To the left top, Cinnamon the Wonder Donkey eats her hay. To the right, Milo the Goat gives a shy peek from his shed.
Bottom left, the geese have a wonderful day of swimming, resting, and honking at our pond.
Will post more of the "menagerie" so you can meet them all. They're great friends and make a huge and wonderful difference in my life. These are just a few of my closest neighbors and dearest friends. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Cinnamon is a sorrell colored mammoth jenny. Her foal, who was pictured several posts back, is Muffin. Milo is one of 6 goats that we adore...even though the get into trouble, well, not really "frequently," but enough that we keep an eye on them. They ALL stay right here on the property, even letting themselves in and out of the fencing when they wish, but they never leave home. The geese are so wonderful to watch. Folks have different opinions on having geese around, but for us, they offer such beauty, they feel safe here and we love them so much. They are used to us by now...and the other animals and all of them live
amongst us just fine.
Will post more pictures later!!! Enjoy.

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(This is Buster. He was one of the "trick-or-treaters" feasting on my corn shock and pumpkin decorations at my house. Of course, he looks so innocent, doesn't he? You'll learn about Buster and his pals below in their latest series of "GOAT stories...not "ghost stories" around here, oh no. We have GOAT STORIES on halloween!)
Today was our pal Jacob's 14th birthday. He was out of school on a teacher's workday, so that worked out great. I can remember how great it felt having those special days out of school...and then sinking dread on the night before I had to go back. Where I came from, snow days were plentiful, so you could always look forward to winter and having lots of sled time. The only way to find out if we had school the next day, was to call the little local AM radio station in our town. I can remember our home telephone number (rotary dial, if anyone can possibly remember those!) was one digit off from the radio station. My brother and I would have a field day making the determination (unbeknownst to our folks of course) that there would not be school the next day. Yes, that was mischievous, but it sure was fun!
Anyway, Jake seemed to have a great birthday. He went shopping with his mom, spent time around here entertaining himself and then tonight, we took off to find Italian food and go shopping. By the time we got home and sang 26 stanzas of "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" in outrageous harmonies, I think it was decided that Jake had a fun birthday.
We went to Walmart and went through all the "cheapy movies." Jake's mission was to try to get to the very bottom of that insanely full "basket" and pull up one dvd. He got to the bottom, but couldn't pull a movie up. Not going to be outdone, Wayne gave it a go. I can't remember if he was able to pull up a dvd from the bottom, because Buddy, my cousin and I were busy making outrageous "spooky noises." Yes, it was fun and nope, I won't apologize for the immaturity. We were smiling. There was a kid that looked to be about 17 who got a huge laugh at Buddy and me going "Mmmmmwwaaaaaaaaaah haaa haaaa haaaaaa haaaaaa!!!!! in our best spooky voices. He started to laugh and caught himself. I told him to LAUGH!!! He actually said it was "GREAT TO SEE PEOPLE OUR AGE HAVING FUN!" That cracked me up! I said, "Are you saying we're old??" He blushed and I kept ribbing him. But it was fun to see a total stranger...a TEEN at that...laughing along with us. It was fun to think a 14 year old young man wanted to spend his birthday with us...and it was fun enjoying the celebration of someone's life. (I forgot to tell you that Buddy, who normally shaves his head, had on an afro styled wig that was in two great big poofy pig tails. That added a more intelligent flair to the spooky sounds!)
We had a good day. Jake had a good day. We are happy to be alive. Wayne and I are blessed. No matter what goes on around us, we are always able to find a place for laughter.
That's a good thing.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAKE!!!
On another note, I have had the only trick-or-treaters that I expect for this year. The are: Grady, Milo, Ben, Buster, Sophie and Dice...and they helped themselves to the treats as they completely obliterated the corn shocks I had strategically placed as fall decoration. They even had the nerve to start eating the pumpkins! They had the most innocent look on their faces EACH TIME I went to put the corn shocks back up. I guess my first clue that it MIGHT be the goats was the stripped clean corn cobs, still hanging on the stalks! How'd they do that? So, each time I'd fix things, they'd sneak back up and "rearrange." Since I don't get children stopping by for candy and showing off costumes, I guess the only guests I have will be my goats...and the trick is on me for thinking goats won't find corn and EAT it!
I cannot believe we are at the door of November. Frieda's birthday is on November 2...it's just hard to believe another year has rolled through this quickly. We had plans for Frieda's birthday this year, but they will just have to wait. We're just so thankful that she is with us.
On Friday night last week, we were in Washington with my family and visited Frieda. She grinned several times and raised her left arm when I asked her to. There was also another neat thing she was doing...taking her left foot and "tracing" the shape of the foot of her bed. She would do that and then grin at me. Keep going Frieda. Yep, you can do this. Just keep showing the world what you are made of my friend. I heard she grinned and raised her arm for someone else on Saturday. That was good to hear. I am glad she is doing these things consistently. That's a great sign. Frieda's just not going to put up with too much more of this! I keep having this picture in my mind of her strong will saying, "OK, I'VE HAD ENOUGH. TIME TO SET ABOUT GETTING PAST THESE BARRIERS." With her will and God's help, she will.
I'm reminded of the past couple of years of Wayne and me giving out candy at the Pamlico News, once on a Monday while the staff was getting the paper ready and then last year, we sat on Frieda's porch and checked out all the costumes. Can't remember further back than that! HA! But, we had fun. It's the anniversaries and dates of fun times that are uplifting and strengthening. Keep working hard Frieda. We love you!
I had mentioned Frieda's friend and my friend Roberta Caton a while back in a post. She's continuing to improve and also adjust to how life is now that she too has had strokes. She has been such a strong woman. She's been such an inspiration as she has gone through all of her own serious health issues. Yet, Roberta takes the time to email and keep me up to date on what's going on with her, her improvements, her thoughts and things she has learned "post-strokes." As she heads north on November 14 to get further testing done for the continuing TIA's, I hope we will all remember Roberta in our prayers and wish her the very, very best on finding out what can be done to improve her health. Be reminded, life changes in a minute. We should make each day count, not to sound cliche, as though it were our last.

