I’m baaaaaack! Not full time, but enough to post my contest and update you all on my recovery.
Two weeks ago today, I had a hysterectomy. Not something I wanted to do, but I’ve suffered from uterine fibroids for quite some time. For a while, they were fairly asymptomatic, but in the last two years, that changed. I had to do something I was utterly terrified of doing–go under anesthetic. I’d never done that before! I was even awake for my daughter’s c-section. But I’d put this off long enough and I am on the mend. Still very sore and very tired and spending more time sitting than I did even when on a tight deadline! A little stir crazy, but that goes with the territory. I really appreciate all the good wishes I’ve received both here on the blog and via private email. You guys make me feel so loved and so special. THANK YOU!
Last Sunday was my birthday and I was Queen for a Day. I want to share that title with one of you, through these adorable Queen for a Day chocolates from my favorite gift site, Red Envelope. You know what to do!
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From Carly: Visit me today at: Running with Quills where I have a playdate at another blog! Oh … there’s a giveaway!
By all reports, Julie Leto was a sweet child once, somewhat shy, preferring to play quietly in her room making up stories. However, being raised with three brothers in a loud, primarily Italian household did have its influences and Julie discovered her inner tough girl. That’s probably why most of her heroines kick serious butt. Writing sassy heroines has worked out, as she’s sold over forty books to four publishers featuring strong, confident women. Julie lives in Florida with her daughter, a spoiled dachshund, a haughty lynx-point Siamese and a wide range of relatives all within driving distance.
Destiny
Dirty Little Secrets
Once Upon A Valentine
Through The Night
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It’s great news that you’re doing so well. I hope you feel 100% real soon and Happy Belated Birthday!
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Julie! It’s so good to hear from you, and to know you’re doing better. Healing takes so dang long, so I can imagine it’s been tough, especially in the summer. But it’ll be worth it, I’m sure.
Have a great weekend, all!
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Glad to hear you are feeling better. Having had several surgeries, my best advice is to listen to your body. It will tell you how much to do and when. Give yourself the best present of all – patience.
Have a great weekend everyone.
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Julie, sending lots of good healing vibes your way. The recovery is tough, and long, but oh so worth it. I’ll share the same advice with you that a lovely, older woman in my neighborhood shared with me when I had my hysterectomy nine years ago, for the same reason as you. Follow your doctor’s instructions to the letter. If he says don’t lift anything heaver than a coffee cup, don’t do it! If he says don’t drive, don’t do it! I followed my doc’s instructions exactly and have never had one single problem. Many of my friends decided to cut corners and do things before they were supposed to and they’ve had nothing but problems ever since. So, as boring as it may be, I hope you’ll sit back, let others pamper you and wait until you get the green light before diving back into the deep end of life. It’ll go fast and you’ll be happy you took the time.
Be patient and be well!
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Not a contest entry
Just wanted to hop in and wish you a very speedy recovery.
Of course you feel loved cause we want you to.
I too am in sit up to sleep mode. Stinks doesn’t it.
Was so nice to see you post this morning.
Know that you are missed.
Hugs, Hugs Hugs. :heart1:
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I’m so glad you are feeling better Julie! I’m with PJ on listening to your doctor to the letter. I had to have an ovarian cyst removed several years ago and have the c-section scar since it was such a large cyst. I did everything my doctor said and was back much faster than others that tried stuff too soon. I’ll keep sending healing prayers your way.
Happy Friday everyone!
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Good thoughts going your way for a speedy recovery.
Glad you are on the mend.
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Glad you’re on the road to recovery, Julie. Will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
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Glad to hear that you are doing better Julie!
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Julie, I hope all is going well with you now and that you are recovering nicely from your surgery – and just for that, you should be queen for more than one day. Take care of yourself.
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Julie, listen to what PJ says! I did the same thing and not one problem! PATIENCE!
xoxo
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Glad you’re doing better!
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Julie,
I am so glad to hear you are in recovery mode.
You take it easy and focus on your recovery.
:flower4you:
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Glad to see you back Julie! I wish you a fast recovery just enjoy the summer as much as you can . Have a great weekend everyone!
