You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
I had a wonderful e-mail message from Joe's daughter, Lisa, this morning that included a link to photos of the famous dog, Pepper. Here's the link:
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/share/welcome?i=EeAN2Hi
And here's Lisa's message:
"Aunt Sue!
I just spent the morning reading through this blog and have really enjoyed it. I hope you are enjoying your stay at the lake and have a great Fourth of July. Jack and I really enjoyed your surprise birthday party and the chance to get reconnected with so many family members. I hope you are feeling better and that you'll get the long-awaited results back from Mayo very soon. May they be very encouraging.
Jack and I leave this Friday for a 10-day trip to Spain. We booked the trip back in February before the train bombings in Madrid. We were obviously frightened then but since Spain has pulled out of Iraq, we're thinking it may actually be one of the safer places to be this summer. But we're making sure to wear no clothing with visible American brand names and this includes banning Jack from wearing his white tennis shoes! He bought a pair of leather sandals or "Jesus boots" as he calls them and is breaking them in. We're looking forward to some wonderful seafood plus all the other great dishes of Spain. I think we'll be able to indulge without guilt because we'll be walking miles and miles everyday to take in all the sites.
Daddy is going to really have his work cut out for him with the dog Pepper during the second week of July because we'll be gone and Lydia will be at a church camp. Actually it will be the mutt who will suffer most because she loves having so many people to play with her and especially scratch her back and belly. Here's a link to see the noble beast:
http://www.shutterfly.com/view/pictures.jsp?aid=67b0de21b216f227f437 (Once you open it, click on View as SlideShow)
Well that's all for now.
Love,
Lisa
sralil@mchsi.com"
I see the message also has the link to the 'dog show.'
Maudie e-mailed that Bernie's surgery is now scheduled for July 29.
Den and I came home from the Lake last night where we have had a very nice few days. Den has gone back today for some days of quiet fishing before our big Fourth of July annual celebration. I will keep some appointments then go back to the Lake on Friday.
I'm still waiting for the report from the Mayo Clinic.
Jana and John are headed to Kansas City over the weekend to see John's sister. Tiffany and Aaron and Haleigh will be at their place at the Lake of the Ozarks and will come over on one of the days.
Chris and Shelly are travelling to Tennessee over the weekend to do "Deliverance" river ride. I told them I didn't want to hear anything about the trip until they were safely home. The same way I felt when Chris jumped out of an airplane a few years ago.
Rose and I are about to take Shirley to the airport for her trip to Chicago.
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
Monday, June 28, 2004
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
Jalen called to tell me he has learned to ride his two-wheeler, "on rocks, on grass, all over!" Dad taught him. Jalen also gave a further report on Brayden's climbing into the sink: "He even had Dad's toothbrush in his mouth and the water running!" Jalen's paternal great-grandfather died recently. Some of the family, Jalen included, are traveling to the state of Washington (after a trip to Washington, D.C., first) to scatter his ashes. Jalen's rendition of all this to me was something like, "You know, some people when they die are buried and some are burned up. He was burned up." Another part of our conversation was Jalen's thanking me--again--for the PS2 Harry Potter Game and the ten-dollar bill. Oh, the wonders of the six-year-old's world! Scott said the call was Jalen's idea, mainly over the excitement of learning to ride his bike without training wheels.
Jalen called to tell me he has learned to ride his two-wheeler, "on rocks, on grass, all over!" Dad taught him. Jalen also gave a further report on Brayden's climbing into the sink: "He even had Dad's toothbrush in his mouth and the water running!" Jalen's paternal great-grandfather died recently. Some of the family, Jalen included, are traveling to the state of Washington (after a trip to Washington, D.C., first) to scatter his ashes. Jalen's rendition of all this to me was something like, "You know, some people when they die are buried and some are burned up. He was burned up." Another part of our conversation was Jalen's thanking me--again--for the PS2 Harry Potter Game and the ten-dollar bill. Oh, the wonders of the six-year-old's world! Scott said the call was Jalen's idea, mainly over the excitement of learning to ride his bike without training wheels.
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
Hi, it's Rose here. Sue and Den are at the Lake until Wednesday, having gone there yesterday. You can reach Sue at (573) 365-2106. She will come home for a couple of days for her physical therapy appointment then return to the Lake for the Fourth of July Celebration.
Hi, it's Rose here. Sue and Den are at the Lake until Wednesday, having gone there yesterday. You can reach Sue at (573) 365-2106. She will come home for a couple of days for her physical therapy appointment then return to the Lake for the Fourth of July Celebration.
Saturday, June 26, 2004
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
We are still awaiting the Mayo Clinic report, impatiently awaiting. After consultation with Dr. Dooley, I skipped my routine Solumedrol infusion the week before going Mayo. Dr. Dooley thought it might obscure some test results. I am doing about the same without the infusion so am skipping again this week. Dr. Dooley is out of the office until Monday. I will call when he returns to decide with him on my future course of treatment, based on the Mayo Clinic results.
Den is coming in from Chicago today, and we will spend a few days at the Lake. Margaret and Norm may join us for some fishing.
Many people gave me their favorite book for my birthday. I am slowly reading them, although I haven't been able to send 'Thank You's' for all the generosity and thoughtfulness. Niece Nancy sent me one that I deeply appreciate for its spiritual comfort. The rosary bracelets she put me onto have now turned into my favorite gift to give. The artist and I are on first-name basis.
I had an e-mail from Brother Pete who reported on a great weekend with their two of their grandchildren, Kelly's sons. Kelly, Pete, and another grandson Chris are going Chinook Salmon fishing this weekend. Pete said he wondered if Joe didn't have better things to do than go see Cheney when the vice president was in Springfield not long ago.
In other family news, Den's Aunt Doris has a knee replacement last week and in a painful recovery period.
Scott called yesterday to tell us we can keep Brayden for eight days in early July. Shirley is making a pilgrimage to Louisiana at the same time and will miss some days with the baby. During the days we have Brayden, Jalen is taking a trip with his maternal grandmother and great grandmother. Brayden is at the get-in-trouble age. Scott said that he had gone in the bathroom (one of his favorite places), climbed on the toilet and then on the toilet tank to get into the sink. When Scott discovered him, he was sitting in the sink with the water running. Scott thought he was just giving himself a bath. No injuries, thank goodness. Now Scott has turned the water heater so low, he has to take lukewarm showers. I hate to tell Scott, but this is just the beginning of the in-trouble, quick-as-a-wink years. Wait until he is a teen!
Catrina's son Sam is spending two weeks with his paternal grandparents in North Carolina. Robbie's two sons are coming for summer vacation, and Lizzie will go visit the North Carolina grandparents in August. Sam has completely recovered from his bad bout with asthma and pneumonia. And Catrina is totally recovered from her disk problem that caused her some troubling symptoms in the Spring. She had to undergo intensive physical therapy for a time, but her disk problem is fixed.
We are still awaiting the Mayo Clinic report, impatiently awaiting. After consultation with Dr. Dooley, I skipped my routine Solumedrol infusion the week before going Mayo. Dr. Dooley thought it might obscure some test results. I am doing about the same without the infusion so am skipping again this week. Dr. Dooley is out of the office until Monday. I will call when he returns to decide with him on my future course of treatment, based on the Mayo Clinic results.
Den is coming in from Chicago today, and we will spend a few days at the Lake. Margaret and Norm may join us for some fishing.
Many people gave me their favorite book for my birthday. I am slowly reading them, although I haven't been able to send 'Thank You's' for all the generosity and thoughtfulness. Niece Nancy sent me one that I deeply appreciate for its spiritual comfort. The rosary bracelets she put me onto have now turned into my favorite gift to give. The artist and I are on first-name basis.
I had an e-mail from Brother Pete who reported on a great weekend with their two of their grandchildren, Kelly's sons. Kelly, Pete, and another grandson Chris are going Chinook Salmon fishing this weekend. Pete said he wondered if Joe didn't have better things to do than go see Cheney when the vice president was in Springfield not long ago.
In other family news, Den's Aunt Doris has a knee replacement last week and in a painful recovery period.