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The above photo that you've seen in previous posts, I call "What Happens in Luray, Stays in Luray." In it, you see three friends. The fourth friend holds the camera. (HA!) I remember thinking how cool it was that we could just "be." Tonight, I am posting partly to the world and partly to myself as a means of cleansing and catharsis. Webster's defines catharsis as: "The emotional reenactment in thought or symbolic form of a painful experience that brings relief of the distress caused by the original experience." So, yes, this is definitely a "cathartic" post. Forgive me as I weave in and out of my thoughts.
What is FRIENDSHIP? Is it odd that Wayne, Frieda and I have such a thing? Is it odd that three people genuinely hold affection for one another and cherish it, no matter what? There is a huge difference in "friendships" and "acquaintances." I have known true friendship with Frieda Hudson...and have extended the same. My life has been and always will be so much the richer for it. Odd? Perhaps it is in this day and age of people who use, people who do not nurture, people who are "selfish" as opposed to "selfless." Wayne and I have been blessed and enriched by our friendship with Frieda Hudson. Thinking on that, here are some definitions I found on FRIENDSHIP. As I sit here in this late hour (I started writing at 11something and it's now 1:15am) on my porch, I have evaluated many things this evening. One certainty I do have is that I am blessed, so blessed to say that I have a true friend. Wayne is equally blessed to say the same. As he sleeps, many nights, I sit out here alone to think, pray and remember better times, times we shared right here laughing, being serious, just listening to the sounds of the night and drinking coffee. What I wouldn't give for one more night like that. It's the simplest of things that makes these days we pass "a life" instead of just "an existence."
Frieda, I thank you for all the many hours of joy, laughter, tears and friendship we were able to share, in better days. And now, as you fight, just know that in my heart, my friendship is as strong today as it ever was...and there is nothing odd about that. I have watched my husband cry more since July than I have ever seen him cry the entire time I've known him. He suffers the loss, the frustration and his own fears. He used crutches and a wheelchair night after night to be with his friend so she knew we would never forsake her. We set our own circumstances aside to attend to the needs of our friend. As tears roll down my own face and I try to see to type this, I know from a deep and profound place that we are better people for it. I never wanted you to be alone Frieda. I know you know that. To try to "heal" is beyond our realm of possibility. We have never tried to be "healers." That was not our job. At Craven Hospital on Saturday July 28, when Sarah Winfrey, Frieda's sister-in-law, was overcome, hurting and unable to form the words from her mouth that she felt in her heart to pray, I saw what was happening, knelt beside her and prayed both with and for her. I was only acquainted with Sarah, but I could see her fear and hurt. I knew Frieda would have done this for any member of my own family. I remember distinctly acknowledging GOD as "The Divine Healer" in that prayer. As I type this, that firm belief has not and will not change. GOD heals. Physicians and us mere humans are but instruments of His will and He expects us to demonstrate that we are willing to be His Instruments, nothing more. To make sure we were there to support, work with, attend to and cheer Frieda on was the commitment we made...and yes, strong Frieda, those were the same roles you actually assumed for us! You did them beautifully too Frieda. My family continues to honor and thank you even today for "being there for doctor trips, surgeries, vet emergencies, family illnesses and any other event that my family experienced that you were a part of. We love, cherish and were so honored by your commitment to us all. When my dad had brain surgery AND heart surgery, each within a couple of months, you were there. When I had surgery, you were there. When Lucy's (our beagle) liver failed, you were there. When I needed a photographer and you knew I hated being photographed, you were there. And Holidays? Birthdays? Celebrations? Oh how much brighter they have been with you right in the middle of our family, BEING family with us and loving us. When either of us needed ANYTHING, WE EACH WERE THERE FOR EACH OTHER, BY CHOICE. I know you know, Frieda, how much my entire family loves you, thanks you and loves you as a part of "our family." No blood. Just love. No conditions.
Here are a very few of the many wonderful "definitions" of friendship I found this evening. They were a huge source of comfort to me tonight and I will share them with Wayne tomorrow.

*A Definition of Friendship
Friendship is the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring all right out just as they are, chaff and grain together, certain that a faithful friendly hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping and, with a breath of comfort, blow the rest away. Source: A Life for a Life,1859

*"What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies". - Aristotle
Perhaps the one relation that has survived the trials and tribulations of time and has still remained unconditional is friendship. A unique blend of affection, loyalty, love, respect, trust and loads of fun is perhaps what describes the true meaning of friendship between two individuals. Similar interests, mutual respect and strong attachment with each other are what friends share between each other. These are just the general traits of a friendship. To experience what is friendship, one must have true friends, who are indeed rare treasure.
Different people have different definitions of friendship. For some, it is the trust in an individual that he / she won't hurt you. For others, it is unconditional love. There are some who feel that friendship is companionship. People form definitions based on the kind of experiences they have had. This is one relation that has been nurtured since times immemorial. There are famous stories about friends in mythologies of different religions all over the world. They say a person who has found a faithful friend has found a priceless treasure."

*A British newspaper once offered a prize for the best definition of a friend. There were thousands of entries.
Here are a few:
"One who multiplies joys, divides grief and whose honesty is inviolable."
"One who understands our silence."
"A volume of sympathy bound in cloth."
"A watch that beats true for all time and never runs down."
The winning definition read:
"A friend is the one who comes in when the whole world has gone out."

*A Friend...
(A) ccepts you as you are (B) elieves in you (C) alls you just to say HI (D) oesn't give up on you (E) nvisions the whole of you (even the unfinished parts) (F) orgives your mistakes (G) ives unconditionally (H) elps you (I) nvites you over (J) ust likes to be with you (K) eeps you close at heart (L) oves you for who you are (M) akes a difference in your life (N) ever judges (O) ffers support (P) icks you up (Q) uiets your fears (R) aises your spirits (S) ays nice things about you (T) ells you the truth when you need to hear it (U) nderstands you (V) alues you (W) alks beside you (X) plains things you don't understand (Y) ells when you won't listen and... (Z) aps you back to reality.

And finally a poem I found...it might be elementary in terms of any literary critic, but its simplicity touched me, so I will share it with you.
A TRUE FRIEND
© Ashley Montgomery
"A true friend never walks away
A true will always stay
A true friend looks out for you
A true friend will guard your secrets
Like a precious gift
A true friend is there for you
To give you a helpful lift
A true friend tries to make you smile
Tries to replace that frown
They may not always succeed
But they rarely let you down
These arms for you are open
This heart for you does care
And when I think you need me
I'll try to always be there
I'll listen to your fears
I promise not to laugh
Comfort your falling tears
I'll make this friendship last
I'll keep you near to my heart
I'll always hold you dear
Even when we're miles apart
Even when you're here
I hope I am to you
Everything you are to me
For the friendship we have
Is a special one indeed."

Wayne and I are and will remain "friends" in the truest sense of the word to Frieda...and she has been exactly that to us. Unfounded, yet imposed circumstances may change things, but our hearts will never change as a result of those things we did not choose.
May I please be so bold as to ask you to evaluate your own lives, your own relationships and your own friendships? Please don't take them for granted. You never know when circumstances may change and your friendships "aren't yours" anymore. Life changes so quickly...dynamics come into play that you didn't negotiate and things are never the same.
Is our friendship "odd?" Oh no. Certainly not by the many definitions I have read of "friendship" tonight. Not one bit.
We should all be so lucky as to have one friend in our lives that is TRULY a friend. I miss mine profoundly. I will close with a simple prayer for our dear and precious Frieda, for Wayne and for me.
God, I ask You to bless and keep Frieda safely in Your arms as you give her the comfort and peace she so desires. Never let her forget just how much she has to offer this world. Please show her your infinite wisdom and give her the strength to keep fighting, no matter what humans say the odds are. Give us all, Our Father, the faith to believe that YOUR WILL will be done. Give us the strength to find peace and understanding of Your will, as it unfolds before us. Frieda Hudson is such a blessing to so many. We thank you for Frieda's presence in our lives and in our hearts. Father God, I also ask for Your comfort, love, and peace for Wayne and for me. I offer this prayer in Jesus' name, Amen.








Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. (Luke 23:34)

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Hello Friends...sorry I've been out of the loop. I've needed a few days to think and recharge batteries. Wayne and I both needed to have some time and space together.
I still don't know exactly what to post here.
A few posts back, I told you about a wonderful artist that I had "stumbled" upon...of course, not believing in accidents, I think you get my pun. David M. Bailey is not only a great writer and performer, but he has a message. A BIG MESSAGE.
My posts here have been difficult at times, as reality is difficult at times. However, we ALWAYS have HOPE. HOPE is something I have learned through my own experiences of FRIEDA HUDSON'S strokes that we must NEVER lose sight of. HOPE is at times all we have. God gives us strong hearts, strong wills and the feeling of HOPE should remain powerful, no matter what obstacles are placed in front of us.
I had a particular email from someone today that touched my heart. I am quite aware that I haven't posted and yet, knew I needed to. Then, as if on cue, another email came from a friend who told me of a song she has listened to by david m. bailey (he spells it that way.) I'll post a link here for you to listen to what he has to say about "hope." If the link doesn't automatically "highlight," just cut and paste it the address.
Keep hoping, keep praying. No matter what, I still believe in miracles.
http://www.virtualtrials.com/video2.cfm?clipid=17
Keep praying for Frieda. She needs it now more than ever before.

