Happy Birthday Carolyn---Tunica ,here we come!

Here we are all ready to load up the RV for our trip to Tunica: From left: Deb, Bonnie, Carolyn, Cynthia, Marie, Jan and Jeanne

Carolyn insisted on working out at the Casino Gym, even on her birthday. Bonnie went along for moral support. I slept in. Who took the better road(ha)?

HAPPY
-----BIRTHDAY
----------TO
---------------CAROLYN !

---------Deb---Bonnie---Carolyn---and Jan

----Here Carolyn (The Birthday Girl) and I are tossing the rose petals that Bonnie had strewn on Carolyn's bed to greet her. Smart Bonnie made sure they were silk, instead of fresh petals, so we can all have the same Birthday Celebration.

We drove to Tunica, Mississippi in Debs- RV . What fun to all ride together, play cards, eat cake and celebrate life and each other. ---------------When I realize that before I moved to Arkansas I didn't know any of these women and now I can't imagine my life without them------well, I am celebrating more than a birthday today---I am celebrating friendship!

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We Ladies (7 0f us) went to Tunica for some gambeling, free fancy rooms and even more free food but mostly to Celebrate Carolyn's Birthday and hanging outtogether. I am not much of a gambler but I love being with my friends (especially when they are winning-ha)!

Fun- with Friends in the States+ Obama comes to Uganda!

Frienda gathered at Cynthia's home to party and downed shots of Petrone (tequilla for those of you who didn't have a clue, like yours truly.)

---------- From left:Peggy, Larry, Charisse,Carolyn, Carol, Cynthia and Rodney

Only two weeks before I left Uganda, my helper Bernedette had her first baby. I was honored to be present for the birth and delighted when she and her husband chose "Obama" as his name!
As soon as a suitable dwelling is ready , Michael will move in with Obama and family and I, as his Grammy (as well as his godmother) will be able to spend lots more time with him. I can hardly wait!

Visiting Scott in Indiana was a real treat. First I was able to see his magnificent performance as the Italian Dad in the production of "Light in the Piazza" at Indiana University, then the cast and crew spent the day on Lake Monroe and invited me along. What fun!

Picnic on Lake Mutanda---Ugandan Style

Here Michael is explaining to his new little friend that although they may share the drum, the sippy cup with the juice in it is His, just his (smile)

That's Sheba, in the green wig, with one of his beautiful daughters and two young men getting set up for some major drumming. What a good time was had by all!

- --------------------Michael is a two year old Ugandan Boy now and Drumming comes quite natural to him. How cute is he in his American sunsuit, water shoes and drumming like any Ugandan boy should.

-----Michael found more things to do with a drum than just drum. Climbing on one is fun too! I didn't take any photos of the goat on the spit, but goat, potato's, matoki and yummy fruit salad (Bananas, Pinapple and Mango) . A favorite memory is Michael and I sharing a bowl of fruit salad african style. At one point he actually fed me some fruit. He is the sweetest little boy ever!

-----Taking a canoe ride on Lake Mutanda----AH!

Not a great shot of either of us but you can see that we were both wearing American Flags on the front of our shirts. It was quite honestly , an accident. Maybe it was because I was flying across the Sea from Rwanda to Brussells to JFK on Independence Day.

-----This was Michael and my 4th of July Celebration--Ugandan style.

----------All this Beer and all I get is Juice!

--------What kind of beer do you want? Nile or Bell?

Michael is so much fun to be with. Even though they shaved his locks (they do that to all the kids, easier to care for) he is adorable!

When Michael first tasted the orange juice, he made a funny face because he is used to Passion Fruit Juice. But in no time at all ,he just couldn't get enough.







A Day with Michael is always special but today was a blast. Sheba , my friend and Tour Guide Supurb requested wearing the green wig Bill had brought me March 08 for St. Paddys Day. He spent the whole day in it, dancing and drumming. What a great party Sheba can put together. Actually, he is a party himself!