Scott called yesterday to tell us we can keep Brayden for eight days in early July. Shirley is making a pilgrimage to Louisiana at the same time and will miss some days with the baby. During the days we have Brayden, Jalen is taking a trip with his maternal grandmother and great grandmother. Brayden is at the get-in-trouble age. Scott said that he had gone in the bathroom (one of his favorite places), climbed on the toilet and then on the toilet tank to get into the sink. When Scott discovered him, he was sitting in the sink with the water running. Scott thought he was just giving himself a bath. No injuries, thank goodness. Now Scott has turned the water heater so low, he has to take lukewarm showers. I hate to tell Scott, but this is just the beginning of the in-trouble, quick-as-a-wink years. Wait until he is a teen!
Catrina's son Sam is spending two weeks with his paternal grandparents in North Carolina. Robbie's two sons are coming for summer vacation, and Lizzie will go visit the North Carolina grandparents in August. Sam has completely recovered from his bad bout with asthma and pneumonia. And Catrina is totally recovered from her disk problem that caused her some troubling symptoms in the Spring. She had to undergo intensive physical therapy for a time, but her disk problem is fixed.
Thursday, June 24, 2004
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
Brother Bernie called Tuesday night. He and Maudie are headed over to Olympia to see daughters Tammy and Cindy later this month. From there the two of them will travel to Seattle where Bernie will have surgery on his right leg to improve the circulation. He has doubts that his physicians will actually do the surgery because of the risks involved. Another thing they will do at the VA Hospital is take some kind of nutrition course for diabetics. Bernie chuckled at that, saying he had been taking such courses for 50 years.
Bernie's birthday is June 28. Happy EARLY birthday, Brother!
Son Mark is in Naples on business this week. Turns out he will be there for his birthday, which is the 28th also.
Den will be on vacation next week. We will spend a few days at the Lake, and we will have our usual 4th of July weekend with fireworks display. Our actual schedule will depend on various appointments and need to be in St. Louis.
Liz Keay, a long, long time friend of Rose's and mine, came for lunch yesterday. We spent a leisurely time on the patio in the nice, cool, bright weather catching up. Liz is doing a lot of travel and has plans to go to China in September. She is in town for her granddaughter's wedding this coming weekend.
Grandson Jalen is going to Washington D.C. with his maternal grandmothers in early July. Scott will be going with a group of friends on their annual float trip. And we will have Brayden for a few days.
Shirley is making plans for a trip to Lake Charles, LA, to visit members of her family, especially her sister Ann and brother-in-law Lee. Lee has been diagnosed with a serious cancer. In lieu of the annual Frontenot Family Reunion, most of the family are traveling to Lake Charles to visit Ann and Lee.
We are still awaiting the report from Dr. Benn E. Smith of the Mayo Clinic. One of our neighbors dropped in yesterday for a visit. It turns out, some time ago she was involved in an academic study at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester to determine how the Clinic earned it excellent reputation for patient care. She was interested in my experience in Scottsdale, and it dovetailed with what she had learned about the Rochester facility.
Brother Bernie called Tuesday night. He and Maudie are headed over to Olympia to see daughters Tammy and Cindy later this month. From there the two of them will travel to Seattle where Bernie will have surgery on his right leg to improve the circulation. He has doubts that his physicians will actually do the surgery because of the risks involved. Another thing they will do at the VA Hospital is take some kind of nutrition course for diabetics. Bernie chuckled at that, saying he had been taking such courses for 50 years.
Bernie's birthday is June 28. Happy EARLY birthday, Brother!
Son Mark is in Naples on business this week. Turns out he will be there for his birthday, which is the 28th also.
Den will be on vacation next week. We will spend a few days at the Lake, and we will have our usual 4th of July weekend with fireworks display. Our actual schedule will depend on various appointments and need to be in St. Louis.
Liz Keay, a long, long time friend of Rose's and mine, came for lunch yesterday. We spent a leisurely time on the patio in the nice, cool, bright weather catching up. Liz is doing a lot of travel and has plans to go to China in September. She is in town for her granddaughter's wedding this coming weekend.
Grandson Jalen is going to Washington D.C. with his maternal grandmothers in early July. Scott will be going with a group of friends on their annual float trip. And we will have Brayden for a few days.
Shirley is making plans for a trip to Lake Charles, LA, to visit members of her family, especially her sister Ann and brother-in-law Lee. Lee has been diagnosed with a serious cancer. In lieu of the annual Frontenot Family Reunion, most of the family are traveling to Lake Charles to visit Ann and Lee.
We are still awaiting the report from Dr. Benn E. Smith of the Mayo Clinic. One of our neighbors dropped in yesterday for a visit. It turns out, some time ago she was involved in an academic study at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester to determine how the Clinic earned it excellent reputation for patient care. She was interested in my experience in Scottsdale, and it dovetailed with what she had learned about the Rochester facility.
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
Again, it's Rose, typing for Sue:
"Chris and I picked Shirley up at the airport yesterday. We went to Applebee's for dinner, came home, and worked out in the 'Slim and Bulges' workout room. Today Shirley and I called for Rose who came in on a flight from Chicago at 2:30.
We are slowly returning to our pre-Mayo routine in this household. Niece Stephanie, her husband Dan and their two sons, Nathan and Jacob, are at the lake house this week. I spent Sunday and Sunday night with Chris and Shelly who were so welcoming and gracious that I felt very much 'at home.' Shelly made some great baklava. Shirley and I didn't know such an extraordinary dish could even be made at home.
Shelly suggested that for some of our more conservative family members, we should give some warning when we post some of our more liberal-leaning messages. We are going even further than to give warning; we want ANYONE to add comments for that surely leads to a rich and rewarding discussion. Niece Jana sent me an e-mail saying she had tried to add a comment but had trouble doing so. It may seem daunting, but believe us, it is really quite easy. Just follow the instructions for signing up for a free Blogspot account and the steps after that for either starting your own blog or commenting on this one.
After Jalen and Brayden went home, we sent a package with a Harry Potter PS2 game, some photos for Jalen's 'Amazin' Jalen' travelogue, and a ten-dollar bill so Jalen could host his father and brother at their favorite place, Home Town Buffet. Scott reported that when Jalen opened the package he exclaimed, 'Wow! I've had some one-dollar bills and a five-dollar bill, but I NEVER had a ten-dollar bill before!'
I had an e-mail from Brother Joe who said they had taken granddaughter Lydia to see the Vice-President when he was in Springfield yesterday."
Again, it's Rose, typing for Sue:
"Chris and I picked Shirley up at the airport yesterday. We went to Applebee's for dinner, came home, and worked out in the 'Slim and Bulges' workout room. Today Shirley and I called for Rose who came in on a flight from Chicago at 2:30.
We are slowly returning to our pre-Mayo routine in this household. Niece Stephanie, her husband Dan and their two sons, Nathan and Jacob, are at the lake house this week. I spent Sunday and Sunday night with Chris and Shelly who were so welcoming and gracious that I felt very much 'at home.' Shelly made some great baklava. Shirley and I didn't know such an extraordinary dish could even be made at home.
Shelly suggested that for some of our more conservative family members, we should give some warning when we post some of our more liberal-leaning messages. We are going even further than to give warning; we want ANYONE to add comments for that surely leads to a rich and rewarding discussion. Niece Jana sent me an e-mail saying she had tried to add a comment but had trouble doing so. It may seem daunting, but believe us, it is really quite easy. Just follow the instructions for signing up for a free Blogspot account and the steps after that for either starting your own blog or commenting on this one.
After Jalen and Brayden went home, we sent a package with a Harry Potter PS2 game, some photos for Jalen's 'Amazin' Jalen' travelogue, and a ten-dollar bill so Jalen could host his father and brother at their favorite place, Home Town Buffet. Scott reported that when Jalen opened the package he exclaimed, 'Wow! I've had some one-dollar bills and a five-dollar bill, but I NEVER had a ten-dollar bill before!'
I had an e-mail from Brother Joe who said they had taken granddaughter Lydia to see the Vice-President when he was in Springfield yesterday."
