Gabrielle

Well, the last time I posted an update we were starting the process of moving to Oregon. We did that at the end of 2019. Since then, we have had all the pandemic stuff, plus wildfires, a summer with heat waves, and a cold snap which left us without power for over a week. Add to that all the usual moving into a new to us but actually old house and there hasn't been much time for Swap-Bot or anything else. So, I am starting slow with one PC swap. Here's my personal stuff, with updates. Mother of 4 plus a "courtesy daughter", grandmother of 10. The oldest one and her husband now live and work in Boise, ID, and they presented us with our first great-grandchild, who is almost 4 years old, and a lot of fun. The youngest is now 10, and in fourth grade. I am a life member of Girl Scouts of the USA, as is my husband. I'm a retired teacher, married for almost 59 years to a wonderful man. I call Alaska home (Univ. of AK/Fairbanks, '67) and try to get back there whenever possible. We are getting settled in a new church home and a new community, although the pandemic has kept us from getting to know very many people yet. Love to read, do counted cross-stitch, and travel. We are really enjoying Oregon and the cooler weather -- even the rain after living in Arizona for almost 40 years.

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. And Wild Wild West -- I think maybe I have become a Will Smith fan!

All the Law & Order shows, NCIS and the spin-offs, although the original is still the best. And Jeopardy (RIP Alex) and Wheel of Fortune! And Call the Midwife and Death in Paradise, which we watch with our older daughter and her husband, who also live here.

Mostly cross-stitch. 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 10 years past my breast cancer surgery at the Mayo Clinic, although I do go back once a year for mammograms, as they have all my records. I celebrated my "survivor" diagnosis with a butterfly tattoo -- butterflies symbolize resurrection! 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!