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Julie- I just had one in March for the same reasons. I have no idea though how they took tumors that were more than 2″in diameter out through my belly button. First my gall bladder, then my uterus. Poor belly button:rotfl1:
I haven’t returned to work yet- 2 more weeks cause I wanted the time off. And it is still tiring although I am doing most everything now.
Did they give you an elastic band to wear around your middle? I didn’t have one at first and everytime I walked it felt like I was falling apart.
You will feel 110% better after you are done healing though. It was worth all the pain and the expression on my daughter’s face when I “gifted” her with all my boxes of tampons. Mom revenge. :bootyshak:
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Hi Julie! Welcome back!
I’m so glad to hear you’re on the mend. It’s a slow and irritating business, but necessary so we can have you back to 100%. Happy belated birthday! It’s so wonderful I’m beside myself. I’ve been suffering with ovarian problems the last several months myself, so I understand how terrifying it is, and my love and thoughts are with you. Even though your birthday is past, you’re still Queen of the Day in my book! :wub:
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It’s great to have you back. I hope you mend quickly and are able to enjoy your summer. Chocolate sounds divine, so count me in on the drawing.
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:flower4you: Be sure to indulge in some of that chocolate yourself, Julie. And like everyone else urging caution, I add my voice. Sit back. Catch up on reading or TV/DVD viewing. Let somebody else cook and clean and shop. They’ll appreciate you all the more when you’re back to 100%. TGIF, folks!
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Jilue, nice to hear you’re feeling better.
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I love chocolate!!!!
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Oh, Julie it’s so nice to hear your call here in the jungle again! So happy to hear your recovery however slow is moving along. Anesthesia is not fun. I’ve only had it once. It’s such a strange thing, like a curtain dropping and then you’re just flying through space. Weird and not in a good way.
I can’t eat the chocolate so don’t put my name in the hat this time. Feel better and I hope you’ll be able to go to national.
Take care. Love, Cher
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Not a contest entry.
Julie, so glad to know you’re feeling better. I had the same surgery eight years ago and it does a number on you. I hope you’re 100% very soon.
Best,
Kay
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Glad that you are feeling a little better. Surgery sucks! I had 2 c- sections and I thought I was dying. It gets better though I didn’t believe that at first.
Happy Birthday
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Julie~
I am glad that you are back!
I am glad that you are feeling better and I hope that you are a 100% really soon.
Happy Belated Birthday…I hope you had a wonderful day and got everything that you wanted.
Have a great weekend everyone.
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Happy belated birthday. Did you partake in any of your own chocolates or are they just for the prize and you had something better for yourself? :-)
Make sure you take it easy and that you have someone to care for you. Heal first, then do the fun things.
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I’m happy to hear that everything went well. It’s a scary thing to do but something you had to. So…get better 100% soon we miss you!
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It is great that you are back. Good to hear you are recovering. Have a good weekend everyone.
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((HUGS)) Julie.. glad to hear that things are slowly healing.. slow and steady.. like everyone says.. be sure to follow instructions to a T… i have fibrcystic problems too and i havent had a hysterectomy yet but i have a feeling it wont be too long before that day comes..
get lots of rest, and let everyone pamper you to the hilt…
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Ooh, those look too good!
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It’s so wonderful to here that you’re on the mend Julie. I hope that soon you feel better. You should probably eat some of those chocolates they’ll make you feel better I know they make me feel better when I’m on the mend.
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Glad you are feeling better Julie!
Hope everyone has a great weekend!
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:wave: Hi Julie! So glad your back! :wub:
I know its hard for an active person to sit still, but really enjoy the rest while you can get it…catch up on your reading and just relax
P.S.
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Julie, I am so glad you are feeling better!
Have a great weekend, everyone!
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Donna
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Congrats on your b-day. After what you have been through you should have been Queen for a Day or maybe a week. LOL
Glad you are feeling better.
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Congrats on your b-day.
After what you have been through you should have been Queen for a Day or maybe a week. LOL
Glad you are feeling better.
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:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:
who doesn’t love chocolate?!?! i hope your feeling better and thanks for the update and contest!!!! can’t wait til your back full time!
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Take care of yourself!
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Get better soon. Have a great weekend.
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Wishing you aspeedy recovery and belated Birthday! Have a great weekend everybody.
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:flower4you: :flower4you:
Glad to hear your doing better Julie. Janelle good luck with your move. Have a great weekend everyone.
