Tom's Farm, the Novel

We headed out this morning early, got to Tom's Farm at around 10.  Things were a little different this year.  Tom's farms did some remodel and we had a huge tent, with tables and chairs under it.  At the head table was Cheryl and Judy Anne, two OLDIES, not in age, tho JudyAnne said I looked like a old lady with my walker.  Anyway, we went to the sign in table, with those two wonderful ladies at it.  Cheryl placed a beautiful friendship bracelet that I believe she made on my wrist.  What a wonderful way to greet us, and I will treasure it forever.  I loved mine.  Signed in, got our name tags, and a raffle ticket.  We left before the raffle so I have NO idea what they gave away in the raffle.  There were pictures from previous Tom's farms and OMG.  Monica, I saw you probably right after surgery.  Had no idea who you were.  What a difference.  Anyway, I said Hello to so many people.  Met Leslie from Yucca Valley, we are going to have a burn your overalls party like we did for Becky's shirt.  What a wonderful person she is, so full of life and she did so well at lunch eating JUST soup and sticking with the program.  Then Rhonda had gotten there, and the party was on.  The entire Foster clan was with her.  It was 5 thousand kids that she has, really only 6, Lil Michelle was there with her little Charlene.  Lil Charlene calls Dougie 'Papa", it is so cute.  There were so many hugs and kisses from everyone, to everyone.  It was wonderful.  I met mystwalker, I hope I said that correct and her Fiance Chris, who ladies is a real QT pie.  What wonderful nice people.  Jandell was there with her hubby, Eggface was there.  I just love that woman.  Jean was there with one of her BFF's, she has alot more than one.  Celest, Gary, SueBee, I met Ricks wife for the first time.  Rick looks unbelieveable.  He is so slim.  Then a huge group of us went to lunch.  I did see JudyAnne there for a bit at lunch but I don't know where they went.  We had lunch at Senor Toms. poor Linda was there trying to eat something, bless her heart.  We all sat outside, I sat next to Becky and across from Jandell, there were the 5 million kids at a table, and all the adults eating at other tables.  Dougie and I had to wait 15 extra minutes because Rhonda ordered food for those 5 million kids.  After lunch we went to taste some wine and cheese, but the wine lady was out to lunch!  So off to the sugar free candy we all ran.  I think everyone walked out with at least one bag of sugar free candy.  It is all delicious.  At last, the wine lady came back, we all wandered there, and Dougie, Jean, and Linda tasted some wine.  I saw Rhonda with two large loaves of the softest freshest bread I had every seen.  It was still hot from the oven.  Good thing I didn't have a knife and some butter, I would have loved to eat some, right there in the middle of the store, and it would have been so worth it to puke it all up.  But lucky for all, I didn't have any of the above mentioned things, so Rhonda got away with the bread,

Doug and I then drove back over and some of the people came over to the car to say goodbye to me.  I overdid it.  My back was screaming at me, and still is, just a little softer now because the perocet is working.  OH how could I forget, Chris S showed up!!!!  I FINALLY got to meet her.  She looks exactly like her picture and she is just as sweet as she looks.  Katt, wonderful job!!!!  I don't think everything could have been any better.  You did a great job and THANK YOU for putting it together and for all your hard work.  All of those that brought clothes, thank you, it was a great clothing exchange.  I did see Monica there, but heck by then she was buried in clothes, looking for new things.  So many from so far, thanks for driving out and making Katt's hard work pay off.  This group of people that were out there, you made Tom's Farms a success.  Today reminded me of the day that we had a supper for all of those that were running the LA Marathon.,  There were over 100 people there that day, I don't think we made 100,, but there was a pretty large size.  It was fun.  So if you missed today, make it next year.  Great to meet so many people we have only seen in pictures.  They all came alive and real today.

So someone please finish what happened after we left.  I know that Javi was there, thank you for the clothes for Doug.  He has some much better t-shirts now.  I have a ton of PJ's  I didn't see Gus and Anna, I probably missed them.  Next year I will stay all day because I won't be so tired like I am now. 

Again thank to Katt...wonderful day, beautful weather and a gathering of some wonderful kind sweet people.

Hugs, Diane

Diane, thank you for the kind words. I had a lot of fun putting this event together. It was a great day, with good friends ( new and 'old'). I really appreciate the help that I received from Judy Anne and Sheryl at the welcome table. The clothing exchange was a huge success. I got a few cute things myself. The rest will go to women's shelters in the area. It was great to see Donna, Tina and the boys. They are sooo cute. Loved aeeing Rhonda, Gerry and the kids. They are an awesome family. (Rhonda, you're gonna have to twach me sign language so that I can communicate with Gerry a lot better...lol). It was great seeing everyone having a good time. I am glad that eveyone had such a great time. I raffled off 3 bottles of Torani syrups and a gift bag full of miscellaneous items (a pen, candles/holders and picture frame). Well, I need to get dinner started, so I will post later and keep a lookout for the pictures. Diane, thanx for post your mini novel...love you! x0x0x0 Feel better soon.

