I am so excited about being back in L.A. and among old friends. My husband and I moved to the Orlando, FL area in '78 with our first son, Corey, who is now 39. We had a second son, Daniel, and then adopted five more children of various racial backgrounds: Laura, Bradley, Zachary, Jacqueline, and Cynthia. We are rearing Cynthia's first son, Isaiah, who is 11. We have 17 grandchildren though don't see all of them.

Because of the way our friends in the military were treated during the Vietnam War Era, I started The Ships Project (www.theshipsproject.com) days after 9/11.

With about 2000 volunteers' help, we've sent over ONE MILLION hand-knit hats, slippers, socks, and fabric cool ties to deployed troops since then. I've met so many of our military recipients and know we are making a difference. During "our war," all we could do was write letters, and I did, but this project has made a difference.

Jim and I are also avid RV'ers and have a travel trailer we use when we can. We take our dogs and cats along and thoroughly enjoy camping at the beach. I'm also an avid knitter and have been knitting shawls for friends and family.

I also enjoy traveling and usually take grandson Isaiah with me. Jim says the trip we took with 7 kids, a dog and a cat, camping across the country for 16 days was enough adventure!

If anyone finds themselves in Central Florida, I would love to see you. I'd also welcome correspondence from anyone who would like to get back in touch. I think of so many of you. I hope you'll get back in touch. The older I get, the more I think of old friends.