This past weekend was really special for me. I was able to watch our granddaughter, Ashley, graduate from Emporia State University in Emporia,

Kansas. Paul didn't go because he wasn't feeling well. A viral bug of some sort.

It has been almost 6 years since my stroke and this was the longest trip I have attempted. It's about 700 miles. Misti, my caregiver, drove us to Topeka on Friday, where we stayed at the Hampton Inn. The accessible room wasn't available the first night, so we made do in a regular room. Misti and I are a good team and can usuaslly figure things out. I took my hand bar along and it was handy. Did you know those things don't stick to marble very well? We were moved into the accessible room on Saturday. WOW! What a difference.

Graduation was at 10 AM on Saturday in Emporia. Ashley graduated with honors with a degree in middle school math. She is already teaching 7th and 8th grade math in the Emporia school system.

After the ceremony, we drove back to Topeka and had lunch at the Cracker Barrel. That was a treat for me...we don't have a Cracker Barrel here and I do like the food.

Misti and I drove back on Sunday and we only got out of the car twice. I'll admit I did have a tired butt when we got home, but it was worth it. You see, because of my stroke, I had to miss Ashley's high school graduation and I was bound and determined not to miss this one. She is our only granddaughter, and she and I are very close.

Meanwhile, Kevin brought his two boys to see Paul and they had their own special weekend. They spent the night with Papa, opened presents and went to Perkins for breakfast.

Anyway, I hope some who read this remember me. I have been awfully busy taking care of my farm in Farmville. I do check back and read the blogs quite often, and some of the other forums.

Vi