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
Hi, it's Rose again. We are doing a favorite thing: watching the Cubs and the Cardinals battle. And we are dying to see one of these in-town games this week. If anyone has any idea of how to get their hands on three tickets for this sold-out series, please call us!
Hi, it's Rose again. We are doing a favorite thing: watching the Cubs and the Cardinals battle. And we are dying to see one of these in-town games this week. If anyone has any idea of how to get their hands on three tickets for this sold-out series, please call us!
Sunday, June 20, 2004
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
Hello, this is Rose with a quick update. Sue and Chris took me to the airport this morning for my trip to Chicago. Sue is with Chris and Shelly today and part of tomorrow when she will come home.
We had an interesting happening at Walgreen's last night. Sue had called in four of her prescriptions, three topical cremes for her psoriasis and one for her Ambien sleeping medication. When we went to pick them up at the drive-through window, the clerk told us the cost was $549. We were aghast. Sue quickly regained her composure and told the woman to check the new insurance coverage. After a few minutes, we got the real costs--$160, only (?) $160.
We came away shaking our heads. What do people do who cannot afford their prescriptions? Sue said that people like her no doubt just suffer the pains of psoriasis and insomnia with no relief.
Surely, surely we need a National Health Care Insurance Plan in this country. I know I pay over $300 per month for modest medical insurance which, thank goodness, I haven't had much use for, yet. Sue and Den pay almost $2000 per month (YES, PER MONTH!) and still have exorbitant out-of-pocket expenses. God only knows what the week at the Mayo Clinic will end up costing them.
I read in today's TRIBUNE that the United States is paying one billion seven hundred million dollars for Iraqi health costs this year alone. That's $1,700,000,000 and only for health care. The other $200 BILLION is for other stuff. Charity begins at home, or should begin at home.
I know I don't fear terrorists nearly as much as I fear my rising medical insurance costs, prescription drug costs, health care costs, and gasoline prices. For someone on a fixed income, these are indeed frightening realities.
These are some dark days in America.
Hello, this is Rose with a quick update. Sue and Chris took me to the airport this morning for my trip to Chicago. Sue is with Chris and Shelly today and part of tomorrow when she will come home.
We had an interesting happening at Walgreen's last night. Sue had called in four of her prescriptions, three topical cremes for her psoriasis and one for her Ambien sleeping medication. When we went to pick them up at the drive-through window, the clerk told us the cost was $549. We were aghast. Sue quickly regained her composure and told the woman to check the new insurance coverage. After a few minutes, we got the real costs--$160, only (?) $160.
We came away shaking our heads. What do people do who cannot afford their prescriptions? Sue said that people like her no doubt just suffer the pains of psoriasis and insomnia with no relief.
Surely, surely we need a National Health Care Insurance Plan in this country. I know I pay over $300 per month for modest medical insurance which, thank goodness, I haven't had much use for, yet. Sue and Den pay almost $2000 per month (YES, PER MONTH!) and still have exorbitant out-of-pocket expenses. God only knows what the week at the Mayo Clinic will end up costing them.
I read in today's TRIBUNE that the United States is paying one billion seven hundred million dollars for Iraqi health costs this year alone. That's $1,700,000,000 and only for health care. The other $200 BILLION is for other stuff. Charity begins at home, or should begin at home.
I know I don't fear terrorists nearly as much as I fear my rising medical insurance costs, prescription drug costs, health care costs, and gasoline prices. For someone on a fixed income, these are indeed frightening realities.
These are some dark days in America.
Saturday, June 19, 2004
Friday, June 18, 2004
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
Nothing has happened since our last entry except that we flew half way across the U.S. Chris interrupted his poker night to ferry us from the airport, and now we are home.
Dave and Judy Meisel, neighbors at the Lake, called to tell me that the ramp to the swim dock had collapsed. Den was in route to Chicago, and I was about to get on a plane. Dave arranged with a dock company to get the repair underway--for which I am extremely grateful.
When my adopted son, Doug, heard about the problem, he said, "Well, I guess I'll just have to go down there next weekend." For those of you who don't know Doug, he can fix anything and he is a worker.
It was surely nice to get back to chilly St. Louis after scorching Scottsdale. Right now it is 66 degrees. Add 40 to that number, and you know the temperature in Scottsdale.
All week, off and on in our spare hours, we worked crossword puzzles. Rose is following right in our mother's footsteps. When she doesn't know the right word, she just makes one up. And she fills them in in INK!
We came right home and started the washing machine. Today we were reduced to fumbling through our suitcase to find "our cleanest dirty shirts."
After all our confusion about the time change, we don't know whether to stay up or go to bed. Does a two-hour time difference qualify as jet lag?
After all that went on this week at that wondrous Mayo Clinic, the next step is to wait.
Nothing has happened since our last entry except that we flew half way across the U.S. Chris interrupted his poker night to ferry us from the airport, and now we are home.
Dave and Judy Meisel, neighbors at the Lake, called to tell me that the ramp to the swim dock had collapsed. Den was in route to Chicago, and I was about to get on a plane. Dave arranged with a dock company to get the repair underway--for which I am extremely grateful.
When my adopted son, Doug, heard about the problem, he said, "Well, I guess I'll just have to go down there next weekend." For those of you who don't know Doug, he can fix anything and he is a worker.
It was surely nice to get back to chilly St. Louis after scorching Scottsdale. Right now it is 66 degrees. Add 40 to that number, and you know the temperature in Scottsdale.
All week, off and on in our spare hours, we worked crossword puzzles. Rose is following right in our mother's footsteps. When she doesn't know the right word, she just makes one up. And she fills them in in INK!
We came right home and started the washing machine. Today we were reduced to fumbling through our suitcase to find "our cleanest dirty shirts."
After all our confusion about the time change, we don't know whether to stay up or go to bed. Does a two-hour time difference qualify as jet lag?
After all that went on this week at that wondrous Mayo Clinic, the next step is to wait.
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
We got to the Mayo Clinic early this morning to sort out insurance issues. Some Blue Choice coverage of various tests was still a question, but Catrina tackled the problem. She called just now to say the Blue Choice representative, Amber, had called her back to tell her that all the testing is covered.
The tests this morning were simple--one was to assess my general level of functioning to establish a quantitative baseline and the other to test my lung functioning. We were back in the room by 11:00 am and are packing and readying to head east.
Rose changed our returning Southwest Airlines reservations so many times that she was embarrassed to do it a fourth time, so she made me do it. We are scheduled out of here at 4:05 pm, arriving in St. Louis at 9:25 pm. We have some time to kill so we'll check out of here, have some lunch, turn in our car, and go to the gate.
Margaret called a bit ago. She was sitting on a park bench on Main Street in St. Charles, eating horehound candy, waiting for Norm and their out-of-towners to finish shopping. They are having a good time.
Den left here to return to Chicago this morning at 8:45. He will be back in Chicago before we leave this area.
We got to the Mayo Clinic early this morning to sort out insurance issues. Some Blue Choice coverage of various tests was still a question, but Catrina tackled the problem. She called just now to say the Blue Choice representative, Amber, had called her back to tell her that all the testing is covered.
The tests this morning were simple--one was to assess my general level of functioning to establish a quantitative baseline and the other to test my lung functioning. We were back in the room by 11:00 am and are packing and readying to head east.
Rose changed our returning Southwest Airlines reservations so many times that she was embarrassed to do it a fourth time, so she made me do it. We are scheduled out of here at 4:05 pm, arriving in St. Louis at 9:25 pm. We have some time to kill so we'll check out of here, have some lunch, turn in our car, and go to the gate.
Margaret called a bit ago. She was sitting on a park bench on Main Street in St. Charles, eating horehound candy, waiting for Norm and their out-of-towners to finish shopping. They are having a good time.
Den left here to return to Chicago this morning at 8:45. He will be back in Chicago before we leave this area.
