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
Here is the latest news about Bernie:
" Rose, Sue and all. this was on the computer when I came home a bit ago. It was sent 9-21 about 7:30 PM. In the meantime, I had a call from Bernie - connection was bad and they did make it home yesterday. Will forward anything else I get.
Auntie M"
And here is the e-mail Margaret forwarded from Doug
"Hi Auntie M.
Well, I patted Dad on the po-po and sent him and Mom on their way today. I just heard from them at about 4:30 pm. They are just about 20 miles away from where they will stop for the night, Ginko State Park, in the Columbia Gorge. They called just before they lost cell phone contact and won't be reachable again until they make their way out tomorrow.
Dad said he was getting used to the truck again and was doing fine. It looks like he has turned the corner - World look out!
Bye,
Doug"
In other developments, Norman landed in the hospital on Thursday. After a very worrisome 24 hours or so, the docs decided to let him come home Saturday morning. Turns out, and we pray is the case, he may be having some drug interaction problems. Margaret says he will go for more testing next week, but in the meantime is taking a much reduced level of his various medications. This morning he is better, and was working on the furnace. It sound like good news that Norman is in his Mr. Fix-It mode.
I am in Chicago for the weekend. It is overcast and rainy here, more effects of our weather down south. Shirley has considerable family in Lake Charles, LA, and the surrounding area where Hurricane Rita spent her fury. In fact, Shirley's New Orleans brother who evacuated to Lake Charles has now moved on to Shreveport. The phone has been ringing off the hook as family members report on their flooding and damage. Many have had to evacuate and can't even get back in to know the extent of the damage yet.
Six of my wonderful adopted sons are at the Lake this weekend, working on various house projects. I am not even sure what all they are doing but am eternally grateful for their hard work.
Christopher dropped Rose and me off at the airport yesterday morning and was headed to the Oakland house with a handyman he has hired. Their task was to ready the house for winter.
While waiting for our flight, Brayden called me. He always asks, "What are you doing?" When I told him we were going to Chicago on an airplane, he said, "I want to go to Chicago on an airplane and see Shirley." He associates Shirley and Chicago. Scott then got on the phone and said earlier Brayden was in his room making a loud banging noise. Scott went to check and found him with a hammer, pounding away at a switch place. He had pounded it to pieces.
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
For our Dear Readers who don't know our family well, a word of explanation about Doug's e-mail. Bernie and Maudie have nine adult offspring; once ten, but their beloved second daughter, Peggy, died far too early more than two years ago. As you can tell from the communications from that family, they are a close-knit and loving bunch even if they did use up all the oxygen in Bernie's room. The situation with Bernie would be so much more worrisome were it not for all the support he and Maudie receive.
Here is an update on Bernie from his son Doug. It comes to us via Margaret:
"Hi Auntie M,
Not much to report today. Dad is doing pretty well. He is getting up three times a day now and walking around the hallways on the third floor of the VA hospital. I see him eyeing the elevators pretty heavy as we walk by.... His legs are working great and they have taken him off the pain medication. So he is otherwise pretty much back to his old self except for some swelling that needs to come down before he is released.
The nurses say that he would be already moved to an intermediate care room except they are full, so he stays in the ICU. He does have the most private room available there and they allow all the visitors Dad can handle. Today we made the most of it by cramming 7 of us in the 10' by 10' room with him. We rotated out when we ran out of oxygen to breathe.
We are hopeful that Dad will be released to go home by the middle of next week. Everyone is doing their parts to see that it happens.
-more later.
Doug"
"Hi Auntie M,
Not much to report today. Dad is doing pretty well. He is getting up three times a day now and walking around the hallways on the third floor of the VA hospital. I see him eyeing the elevators pretty heavy as we walk by.... His legs are working great and they have taken him off the pain medication. So he is otherwise pretty much back to his old self except for some swelling that needs to come down before he is released.
The nurses say that he would be already moved to an intermediate care room except they are full, so he stays in the ICU. He does have the most private room available there and they allow all the visitors Dad can handle. Today we made the most of it by cramming 7 of us in the 10' by 10' room with him. We rotated out when we ran out of oxygen to breathe.
We are hopeful that Dad will be released to go home by the middle of next week. Everyone is doing their parts to see that it happens.
-more later.
Doug"
Friday, September 16, 2005
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
Scott called last evening to tell us that Jalen broke the little finger on his left hand, the hand he writes with, while playing on the playground at his school. Jalen's mother and grandmother (who is a nurse) were with him at the hospital where a hand specialist was determining the best treatment.
