Gabrielle

Well, it's time I renew my profile. We moved to Oregon at the end of 2019. Since then, all the pandemic stuff, plus all the usual moving in and getting settled hasn't left much time for Swap-Bot or anything else. But, I am finally back, at least on a limited basis. Here's my updated personal stuff. Mother of 4 and grandmother of 8. We also have a "courtesy daughter" (one of our former Girl Scouts). The oldest granddaughter and her husband now live and work in Boise, ID, and they are the parents of our first great-grandchild, who has just turned 5 and started kindergarten this week. The youngest is now 12, and will be in MIddle School this year. I am a life member of Girl Scouts of the USA, as is my husband. I'm a retired teacher, married for over 60 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 and are finding new people and things to enjoy. We are really enjoying Oregon and the cooler weather -- even the rain after living in Arizona for almost 40 years. Finally, 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!

Almost anything except heavy metal. Especially love Kathy Troccoli, Babie Mason, Point of Grace, smooth jazz, 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 Midsommer Murders, Call the Midwife and Death in Paradise, the latter of which we watch with our older daughter and her husband, who also live here. And recently I have a new favorite -- Hudson and Rex.

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!)

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 13 years past my breast cancer surgery at the Mayo Clinic, but am continuing annual mammograms. 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!