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
Brother Joe has sent us an e-mail, an update on his medical condition, a report on the famous dog, and an old, old, old story which only he can remember because he never forgets ANYTHING! Here is his missive:
"Sue, there is no way you can keep from worrying but remember my Doctors are (as of today) still trying to determine if I have Gout Arthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis. What I thought was gout all these years flared up again this week in my left ankle & moved forward to my toes. I called the Dr. this morning & he set up a 12:30 appointment. Regular Dr. was off & his replacement saw me. Think he drew out some fluid from my ankle to determine if it gout or RA, then squirted some cordozone back in my ankle. Also put me back on Predisone for 10 days, starting with 3 the first day & tapering off, starting day 3.
Funny story next, Lisa & Lydia were walking the dog Sunday at Sequota Park. Lisa said they were discussing who owned the dog & Lydia assured her the dog belonged to her (Lydia) Later the dog pooped and ownership became questionable. Lisa said Lydia went & got the poop bag & let Lisa do the dirty work.
Remember the time at Marshfield when you got a cat. A deal was made as to which part of the house you, Rose & possible Donald were responsible. The cat pooped twice the same day, in the same room.
Have an enjoyable stay (if possible) in Phoenix & a safe return trip."
Last evening we had dinner with (again, on) Den at Ruth's Kris Steak House. No doubt, we had the best steak EVER. Rose and I were underdressed, as it turns out, and Den was overcharged, as it turns out. We had a fine time, but we lingered so long that it was too late to call Niece Kaye when we returned.
Catrina, bless her heart, read the yesterday's weblog update, and immediately called to offer help in sorting out the insurance issues. We may have to get her involved again, depending on what Blue Choice decrees.
This morning it is off to the Mayo Clinic extra early to take advantage of the two-hour time difference with the insurance office in St. Louis.
It's already warm here in Sunny Scottsdale and going up to 107 today.
Brother Joe has sent us an e-mail, an update on his medical condition, a report on the famous dog, and an old, old, old story which only he can remember because he never forgets ANYTHING! Here is his missive:
"Sue, there is no way you can keep from worrying but remember my Doctors are (as of today) still trying to determine if I have Gout Arthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis. What I thought was gout all these years flared up again this week in my left ankle & moved forward to my toes. I called the Dr. this morning & he set up a 12:30 appointment. Regular Dr. was off & his replacement saw me. Think he drew out some fluid from my ankle to determine if it gout or RA, then squirted some cordozone back in my ankle. Also put me back on Predisone for 10 days, starting with 3 the first day & tapering off, starting day 3.
Funny story next, Lisa & Lydia were walking the dog Sunday at Sequota Park. Lisa said they were discussing who owned the dog & Lydia assured her the dog belonged to her (Lydia) Later the dog pooped and ownership became questionable. Lisa said Lydia went & got the poop bag & let Lisa do the dirty work.
Remember the time at Marshfield when you got a cat. A deal was made as to which part of the house you, Rose & possible Donald were responsible. The cat pooped twice the same day, in the same room.
Have an enjoyable stay (if possible) in Phoenix & a safe return trip."
Last evening we had dinner with (again, on) Den at Ruth's Kris Steak House. No doubt, we had the best steak EVER. Rose and I were underdressed, as it turns out, and Den was overcharged, as it turns out. We had a fine time, but we lingered so long that it was too late to call Niece Kaye when we returned.
Catrina, bless her heart, read the yesterday's weblog update, and immediately called to offer help in sorting out the insurance issues. We may have to get her involved again, depending on what Blue Choice decrees.
This morning it is off to the Mayo Clinic extra early to take advantage of the two-hour time difference with the insurance office in St. Louis.
It's already warm here in Sunny Scottsdale and going up to 107 today.
Thursday, June 17, 2004
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
Thursday, June 17, 2004, 6:00 pm Scottsdale Time
Well, more waiting. We just returned from our debriefing consult with Dr. Benn E. Smith. He has not yet reached any conclusions and won’t until all the test results are in. In fact, he wants me to have two more tests tomorrow, which means we will be extending our stay here into the evening. In our meeting when I pressed Smith for possibilities, his response was that it is as if there are 20 different pieces of cake in front of us with no point in selecting THE ONE until the recipe is in place. Some of the ‘cakes’ are treatable; some are not. When all the results and evaluations and interpretations are complete, Dr. Smith will mail copies of the Mayo report to both Dr. Dooley and to me in 10-14 days.
Smith did tell me there is no improvement in the nerves in my legs, something that was a great disappointment to hear. About my disease, he was neither encouraging nor discouraging. He would not venture any guesses as to a definitive diagnosis or prognosis at this point.
Earlier in the day I had blood drawn and a spinal tap, both of which were no big deal. Smith said the spinal fluid looked good, improved over the condition in February.
From our 4:00 pm meeting with Smith, we went to the insurance desk because these additional tests must be approved by Blue Choice, my insurance carrier. Of course, Blue Choice personnel had gone for the day, so tomorrow Rose and I will go the Clinic very early to get the necessary approvals rolling.
We have changed our flight from 10:10 am to 6:30 pm tomorrow and have arranged for a late checkout time here at the Embassy Suites.
Overall, I am very disappointed, but shouldn’t really be surprised. These past months have been ones of a lot of waiting for answers.
A brighter note to the day: We had lunch at a restaurant overlooking a beautiful golf course.
We will leave our room shortly to meet Den for dinner, another respite from all this fretting and waiting.
Thursday, June 17, 2004, 6:00 pm Scottsdale Time
Well, more waiting. We just returned from our debriefing consult with Dr. Benn E. Smith. He has not yet reached any conclusions and won’t until all the test results are in. In fact, he wants me to have two more tests tomorrow, which means we will be extending our stay here into the evening. In our meeting when I pressed Smith for possibilities, his response was that it is as if there are 20 different pieces of cake in front of us with no point in selecting THE ONE until the recipe is in place. Some of the ‘cakes’ are treatable; some are not. When all the results and evaluations and interpretations are complete, Dr. Smith will mail copies of the Mayo report to both Dr. Dooley and to me in 10-14 days.
Smith did tell me there is no improvement in the nerves in my legs, something that was a great disappointment to hear. About my disease, he was neither encouraging nor discouraging. He would not venture any guesses as to a definitive diagnosis or prognosis at this point.
Earlier in the day I had blood drawn and a spinal tap, both of which were no big deal. Smith said the spinal fluid looked good, improved over the condition in February.
From our 4:00 pm meeting with Smith, we went to the insurance desk because these additional tests must be approved by Blue Choice, my insurance carrier. Of course, Blue Choice personnel had gone for the day, so tomorrow Rose and I will go the Clinic very early to get the necessary approvals rolling.
We have changed our flight from 10:10 am to 6:30 pm tomorrow and have arranged for a late checkout time here at the Embassy Suites.
Overall, I am very disappointed, but shouldn’t really be surprised. These past months have been ones of a lot of waiting for answers.
A brighter note to the day: We had lunch at a restaurant overlooking a beautiful golf course.
We will leave our room shortly to meet Den for dinner, another respite from all this fretting and waiting.
Wednesday, June 16, 2004
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
Wednesday, June 16, 2004, 11:30 am, Scottsdale Time
Another test finished, this one called Autonomic Study, which looks at the functioning of small involuntary nerves in the body. The EMG yesterday was an examination of the large nerve and muscle functions. Now you know as much as I do. It was painless but uncomfortable at times, unlike the EMG which was terrible, both uncomfortable and painful. The technician explained everything as we went along and was as gentle and patient as all the staff has been. She couldn’t interpret the test; that will be done by a physician-neurologist. The results showed up on a graph which, with all the ups and downs, looked something like Bush’s approval polls.
I had to fast before this test so after it was over, Rose and I went back to our suite where we ate a huge breakfast. We have a small refrigerator and microwave, but no stove. As it turns out, to make toast or fry eggs, all you have to do is step onto the patio and place them on the table for five minutes. We haven’t tried that, but think it would work.
Rose, my traveling computer whiz, couldn’t figure out how to sign up for the high-speed computer connection in our room. We didn’t have Chris to show her the way. Den told us how to sign onto AOL, using dial-up, which turned out to be easy and a good deal less expensive anyway. That Rose, she is always making simple things difficult.