Some time over the summer, we noticed Brayden learned the proper use of pronouns. For example, he at one time referred to himself as "Baby," but now knows the correct use of "I." Scott says he has a new expression, "Where you got that?" meaning "Where did you get that?" We figure he's working on his verb tenses. It's amazing to observe how the little guy learns. His main teacher is imitation and mimicry. And having a big brother to mimic surely helps a lot.
Scott called last evening to tell us that Jalen broke the little finger on his left hand, the hand he writes with, while playing on the playground at his school. Jalen's mother and grandmother (who is a nurse) were with him at the hospital where a hand specialist was determining the best treatment.
Some time over the summer, we noticed Brayden learned the proper use of pronouns. For example, he at one time referred to himself as "Baby," but now knows the correct use of "I." Scott says he has a new expression, "Where you got that?" meaning "Where did you get that?" We figure he's working on his verb tenses. It's amazing to observe how the little guy learns. His main teacher is imitation and mimicry. And having a big brother to mimic surely helps a lot.
Thursday, September 15, 2005
This is Catrina - my many thanks to the Auntie's for allowing me to be a "guest blogger" and post the pictures for our Katrina relief efforts. And yes, I have taken alot of flack because of my name, but remember, they spell it wrong anyway.
This is at RiverOaks Church in Wentzville, loading up Sunday September 11th. Enough was donated to fill this BIG budget truck and two more vans!
Here are our guys loaded, ready and giving the thumb's up! Randy is second from the left, Randy's friend Matt Gross is in the middle and that's Barry on then end. I'm not sure of the other two guys' names.
Here they are unloading the stuff at Life Spring Church in Southaven Mississippi, which if you don't know is immediately below Memphis across the Mississippi state line.
Hard to get everything in one picture, there was so much stuff donated!
The whole crew in Mississippi.
There are more picture posted on www.rivoakschurch.com. Just click on 'Drive For Disaster Relief'.
We are supporting the needs of LifeSpring Church over the coming months. They do not need clothing at this time since so much was donated this past week, so they are mainly accepting toiletry items and cleaning supplies. Other items can include baby items, diapers, wet wipes, etc. I peronsally plan on keeping a box at my work and an open trunk if anyone wishes to help out!
Also wishing a speedy recovery to Uncle Bernie!
This is at RiverOaks Church in Wentzville, loading up Sunday September 11th. Enough was donated to fill this BIG budget truck and two more vans!
Here are our guys loaded, ready and giving the thumb's up! Randy is second from the left, Randy's friend Matt Gross is in the middle and that's Barry on then end. I'm not sure of the other two guys' names.
Here they are unloading the stuff at Life Spring Church in Southaven Mississippi, which if you don't know is immediately below Memphis across the Mississippi state line.
Hard to get everything in one picture, there was so much stuff donated!
The whole crew in Mississippi.
There are more picture posted on www.rivoakschurch.com. Just click on 'Drive For Disaster Relief'.
We are supporting the needs of LifeSpring Church over the coming months. They do not need clothing at this time since so much was donated this past week, so they are mainly accepting toiletry items and cleaning supplies. Other items can include baby items, diapers, wet wipes, etc. I peronsally plan on keeping a box at my work and an open trunk if anyone wishes to help out!
Also wishing a speedy recovery to Uncle Bernie!
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Margaret just forwarded this update e-mail from Bernie's and Maudie's son, Doug:
"Dad had a little better day today. He is being kept in the ICU because the doctors have found a chemical in his blood (no not WD40) that usually suggests a recent heart attack. After an ultrasound, though, they have almost ruled that out. Dad is much more lucid and is picking on the nurses so it looks like steady improvement. He tried to plot an escape today but the nurses got wind of it and loaded him up with pain medication until he forgot what he was up to.
Sandi had to get home tonight since she works again tomorrow, but Tammy is coming back through again - so we'll keep the ICU room full of family. Mom is staying in the parking lot of my church and so has power and a safe place to park the 5th wheel. She seems comfortable and is close. Every now and then she stays the night with us just to make us feel like we are doing something."
Also, Catrina (Niece Catrina, not Hurrican Katrina) sent some utterly amazing photos of all the stuff donated to the hurricane relief effort. TRUCKLOADS!!! She has spearheaded a drive to collect items for Randy, his partner Barry, and others from their church to take to Mississippi. Catrina, would you PLEASE blog those photos and some summary comments about the work you are doing? [For all Dear Readers who are not already aware of it, Catrina is as knowledgeable about computers as she is about insurance.]