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I was compelled to write a post to say how much I appreciate the emails I have received today. I know the blog from yesterday was a tough one and strong. I felt it had to be done. "My blog" is my diary of sorts. It is my place to write, as it says on the header...about a lot of things...generally whatever I want to talk about. So, obviously, what I wanted to talk about was how mean spirited people can affect our lives. It's hurts. It truly does...we have all experienced "hurt feelings" of varying degrees. I had just reached my limits with making nice, I supposed. I am a nice person. I am easy going and not a lot ruffles me, so I do appreciate the kind and heartfelt emails that have come in to me all day. You have each given me a source of comfort, love and appreciation.
Wayne and I have no regrets whatsoever with regard to the help we have given Frieda. We have dropped everything on a dime to go to her whenever it has been requested by the family. For whatever reason, Frieda has elected to respond to us and we are so very, very honored by that.
I do know this. I WISH Frieda and I had gotten that book written we had planned. I WISH we had just gone and done the things we "planned on doing." I WISH we had taken off on all the sojourns that we elaborated on in depth and laid out right here on my porch. But, we didn't. We thought we had all the time in the world...and we didn't.
That is the hardest part of all of this.
Please know as readers, there are folks that read here who know Frieda and I don't know you. She has pointed out folks, told me names in conversations, etc. and luckily
I have come to know you now, as a result of my blog. I am thankful for that. I know Frieda would be as pleased as punch.
Just know she loves you all. Frieda LOVES her friends. I can attest to that.
I was thinking tonight about time. I guess we all need to understand that nothing is promised. The last 'normal' conversation I had with Frieda was ended with her saying "I'll call you back in 5"...as she was going into the Town and Country "to get nabs." I had to laugh because Renee told me later that she had a basket full! HA! Isn't that typical? Nabs? Right. Anyway...there was no call back to me in 5 minutes. Life took a totally different turn.
It has twisted and turned through out this process of Frieda's strokes. I've rolled with all the punches and kept Frieda's health and Frieda's progress in the forefront of it all.
I thank each and every one of you for going with me in my heart on each and every trip, during each and every movement and each and every word of encouragement.
I know in my heart and I want each of you to know in yours that Frieda would be so humbled, so touched and so very appreciative. She wanted to do everything for herself, as we all know, but I know that she would be stunned at the outpouring of love, prayer and genuine friendship that has stuck with her since July 27, 2007.
I know Wayne and I have been amazed and you all have been so empowering.
Just know I'm a tough ol' gal. I can hang with the best of 'em and when things get difficult, I'll deal with the difficulty and then get right back on track with what I know to be "right."
We love your emails around here! We truly do. Wayne and I thank you for sharing with us what YOU have learned from our experiences. That's how life ought to be...we should be learning from each other, helping each other and reaching out. There's too much selfishness and society has become such a "what about me" society. That's no good for anyone.
We didn't get anymore rain today, as I had hoped. But, I did go spend a bunch of time getting lots of love from my donkeys and goats, doggies and kitties. What great pals!
An acquaintance that emailed me earlier wished me "sunshine"...isn't that wonderful? That's how she signs her emails. So, I'll borrow that sentiment from her and (even though we need rain SO badly!) I wish you all "SUNSHINE," peace, happiness and most of all love. I wish each of you love.
Thanks for stopping by.
-Annie
PS: And if you have one true friend, hold on to him or her with all your might. Don't hold back on the things that you want to do, plans you want to make or things you want to say.
In the Buddhist traditions, everything is "impermanent." I have a friend in Brunswick county who is an elderly Buddhist monk. His name is Phra Kru Buddamonpricha. With the help of many people, he has built a beautiful monastery and peaceful wat (place of worship). We used to have long conversations regarding Christianity and Buddhism. We loved each others differences, respected one another's opinions and most of all...we loved each other as human beings and our differences never made one ounce of difference. God is happy with that. I just know it.

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It just rained! Wow...been so long since I've seen any, I wasn't sure what was going on!
The pond is about 3 feet lower than usual, everything crunches underfoot when you walk...and now we just got a little shower.
I hope, I hope, I HOPE that is a little teaser for a nice settling in rain to give everything outside something to drink!
I was putting out hay for the donkeys when the first drops fell. They didn't know whether to eat the hay or run out into the rain! It was interesting to watch...as they were clearly trying to make a choice. The hay won out. I stood with them and watched them eat for a while and headed on back to the house. It was a non issue for the goats. They want to eat regardless of anything else and hate rain, so they stayed happily in their sheds and munched on their hay. Donkeys, by the way, take "dust baths." They love to roll around in the dust...it's a donkey thing...but I think they're even tired of having such "plentiful dust" and just wanted to be refreshed a bit.
It was a short shower...but a welcome one. As I said, I'm hoping it was a "gentle reminder" of what's to come!
Thank you God for even the smallest of things...rain drops.