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Great to hear that the surgery went well!
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Glad you’re on the mend Julie and a belated ‘Happy Birthday to You!’ Now who doesn’t love chocolate? Chocolate is my middle name.
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Julie! Hugs on the surgery. It’s no fun, but you’ll feel better for it in the long run. Here’s wishing a speedy recovery.
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Prayers for your continued recovery.
Queen for a day? Sounds like fun!
Enjoy the weekend, everyone.
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:banana:
:banana:
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Hope your recovery goes well!
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Carly Happy Belated Birthday, I’m a June baby to the 14th
I pick up a copy of Hot Property and I’m on vacation next week can’t wait to read it. Glad to hear everything went well with your surgery take care of yourself
Beth
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:flower4you: Hope you’re feeling back to normal soon. Don’t over-do, listen to your doctor and your body, and let your family/friends wait on you. :hug2:
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Julie, SO glad you’re feeling better! It’s great to “see” you! :wave:
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Happy Birthday and it’s great that you are doing better.
Have a great weekend!
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Julie, I am very happy to hear you are on the mend. Keep following doctors orders & soon you will be feeling better than ever. :flower4you: It sounds like you had a good birthday despite the fact that you are recovering from surgery. Maybe all those yummy doctors your Plotmonkey friends sent you helped.
What a great Friday prize. :present1:
Everyone have a good weekend. Enjoy!
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Best Wishes to you, hope you heal quickly.
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Julie! I’m glad your on the road to feeling better. You are in my thoughts and prayers. :hug2:
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It’s great to hear that you’re recovering, Julie. I hope the recovery continues to go smoothly. :wave:
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So glad you hear that you’re feeling better, Julie! And happy belated birthday
– we’re almost birthday buddies, because mine is tomorrow! *hugs* Wishing you a quick recovery!
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Hubby got this horrible virus that I had all week long (and oldest had awhile ago). He pulled a muscle so badly that last night in the ER he passed out….Kinda worried not only for him but we leave for Disney on Monday….
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Glad to see that you are making a full recovery. My sister just had a hysterectomy for those same reasons you listed so I can sympathize with you. Surgery is always tough and I fully agree with the “going under” fears- I have had to do it twice now and it scares me to death. However, as strong women we can do anything! Try to enjoy the rest of your downtime and happy belated bday.
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Happy belated birthday! I am glad you are doing good, I am supposed to have that surgery but I have been putting it off. I have lots of surgery and I had one that was to stop me from having to have it but that one didn’t work so I guess I will have to have it soon.
I hope you have a good weekend, enjoy it.
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Hi, Julie! I’m so glad you’re feeling better! Take good care. And Happy Belated Birthday! Best wishes for a wonderful year.
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Julie – I am glad your are mending well. I am having a hysterectomy in August, after putting it off for over a year. I am only 28, and really wanted to wait till I was older, but – oh well. Happy Belated Birthday and I hope you get well quickly.
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Glad to hear you are feeling better! It is never fun recovering from major surgery. Thanks for another great giveaway!
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Julie-
Great to hear you are on the mend. Sending you healing thoughts for a quick recovery to 100% Hope everyone has a great weekend.
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Been there, had that done, survived. Yes I too was scared witless at the idea of being put under anesthesia and have someone cutting on me. But once I recovered I was so happy to have it done. Hugs and prayers you heal quickly and back to participating in life fully.
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Get well soon and happy belated birthday :hug2:
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Happy birthday; glad you are recovering. I’ve been through that operation and I remember well the sitting around forever. Take care.
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Julie,
So good to hear from you. I had a hysterectomy 6 years ago and I have not regreted it much. Except 2 weeks ago I had to have my bladder “lifted”.
Just do what they say and it will be fine. Wishing you a speedy recovery and lost of love sent your way. :heart1: :heart1: :heart1: :heart1:
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I’m so glad you’re feeling better. The tired part…well, it’s going to take a while, but think of the reading you can do. :)
Chocolate’s and being Queen…gotta love that one.
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Happy Belated Birthday!
I will pass along a bit of advice my sweet MIL gave me when I had my hysterectomy
many years ago: during your recovery period lift nothing heavier than a teacup. I
tried but did not quite follow that suggestion. Like Debbie, I later had to have my
bladder “lifted.” Take care!
