my grandmother, whom I adored, and it means a lot to me, so many thanks to all those who have spelled it correctly!

Also -- I have received several invitations to groups, which I do appreciate, but my life is simply too unpredictable, and my likes too eclectic, for me to ever want to participate in a group. I just am not organized enough! So thanks anyway, but my answer will always be no thanks.

Finally, I am now past the FOURTH anniversary of my breast cancer surgery. I celebrated the first with a butterfly tattoo -- butterflies symbolize resurrection! I have now had 7 follow-ups, and am cancer free and planning to stay that way. I really appreciate all the fellow swappers who sent me support and encouraging thoughts during the treatment process, as well as those who have continued to do so after reading my profile. And for everyone out there, a piece of relevant advice: GET YOUR MAMMOGRAMS!!! I am definite proof that early detection not only improves the survival rate, but it can make the treatment much less difficult! Take care of yourselves -- I hope to swap with many more of you in the future!

One last note for the Hot Drink and a Note Swap -- I drink just about anything except chai tea, and I love to try new things. I am looking forward to seeing what comes!