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As I have for the past couple of months, I'd like to say again "THANK YOU" on Frieda Hudson's behalf for the many, many people who have prayed, sent beautiful memories, messages, love, support and everything else under the sun to reach out to Frieda and her family since July. I have personally been overwhelmed and restored in many ways as a result.
Frieda has SO many friends and so many people that love her dearly. There is clearly a void in Oriental and the whole of Pamlico county as a result of the two strokes she has had. The shock is still numbing to me at times and I have to force myself to realize that, yes, this is "reality."
Because I know Frieda so well, I know that she would be doing the very same thing for me had the situations been reversed. In fact, some of that was demonstrated in the weeks before her stroke when Wayne was seriously injured and consequently had a serious reaction to medications at the hospital after he was hurt. Frieda was by my side, she directed the ambulance into our home, she helped me lift Wayne, she helped to keep him conscious, as we waited for help and she helped me deal every aspect of Wayne's surgery, all with a sense of "I AM HERE TO HELP YOU ANNE, NOW GET OUT OF MY WAY AND LET ME!" She was with us at Duke for his appointments before and after the surgery. In fact, had the surgery not been on a "publication day," she would have been with us during the surgery. She was actually angry that she couldn't be.
Since July 27, 2007, my life as well as Wayne's has been changed forever. We both made conscious decisions that we would not, no matter what, forsake Frieda Hudson. We promised her at Craven Hospital that we would never leave her and we haven't. AND WE WON'T.
I have received hundreds of emails of appreciation for dedicating MY blog to Frieda. She has SO many friends and this was one way to keep people informed. As I have said (and I shouldn't have had to) many times before, what I have posted have been my experiences, my husband's experiences and whoever happened to be with us on our many, many, visits with Frieda.
While 99% of the people who have read the blog have been grateful, there are "always those few" who wish to trash the efforts of those who are consistently working HARD to HELP Frieda.
I really shouldn't even feel the need have this discussion or warrant wasting my time defending what I have CHOSEN to do with my time FOR the benefit of someone I love dearly, but I've had a couple of "comments" come in that have really bothered me, mostly disgusted me. I elected not to publish them, as the writer clearly either doesn't know FRIEDA very well or has never found themselves in a situation of being able to give totally and unconditionally of themselves to help someone else in need.
I feel sorry for people who are so sad inside that they have to try to tear down the kind acts of others. Society as a whole is shifting to "more know it alls" and less "DO-ers."
I could be ugly and post the commentator, but I won't do that. I have "better raising than that."
I will just reiterate that I have chosen to take the time to keep FRIEDA'S FRIENDS informed. Nothing else matters. Frieda's friends deserve to know what is going on with her, they deserve to see her and they deserve to be able to know her progress no matter how slow, without "arm chair" observers determining if what I say is "true" or not.
I am proud to have the ability to write, to document and to follow this situation. My prayer is that one day...who knows WHEN...Frieda and I will be able to look back on this together and know that our friendship never faltered, never waned, and never faded even one second as a result of catastrophic illness.
Some of you readers know me, some do not. For those of you who do not, from the blog, you should have learned that Frieda and I have a great basis for friendship...LAUGHTER. We found humor in even the smallest of things. So, at times, even in the face of what is ahead for Frieda, I will maintain that. In reporting what events take place while with Frieda, there is never malice, harm or hurt toward anyone. I observe and I comment on MY observations. For example, Frieda's roommate...I made a comment and the same person who has sent the 2 comments seemed to think I was making a mockery of another human being. Ridiculous. Even the lady involved laughed. For the record, I have spent TIME with her as well. She is ALONE, so when Frieda has been sleeping, I have asked about HER LIFE, her children, her favorite foods, what she loves about life and so many other things. I know that she is one heck of a Greek cook. I know her father owned a Greek restaurant. Does that sound like I have made a mockery of my elders? Again, that would go totally against my raising.
As for what Wayne and I DO for Frieda...we have the FULL SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE STAFF OF HER FACILITY. Even the DIRECTOR had no knowledge that Frieda could communicate until she came and OBSERVED OUR INTERACTIONS and then she told the rest of the staff "how" to communicate with Frieda in her current condition. They have told me how much my help is both needed and appreciated...and for the record, the "commentator" made the assumption that I don't know what I'm doing when I'm helping Frieda. Sorry, you're mistaken. I do. I know exactly what I am doing and will continue to do so. If Frieda were allowed to just LAY, Frieda would be FURIOUS that no one was helping her. It takes so much more than one rehab session each day (which just started recently by the way) to keep muscles from becoming atrophied, as well as the myriad of problems that ensue from someone "just laying" and their body staying in an immobile state. At a base level, how dehumanizing and UNFAIR is that? What kind of a "friend" would I be if I simply SAT there and "visited" as the commentator suggested? Nah. Not my style..and certainly not Frieda's! We are DO-ers! Not "sitters." She can't better or even have the HOPE of getting better with me sitting on my butt staring at her while she simply lays there and looks at me. That is repulsive to even think about. So, I think we'll keep doing what we're doing. We're even looking forward to taking Geordie back to see his friend Frieda. It did them BOTH such good.
So for those of you in the 99% who appreciate the time I take to inform you, thank you. You have offered me SO much support and I'm sure you'll continue to do so. For the commentator who elects to make ridiculous and unwarranted comments, I feel so sorry for you. Frieda would be so hurt.
As long as Frieda is in this condition, ANNE HALEY will be right by her side...with the FULL support and gratitude of her family members who have appreciated the relationship that Wayne and I have had with Frieda from the start. Friendships are not built on "convenience." They are built on words like love, trust, support...all of which are UNCONDITIONAL.
I really shouldn't feel the need to respond to two silly comments, but after thinking on it, I thought there is even a lesson in that. Some people just don't understand what "real friendship" and "commitment" are. Perhaps if you will continue to read this blog, you will learn about those things. That will be my prayer for you.
My friend Frieda Hudson deserves above all else to know that our friendship was founded on "sticking together" and even in the midst of trials, we will continue to stick together. If what I say in my blog isn't pleasing to any particular reader, while you're always welcome, don't frustrate yourself by continuing to visit. The rest of us are spending our time sending healing and helping energy and prayer for strength for Frieda. I don't have energy to divert away from Frieda to even consider where people find the time to be mean spirited. Check my "requests" for posting here on my blog. If you have something mean spirited to say, please find someplace else to say it. We don't do "mean spirit work" here. As we have learned from this experience, life is just too short.
I want to close on a good note having poured my heart out to someone in particular...so, love your families and friends with all your hearts. BE a GREAT FRIEND to your friends...not just a "good" one. REACH OUT and go the extra mile. You can really learn what you are made of in doing so. And don't forget the I LOVE YOU'S. You can never say those 3 words too much.
Wayne had a great visit, one on one with Frieda, but he asked me to just let you know that they had 3 hours of good work and helpful time together. He wished to keep the rest of his visit private. Just know she's in good hands and when she's in our hands, we are HELPING her and loving her with all our hearts. Supportive comments are welcome here. Comments that are written based on assumption are not welcome and I'll just keep rejecting them.
OH! And one more thing...there are rumors of all sorts all over town...you didn't get that info here! I wish much of what I have heard was true, sadly, it is not. But, there are folks who didn't know that Frieda had even had a second stroke and information has gotten very distorted. Hopefully, if you're reading this blog, you can just go back through the archives and get up to speed on things. I'll keep information posted here totally current, as I have all along.

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Wayne, myself, Meemaw and Peepaw (my folks) visited Frieda this evening. When we first got there, she was hot and uncomfortable and quite vocal about that. Wayne set about getting her fan set, I removed her sheepskin boots, and hand wraps. She had a fan and repositioning it helped to cool her down right away. Wayne worked on teeth brushing and mouth cleaning, while I gave her feet and legs a good rub and massage. She was vocal off and on as if something was hurting her. We repositioned her in the bed and that seemed to help as well. There is a mouth antiseptic called "Magic Mouthwash" that Frieda needs and she had not been very willing to let the nurses attend to that. For the past few visits, she would let me brush her teeth, but anything else, she wanted Wayne to do. So, Jenny the nurse gave him the medicine and Frieda let him do anything and everything he needed to in order to get the medicine in her mouth. We had a big laugh about that. Harumph. Ok then Frieda. If it's Wayne you want, Wayne you get! Peepaw has always called Frieda nicknames like "Princess" and "Good Lookin'." Tonight was no different and when they went to leave, he did his usual goodbye in using his nicknames and boy did he get a sharp set of eyes at him! We laughed as she cut her eyes and gave him a big mean YEAH RIGHT.
Still seeming about half settled, I thought maybe a surprise might be in order. I asked Jenny if Frieda's friend Geordie could come and visit. I explained that he is our dog and is totally in love with Frieda. They are great big buddies. Even right now when we say "FRIEDA," he starts barking wildly and runs around looking for her. It has been sad around here just on that note because I know he doesn't understand where she has been. Jenny thought that was a fabulous idea, so I went out to the truck and told Geordie he was going to see his friend Frieda. He was wagging all over. When we went into the room, Frieda's eyes grew huge. Wayne lifted Geordie up to the bed and we put her hand on him. He licked her hand and they looked and looked at each other. Geordie lowered his ears. It was almost as if in those moments, he understood that something was wrong and that is why he hadn't seen Frieda. He was very still and they just looked into each other's eyes. Frieda was shaking her leg and was clearly happy to see him. I asked her if she was surprised and she shook her leg very hard. Wayne carried Geordie to the foot of the bed where Frieda could just look at Geordie all she wanted. He put Geordie's paw on her foot and she wiggled it as if to rub him. I was so happy for them both.
After we set him down, Frieda was as calm as could be and within a couple of minutes was relaxed enough to go to sleep. We waited and when she was asleep good, we got ready to leave. Jenny said Geordie could visit anytime he wanted and we were glad to hear that. We have taken Geordie to visit residents at facilities that my folks own across the state and animal therapy is so calming and relaxing. I was very touched to see Geordie and Frieda interact. Love doesn't need words.
Speaking of "words," Jenny...the nurse said that Frieda was talking in her sleep last night!!! I was shocked...I said WAS SHE MUMBLING OR TALKING IN WORDS? She said it was part mumble and part word, enough words that she WOKE Frieda up and said "IF YOU CAN TALK IN YOUR SLEEP, YOU CAN TALK WHEN YOU'RE AWAKE!"
WOW!! What an awesome thing for me to hear!!
So, we had a PERFECTLY WONDERFUL VISIT! It started out kind of out of sorts, but we all left feeling happy, relaxed, and wonderful.
Geordie is beside me now. I can't help wondering if he's thinking and maybe even dreaming about his visit with Frieda tonight. He sure loves her. He marched around that newspaper office like he owned the place and Frieda gave him full run to visit anyone he wanted. In fact, when I had my hip replaced, Young Nancy and Frieda "Geordie sat." Frieda came to Duke and brought pictures of Geordie taken at the newspaper office and he went to work with them every day. Frieda thought it was very important to keep him near what was familiar if Wayne and I weren't around. So, Geordie, you gave that right back to Frieda tonight my dear boy...and I know she was as happy to see you as you were her!
It was a good night and I miss you so much Frieda. For the record, we still got the usual hearty leg shake on the "WE CAN DO THIS CAN'T WE FRIEDA" question.
As always, if anyone can, Frieda can.