"Dad had a little better day today. He is being kept in the ICU because the doctors have found a chemical in his blood (no not WD40) that usually suggests a recent heart attack. After an ultrasound, though, they have almost ruled that out. Dad is much more lucid and is picking on the nurses so it looks like steady improvement. He tried to plot an escape today but the nurses got wind of it and loaded him up with pain medication until he forgot what he was up to.
Sandi had to get home tonight since she works again tomorrow, but Tammy is coming back through again - so we'll keep the ICU room full of family. Mom is staying in the parking lot of my church and so has power and a safe place to park the 5th wheel. She seems comfortable and is close. Every now and then she stays the night with us just to make us feel like we are doing something."
Also, Catrina (Niece Catrina, not Hurrican Katrina) sent some utterly amazing photos of all the stuff donated to the hurricane relief effort. TRUCKLOADS!!! She has spearheaded a drive to collect items for Randy, his partner Barry, and others from their church to take to Mississippi. Catrina, would you PLEASE blog those photos and some summary comments about the work you are doing? [For all Dear Readers who are not already aware of it, Catrina is as knowledgeable about computers as she is about insurance.]
Bernie's daughter sent this update for the Blog. I have been away from my e-mail for a few day so her e-mail was delayed getting posted.
"Hi Aunt Sue (or Rose, whomever is editing today!) This is Cyndi, Bernie's youngest.
I just got home from the hospital, (today is Sunday, September 11). Dad had a rough night and has slept most of today.
Doug couldn't get his laptop to connect to the internet from the hospital, so I told them I would update you when I got home.
Dad had a bypass in his legs. It's the same idea as the heart bypass, but to open clogged arteries in his legs instead. His surgery was supposed to be about an hour and a half long, but it ended up being a little over 5 hours. When the doctors got all of the bypass work done, they opened up the clamp on his artery, but nothing changed. They followed the artery up to the place where the clamp was and the artery was just mush. (Doug said that one doctor said it was turned to mush by the clamp, but the other doctor said they couldn't be sure of that.) They had to run a balloon up his artery passed the damage and reconstruct the artery with webbing. He slept through most of Friday. Saturday morning they changed from giving him morphine every 8 min. intravenously, to percocet by mouth. By about 3 or 4 in the afternoon he seemed very much more himself. He sat up and watch the Mariner's lose (again) with us and about 8 was ready for bed.
This morning when we got to the hospital (well, really about noon) he was out of it again. The nurses said he had a rough night with chest pain and wasn't able to sleep until about 2 o'clock. They had to go back to morphine, so he was pretty out of it today. I left him about 3 and he wasn't awake. When Mom had to keep waking him up to take another bite of food (about 1 o'clock) and he snapped at her to quit bugging him we figured he'd had enough lunch and needed sleep more.
I wish I could tell you he had another day like yesterday afternoon, but the nurses said they expected it, it's usually one good day and then one day to recoup from the good day. Yesterday he was very much like himself, he found out what it would take to get out of ICU and decided he could do it (three times over!) as long as the cute nurse would hold his hand! She was a good sport.
We'll update as soon as there's news. Please email me if I left any details out and any of this doesn't make sense!!
Thanks!
Cyndi"
Thanks, Cyndi. If you'll update again, I'll try to be more timely with 'editing.' Also, to All Our Dear Readers, you may also add comments directly to the Blog.
"Hi Aunt Sue (or Rose, whomever is editing today!) This is Cyndi, Bernie's youngest.
I just got home from the hospital, (today is Sunday, September 11). Dad had a rough night and has slept most of today.
Doug couldn't get his laptop to connect to the internet from the hospital, so I told them I would update you when I got home.
Dad had a bypass in his legs. It's the same idea as the heart bypass, but to open clogged arteries in his legs instead. His surgery was supposed to be about an hour and a half long, but it ended up being a little over 5 hours. When the doctors got all of the bypass work done, they opened up the clamp on his artery, but nothing changed. They followed the artery up to the place where the clamp was and the artery was just mush. (Doug said that one doctor said it was turned to mush by the clamp, but the other doctor said they couldn't be sure of that.) They had to run a balloon up his artery passed the damage and reconstruct the artery with webbing. He slept through most of Friday. Saturday morning they changed from giving him morphine every 8 min. intravenously, to percocet by mouth. By about 3 or 4 in the afternoon he seemed very much more himself. He sat up and watch the Mariner's lose (again) with us and about 8 was ready for bed.