And now we are at Borders, having come here to sign onto their T-Mobile Hot Spot—another one of Rose’s ideas. So here we are having $7.00 worth of coffees to save an interconnection fee of 75 cents, and again she can’t make the connection work. Where is Chris when we need him? Even though all our plans come to naught (“The best laid plans of mouse and women all come to no good end”, we are having a good time—in between treks up the road to the Clinic and the worrisome business I have there.
This afternoon I have a Skin Sensation Test. The explanation for the test is in its name.
We won’t see Den today because he has some big product demonstration going on and has to work. We plan to call niece Kaye (Bernie and Maudie’s daughter who lives in Mesa) tonight.
We’ve been checking in occasionally with folks at home. Margaret and Norm have out-of-town guest, Norm’s niece and husband. Sam, Margaret and Norm’s grandson, flew to North Carolina yesterday, alone at age eight, to visit his other set of grandparents. He is a fine and courageous young traveler. Rose and I surely hope he is not homesick for we both remember that miserable condition, for which ‘home’ is the only cure.
Chris will take Shirley to the airport this afternoon for her usual trip to Chicago.
Rose has just finished a book she enjoyed enormously, THE SPIRAL STAIRCASE. She says it has made all the waiting around at the clinic a real pleasure and recommends it highly.
Wednesday, June 16, 2004, 8:00 pm, Scottsdale Time
Well, it is now evening, and the temperature has dropped to 99 degrees.
The Skin Sensation Test proved to be short and simple, not uncomfortable or painful. Again, the technician was gracious and kind. She will forward the results to Dr. Smith for his interpretation.
Dr. Smith has added blood tests to my itinerary, which mean that we have to be at the Clinic by 7:15 am tomorrow. I am required to fast for the 12 hours before the blood is drawn, so Rose and I ate a simple supper here in our room. We enjoyed it immensely, watching the Cubs win as we munched.
After the blood letting, I am scheduled for a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). For any of you who have seen “Miss Evers’ Boys,” you know what one of those is. I’ve had three previously, and Mary Myers, bless her heart, has had too many to count. It’s not a picnic, but the worse part is having to be very still for hours afterwards to avoid a bad headache.
Mark and Scott called to check in today. Things are good with them and their families. Chris took Shirley to the airport in the little car, and she said he was his delightful self. We wonder how they carried her luggage! They no doubt discussed the new Harry Potter movie as both are big fans.
We have to be up and about really early tomorrow so plan to turn in early.
More later.
Wednesday, June 16, 2004, 11:30 am, Scottsdale Time
Another test finished, this one called Autonomic Study, which looks at the functioning of small involuntary nerves in the body. The EMG yesterday was an examination of the large nerve and muscle functions. Now you know as much as I do. It was painless but uncomfortable at times, unlike the EMG which was terrible, both uncomfortable and painful. The technician explained everything as we went along and was as gentle and patient as all the staff has been. She couldn’t interpret the test; that will be done by a physician-neurologist. The results showed up on a graph which, with all the ups and downs, looked something like Bush’s approval polls.
I had to fast before this test so after it was over, Rose and I went back to our suite where we ate a huge breakfast. We have a small refrigerator and microwave, but no stove. As it turns out, to make toast or fry eggs, all you have to do is step onto the patio and place them on the table for five minutes. We haven’t tried that, but think it would work.
Rose, my traveling computer whiz, couldn’t figure out how to sign up for the high-speed computer connection in our room. We didn’t have Chris to show her the way. Den told us how to sign onto AOL, using dial-up, which turned out to be easy and a good deal less expensive anyway. That Rose, she is always making simple things difficult.
And now we are at Borders, having come here to sign onto their T-Mobile Hot Spot—another one of Rose’s ideas. So here we are having $7.00 worth of coffees to save an interconnection fee of 75 cents, and again she can’t make the connection work. Where is Chris when we need him? Even though all our plans come to naught (“The best laid plans of mouse and women all come to no good end”, we are having a good time—in between treks up the road to the Clinic and the worrisome business I have there.
This afternoon I have a Skin Sensation Test. The explanation for the test is in its name.
We won’t see Den today because he has some big product demonstration going on and has to work. We plan to call niece Kaye (Bernie and Maudie’s daughter who lives in Mesa) tonight.
We’ve been checking in occasionally with folks at home. Margaret and Norm have out-of-town guest, Norm’s niece and husband. Sam, Margaret and Norm’s grandson, flew to North Carolina yesterday, alone at age eight, to visit his other set of grandparents. He is a fine and courageous young traveler. Rose and I surely hope he is not homesick for we both remember that miserable condition, for which ‘home’ is the only cure.
Chris will take Shirley to the airport this afternoon for her usual trip to Chicago.
Rose has just finished a book she enjoyed enormously, THE SPIRAL STAIRCASE. She says it has made all the waiting around at the clinic a real pleasure and recommends it highly.
Wednesday, June 16, 2004, 8:00 pm, Scottsdale Time
Well, it is now evening, and the temperature has dropped to 99 degrees.
The Skin Sensation Test proved to be short and simple, not uncomfortable or painful. Again, the technician was gracious and kind. She will forward the results to Dr. Smith for his interpretation.
Dr. Smith has added blood tests to my itinerary, which mean that we have to be at the Clinic by 7:15 am tomorrow. I am required to fast for the 12 hours before the blood is drawn, so Rose and I ate a simple supper here in our room. We enjoyed it immensely, watching the Cubs win as we munched.
After the blood letting, I am scheduled for a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). For any of you who have seen “Miss Evers’ Boys,” you know what one of those is. I’ve had three previously, and Mary Myers, bless her heart, has had too many to count. It’s not a picnic, but the worse part is having to be very still for hours afterwards to avoid a bad headache.
Mark and Scott called to check in today. Things are good with them and their families. Chris took Shirley to the airport in the little car, and she said he was his delightful self. We wonder how they carried her luggage! They no doubt discussed the new Harry Potter movie as both are big fans.
We have to be up and about really early tomorrow so plan to turn in early.
More later.
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
Wednesday, June 16, 2004, 6:00 am Scottsdale Time
The time here is very confusing. We have a hard time knowing what it is, but thank goodness our cell phones do! We are two hours behind our normal clock, so here it is early to bed and early to rise.
Wednesday, June 16, 2004, 6:00 am Scottsdale Time
The time here is very confusing. We have a hard time knowing what it is, but thank goodness our cell phones do! We are two hours behind our normal clock, so here it is early to bed and early to rise.
Tuesday, June 15, 2004
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
Tuesday, June 15, 2004, 4:00 pm Scottsdale Time
Rose and I are sitting in the Starbuck’s Coffee Shop at Barnes & Noble, just west of the Mayo Clinic where we have spent the day.
The day started with registration and a bit of an orientation. All the insurance forms and necessary precertifications were in place Part of the registration included an itinerary for my three days here with the tests scheduled along with explanations of the tests and instructions for preparing for them. From registration we went to the Neurology Offices for my initial consultation.
I met with Dr. Benn E. Smith, the neurologist here, for over two hours. Rose was allowed in for part of the session. Smith took a complete history and did a comprehensive examination, more complete than by any of my previous physicians. Dr. Smith is extremely personable and kind. He cautioned me that some 25% of cases like mine defy diagnosis. It was only faintly comforting that he told me I most probably don’t have some rare form of cancer because if I did, it would have killed me months ago. At the conclusion of all the testing, I will once again meet with Dr. Smith to hear his findings.
After a very brief break for lunch in the patient cafeteria, I went for my first test, one of those horrid EMG’s. That took another two and one-half hours, and Dr. Smith conducted some of it, a Dr. Ross a portion, and two technicians some of it.
Tomorrow morning I have to be at the Clinic at 8:00 am and testing will take up most of the day.
The Mayo Clinic is one impressive place. Like almost all the architecture in this area, it blends perfectly into the surrounding desert and mountains. Inside it is extremely modern and extremely efficiently laid out. As best we can tell after one day there, it is one of the most organized places we’ve ever seen. All the staff and volunteers bend over backwards to ease any difficulties that might arise. I found the experience there very soothing.
Our trip here yesterday could not have been any easier. Southwest Airlines and airport personnel at both airports were on hand with a wheelchair and we scooted to the head of all lines. Rose was so impressed she is thinking of feigning a handicap any time she travels.