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I wish I had a dollar for every time I heard that as I ran into... or out of... the house, leaving the door wide open as a child. Since I was such a wonderful child, I guess that I would have amassed about three dollars. (Right!)
It is a gorgeous autumn evening. Wayne and I have been sitting on the porch enjoying some peace and quiet. We watched the goats rattle around in the dark, Geordie played hard chasing them around and he was loving bossing them as any respectable Border Collie would!
I love this time of year when windows and doors can be opened, fresh air abounds and somehow all is well.
I had a bit of a sore throat, so I didn't visit Frieda today. I am hoping there's not much to that...but it's not smart to visit with a possibility of illness.
The donkeys got treats today and they were so thrilled...CARROTS and there were some happy, happy donkeys. The foals weren't quite sure what to do with them, but once they figured out the CRUNCH, they were hooked. I love spending time with the foals and watching them grow. They are so gentle and sweet.
Wayne and I have decided to take one of our notorious "coffee drives" tonight. It's cool, it's crisp and a beautiful evening in Pamlico county, so we will just take full advantage of the evening to ride and count our many blessings.
Please continue to keep Frieda in your prayers. She's working hard and I'm working her hard.
Seems like I was just writing a post about the beginning of summer...and here we are in October! YAY!
I've seen tons of pumpkins, hay bales, lots of corn shocks, wooden "yard art" and halloween ghoulies! I've even seen
houses decorated in lights. That's kind of cool. Perhaps it's a way to start thinking about the spirit of Christmas that will
be just around the corner!
So, open your doors, act like you "live in a barn," and enjoy this wonderful season. It moves into winter all too quickly!
(And don't forget to turn off the air conditioning when you leave the windows and doors open! I'm guilty of that sometimes too!)
Here's wishing you health, happiness and many cool and crisp evenings!
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm.....I smell coffee! Gotta run!

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Frieda was resting when Wayne and I arrived this afternoon. She did have a visitor, Kathy McIlhenny, who had been visiting and Frieda had fallen asleep. We chatted a bit and when Frieda woke up, we gave her a great work out. She really put on a show for Kathy, going to 18 reps on her leg pushes....and it was Frieda wanting to do more. She worked with her toes on her right foot and was able to curl and grip my fingers repeatedly, which was also great.
Frieda did a great job and it always thrills me for someone else to see the courage and determination in Frieda's eyes. We brushed her teeth and gave her a good rub with lotion. I guess that's a great reward for her hard work with her stretches. I also worked on her hands and fingers, which went quite well.
When we left she was sleeping soundly and comfortably. I always wait until she goes to sleep. It's just so hard to leave when she's awake. I did get the usual leg shake assurance that she is going to keep hanging in there and working hard.
I really appreciated Kathy being there and helping out. She also worked on Frieda's hands as well as making sure Frieda was "lotioned" up good! We talked about a special seafood pasta dish that Kathy had whipped up just for Frieda. I remember when that happened because Frieda had called me just giddy that Kathy had done that just for her.
We got a leg shake on that when we asked if she remembered that.
Later, I talked to Karen, who told me that the most recent doctor to assess Frieda agreed that she is ready to start speech therapy and some rehabilitation. I am so happy to know about that. Karen called me just after we left Frieda to get caught up on things.
It's hard to leave Frieda. It truly is. We talked about getting her home, we asked her if she was ready to get back to our house and cook and have movie night...she shook her leg heartily at that. I was so happy to be able to talk about normal things with her.
She needed her mouth cleaned on the inside, and decided that ANNE wouldn't be the one to do it. WAYNE could. So, in usual Frieda fashion, she got what she wanted. She opened her mouth and let Wayne take care of everything she needed! I just shook my head and grinned. SO typical! It always makes me so happy to see the two of them interact. They're quite a pair.
It was a great day in terms of body movement, visitors and Frieda's overall comfort. I can always come home with a good feeling in my heart when I know her body has been moved, she's relaxed and is sleeping well.
It is not expected that great leaps and bound will occur each day. But the tiny steps are certainly worth sharing and celebrating.
Remember to pay careful attention to the ones you love. Life is so very short and to include discord, gossip and behaviors that serve no purpose is just a waste of precious life minutes.
Just love. That's the best way to go.

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Hey Folks...
If you'll look on the Sonific widget I placed on the blog, you'll find a song called "Angel in the Attic." I have NO idea how I am across it, as my search for songs was refined to "classical." Long and short, this song popped up in the list and I was compelled to listen.
I was touched DEEPLY at the lyrics...so you know me by now...I set out to learn more about this "david m. bailey." (He does the lower case thing and in reading the FAQ's on his website, the reason why is "a secret.")
Anyway, you can listen to "Angel in the Attic" right here on the blog. Forward through the songs until you find it. Let his words sink in. Things DO change in a year's time.
I would also like to ask you to read his "story." David was given 6 months to live and guess what? He's one fantastic, alive and touring fellow! He's now beat those odds close to 12 years. That's right. TWELVE YEARS.
Faith, hope, love, belief are all words that are peppered through his lyrics. His work reminds me of a lot of my very favorite songwriters and I fully intend to become more familiar with all david's work.
He and I have emailed a couple of times and what a nice guy! So, please listen to the song, google "david m. bailey" and see for yourselves what a gem he is. I feel very lucky to have found him at this time in my own life. I'm sure you will too!!!
Tell him "Annie sent you!" (I don't think he'll hold that against you! HA!)
GOOD is all around us. HEALING is all around us. We are responsible for the BELIEVING part.
Enjoy your Sunday and LOVE SOMEBODY!
PS: If you didn't read the previous post, please do so. I felt inspired and I had a lot to say that I felt was worth sharing. :)
As always, thanks so much for stopping by.