This morning when we got to the hospital (well, really about noon) he was out of it again. The nurses said he had a rough night with chest pain and wasn't able to sleep until about 2 o'clock. They had to go back to morphine, so he was pretty out of it today. I left him about 3 and he wasn't awake. When Mom had to keep waking him up to take another bite of food (about 1 o'clock) and he snapped at her to quit bugging him we figured he'd had enough lunch and needed sleep more.
I wish I could tell you he had another day like yesterday afternoon, but the nurses said they expected it, it's usually one good day and then one day to recoup from the good day. Yesterday he was very much like himself, he found out what it would take to get out of ICU and decided he could do it (three times over!) as long as the cute nurse would hold his hand! She was a good sport.
We'll update as soon as there's news. Please email me if I left any details out and any of this doesn't make sense!!
Thanks!
Cyndi"
Thanks, Cyndi. If you'll update again, I'll try to be more timely with 'editing.' Also, to All Our Dear Readers, you may also add comments directly to the Blog.
Monday, September 12, 2005
Margaret sent this e-mail from Bernie and Maudie's son and daughter for posting:
" Rose, here is the long awaited update from Bernie's family:
'Hi Auntie M!
We couldn't make the phone lines work for us at the hospital yesterday, so I'm writing you this from home today.
Dad had a really rough day yesterday. We weren't very happy with the staff (especially Nurse "Prickly" Bob). They didn't inform us that it is very common for these minor set-backs. Dad was so tired he was hallucinating most of the day. He was able to wolf down the watermelon we smuggled in, though. And I think he was winning at most of the Skipbo games he was playing in his head....
Anyway, Sandi called the hospital at 6:45 this morning. Dad was already taking laps around the ward and had slept very well. He was lucid and even accused the nurse of being a slave driver. So he sounds like he is back to his old self. They are talking about moving him out of ICU as soon as today.
Mom stayed last night in the trailer. We set her up at Lake Pleasant, an RV park about 5 miles away from our place. She alternates from staying with us and sleeping "at home". Yesterday took a lot out of her (and out of us all).
We're praying for Uncle Norm, too. Thanks for the updates.
Doug
...Sandi just asked me to give an overview of Dad's operation in case anyone missed it. So I'll include it here.
Dad had bypass surgery for blockages in both legs on Thursday 9/8. The stint that was previously put in his left leg was never opened all the way and was mostly blocked. The right leg was closing up as well.
The doctors hooked in to his Iliac artery and grafted on some tubing to bypass the blockage in his right leg, then they patched into that bypass and bridged across to the left leg (I think duct tape was involved as well). Some of the arteries needed repair so the doctors were at it for about 5 hours . They told us, on average, that this is a 11/2 hour operation....
Long story short, Dad's blood pressure in his legs has improved from 55 in the left leg and 75 in the right, to 95 in both legs. The doctors are pleased and Dad is now talking about how warm his feet are. That's something I've never heard him say before. We are all very encouraged.
-more later."'"
" Rose, here is the long awaited update from Bernie's family:
'Hi Auntie M!
We couldn't make the phone lines work for us at the hospital yesterday, so I'm writing you this from home today.
Dad had a really rough day yesterday. We weren't very happy with the staff (especially Nurse "Prickly" Bob). They didn't inform us that it is very common for these minor set-backs. Dad was so tired he was hallucinating most of the day. He was able to wolf down the watermelon we smuggled in, though. And I think he was winning at most of the Skipbo games he was playing in his head....
Anyway, Sandi called the hospital at 6:45 this morning. Dad was already taking laps around the ward and had slept very well. He was lucid and even accused the nurse of being a slave driver. So he sounds like he is back to his old self. They are talking about moving him out of ICU as soon as today.
Mom stayed last night in the trailer. We set her up at Lake Pleasant, an RV park about 5 miles away from our place. She alternates from staying with us and sleeping "at home". Yesterday took a lot out of her (and out of us all).
We're praying for Uncle Norm, too. Thanks for the updates.
Doug
...Sandi just asked me to give an overview of Dad's operation in case anyone missed it. So I'll include it here.
Dad had bypass surgery for blockages in both legs on Thursday 9/8. The stint that was previously put in his left leg was never opened all the way and was mostly blocked. The right leg was closing up as well.
The doctors hooked in to his Iliac artery and grafted on some tubing to bypass the blockage in his right leg, then they patched into that bypass and bridged across to the left leg (I think duct tape was involved as well). Some of the arteries needed repair so the doctors were at it for about 5 hours . They told us, on average, that this is a 11/2 hour operation....
