tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473958345745616776.post3556810172331544199..comments2023-10-30T04:46:09.927-07:00Comments on Kelly Laude: The Best Christmas PresentKathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16386661533450602010noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473958345745616776.post-77930139456757664302008-01-02T07:10:00.000-08:002008-01-02T07:10:00.000-08:00Dear Kelly,Happy New Year! Kathy and I had our po...Dear Kelly,<BR/><BR/>Happy New Year! Kathy and I had our pork on New Year's Day in the form of Hoppin' John. That's a dish that consists of black-eyed peas, smoked pork shoulder, rice, canned tomatoes, and a few red pepper flakes. It's a Southern and Midwestern tradition. Did I tell you? Kathy's from Kansas. Anyway, there's our good luck pork for the new year.<BR/><BR/>Your Aunt Denise was kind enough to give us a plum pudding last Friday, so we had that for dessert. My father used to make them. It was a real treat to have one again.<BR/><BR/>Enjoy your day!<BR/>HenryAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473958345745616776.post-23085712277015662972008-01-01T12:14:00.000-08:002008-01-01T12:14:00.000-08:00It was so wonderful to read the good news on the w...It was so wonderful to read the good news on the website today. Just what we all need to start the New Year off on a great start. Wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2008 to all and especially Kelly! Best wishes from Wendy (Arts Express)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473958345745616776.post-35232527868000778242007-12-31T23:45:00.000-08:002007-12-31T23:45:00.000-08:00Dear Kelly,It's alredy 2008 here in the East, and ...Dear Kelly,<BR/><BR/>It's alredy 2008 here in the East, and I hope it's a wonderful, exciting new year for you and your family.<BR/><BR/>I keep forgetting to tell you that my 91-year-old mother says a prayer for you every day. Well, she does, and she would be quite angry with me if she knew I forgot to tell you, so I hope you'll keep mum.<BR/><BR/>I don't think I've ever told you of the oddest coincidence. My father's parents both came from County Armagh, Northern Ireland. My mother was born on the farm next door to the one my father's mother was born on. My mother's father was killed in World War I. My grandmother came over here, but she left my mother with her parents on the farm in Northern Ireland. Twenty-two years later, my mother came over here. She became a hairdresser in Springfield, Massachusetts. There was a hairdresser's convention in a big hotel in New York, which my mother attended. My father was one of the waiters at the hotel. There was a really sleezy shampoo salesman at her table who was, shall we say, taking liberties. (In other words, he was a real pig). My father served them and said to my mother: "Don't forget. We have a date." After the dinner, people were milling about, and my father found my mother. They started to talk, and he mentioned that her accent sounded like his mother's. My mother asked where his mother was from, and who she was, and so on, and my mother said she knew his grandmother well. She used to live next door. When I was a child, it always did strike me odd that Dad would ask Mom questions about his own grandmother, but then again, he never met her, you see.<BR/><BR/>Another odd thing is that in the intervening years, my mother lost her accent altogether. That's not just a son who's extremely used to the accent talking. My wife, Kathy, who can't understand my Irish cousins at all when they come over, said to me just yesterday that my mother sounds completely American. It's basically true, though sometimes she'll say: "It's as broad as it's long" -- Irish for "It makes no difference."<BR/><BR/>Now, by no stretch of the imagination am I a theologian at all, but it seems to me that if the Lord could bring my parents together, surely He can cure your cancer, and wouldn't this brand new year be a grand time to do it?!<BR/><BR/>Sincerely,<BR/>HenryAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473958345745616776.post-86649124980537420352007-12-31T17:28:00.000-08:002007-12-31T17:28:00.000-08:00Happy New Year Laude Family! May you all be bless...Happy New Year Laude Family! May you all be blessed with everything wonderful in 2008! <BR/>With love from The Turner familyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473958345745616776.post-52162751434931621012007-12-30T02:21:00.000-08:002007-12-30T02:21:00.000-08:00YAY!!! Kelly, that's great news- I was overjoyed t...YAY!!! Kelly, that's great news- I was overjoyed to hear it! :)<BR/>Happy New Year! I'm always praying for you!<BR/><BR/>Love, <BR/>KriztiaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473958345745616776.post-9481558256448366932007-12-29T20:36:00.000-08:002007-12-29T20:36:00.000-08:00Kathy, Kelly, and family, I am so thankful to hear...Kathy, Kelly, and family, I am so thankful to hear the great news about the MRI results. He is faithful! And I am so encouraged when He shows us how much He loves each of us. God's blessing to each of you and Happy New Year!<BR/>Jennifer GaudetAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473958345745616776.post-73660081042858768492007-12-29T17:25:00.000-08:002007-12-29T17:25:00.000-08:00Wow, what a wonderful Christmas present! I'm so h...Wow, what a wonderful Christmas present! I'm so happy for you all. Please know I'd love to see you when you are strong enough. In the mean time, let's pray for a cancer free 2008.<BR/>Love to you all,<BR/>PoliPolihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03636180786153755583noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473958345745616776.post-53881556282532749332007-12-29T13:52:00.000-08:002007-12-29T13:52:00.000-08:00Superduper!!! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! ...Superduper!!! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Wishing you all the best, <3 Shannon Hargis and family.Shannonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16276917990611493276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473958345745616776.post-41787508494189205622007-12-29T12:52:00.000-08:002007-12-29T12:52:00.000-08:00Hey Sweetie,Thanks for giving me the best Christma...Hey Sweetie,<BR/>Thanks for giving me the best Christmas gift imaginable, even though I didn't get it till the day after Christmas.<BR/>I'm getting close to the end of my active duty tour with Marine Forces Pacific. Yesterday my coworkers took me to lunch and gave me a comemorative flag that had flown over the USS Arizona memorial. Very nice of them. <BR/>See you Thursday!Catalina Eddyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13784487805362749076noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473958345745616776.post-91805938874873946002007-12-29T12:13:00.000-08:002007-12-29T12:13:00.000-08:00Dear Kelly,Two ladies (a mother and her daughter) ...Dear Kelly,<BR/><BR/>Two ladies (a mother and her daughter) had a holiday party for the Wednesday evening book group, which your Aunt Denise leads. There were about ten or eleven people there. Everyone was thrilled about your presentation, and especially about your latest scan results.<BR/><BR/>If the German/Chinese tradition about pork holds true, we're all in good shape, because EVERYBODY had ham - even Paula, who is a rather conservative Jewish lady, and she hardly ever eats pork. Kathy and I even brought a vegetarian lasagna for her, so she wouldn't have to violate her religion's laws, but she just shrugged, smiled, and said: "What the heck." It was very sporting of her, I thought, but that's Paula for you. Then she said: "No wonder you guys eat this stuff. It's delicious!" Her husband, Andy, who is also Jewish, said: "It sure is," then he helped himself to another slice.<BR/><BR/>Your Aunt Denise looked lovely in her new French sweater, and we all had a good time.<BR/><BR/>So, I hope the chemo blues have all gone and you are looking back on beautiful Christmas memories and looking forward to a wonderful new year.<BR/><BR/>HenryAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473958345745616776.post-81192277329331731522007-12-28T23:27:00.000-08:002007-12-28T23:27:00.000-08:00Wonderful News Kelly! It was so great to see you y...Wonderful News Kelly! It was so great to see you yesterday. I love you my dumpling face.Have a good new year. I will see you soon.<BR/><BR/>Love, <BR/>DesiAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07063142191436544209noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473958345745616776.post-24490357542831928782007-12-28T08:23:00.000-08:002007-12-28T08:23:00.000-08:00YAY!YAY!Kimmihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04109925981549786042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473958345745616776.post-69656611433840929792007-12-28T08:02:00.000-08:002007-12-28T08:02:00.000-08:00Dear Kelly,I'm back with more New Year's lore. Th...Dear Kelly,<BR/><BR/>I'm back with more New Year's lore. The Germans always say that eating pork on New Year's Day brings good luck throughout the new year, and the Chinese have always associated pork with good luck, so, if you're feeling up to it, you might want to go to Applebee's for some baby back ribs, or to your favorite Chinese restaurant for some moo-shoo pork. I don't know about you, but I'm willing to try anything that might bring good luck in the new year, though I do draw the line at human sacrifice.<BR/><BR/>I also draw the line at the Czech custom of eating carp on New Year's Day - too many bones by half!<BR/><BR/>Have a lovely day!<BR/><BR/>HenryAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473958345745616776.post-5021595143950964862007-12-27T22:27:00.000-08:002007-12-27T22:27:00.000-08:00Hi Kelly!Talked to your Mom after reading the grea...Hi Kelly!<BR/><BR/>Talked to your Mom after reading the great news on your blog. We can't even express how happy we are for you! This is such encouraging news. God has been listening to all the prayers He's gotten about you. I'm sure your positive attitude has helped, also. Looks like 2008 is going to be a great year! Take care, Sweetie! Hope to see you soon!<BR/>Love and hugs,<BR/>Laurie, Mark and Mr. TurtleLaurie Martinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14034768330444343103noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473958345745616776.post-48576425840993888082007-12-27T20:20:00.000-08:002007-12-27T20:20:00.000-08:00YEAH! What great news. I am so glad to read that...YEAH! What great news. I am so glad to read that!<BR/><BR/>So glad that you are having a wonderous Christmas! You all deserve the best!<BR/><BR/>Love you all.<BR/><BR/>JacquieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473958345745616776.post-15637724044084375492007-12-27T13:54:00.000-08:002007-12-27T13:54:00.000-08:00Kelly,I'm so excited about your good news! I've h...Kelly,<BR/>I'm so excited about your good news! I've had you in my prayers for such a long time. I'll keep praying. <BR/><BR/>ps I got a Dancing With The Stars Wii game for Christmas...can you come and play?