We got to our Embassy Suite like two homing pigeons and found the people there equally accommodating. The Bell person found us a wheelchair which we are using for the days we are here, both at the hotel and in the city.
We shopped for some groceries, had a good (not great) Mexican dinner, and went to bed early, the two-hour time delay having caught up with us.
Den arranged to be here on a business trip, and we are having dinner with (actually on) him tonight.
More later when we have more to say.
9:00 pm, Tuesday
And we have more to say.
Pete called to see how we are doing. He and Janet are looking forward to having son Kelly and his two boys for the weekend. Turns out, Pete is very familiar with Phoenix and gave us some tips about this place. He asked if we were wearing our long johns. We are not. The temperature here today hit 106. Tomorrow there is the promise of 107.
We met Den south of here at the Holiday Inn near Sky Harbor Airport for dinner. He is busy with his distributor and is doing some kind of product demonstration that neither Rose nor I understood, but it is good for his business. We will no doubt have dinner again. He leaves to return to Chicago on Friday earlier in the day than we fly back to St. Louis.
I am very tired, and it is early to bed.
Tuesday, June 15, 2004, 4:00 pm Scottsdale Time
Rose and I are sitting in the Starbuck’s Coffee Shop at Barnes & Noble, just west of the Mayo Clinic where we have spent the day.
The day started with registration and a bit of an orientation. All the insurance forms and necessary precertifications were in place Part of the registration included an itinerary for my three days here with the tests scheduled along with explanations of the tests and instructions for preparing for them. From registration we went to the Neurology Offices for my initial consultation.
I met with Dr. Benn E. Smith, the neurologist here, for over two hours. Rose was allowed in for part of the session. Smith took a complete history and did a comprehensive examination, more complete than by any of my previous physicians. Dr. Smith is extremely personable and kind. He cautioned me that some 25% of cases like mine defy diagnosis. It was only faintly comforting that he told me I most probably don’t have some rare form of cancer because if I did, it would have killed me months ago. At the conclusion of all the testing, I will once again meet with Dr. Smith to hear his findings.
After a very brief break for lunch in the patient cafeteria, I went for my first test, one of those horrid EMG’s. That took another two and one-half hours, and Dr. Smith conducted some of it, a Dr. Ross a portion, and two technicians some of it.
Tomorrow morning I have to be at the Clinic at 8:00 am and testing will take up most of the day.
The Mayo Clinic is one impressive place. Like almost all the architecture in this area, it blends perfectly into the surrounding desert and mountains. Inside it is extremely modern and extremely efficiently laid out. As best we can tell after one day there, it is one of the most organized places we’ve ever seen. All the staff and volunteers bend over backwards to ease any difficulties that might arise. I found the experience there very soothing.
Our trip here yesterday could not have been any easier. Southwest Airlines and airport personnel at both airports were on hand with a wheelchair and we scooted to the head of all lines. Rose was so impressed she is thinking of feigning a handicap any time she travels.
We got to our Embassy Suite like two homing pigeons and found the people there equally accommodating. The Bell person found us a wheelchair which we are using for the days we are here, both at the hotel and in the city.
We shopped for some groceries, had a good (not great) Mexican dinner, and went to bed early, the two-hour time delay having caught up with us.
Den arranged to be here on a business trip, and we are having dinner with (actually on) him tonight.
More later when we have more to say.
9:00 pm, Tuesday
And we have more to say.
Pete called to see how we are doing. He and Janet are looking forward to having son Kelly and his two boys for the weekend. Turns out, Pete is very familiar with Phoenix and gave us some tips about this place. He asked if we were wearing our long johns. We are not. The temperature here today hit 106. Tomorrow there is the promise of 107.
We met Den south of here at the Holiday Inn near Sky Harbor Airport for dinner. He is busy with his distributor and is doing some kind of product demonstration that neither Rose nor I understood, but it is good for his business. We will no doubt have dinner again. He leaves to return to Chicago on Friday earlier in the day than we fly back to St. Louis.
I am very tired, and it is early to bed.
Thursday, June 10, 2004
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
One more medical test to report, my bone density test. Turns out my bones are in such good shape that the technician asked what kind of exercise program I was on. In all my 60 years, no one has ever asked me THAT question or accused me of such a thing.
Actually, I AM on an exercise program designed by my physical therapist, and it is paying off. When I first started last February, I could leg press 20 pounds. Now I'm up to 85 pounds, and my balance is much improved. What continues to be worrisome is that my hands are not getting better. And, of course, no doctor has been able to diagnosis this strange illness. Hence, the trip next week to the Mayo Clinic.
Going out to St. Luke's yesterday for my MRI turned out to be much easier than I anticipated. For one thing, a security guard clued us into a short cut and a great place to park. For another the 30 minutes in the MRI chamber, while unpleasant, was easier than the last two times. The tranquilizer I took helped a lot. Dr. Dooley hasn't called about the MRI results, but he didn't anticipate it would show anything. My double vision has lessened, which he also predicted.
One more medical test to report, my bone density test. Turns out my bones are in such good shape that the technician asked what kind of exercise program I was on. In all my 60 years, no one has ever asked me THAT question or accused me of such a thing.
Actually, I AM on an exercise program designed by my physical therapist, and it is paying off. When I first started last February, I could leg press 20 pounds. Now I'm up to 85 pounds, and my balance is much improved. What continues to be worrisome is that my hands are not getting better. And, of course, no doctor has been able to diagnosis this strange illness. Hence, the trip next week to the Mayo Clinic.
Going out to St. Luke's yesterday for my MRI turned out to be much easier than I anticipated. For one thing, a security guard clued us into a short cut and a great place to park. For another the 30 minutes in the MRI chamber, while unpleasant, was easier than the last two times. The tranquilizer I took helped a lot. Dr. Dooley hasn't called about the MRI results, but he didn't anticipate it would show anything. My double vision has lessened, which he also predicted.
Wednesday, June 09, 2004
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
Jana and John came over Thursday evening and had pizza with us. We still had Jalen and Brayden. John and Jalen really hit it off over Play Station 2. Brayden was his usual shy self but warmed up because he did love the pizza.
Jana and John are settling into their apartment. They were headed to Kansas City on Friday to meet Cindy and Danny to go to a Royals game.
Mark came on Friday to take me to my physical therapy appointment and take care of the boys while I was there. Then we went to Forest Park for lunch and for Mark to take the boys on a long boat ride. They loved it, and Brayden warmed up considerably to his Uncle Mark.
Friday was one full day. As soon as we got back from the park outing, Rose, the boys, and I went to Whole Foods to get some groceries for our lake weekend. Then off to meet Sabrina on Highway K (which was a dirt road such a short time ago and today is a metropolitan highway with stores and traffic like the middle of Chicago). Dave and Brett and Alex were waiting for us when we (Sabrina, boys, and I) arrived at the lakehouse around 8:00 pm. Brayden and Jalen slept the whole way.
We had a great weekend. Dave took the three big boys to "Harry Potter III", which was a wondrous outing for them. Jalen's excited report about the movie was to verify all the storyline Shirley has told him, and to express great shock that "they said 'bloody H' several times." Even when I pressed him, he would not say what the 'H' stood for. Brayden had a grand time with the big kids and loved all the doting attention he got.
We came home on Sunday, stopping by the Abbotts to pick up Margaret Ann who spent the night with us at the Oakland House and then made the trip with us over to Mount Carmel on Monday to return the boys to Scott. Margaret and I got back from Mount Carmel in time to call for Shirley at the airport. Shirley and I went to Applebee's for dinner Monday evening. On Sunday evening Margaret, the boys, and I went to Pasta House for dinner. Brayden and Jalen were model boys, and can that Brayden eat! He went straight from the bottle to table food and loves it. He is an eclectic eater, unlike his father and his brother.
Brayden had a grand time at the Abbotts and seemed to drop all his shyness. I guess his being around so many uncles, aunts, and cousins but also with his protective brother and Granny was very therapeutic. He stole hearts all the time he was here. Jalen is quite an artist and left a whole exhibit for our refrigerator. He also made a get-well poster for Sam which Margaret Ann took to give Sam. (See below.)
