Our prayers and hopes that the people in Gustav's path heed the warnings and evacuate if advised to do so.

When I was in New Orleans last weekend it was wonderful to hear the stories of how people were rebuilding and starting over after Katrina. Flying in the number of blue tarps where roofs had been torn away and other extensive damage was still evident.

The force of a hurricane is not to be underestimated. Gustav is huge with fierce winds. We are keeping vigilant attention to the weather and offered possible refuge for people we know who live in New Orleans.

May everyone in the islands and United States in Gustav's path be safe.

Several people have asked me how did I survived the "empty nest syndrome" when my twins went off to college. To tell the truth, I miss Tom and Jim each and every day. I am constantly wishing that I could be more involved in their daily lives.

When your babies are placed in your arms and you look down at their little faces, tiny little hands and their fingers wrap around yours, most Moms feel a love that is beyond description, it is unconditional. I felt that magic on the day my sons were born and each and every day since then.

Every time I have made a wish on a birthday candle or shooting star I have always wished the same thing. Please let me sons(and now I have added "and their families")be safe, healthy, happy and free from harm.

You want to prepare your children to believe in possibles and become the person they want to be. I did my best. I made mistakes, still do. I enjoyed being their Mom, still do.

They may now have their own "nests" but the love continues. They need to be themselves. I like as well as love them and am proud of the men they have become and their priorities.

You start off wanting to teach your children and then you realize the experience of being their Mom taught you. Life is an adventure, rich and luscious with possibilities.

My sons gave me the gift that "home" was where ever I was. It wasn't necessary for me to remain in Tennessee as the yellow haired divorcee that lived on the hill. They gave me a love that makes me feel anything is possible. I can only hope they realize that is the same gift I was giving to them.

Everyone throughout Florida is grateful that Fay didn't gain strength when she was in the warm water of the Gulf. There has been a uniform sigh of relief. We are now hoping that she will fizzle further and that flooding and wind damage will be at a minimum. We were very fortunate.

Beijing welcomes you.

I miss my Mom and Dad so very much today. No matter what, they believed in possibilities. They believed in the talents of each of their children.

They dared to take risks. Sometimes they tried things that didn't work BUT they never ever gave up.

They were always learning. They laughed. They loved. They were our cheerleaders and our safety net.

They did their best. We learned from their successes and triumphs and from their unintential errors in judgement and mistakes.

As they look through the "star windows" of heaven I know they are excited at the possibilities that each of us have before us and smile when they watch our own children and their children as they play, learn, and grow.

I miss my Mom and Dad so very much today.

Of all the treasures and experiences we seek the most precious is with us all the time.

It is the marvel of a machine that is our body. It is so easy to take it for granted. It is when it isn't working properly that we actually appreciate how precious it is.

There are several people in my world right now that are currently facing a variety of health challenges. It served to remind me of my own blessings.

Today I will not only say prayers for those who are suffering, those whose bodies are going through a tune up, and those currently hoping for a much needed miracle but I will also give a prayer of thanks. Although I haven't got a clue how my body works, I am forever grateful that I can take a deep breath, that I am not in pain and can enjoy a walk on the beach.

Denis Waitley: " Time And health are two precious assets that we don't recognize and appreciate until they have been depleted. "

Izaak Walton: "Look to your health; and if you have it, praise God and value it next to conscience; for health is the second blessing that we mortals are capable of, a blessing money can't buy. "

I hope that today you enjoy a healthy, happy day. May it be filled with good news and unexpected opportunities for fun and mischief.