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There are several things I'd like to cover in this post, so it will be more of a "small book" than a post. Just bear with me! There's a point to it all. OK? You've been reading along with us thus far, so don't quit on me when I get a little long winded! It's really not all THAT long! HA! It's just that skinny parameter that Blogger confines me to!
First of all, Kelly and I had a "pretty good" visit with Frieda today.
When we arrived, it was very hot in the room, so the first item of business was to try to get things cooled off. Frieda is totally "hot natured" anyway, so I could tell she was uncomfortable.
You see, Frieda has a "roomie." She's an elderly lady of Greek decent who is quite something. I've talked to her a lot and I've already picked up on an interesting dynamic in the room. "Lena," I'll call her to protect her identity, appears to be in her 80's and she's a character. She's very cold natured, as a lot of very elderly folks are. She changes clothes a lot, she will look around like a child and find something to get into. Today, for example, she was looking for action, so she proceeded to take her perfectly made bed and tear all the blankets and sheets off...then demanded that a nurse come and do her job! I'm sorry. I had to laugh. I offered to make it back for her, but she would have no part of that. She said it was "their job." It's a good thing Lena is there or I'm sure they would have NOTHING else to do! I took it all in stride when she started pacing back and forth in and out of the room. I asked her if she was running laps and she laughed at me. After about, let's say, two hundred laps back and forth from her side of the room to the door, I asked her if she was in training for something and she said she was busy. I'm sure she was. In the midst of all of this, Kelly went to get a nurse to come and explain the "rules" of the air conditioning to us. Since it's on "Lena's" side of the room, you don't quite know what to do. The nurse came in and turned on the air conditioner and told "Lena" that she'd have to put on a sweater if she got cold. At that time, Lena was dressed in street clothes. Upon hearing that, she stripped down and put her summer sear sucker pajamas on and proceeded to tell me that she was sure she was freezing to death. I helped her get her sweater on and suggested that she run a few more laps and that would warm her up quickly. During all of this, Frieda was looking around and I'm thinking she wanted to boot "Lena" out of the room. She wasn't pleased with the traffic, but I think it will be okay in time. It's a matter of "Lena" getting used to having company. As it turns out, one of Frieda's afternoon nurses knew us! She had become a buddy of my parents, Wayne, Frieda and me at the Lighthouse Restaurant that used to be in Washington! She had many discussions with my mom on the book "A Purpose Driven Life" as she was covering it in her Bible study. Is it a small world or what? She even remembered how much Wayne and Frieda liked to eat soft shell crab there! The nurse got "Lena" squared away while Kelly and I worked on Frieda's hands and feet. She felt much better when things cooled off in the room. Frieda was kind of tired today, so we didn't do the "full workout" that we've been doing. She had mail, so I read her cards to her. She had a card from Bill and Dee Sage, Gary (gosh I hope I spell your name right!!) Mastrodonato and from my parents. I put the cards on the board after reading them to Frieda...and then we talked. Frieda realizes that she's out of the hospital and I'm confident that she knows she's in a facility. She's not pleased about that, which is absolutely to be expected. That said, we made our agreement to keep working hard and that this is a step toward home. I did get a good leg shake when I asked if we were still in agreement that we will work hard together to get her better. Frieda gave a hearty shake for me then. The nurses practiced asking questions and gauging Frieda's responses based on eye blinks and leg shakes. They are so happy to know that they can get direct answers when they need them. As I said, we mostly visited today and that was a good thing. When we left, Frieda was sleeping soundly and resting comfortably and we left "Lena" pondering what mischief she could concoct next! Hee! Hee! Hee!
I've thought a lot this evening about the information that comes in the cards, emails and blog comments that I receive about Frieda. First of all, Gary, thank you for your kind words. I will look forward to meeting you at some point. Oriental just isn't that big! Thanks Bill and Dee for your continued thoughts and prayers...and also "Meemaw and Peepaw"...thank you for all you do too.
I have had SO many wonderful sentiments. Some folks share stories about Frieda combined with the realization of "stark reality." That is what I gathered from a comment left here on the blog by "David." Thank you for sharing your thoughts David. Frieda loves auctions, yard sales, flea markets...you name it! If there's a bargain to be found (whether she actually needs that bargain or not!), she'll buy it! That comment made me smile.
Other folks have written to say things to me that are so supportive and encouraging. I want you to know from the bottom of my heart, there is NOTHING extraordinary about anything I'm involved in concerning Frieda. She is my dear and precious friend. I have maintained all along that she would be doing the EXACT same thing for me. I know that as well as anything I have ever known. I have realized, however, that even the closest of relationships are tested in times like these. "Time" is a huge factor. We'd all love to do more with and for our friends. But, there are times like these when everything else has to be set aside to take care of that person we love and care about. Frieda and I LISTEN to each other. That was the nature of our friendship from the start. There are many things I wish I had listened to more closely, for example, Frieda's advice to us since moving here. I know Wayne and I could have saved a lot of steps, heartache and disappointments by following her wisdom and her "years of experience" here. She knows the ropes and the "in's and out's" of living in this area. I think that is what I'm missing most right now...being able to run things by her and know her opinions. Tonight, Wayne and I were sitting on our porch, catching up. Wayne commented that he'd give anything to hear Frieda coming up our stairs, already talking away, saying "HEY GEORDIE! HEY IZZY! HEY TRIPOD"...and naming through most of the menagerie out here. We miss Frieda's "presence." No matter what might be going on, Frieda's presence just made things "easier" and "better."
I have gotten comments from folks who have said they read these blog postings and they have made them reconsider their own relationships with their friends, families and loved ones in life. If that is the case, I am so honored to be a part of your journey.
I truly am.
It still stuns me how "life" as we know it can change on a dime and there's no turning back. Why does the nature of a relationship with someone we care about need to change based on "events?" It doesn't. Love doesn't stop just because a dynamic changes. If anything, it should become deeper and more rich.
If there is any lesson to be learned from this, perhaps we all should take closer examinations of what MEANS something to us. Money doesn't bring happiness. "Status" isn't real. Social hierarchy means nothing when no one shows up to help you when you're down. You might have a full living room at your open house or your latest cocktail party, but truly, how many of those folks will fill up your living room if you suddenly lose everything you have materially? I am sorry to say, many people would be shocked. Deep bonds of friendship are so rare anymore. People are too busy. People "can't deal with it." As a society, it is sickening to see just how detached we have become when it comes to the "stuff we'd rather not deal with."
It KILLS me inside to see Frieda going through this. Don't be one bit mistaken about that. It KILLS my soul. Sometimes, I get angry. I think WHY FRIEDA? Why not mean people who only seek to harm others? (How honest is that?) I do believe that GOD intends to divinely guide the destiny for each of us. Yet, He also gives us free will. That said, I think we make our own choices that determine how we turn out as people. Are people "born" good or bad? I believe we are all born pure and in God's favor. It's the choices we make as we grow that determine whether we turn out with "good hearts" or a propensity to serve "self." Anyone who knows Frieda knows she gave FULLY of herself. She made herself available to SO many people, places, organizations and services. I used to get after her for spreading herself so thin. But, she took it all in stride and kept doing what SHE wanted. Now that Frieda has had two strokes, I'm doing what I choose to do...and that is to be there every step of the way with my friend. I know that had the strokes not occurred, Frieda would most likely just be leaving my house right now and I'd be fussing at her for doing too much.
There are lots of things I would have done differently. I would have said more "I love you's" to Frieda prior her strokes. I would have reminded her, though I did it often, just what a wonderful friend she is to me. I would have insisted that she rest more. But, all that is just me looking backward. FRIEDA did what FRIEDA wanted. There was no middle ground. Isn't that what we ALL love about Frieda? For the most part, you had a good idea of where you stood with her.
Here are a few things I can pass along from my experiences so far:
Right your wrongs, especially when you have harmed others. Call your mother. Don't put off getting in touch with those you have been too busy to contact lately. Make it a point to hug, say I love you and tell those you love how you feel. SLOW DOWN! Don't be fearful, but do realize that life is finite. You get one turn in the barrel, so try to get it right. If you slip up, don't let pride stop you from making things right. I'm not being preachy or philosophical. I am "living" this. I would give anything to have heard Frieda walking up my stairs announcing her own arrival tonight. but for now, I'll be her legs for as long as it takes.
I've had folks ask me if I "planned to write a song about this." The answer is simply, "No." If one comes of it, it won't be of me. It will write itself and I will proudly be the conduit. How on earth could one song contain the depth and breadth of a friendship that runs as deep as the one between Anne Haley and Frieda Hudson? I just can't see that from here quite yet. Perhaps in time, but right now, I'm busy! REALLY busy and (pun intended) actions speak louder than words. My song is my time with Frieda right now. We're living it.
Just do us a favor, will you? LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. LOVE.
Love with all your might so when things change up on you, you'll be ready to handle whatever lies ahead. And don't think you're immune. That would be a mistake.
I wish you all peace and blessings. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for acknowledging "a friendship." Now, go honor those acknowledgements by being the best family member and friend that you can be.
Frieda and I would love to know that somehow our craziness inspired any good thing in anyone, healed a broken relationship or encouraged someone to reconnect with those they care about. Think Nike...."just do it."
-Annie

