I started this blog on February 17, 2005. I started it for a number of reasons. I was out of a job and I needed something to keep me occupied while looking for another one, I wanted to delve deeper into my love of romance than I could on a message board, I wanted to get to know other romance readers better and I've always loved writing, but didn't know if I had it in me to write a book. I still don't have that answer.

My life has changed so much since that day three years ago. I've had two jobs since then - thankfully I love where I work now.

My sons have both moved out on their own - for good this time. For a while it was a revolving door with one moving out and the other moving back in.

The biggest change of course is loosing Ron. That has affected and changed me profoundly. I don't blog about it much, but I still long for him every day. He was the other part of me. I can go along seemingly doing quite well when I will see something or hear something and it will be as if he just died yesterday and the grief is as deep and keen as if I just lost him. I still haven't been able to go through his things. When I come upon his writing, it's as if he just wrote it out - and then I remember he's not with me anymore.
But in a way he still is. I know he is with me and always will be. I know many readers aren't into the soul mate kind of romance, but that's what Ron was and always will be - my soul mate.

But through all of the changes I've gone through in the past three years, my friends have remained. The group I went back to school with over eleven years ago continue to meet four times a year to catch up with each other. The next get together will be at my place. And I still see some of them other than that. One came to watch the first half of North and South. Now she has to come back to watch part II.

I still get together with my neighbour every Thursday night to watch Survivor.

I've made new friends at my current job. One of them came over on Saturday night.

And I still have all the wonderful people I've met through blogging. Some have disappeared like dear Maili. I hope she comes back to us. But there are still bloggers who've been there from Day 1. Wendy of SuperLibrarian who I was very fortunate enough to have as a room mate in Dallas. Keishon from Avid Reader is still here and I'm so glad of it. Sybil of The Good, The Bad and the Unread and who was another roomie is another dear blogging friend. Laurie of All About Romance is someone who has had a profound influence on me and my blogging life. I've had a chance to visit a number of times Cindy of Nocturnal Wonderings. And then there is Jane of Dear Author, the fourth room mate in Dallas. She's such a warm wonderful person. I also got to meet Sarah and Candy of Smart Bitches. What a hoot they are. And I also had a chance to meet in person and talk with Angie that Nice Mommy/Evil Editor.

And there are so many other wonderful, warm people I've met through blogging that I call friends.

Even in the midst of mourning Ron last year there was fun of getting readers to try Lisa Kleypas's Dreaming of You. That brought so much fun even in the saddest of times. And the absolute thrill of meeting Lisa in person. I'm still awed at that!!

It was wonderful last spring meeting Ames and Nath and having our first Canadian Bloggers Meet Up.

And now of course there is the current Crusade. I've gotten to know Katie and Sula during the hours we've planned and plotted and it has been so much fun. And all the romance readers who've seen and loved it has made it even that much more fun.

I now have a partner - Katie who brings new life and enthusiasm.

I continue to meet and get to know new bloggers and I'm so glad that I do.

To each and every one of you - sadly to many to mention all by name and then I would miss out on some anyway - thank you for the past three years. You all have enriched my life.