Pat Cochran
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Happy belated BIRTHDAY! You deserve tobe treated as a queen for the day and I hope it was a very special day too! Hope you are feeling better real soon :)
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Glad you’re on the road to recovery, Julie.
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Welcome back Julie!!! I’m so glad your feeling better. Have a great weekend everyone!
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Glad to have you back, Julie, and wishing you a speedy recovery.
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Julie,
I’m so glad that you’re back. I hope the recovery goes well. Make sure you’ve got plenty of good books to read while you’re at home. I hope everyone has a great weekend!
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So glad that you’re back Julie!! Take care of yourself and have a great weekend!
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I’m so happy your on the mend, it takes awhie to get back on your feet after a hysterectomy. I’ve had a lot of surgeries and you would think it wouldn’t bother me but every time I’m more frightened by the anesthis than the actual operation. Keep resting and treat every day as Queen for a day. :flower4you:
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WE MISS YOU, JULIE!!! Hope you can come back full time very soon.
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So glad you are feeling better! Love the chocolates.
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Glad to hear that you are doing better! Prayers for a quicker recovery!
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Hope you are getting some time to read during your recovery. Happy Birthday too
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A late Happy Birthday! rest, take life easy and wishing you a speedy recovery
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Hi Julie, I am new to the plot monkeys but I had read a few blogs about you getting better… I am glad that everything is going good for you!!
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Hey Jules…I am so glad that you are back…sorry to hear about the hysterectomy, but I am happy that you are on the mend…don’t count me in for the contest okay…just wanted to send you my love…
I hope that everyone is having a wonderful start to your weekend…see you guys later…gotta catch Carly before it’s too late…
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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Glad you’re coming along Julie. Although it may be slow, it’s progress. Take it easy. Follow the doctor’s orders. Hooray for the giveaway! Good luck everyone and have a great weekend!
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WOW–I LOVE ANYTHING CHOCOLATE.
LOOKS LIKE A LOT OF MONKEYS HAVE HAD SURGERY TOO. I HAD
IT DONE OVER 50 YEARS AGO AND THEY ALSO REMOVED MY
APPENDIX AT THE SAME TIME–I HAVE A HORRIBLE SCAR FROM
THE SURGERY.
ALICE IN TEXAS
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Awesome prize! Have a great weekend everyone!
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Have a speedy recovery :flower4you:
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Glad to know that you’re feeling better. That’s nothing that anybody wants to go through so I’m glad that you came through it all ok. Since I didn’t get to send you some flowers while you were feeling really bad here are some now and I hope that they make you feel better.
Missy
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awwww..I’m glad to hear you okay and hope you heal fast and feel better soon!
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Glad to here you are feeling better. I hope you have a full recovery soon. Take care of your self!!! Happy Belated Birthday.
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I had my hysterectomy quite a few years ago and I feel for you! You take care of yourself and don’t overdo it! On a positive note, it was one of the smartest things I ever did. I wish you well.
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Hope you recover fast and all is well. Have a great weekend everyone!
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I am glad you are finished with your surgery and on the mend! Happy Belated Birthday. I just celebrated mine this Thursday! Got to love June
babies. Cindi :banana:
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:hug2: :sicksick: Glad you are on the mend. I have a similar problem and can sympathize. Unfortunately, they couldn’t correct my problem last October (complications)…so now I am having gastric bypass and when I am a smaller me they will go in again & fix me up. Take it easy.
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Welcome back! Wishing you a quick recovery. Awesome giveaway as always. Have a great weekend everyone.
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Hope you feel better! Happy Belated Birthday!
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Wishing you a quick recovery. Great prize. Sorry I havent bn around much Ive had some personal stuff to tend to.HAPPY FRIDAY ALL
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glad you’re back. good give away this week – - as usual.
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Happy Birthday and hope you feel up to snuff soon.
Did you get any writing done while confined to being immobile?
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I’m glad you are feeling better!
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Happy birthday, it’s great to have you back!
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I am so happy that you are feeling better. Happy birthday
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Happy Burthday! Best of health always. Enjoy the weekend.
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Glad to heve you back with us Julie. I’m sending healing thoughts your way. Happy belated birthday too.
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Glad to see you back with us. Belated happy birthday.