Independence Weekend Post

Hello, hope everyone had a great Independence Day Weekend! This post finds me riding a high: I have just gotten back from Austin and a post MRI visit with my neurosurgeon, Dr. Craig Kemper. He is saying everything looks good: No sign of the tumor (there has/is a small chance that there could be re-growth), and no indicators of stroke (which I had been curious about possibly being responsible for my speech impediment and right side ataxia). But, he expects a full recovery, and I will say they (he and Dr. James Kemper) did fantastic! I am also grateful I have no facial complications, as that bugger was plastered to the facial nerve. He did inquire if I had been doing any glasswork as he feels it would be good therapy. It may be, but I recognize most limitations, especially when they have to do with fire. It didn't show it in the MRI, but I am pretty sure I have an internal alarm where the tumor used to be because when I even think about firing up the torch an alert goes off across the inside of my eyeballs which flashes "DON'T DO IT", which is just as well, because I have gotten several burns just in the kitchen. Ahhh - but July is when I at least conceive of my annual ornament, and I am at a loss. If anyone has any ideas I end up adopting, I will credit you in the same fashion as I do Michelle Canning, who challenged me to make what has been my best seller in my nite lite. You'll also get a free ornament, even if you already get one from Chris' client list.
Speaking of Chris, he had been asking when I would go horse riding again, and again the alarm would flash. Prior to this last weekend, however, he took Jaro to McKinney Roughs for the first time and I tagged along like I could do something if it went awry. It didn't - Jaro was like a dream - but two women there inquired enough that I told them of my surgery and of not having ridden since, and they said, "We hope you'll ride again soon". And I knew then that I would have to try. On Sunday Chris led Jaro - Jaro harrumphed alot (He has got so much character that I have laughed myself right out of the seat in the past) - but I was riding! Kept my seat bareback the whole time! Independence indeed!
Love,
Jules
Post Note: I just got "Molto Italiano" by Mario Batali and I am quite sure he will be my undoing. Infact, now that I think back, it's kind of hazy and all: but I think the bumper sticker said "Stuff a fig or die"...Intervention please - or, if you'ld prefer, come for appetizers and cocktails soon!
Jules