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


It's Rose with a brief update. Tuesday morning Den was taken by ambulance from the extended care facility where he is in residence to Barnes-Jewish Hospital for the vertebroplasty. One issue that has to be resolved before he can have the procedure is his blood viscosity. He is on a blood thinner to prevent strokes and that makes his blood too thin to risk the procedure. So, the first order of business is to get his blood where the physician wants it.

This morning he had further tests, and is scheduled now for the vertebroplasty at 9:00 am tomorrow. He is still in a lot of pain, but told the doctor he was not because he "just wants out of this place." His physicians are giving him oxy-contin (yes, Rush's drug) for pain relief. He fell this morning, so now has to have a 'sitter' with him to make sure he stays in bed.

This is all very hard on Sue and on Den's kids. Sue has hardly left Den's bedside and has to be dragged away when she does. Getting to the hospital is much more difficult than getting to the extended care facility which is just minutes from our house. So far, we've managed all the logistics just fine.

The plan now is for Den to be released on Thursday to return to the facility. But, you know how plans are: "The best laid plans of mice and men . . . " Guess the same is true for mice and women.

We'll post more when we know more. Thanks for all the prayers, phone calls, and thoughtful gestures. And special thanks to Catrina who has answered untold insurance questions surrounding these new developments.

On a brighter note, Sunday Sue and I went to Chris and Shelly's for their Mother's Day Brunch. They are THE host and hostess. We had a grand time, especially visiting with JoAnn and Kathleen, Shelly's mother and auntie. The two daughters and granddaughter were observing their first Mother's Day without Gram, and they turned it into a fine occasion of remembrance.

Of course, the decorations and the food and the drink were the finest. In Greenwood parlance, a good time was had by all.

The Abbott Clan all descended on #4 Peg Elaine on Mother's Day where they planted Margaret's flower beds, hanging pots, and installed a new innovation made by Robbie and contributed to by all the siblings. We are eager to see this new installation of Missouri wild flowers.