Random ramblings of a 40 something year old woman...

Biker Poppy Update

2009-05-22T07:06:00.003-05:00

For all of you that know my family, here is the latest update from mom about Greg's (Biker Poppy) "Run for the Wall" ride:

Good Morning, Day 3 complete. Greg is doing very well. He was tired last night although they only went about 150 miles. He did a lot of walking and standing. Those knees of his aren't getting any younger. It was a good day. They went to their favorite place, the Rainelle School. As always they were greeted with hundreds of excited kids all waving their flags as the bikers came to school. The kids had gifts for the riders and the riders had gifts for them. Even autographs were given out. "Biker Poppy" was asked for his autograph more than once.

Before they arrived at Rainelle they made a detour off the highway just to ride by another elementary school. Everyone was out waiting for them also waving flags. You can understand why it is an emotional trip for all of the riders. Gives me goose bumps. Today they leave Lewisburg, WV and head for Washington, DC. They will drive about 260 miles today. He will be pooped tonight.

Tomorrow is big day. They go to Arlington Cemetery, The National Mall (where all the monuments are) no clothing stores. They then go to the Wall. There is a celebration - "Mission Accomplished Plaque" will be presented at the Wall. Greg has a collection of pictures of Roy and all of his awards and metals to leave at the wall. Hope he has someone take his picture doing so.

Sunday is Rolling Thunder. That is all the bikers from both the Central and South Routes and many, many more meet to parade to the Wall, approximately 200,000 bikers. You stage in a parking lot and wait up to4 to 5 hours for your turn to join the parade. It is that long. Greg did it the first year and it was something you have to experience to understand. He is not doing this year. He will head home Sunday. He wants to come home via a parkway that he has wanted to drive. He should get home Tuesday. He will be riding home alone so continue to keep himin your prayers.

Updates:

2009-05-21T21:52:00.007-05:00

This weeks updates:

Review day - went very well, all good things to say, not one bad thing. My supervisor even talked about me and all the things I've been doing and how great I was doing to our department during our last meeting. Yay me!

Work in general - everything going fine, but still can't get used to the long hours and working 5 days a week.

Phone blogging - thought it would be great, could blog where ever I was, but it turns out I still don't have time to do it!

Home - still exhausted, no time to do anything. Tonight I sat down at 9:30 and didn't do any cleaning or laundry. Just went through the mail and Mollie's school papers. Even the weekends are not helpful because we have something almost every day.

Mollie - I'm so proud...her cave drawing artwork was chosen by her art teacher to be displayed at the art show at our local college. Last night was the show and a little cookie and lemonade reception. Here are a couple pictures:

Isn't she sweet and talented!!??

My best friend, Dawn - getting married tomorrow!! Everyone send their love and congrats! BBQ on Saturday should be fun, can't wait to see you!

Sunday - Barbecuing and hanging out at Dawn's. Gonna be high 80's so we're hoping to swim or at least lay out and get a little sun. Hope for Hot and Sunny!

Monday - Holiday and Mikey's 40th birthday!! We're not having his party until June 13th, but I'm gonna try and find a way to celebrate it Monday too since we're off.

Greg (Poppy) - he's on his bike, trekking all the way to DC (Run for the Wall)! So far he's doing really well. Mom posts an update every day so the family can follow his journey. It's a very important and emotional time for him. He's a part of something wonderful and just thinking about it makes me proud and happy for him. We're keeping you in our prayers, pops, and hoping everyone stays safe and has a wonderful time! We miss you!

Mom - has a bead art show coming up next Saturday, May 30th at Lady Bug Bead. If any of you love jewelry, you need to stop by. You can get directions/address at www.ladybugbeads.net. Lots of wonderful pieces, all made by hand! I have many pieces and get compliments daily at work.

Don't forget to visit my site http://www.a-zfunforkids.com/!

My mama

2009-05-08T13:08:00.000-05:00

This blog is dedicated to my mom. Where do I even start? There's never been a time I needed anything and you didn't come through for me. If I need to pay bills and am short on money like I have been for months since I lost my job you're there with a check. If I mention Mollie needs clothes for summer you show up with some outfits. If my pantry is getting sparse you hand me bags of groceries. All these months I haven't had insurance you bought my pills from a friend, and thanks to Denice for that and even helping to pay for them! When I told you about my summer babysitter dilemma with Molllie you emailed me a schedule within 10 minutes and had it all covered. I'm sure I'm forgetting some things but those are the ones fresh in my mind.

When I was unemployed you were my biggest fan, my words of encouragement and my best support system. Any time I was down you would pick me up. Any time I doubted myself you reminded me how smart I was. You have more faith in me than I have in myself.

You never forget an occasion or special day, you make new memories and traditions for us and your grandchilden, and you're the first one we turn to when we have a project and we know you're always ready to help, whether its painting a room or making a chicken costume.

You're generosity and love overwhelms me, your talent amazes me and your kindness warms the hearts of all those who know you.

I'm not sure how I got so lucky but I'm grateful every day to have you as my mother. I love you with all my heart and would be lost without you. I pray one day I can be half the person you are.

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY MAMA
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