We have spent a week worrying and awaiting news about Catrina's Sam. He had a severe asthma attack, complicated by pneumonia. Thank goodness the crisis has passed and yesterday Sam got a clean bill of health from his doctor.
On Saturday I developed a worrisome new symptom--occasional double vision. It hadn't gone away by Monday, so I called my neurologist, Dr. Dooley, who had me come in Tuesday. He had a name for the condition and feels it is nothing to worry about, indeed is quite common. As a precaution and because I would have to have one next week at the Mayo Clinic anyway, he is having me get an MRI (another one) today.
Dr. Dooley also cancelled my Solumedrol treatment that was scheduled for Thursday and Friday, thinking it might interfere with testing next week at Mayo.
Everything is coming together for the trip to Scottsdale to see a specialist at the Mayo Clinic next week. The biggest headache is getting precertification/preapproval from my insurance company. Catrina, who has had to be out of work because of Sam, is back today and is on top of the problem. Thank goodness!
One of our nieces, Kaye, daughter of Bernie and Maudie, lives in Mesa, AZ, which is near Scottsdale (we think). Rose and I will try to get together with her while we are there.
Week to week, the days go at whirling speed. It is some mean, dirty trick that the older you get, the faster the time goes by. I was amazed that it had been a week since we updated this blog.
Brother Joe just called. His granddaughter and daughter, Lydia and Beth, are in St. Louis for two days as part of Lydia's gifted student program. Mother and daughter will visit St. Louis U, Washington U, and UMSL, all of which are trying to recruit Lydia even though she is not yet in high school. We are all very proud of this young woman!
Joe is busy working around the house. His dog is his best friend these days and wags his tail to beg to go along with him. Joe and Dog are in obedience school together. We don't know if they are passing or not.
Pete told us Donald, Vita, and Vita's mother had gone to Washington, D.C., for the WWII Memorial dedication over Memorial Day. The news about Bernie is that he took a fall on Sunday and is suffering from a bruised backside. Pete and Janet have tickets to see Glen Campbell in Jackpot, Nevada. [Pete calls the place 'Crackpot.' You know, like Wendover is 'Bendover'.]
Margaret saw her cardiologist yesterday and got a clean bill of health. She goes back in six months. And Rose, I don't want to forget her. She is home from Chicago and going with me today to hold my toe for the MRI.
And now the Big News from 905 Barnard College Lane. We got our new exercise equipment yesterday--a treadmill and an exercycle. Shirley has dubbed our exercise space "Slim and Bulges," which is her translation of "Curves", applied to the three of us. The equipment is still brand new. We'll report on the mileage here occasionally--unless we're too embarrassed.
Jana and John came over Thursday evening and had pizza with us. We still had Jalen and Brayden. John and Jalen really hit it off over Play Station 2. Brayden was his usual shy self but warmed up because he did love the pizza.
Jana and John are settling into their apartment. They were headed to Kansas City on Friday to meet Cindy and Danny to go to a Royals game.
Mark came on Friday to take me to my physical therapy appointment and take care of the boys while I was there. Then we went to Forest Park for lunch and for Mark to take the boys on a long boat ride. They loved it, and Brayden warmed up considerably to his Uncle Mark.
Friday was one full day. As soon as we got back from the park outing, Rose, the boys, and I went to Whole Foods to get some groceries for our lake weekend. Then off to meet Sabrina on Highway K (which was a dirt road such a short time ago and today is a metropolitan highway with stores and traffic like the middle of Chicago). Dave and Brett and Alex were waiting for us when we (Sabrina, boys, and I) arrived at the lakehouse around 8:00 pm. Brayden and Jalen slept the whole way.
We had a great weekend. Dave took the three big boys to "Harry Potter III", which was a wondrous outing for them. Jalen's excited report about the movie was to verify all the storyline Shirley has told him, and to express great shock that "they said 'bloody H' several times." Even when I pressed him, he would not say what the 'H' stood for. Brayden had a grand time with the big kids and loved all the doting attention he got.
We came home on Sunday, stopping by the Abbotts to pick up Margaret Ann who spent the night with us at the Oakland House and then made the trip with us over to Mount Carmel on Monday to return the boys to Scott. Margaret and I got back from Mount Carmel in time to call for Shirley at the airport. Shirley and I went to Applebee's for dinner Monday evening. On Sunday evening Margaret, the boys, and I went to Pasta House for dinner. Brayden and Jalen were model boys, and can that Brayden eat! He went straight from the bottle to table food and loves it. He is an eclectic eater, unlike his father and his brother.
Brayden had a grand time at the Abbotts and seemed to drop all his shyness. I guess his being around so many uncles, aunts, and cousins but also with his protective brother and Granny was very therapeutic. He stole hearts all the time he was here. Jalen is quite an artist and left a whole exhibit for our refrigerator. He also made a get-well poster for Sam which Margaret Ann took to give Sam. (See below.)
We have spent a week worrying and awaiting news about Catrina's Sam. He had a severe asthma attack, complicated by pneumonia. Thank goodness the crisis has passed and yesterday Sam got a clean bill of health from his doctor.
On Saturday I developed a worrisome new symptom--occasional double vision. It hadn't gone away by Monday, so I called my neurologist, Dr. Dooley, who had me come in Tuesday. He had a name for the condition and feels it is nothing to worry about, indeed is quite common. As a precaution and because I would have to have one next week at the Mayo Clinic anyway, he is having me get an MRI (another one) today.
Dr. Dooley also cancelled my Solumedrol treatment that was scheduled for Thursday and Friday, thinking it might interfere with testing next week at Mayo.
Everything is coming together for the trip to Scottsdale to see a specialist at the Mayo Clinic next week. The biggest headache is getting precertification/preapproval from my insurance company. Catrina, who has had to be out of work because of Sam, is back today and is on top of the problem. Thank goodness!
One of our nieces, Kaye, daughter of Bernie and Maudie, lives in Mesa, AZ, which is near Scottsdale (we think). Rose and I will try to get together with her while we are there.
Week to week, the days go at whirling speed. It is some mean, dirty trick that the older you get, the faster the time goes by. I was amazed that it had been a week since we updated this blog.
Brother Joe just called. His granddaughter and daughter, Lydia and Beth, are in St. Louis for two days as part of Lydia's gifted student program. Mother and daughter will visit St. Louis U, Washington U, and UMSL, all of which are trying to recruit Lydia even though she is not yet in high school. We are all very proud of this young woman!
Joe is busy working around the house. His dog is his best friend these days and wags his tail to beg to go along with him. Joe and Dog are in obedience school together. We don't know if they are passing or not.
Pete told us Donald, Vita, and Vita's mother had gone to Washington, D.C., for the WWII Memorial dedication over Memorial Day. The news about Bernie is that he took a fall on Sunday and is suffering from a bruised backside. Pete and Janet have tickets to see Glen Campbell in Jackpot, Nevada. [Pete calls the place 'Crackpot.' You know, like Wendover is 'Bendover'.]
Margaret saw her cardiologist yesterday and got a clean bill of health. She goes back in six months. And Rose, I don't want to forget her. She is home from Chicago and going with me today to hold my toe for the MRI.
And now the Big News from 905 Barnard College Lane. We got our new exercise equipment yesterday--a treadmill and an exercycle. Shirley has dubbed our exercise space "Slim and Bulges," which is her translation of "Curves", applied to the three of us. The equipment is still brand new. We'll report on the mileage here occasionally--unless we're too embarrassed.
Wednesday, June 02, 2004
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
Another very busy week! Tiffany and Haleigh came for dinner last Wednesday. Shirley, Rose, and I had shopped earlier in the day at St. Louis Mills, and we found a perfect outfit for Haleigh. She put it on when she arrived, and it was indeed perfect. She and Shirley had a great time in the 'sandtray' room while Tiffany cut Rose's and my hair. Thank you, Tiffany! We feel like 'new women' with our hair cut fresh.
On Thursday, son Chris came and took me to my appointment with Dr. Duckworth, whome he called 'turkey neck' which is not even close.