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Today was a very good visit with Frieda. When my friend Kelly and I arrived, she was in a chair in the day room with Mrs. Nancy, Gray and Sarah. She was peaceful, relaxed and resting. They had carried Frieda out into the courtyard for a while. I am sure the sunshine and fresh air were wonderful. It's been such a long time she Frieda has had any fresh air.
Later, Frieda had gotten a great shampoo. She seemed to love that.
Kelly and I gave Frieda a great workout. She did 15 reps with her left leg and 10 with her right. She was really pushing hard against my hand, as I added quite a bit of resistance for her today. Her right leg is quite a bit weaker, so I didn't add any resistance to those pushes. Even at 15 reps, it seemed that she wanted to do more. The movement helps Frieda at a lot of levels, but I really think she feels so much better "just moving." I know it gets so tiresome when she can't move around.
The staff is great and they are very attentive to Frieda. Everyone is very willing to answer questions and attend to her every need.
They were so accommodating in giving Kelly and me plenty of space and freedom to work with Frieda. We massaged her legs and feet thoroughly. We also worked on loosening joints, tendons, etc. By the time we finished, Frieda was sound asleep. We took her back to her room, gave her hugs and kisses and she was sleeping so comfortably. These kinds of visits are precious. They make me feel that we are doing something worthwhile and making progress with Frieda. I'm sure there will be many days just like today, where progress doesn't come in giant leaps. Progress will be in the small, continued and dedicated work that Frieda does. Her will is so strong. She was answering and making her needs and opinions known well to her nurses. They are so thrilled with being able to have conversations and being able to interact with Frieda. I know it makes their job a lot easier. They seemed so surprised yesterday when they saw us "talking." Their reaction is just stuck in my mind, even today.
I am so glad to be a part of Frieda's healing. To watch the human spirit show such strength and desire is incredible. Frieda Hudson has been through so much, yet she has a will to keep trying, to keep pushing and the incredible will to live.
Frieda has survived. Now, she wants to live.
Frieda wants to LIVE.
And what Frieda Hudson wants to do, Frieda Hudson does. We just have to believe that as much as Frieda does and be right there for her every step of the way.

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DISCLAIMER: I'm usually spell and grammar checking, etc. but guess what? I'm tired and will do that later!! LOL! You can muddle through and correct it all for me! HA!
Wow...what a day. Everything transitioned very smoothly for Frieda. She was looking all around and I'm sure wondering what on earth was going on, but by the time we all left, I think she understood that this move is a great thing. She was glad to be out of the hospital and seeing some progress. I could tell that.
Mrs. Nancy, Gray, Sarah, Young Nancy and I spent a fair amount of time with Frieda. We got her things sorted, got her iPod set up, etc. She was happy to see that iPod!
The staff was getting all the paperwork in order, etc. so it was busy initially, as you would imagine. Frieda seemed tired so when Mrs. Nancy, Gray and Sarah left to come back to Pamlico county, Young Nancy and I went to lunch. When we came back, Frieda had had a bath, a change of clothes and seemed to be resting comfortably. Her staff is incredibly attentive and caring. They were working hard to make sure that Frieda felt comfortable. We were able to have a good talk and things were very quiet. I tried to think of any questions that Frieda would be having. I told her we'd play "20 questions" and I'd try to cover the things she was wondering about. She understands that she is at a NURSING REHABILITATION FACILITY. She understands she is in Washington and made it very clear she was happy about that. I asked her if she understood that this is where the hard work begins and she gave me a HUGE leg shake on that. The nurses were very pleased to see that Frieda can answer them by shaking her leg. We actually gave them a demonstration of "yes" (leg shake) and "no" (leg stays still). Frieda is also doing more and more with her eyes and she's opening her mouth and trying to verbalize. The great thing about this facility is that they have plenty of rehabilitation services on staff. As time progresses, Frieda will be receiving these services as she is ready. We have a plan of attack and that is to continue the leg stretches, arm movements and body manipulations each and every day so she can regain strength and regain as much control as she can. There are lots of areas that need to be "awakened" since the second stroke.
This was a big, big day. Frieda never fails to amaze and surprise me. I told her today that she is the strongest, most brave person I have ever known. I could tell there are worries, but after the "20 questions" session, she seemed a lot more peaceful and comfortable with the move. It's not home, but it's one step closer to getting there.
Sarah had left a comment with Frieda's new address on my previous post, but for those of you just getting up to speed, Frieda's new address is:
Frieda Hudson - Room 109
Ridgewood Manor Nursing & Rehabilation Center
PO Box 1868
Washington, NC 27889
Feel free to send cards, letters and anything you'd like. Frieda enjoys hearing from everyone and mail is something we all look forward to, right?
THANK YOU all so much for your continued support, prayers and love for Frieda. I think it is safe to say that we have watched many wonderful events occur since July when "everything changed."
My hope and prayer is that we can all continue to love and support Frieda on this journey. It's a difficult journey, but the hard journeys are made so much easier with the love and support of friends.
As always, I'll keep you posted on Frieda's progress.

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This is a quick post. Frieda will be moving today to Washington, NC to a facility there. This is great news and the facility has full rehab services available to Frieda when she is ready and as she continues to make progress.
Again, this is a slow process and we have to rejoice in baby steps, so together, let's give a great big YEE HAAAAH FRIEDA and transition her into her new environment with lots of prayers, love and healing energy.
I will post more when I return.
Young Nancy and I are leaving in just a few minutes, but I couldn't leave without letting Frieda's FAITHFUL FANS know what's happening today!!
Love and so much gratitude to all!! TOGETHER, we can DO THIS!!!
Thank you all so much for staying with us on this journey!!! We need you so much!
-Annie

