Mark & Diana

     To continue where we left off, Mark actually was able to tear himself away from work and we got a flight out of Tampa, Tuesday morning, April 14.  We walked into the convention (in Dayton, OH) after everything was already started ~ and Curtis and Beth Hale had the Schmul booth all set up and were doing business!  It was a lot of fun to be with the Hales again.  Wednesday, my cousin, Lynn Wilkins, drove almost three hours to meet me for lunch.  She, her brother Ron, Mom and I had a lovely visit.  Connie & Steve and the girls made it in Wednesday evening, and after the service we had a "family" dinner, with several members of the Russell extended family who were there, plus some relatives of relatives, and the Hales.  It doesn't matter where you go, you're going to have a good time if any of the Russell boys are there ~ and Mark & Howard ensured our good time....

     It was so nice to see so many friends at IHC.  I love the fellowship!  The Women of Worth session on Wednesday morning was so good.  And the patriotic service with Attorney David Gibbs was outstanding.  Mom was happy to meet up with some of her dear friends who she seldom sees ~ Mary Hunt (and her daughter Suzie), and Barbara Newton.  I'm glad she went with us, although I'm afraid we about ran her ragged....

     Thursday evening, Mark helped Curtis tear down the booth and pack the books & load them up, as Curtis and his son, Nicholas, were headed to Washington DC, to work on getting him a passport for a trip to China.  Nick is going to be teaching English for a few months, if all goes as planned.  So Beth drove the van home with all the books ~ bless her heart!

     We had an early morning flight out of Dayton on Friday and made it back into Tampa around noon.  We dropped Mark off at work ~ yes, his 2nd home.... and Mom and I came home, unloaded the car, and crashed in the recliners!  Saturday, Mom did up her laundry and we took her back to Zephyrhills.  It was a good trip, though, and we were thankful it worked out for us to be there.

     Later, Mark 'n Di