I am sure that you had fun. I so remember how many were there for the LA Marathon dinner. I have a picture of LU Lynn and I with a caption LA MARATHON of BUST.
Great time. Thanks for the memory
Liz

Liz, that dinner at the Olive Garden was amazing.  So much support for all those than ran the marathon.  It was a great day, lots of pictures and so much fun.  I remember sitting across from Steve and Darrell.  I had gone alone that day because Dougie was working, but it was a blast to say the least.  Everyone was so proud of all of you when you ran!  You made us all proud of you!

Take care Liz,

Diane

Hey Diane and Katt and Rhonda and everyone that I met at Tom's Farm (Reintroduce yourselves to me please - I'm new and my memory is a little wonky),

I had such a great time meeting everyone but we have to all get together again soon so I can remember everyone's names.  I am so glad that I drove out - I almost didn't because I was a little nervous about not knowing anyone but that quickly changed when I was told to start introducing myself.

As for my overalls - you'll have to catch my ass to get them...

   muahahahaha.... 

Thanks for being so nice and when can we get together again!  I had a blast with all of you!!!  You guys rock!

Leslie  (P.S.  when I got home my husband was still swearing at the new TV )

OMG  That was almost as long as War an Peace!  But I must say much better!  What a fun day for all.  WEll gotta Tell ya Diane is a big Liar I did not bring 5 million kids only 3 million!  lol.  The Kids had an absolute ball!  It was fantastic.  I had a great time! Everyone had a great time too!  Leslie is adorable.  We can do the overall burning party at my house I think they will be ready for the fire in a month or two.  That will be fun.  Little Michele can bake cookies and I will bring the wine!  lol.  Thanks for the awesome post Diane.  Sleep well and I hope you feel better soon.

Love ya,

Rhonda

OMG I missed a good time.  Again.  Drat this mess of living up here in God's country!  We had a total relax and kick back day.  Tomorrow is some more of the same.  WE have company and are just visiting and relaxing and going to other friends house and visiting. 

Thankfully I figured out what was causing my incredible pain and discomfort on my insides.  My poor guts have been in turmoil for about 2 weeks.  I've been bound up and full of painful gas.  Well, about 3 weeks ago I switched to Activia Light yogurt.  You know, that stuff that's supposed to be good for you.......................well NOT!  OMG.  3 days after switching back to my Yoplait yogurt thigns are back in order.

I seriously need a spa date.  I've been so busy lately I've been neglecting taking care of myself.  Shame of Me!  I must take care of this

Diane~

Thank you for the great details of your day!  I live in Northern Cal and didn't know how far Tom's Farms is from up here.  But after your account, I might just have to venture off for the weekend and find out!!

Good job, Katt at putting together what sounds like a great event!!  I know how nerve wracking these things can be!!

Feel better Diane~thanks again.

I can tell you that it would be a 6-8 hour drive, much easier flying into Ontario airport and have one of us pick you up.

As soon as Doug is retired I can see road trip in my future!

Thanks, it was alot for me to go out and walk as I did, I think the standing watching everyone drinking wine is what did me in!!!  lol.

I am feeling better just really really really really really, did I say really (?) tired!

Hey you great recap of the day - couldnt have said it better myself.  I t truly was a fun day and those kiddos of Rhonda and Gerrys are truly cutie pies and all so well behaved.

Linda, Judy and I made record time home....it was such a breeze 0 sure a far cry from last year when it took me almost 4 hrs to get home because of fires,

ADiane - I am so sorry I didn't sy get to say good bye to you and Dougie....its like one minute you were there then the next you were gone.  But I totally  understand cause I know that you were dying .... and thanks to you for making Judy feel so involved.

Once we got back to my house Linda and I had some of the wine I bought today (Judy had Ice tea as she is not a drinker)  and had a major girl talk fest. 

So Javi was there?  I never saw him nor did I see Gus and Anna...Hmmmmmmmm....how did I miss them?

Any way its way past my bed time so Off I go...thanks to Katt for putting this together and so sorry I missed the raffle....and whats this about hand made bracelets?  I never got one.

Ok everyone have a great sunday and get some rest. (although no rest for me until Monday - tomorrow is another busy day - brunch with an old friend then to the Newport Beack elks to hear a guy sing.,,,

Hugs to all