<BR/><BR/>Love, KendallAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473958345745616776.post-41108241738781136102007-12-27T09:19:00.000-08:002007-12-27T09:19:00.000-08:00Hi Kelly,Are you interested in trying an old Scott...Hi Kelly,<BR/><BR/>Are you interested in trying an old Scottish New Year's tradition? It's called First Footing, and the tradition says that if a tall, dark-haired man is the first person to come to your door on New Year's day and you give him a coin, you'll have good luck the whole year through. Women are bad luck, I'm afraid. So are sandy-haired men, and short, dark-haired men. It's perfectly acceptable to stack the deck. If any of your uncles is tall and dark-haired, for example, you can arrange it for him to be the first person to come to your door on New Year's Day.<BR/><BR/>There's another New Year's tradition from County Armagh that you might want to try, if you can get the essential ingredients. There's a little rhyme that goes with it, too. It goes like this: "On New Year's Day, two bayberry candles, burnt down to the socket, bring luck to all and money to the pocket." The trouble is bayberry candles are getting hard to find. Bayberry-scented is the most you can find, usually, but they're not the same. Real bayberry candles are a sort of grayish olive green, and they're made by boiling bayberries, if you want to go to the trouble. When I was a boy, bayberry candles were easy to find, but I don't think I've seen one for 20 years.<BR/><BR/>It's all a bit of fun, but maybe there's something to it.<BR/><BR/>Sincerely,<BR/>HenryAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473958345745616776.post-12105142506555631682007-12-27T08:37:00.001-08:002007-12-27T08:37:00.001-08:00The Berg family here in La Jolla, CA is thrilled a...The Berg family here in La Jolla, CA is thrilled andjumping for joy over the news about your MRI Kelly!<BR/>We are so glad prayers have been heard and answered and your treatments are also working so well.<BR/>Continue to enjoy your Christmas with All your family.<BR/><BR/>Hope to see you soon.<BR/><BR/>Love,<BR/>Marisa and FranAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473958345745616776.post-45805875787411214482007-12-27T08:37:00.000-08:002007-12-27T08:37:00.000-08:00The Berg family here in La Jolla, CA is thrilled a...The Berg family here in La Jolla, CA is thrilled andjumping for joy over the news about your MRI Kelly!<BR/>We are so glad prayers have been heard and answered and your treatments are also working so well.<BR/>Continue to enjoy your Christmas with All your family.<BR/><BR/>Hope to see you soon.<BR/><BR/>Love,<BR/>Marisa and FranAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473958345745616776.post-35332993832521070052007-12-27T08:13:00.000-08:002007-12-27T08:13:00.000-08:00Great news! Hope you feel better from the chemo so...Great news! Hope you feel better from the chemo soon.<BR/>TomTomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11103640626075928938noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473958345745616776.post-46119748661844955702007-12-27T08:08:00.000-08:002007-12-27T08:08:00.000-08:00Dear Kelly,Yippie!!!! Your Dad called last night a...Dear Kelly,<BR/>Yippie!!!! Your Dad called last night and I could tell from his voice that the news was good. We are all so happy. I brought Poppie down to the library this morning because he wanted to see your blog. We printed it out and will show it to Nana. Despite your smiles you were beginning to look a little tired but I'm glad that all your hard work had such great results. Keep up the good work. <BR/>All love <BR/>Aunt Denise Poppie too and I'm sure if Nana was at my shoulder she'd say me too.Aunt Denisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06695505461402276592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473958345745616776.post-23471926453427948482007-12-27T06:55:00.000-08:002007-12-27T06:55:00.000-08:00Hooray!! That is absolutely fabulous news and the...Hooray!! That is absolutely fabulous news and the best Christmas gift ever! How wonderful that you have so much family there to celebrate the good news with! No one deserves it more than you do Kelly. You've been through so much. Hope you are feeling better and enjoy the rest of the time with your dad and the rest of your family.<BR/>Love,<BR/>The SilvestrisAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473958345745616776.post-53685781865365508772007-12-27T00:37:00.000-08:002007-12-27T00:37:00.000-08:00Yes! We have been praying for this good news! We s...Yes! We have been praying for this good news! We saw you from afar at church (Kevin's height is a definite advantage)but couldn't get to you through the crowd, so here is a belated but very heart-felt "Merry Christmas!" to you.<BR/><BR/>The Litschewski FamilyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473958345745616776.post-26600549285159834682007-12-27T00:21:00.000-08:002007-12-27T00:21:00.000-08:00We have been reading your updates nightly - when w...We have been reading your updates nightly - when we get home, some time after midnight, like tonight! What wonderful news! We go to bed with a prayer for you all each night and tonight (or this morning) will be no different! Love to all Laudes'......Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! XX The Armes (Christmas card will come as a Happy New Years Card! The Armes just couldn't get it together before the holiday! Your card was amazing though! XXAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1473958345745616776.post-10430989633357004332007-12-26T23:00:00.000-08:002007-12-26T23:00:00.000-08:00Praise God and halleluiah!! I've been away all da...Praise God and halleluiah!! I've been away all day helping my daughter move and couldn't wait to get home and check your site. What glorious news. And how wonderful so many of your family are with you (especially your dad) to share and celebrate it! I'm thrilled that your courage and persistence during the difficult chemo and radiation treatments are paying off. <BR/><BR/>Fondly,<BR/>Sondra MorrowAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com