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Yesterday afternoon, Wayne and I left early to go see Frieda. We made a quick stop for a burger to eat during the many stop lights and timed it just right. We were finished by the time we pulled into the hospital. We we arrived, Ms. Frieda was awake and watching tv. Her eyes lit up and I gave her the standard, "Miss me yet?" question. She looked at Wayne, then me, and repeated that several times. We told her we were going to get right to work and get busy and she shook her leg. She was ready for a good rub down and work out.
I worked on Frieda's feet and she loved that. I used a method of body work called Reflexology. There are pros and cons about its
efficacy, but at the end of the day, IT JUST FEELS GOOD!! I do believe that we have pressure points throughout our bodies, and that is why techniques such as accupuncture and accupressure work as they do. Reflexology is essentially the same. You are locating specific pressure points on the foot and pressing or massaging them. While I did that, Wayne worked on Frieda's neck and shoulders. We also took sides and gave her a good lotioning. I took care of her legs, while Wayne got arms and hands. Frieda even good a good head massage!!! By then she was cooing! I even scratched her head all over...sometimes there's nothing that feels better than a good head scratch!
We put Frieda's glasses on so she could see better. We looked at animal pictures and she raised eyebrows at Geordie and Buck. She obviously knew who she was looking at.
There were no tears, no signs of fear, no signs of pain...Frieda was PERFECTLY COMFORTABLE!!! Her eyes were clear and bright, she had no trouble focusing on either of us, looking at us directly in everything we said and answering either with a blink or with a shake of her leg.
I had a heart to heart talk with Frieda about how she feels, frustrations and things like that. It's not rocket science to know that she is frustrated. Yet, the you can literally see those frustrations give way to peace and focus when we get to work. Frieda is not someone who sits back and waits. She likes doing, being busy and having an agenda. She feels much better when doing something and made that clear when we were discussing "frustrations." I say discuss and please understand it's more of a "Q and A." Frieda is not "vocalizing" but that does not mean that she does not COMMUNICATE. There is a huge difference. For example, I reminded her that we have a pact that neither of us will give up because we are not quitters. She was shaking her leg in agreement so hard that it was shaking the bed rails as I was talking. She makes her feelings known. You just have to pay attention and do things (as usual!) ON FRIEDA'S TERMS.
We called Karen while at the hospital. Frieda's eyes grew huge. She was so happy to hear her. She looked directly at the phone and listened intently...shaking her leg when Karen asked questions. She also did her best to speak. She opened her mouth and actually making audible sounds that Karen could hear. Hank also talked to his Aunt Frieda. Frieda's eyes were huge as she listen to Hank tell her about his latest Star Wars Lego set up.
It's GOOD for Frieda to hear about what's normal, what's going on, what's happening. That's what she thrived on anyway...NEWS! So, wouldn't it just make good sense to continue telling her what's going on outside that hospital?
I sure think so. After all, Frieda has given all of her adult life to "news." I'm sure it must be a really bad feeling to "not know" what goes on outside that room.
I try to tell her anything that is newsworthy. I told her that Tony was being all liberal in the paper again and she frowned! I KNEW that would get a fast and easy response from Frieda. I thought that was hysterical...so, there you have it Tony...straight from the boss! Tone it down! It's leaning so far to the left, I'm losing my balance!
This is a slow, slow process Readers. Some of you may have had experiences with stroke, others may not have. I have learned so much about stroke and the effects thereof. I hope that you all will take a few minutes to Google "stroke information" and read what you can. Even though it would appear there is little warning, there are indeed warning signals. Women especially are at risk. There are things to help prevent stroke that are as simple as adding oatmeal to your diet, or of course deleting some things from your diet, walking a few minutes each day, etc.
Don't let this all be in vain. Do read up on strokes and learn what you can. TIME is the most important factor when a stroke occurs. Knowing the warning signs makes ALL the difference in the world. Don't get caught unaware as I did. Hindsight makes things very clear...and knowing what I know now is difficult. There WERE clear warning signs, but I had no idea what I was looking at. No, I stopped feeling guilty, but, I do have an obligation to learn from what I know now and ask you all to be familiar with these signs and signals yourselves. Frieda Hudson and Roberta Caton are not "old women!" Roberta is younger than me...and I'm 45. GET FAMILIAR WITH SIGNS OF STROKE!
On another note, we did talk about Frieda's birthday, Tobacco Road golf course, and many other things of interest to FRIEDA. She was alert and attentive. We met a lady in the hallway who is staying with a relative next door. She said (AS USUAL!!) Frieda is up quite late at night and so she's been going in to her room to visit and talk with Frieda! I appreciated that so much. She lady is from Philly. It's funny at a hospital. You learn to know those folks that "stay there" and you have a sort of community of folks you get to know who are there day and night. Anyway, this gal was so neat and I was so happy to know she's hanging out with Frieda in the wee hours! Frieda I'm sure loves it too.
Time to get about my day. Animals and chores await. Here's hoping you're all enjoying this wonderful weather. Special thanks to Bruce Miller and Joan McClellan for the emails. Both of you lifted our spirts, made us laugh and warmed our hearts.
Till next time...

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I have enjoyed this weekend...I absolutely love "the fall of the year." I hadn't given that term an awful lot of thought all my life, but I realize that indeed this time of year is the FALL of the year. It's ending, winding down, coming to a close. Hard to believe.
I love the colors of autumn, the smell, the crisp feeling in the air...hay bales, pumpkins, you name it...if it has to do with anything "autumnal," I love it.
I've felt a little strange this weekend. I love opening windows, the fresh breeze and those things, but I've felt a tinge of guilt over the past couple of days. We are changing seasons. I am having a bit of difficulty changing seasons without Frieda in tow. We entered the year together, then spring, then summer and now...she's still in the hospital and I'm on my own with this one.
I know that sounds silly. Believe me, I am perfectly aware of how it sounds. But, I do try to convey honest feelings, raw emotion and how lives have been affected or it wouldn't be a particularly honest blog. While updates, goings on at the hospital, etc. are important...very important, I feel that if I am going to discuss all of this, it must be as a whole. The whole picture comes with all the thoughts and feelings that go on outside the hospital room as well as in it.
Last fall, we took off for a weekend in Asheville. We stopped back by the wonderful HUGE farmers market in Greensboro on the way home. We bought all kinds of stuff...mums, pumpkins, fall vegetables and the like. We had a blast and stayed for a long time snooping, shopping and relaxing. I remember when that particular farmer's market was built, so I knew my way around surprisingly well. Of course, there had to be silliness involved. You know the wooden things with pictures painted on the front and you stick your head though the holes to "look like" something else? Yeah? Well, we did that too. It's almost like being hung in the stocks! Maturity is the very basis of everything that Frieda and I do. (course you're buying that, right?)
I worked with my foals this weekend. They are now 5 and 6 months old respectively. It sure makes me feel odd typing that. They were weeks old when we made the trip to pick them up. The younger of the two is now the larger of the two! She was about 3 weeks old when we brought her home.
These are the times that are most difficult. I'm going along with this change of seasons. It is my favorite time of year...well, until December gets here! But, I'm not happy about it. I'd rather have my pal home, safe, sound and healthy. I'd rather have called her today and told her how great the foals did with their halters or better yet, have her out here handling them with me.
I'd rather have lots of things different. But they're not.
There is a prayer that has become well worn for me over these past two months. I guess I recite that prayer a hundred times each day while coming to terms with all the dynamics of a catastrophic illness. "Accepting the things I cannot change" and
having the wisdom to know the difference was difficult today. Some days it's easier to know what I can and can't do anything about. Today wasn't one of them. When there are new and interesting things going on, seems second nature to have Frieda around or making a call to her to say HEY! GUESS WHAT???? When those urges happen, I pray. So, I'm praying a lot.
I have a lot of pictures to post of the sights and colors of fall...right here in North Carolina. You can go to my Zimbio link that's here on the blog to check them out and I'll try to get a few posted on this site as well. (I'll make sure to dig out that photo of Frieda, Wayne and me in "the stocks!" Those are particularly flattering. Well, sort of flattering in a humorous sort of way.
Yes, there is a chill in the air...literally and in my heart. Keep improving Frieda. We've got so much to do yet.

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