We had terrific storms on Thursday evening. Den arrived for the weekend late in the day. We met Jana, her fiance' John, her mother Cindy, her stepfather Danny, and her sister Trish for dinner at the Pasta House. The wind blew, the chips flew, . . . and so on and so forth. Since Jana and John could not get into their apartments on Thursday, they and the rest of the family spent the night at our Oakland House. They got settled in over the weekend.
Cindy is going through a real ordeal these days. She has been having chemotherapy for cancer, and recent tests have indicated the tumors have shrunk, which is very good news. She is very proud of these two beautiful daughters!
Friday morning Den went on the lake. Later in the day, Scott and sons Jalen and Brayden arrived from Louisville, picked me up here, and we drove to the lake. We had a grand Memorial Day Weekend, always the opening day for the season. Doug, Suzanne, and Lukas arrived Friday evening. Goldman and Maddog came also. We ate well, enjoyed the water, fished, and generally hung out.
Now Jalen wants to pass along his message. Here it is: I hope all of you have heard that Sam is sick, and I am very worried about him. Sam is Catrina's son and is my second cousin. He has asthma and had to go to the hospital last night.
Day after tomorrow we are going to the lake house, and Sabrina's sons, Brett and Alex, are going to be there. We are going to have a great time at the lakehouse together. We are going to swim together, play together, and slippy slide together.
Last week at the lakehouse Miranda was there. She is a neighbor, she lives down the street, very far away. She won't be there this weekend, but my best friends are.
Today we went to the Art Mart and got Sam a get-well poster with dragons and lizards, and stars. Sam is staying the night at the hospital with lots of doctors and nurses. Tomorrow he is going home. I am very worried about him. A long, long time ago when I was here, we had Granny a special picture party. Sam was there. Lizzy was there. Jacob was there. A whole lot of friends were there. Alex and Brett were there. Miranda was there. We had a super duper great night. When the party was over, we stayed at Chris' and Shelly's. We had a great time, and then I had to go back to Louisville, Kentucky.
My brother is playing with the keys right now. Granny is messing with the remote, and Aunt Rose is working with me.
Tonight Granny, Brayden, Aunt Rose, and I went to California Pizza Kitchen for dinner. We had a great time, and ate some good food. Then we went to have dessert at Maggie Moo's. I had chocolate ice cream with sparkles. The others had their favorite ice cream. I stood outside and held the door for people. Then we went home where we are making this welblog right now. It is just a little bit until my bedtime. I will go to bed when everybody does because of all the scary stuff in my imagination. Here is a trick that might help you if you have a bad dream. I read this in a book. If you have a bad dream, that means your mind runs free.
It is my summer break. YIPPEE!!! I am glad to be out of school, like every other student in my classroom. Here are some of the names of my friends: Jeremy, Jerred, Cedric, Hunter, Lauren, Annabel, Victoria (just like my momma's name, Vicky). Momma just called right now. Daddy called earlier. I hurt my leg riding on my scooter, but I am better now.
Brayden is pretending to drink water. He almost put my gameboy in the cup. Whoops! That was close. Granny is scolding Brayden and she looks like she is mad at him. Brayden just loved her so the scolding is over. What a sweet baby!
We picked Granny up at her massage place, and now we are home.
Good night, Folks!
The End of Jalen's message for Granny's weblog.
=============
Both Shelly and Chris came to visit yesterday afternoon, separately as it turns out. Shelly is finishing her school year and is taking the summer off. Chris was between classes. Both Jalen and Brayden are making friends with them but slowly as Brayden has a real fear of people.
Shirley left for Chicago today. I am looking forward to the weekend. David and Brett and Alex went to the lake today. Sabrina, Jalen, Brayden, and I will go down on Friday. Jalen is very excited at spending time with these cousins. I, of course, will much love being with the Smith's.
Another very busy week! Tiffany and Haleigh came for dinner last Wednesday. Shirley, Rose, and I had shopped earlier in the day at St. Louis Mills, and we found a perfect outfit for Haleigh. She put it on when she arrived, and it was indeed perfect. She and Shirley had a great time in the 'sandtray' room while Tiffany cut Rose's and my hair. Thank you, Tiffany! We feel like 'new women' with our hair cut fresh.
On Thursday, son Chris came and took me to my appointment with Dr. Duckworth, whome he called 'turkey neck' which is not even close.
We had terrific storms on Thursday evening. Den arrived for the weekend late in the day. We met Jana, her fiance' John, her mother Cindy, her stepfather Danny, and her sister Trish for dinner at the Pasta House. The wind blew, the chips flew, . . . and so on and so forth. Since Jana and John could not get into their apartments on Thursday, they and the rest of the family spent the night at our Oakland House. They got settled in over the weekend.
Cindy is going through a real ordeal these days. She has been having chemotherapy for cancer, and recent tests have indicated the tumors have shrunk, which is very good news. She is very proud of these two beautiful daughters!
Friday morning Den went on the lake. Later in the day, Scott and sons Jalen and Brayden arrived from Louisville, picked me up here, and we drove to the lake. We had a grand Memorial Day Weekend, always the opening day for the season. Doug, Suzanne, and Lukas arrived Friday evening. Goldman and Maddog came also. We ate well, enjoyed the water, fished, and generally hung out.
Now Jalen wants to pass along his message. Here it is: I hope all of you have heard that Sam is sick, and I am very worried about him. Sam is Catrina's son and is my second cousin. He has asthma and had to go to the hospital last night.
Day after tomorrow we are going to the lake house, and Sabrina's sons, Brett and Alex, are going to be there. We are going to have a great time at the lakehouse together. We are going to swim together, play together, and slippy slide together.
Last week at the lakehouse Miranda was there. She is a neighbor, she lives down the street, very far away. She won't be there this weekend, but my best friends are.
Today we went to the Art Mart and got Sam a get-well poster with dragons and lizards, and stars. Sam is staying the night at the hospital with lots of doctors and nurses. Tomorrow he is going home. I am very worried about him. A long, long time ago when I was here, we had Granny a special picture party. Sam was there. Lizzy was there. Jacob was there. A whole lot of friends were there. Alex and Brett were there. Miranda was there. We had a super duper great night. When the party was over, we stayed at Chris' and Shelly's. We had a great time, and then I had to go back to Louisville, Kentucky.
My brother is playing with the keys right now. Granny is messing with the remote, and Aunt Rose is working with me.
Tonight Granny, Brayden, Aunt Rose, and I went to California Pizza Kitchen for dinner. We had a great time, and ate some good food. Then we went to have dessert at Maggie Moo's. I had chocolate ice cream with sparkles. The others had their favorite ice cream. I stood outside and held the door for people. Then we went home where we are making this welblog right now. It is just a little bit until my bedtime. I will go to bed when everybody does because of all the scary stuff in my imagination. Here is a trick that might help you if you have a bad dream. I read this in a book. If you have a bad dream, that means your mind runs free.
It is my summer break. YIPPEE!!! I am glad to be out of school, like every other student in my classroom. Here are some of the names of my friends: Jeremy, Jerred, Cedric, Hunter, Lauren, Annabel, Victoria (just like my momma's name, Vicky). Momma just called right now. Daddy called earlier. I hurt my leg riding on my scooter, but I am better now.
Brayden is pretending to drink water. He almost put my gameboy in the cup. Whoops! That was close. Granny is scolding Brayden and she looks like she is mad at him. Brayden just loved her so the scolding is over. What a sweet baby!
We picked Granny up at her massage place, and now we are home.
Good night, Folks!
The End of Jalen's message for Granny's weblog.
=============
Both Shelly and Chris came to visit yesterday afternoon, separately as it turns out. Shelly is finishing her school year and is taking the summer off. Chris was between classes. Both Jalen and Brayden are making friends with them but slowly as Brayden has a real fear of people.
Shirley left for Chicago today. I am looking forward to the weekend. David and Brett and Alex went to the lake today. Sabrina, Jalen, Brayden, and I will go down on Friday. Jalen is very excited at spending time with these cousins. I, of course, will much love being with the Smith's.
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