Long story short, Dad's blood pressure in his legs has improved from 55 in the left leg and 75 in the right, to 95 in both legs. The doctors are pleased and Dad is now talking about how warm his feet are. That's something I've never heard him say before. We are all very encouraged.
-more later."'"
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Hi, it's Rose here, parttime editor of this Blog. As Sue reminded me by phone today, we have left our Dear Readers with the information that Bernie was about to go into surgery for several days now. Margaret has talked with Maudie and sent the following e-mail report: "Talked to Maudie a bit ago and she said Bernie had been up and taken about 3 turns around the room. Expects him to be out of the intensive care department soon. Also talked to Doug who says he will e-mail a complete report and we can then post it on the blog. Thought I would just update with what I knew and will forward the Email from Doug as soon as I get it. I sent him a link to the blog but he said would email it to me and I could forward it.
Things are good here. Norman is still pretty weak and he does not make a very good patient nor is he very patient. I don't believe patient is in his vocabulary. He goes back for more blood tests the first of the week so the medicine to clot his blood (or unclot it?) can be regulated.
It is about time I make my Sunday afternoon call to Mary Pauline. Take care and like I said will email anymore info as soon as I receive it.
Love, M"
Things are good here. Norman is still pretty weak and he does not make a very good patient nor is he very patient. I don't believe patient is in his vocabulary. He goes back for more blood tests the first of the week so the medicine to clot his blood (or unclot it?) can be regulated.
It is about time I make my Sunday afternoon call to Mary Pauline. Take care and like I said will email anymore info as soon as I receive it.
Love, M"
Thursday, September 08, 2005
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
Margaret forwarded this e-mail from Doug, Bernie and Maudie's son:
"Hi Aunt Margaret and Uncle Norm,
It sounds like surgery is the trendy thing to be doing right now. I hope your recovery is going well Uncle Norm. You're in our prayers.
Dad (Bernie) is going in for surgery on Thursday. He decided to have the Seattle VA operate on his legs to fix the blockages that have kept him from getting around like he wants to. It looks like they will keep him for at least one week, maybe two. The doctor says that he will be able to tap dance when he is done (or at least play the piano) like he has been wanting all his life.
We'll keep you up to date.
Love,
Doug"
So, today is the day Bernie is having the surgery. When we get news, we will 'blog' it here.
Margaret tells us that Bernie and Maudie took their camper over to Seattle (from Spokane) last weekend to be ready for the surgery. She thinks they can park it right on the hospital lot so that Maudie has a 'home away from home,' and it will be there for the both of them when he is released but not yet ready to travel back home.
Norm went for a follow-up check with his physician yesterday. He got a blood sugar monitor and a preliminary check shows his blood sugar is normal. Diabetes seems NOT to be a problem.
In other family news, Brother Joe has been nominated by the St. Louis Railway Club as their "Man of the Year." There will be a big dinner at some fancy hotel in St. Louis in early October where he will be celebrated. We don't know exactly what all this means because Joe is so modest and unwilling to toot his own horn. So, we've decided to go to the dinner to see for ourselves. All Joe's family will be attending. I think his cheering section will be large and loud.
We had an e-mail from Marilyn Smith, a longtime friend who, with her husband Jim, retired to Florida a couple of years ago. The two of them chose to move to a place that has been hit with some horrendous hurricanes in the short time they have been there. This week, after various summer travels, they were in Memphis, waiting out Hurricane Ophelia before returning home. Marilyn, who is also from a large family, said she loves the Blog and, because of it, knows more about our family than she does her own!
Once again, we want all our Dear Readers, friends and family alike, to know that we like to post news--the good and the bad, especially the good--to keep everyone abreast. Keep those cards and letters (and e-mails) coming!
Margaret forwarded this e-mail from Doug, Bernie and Maudie's son:
"Hi Aunt Margaret and Uncle Norm,
It sounds like surgery is the trendy thing to be doing right now. I hope your recovery is going well Uncle Norm. You're in our prayers.
Dad (Bernie) is going in for surgery on Thursday. He decided to have the Seattle VA operate on his legs to fix the blockages that have kept him from getting around like he wants to. It looks like they will keep him for at least one week, maybe two. The doctor says that he will be able to tap dance when he is done (or at least play the piano) like he has been wanting all his life.
We'll keep you up to date.
Love,
Doug"
So, today is the day Bernie is having the surgery. When we get news, we will 'blog' it here.
Margaret tells us that Bernie and Maudie took their camper over to Seattle (from Spokane) last weekend to be ready for the surgery. She thinks they can park it right on the hospital lot so that Maudie has a 'home away from home,' and it will be there for the both of them when he is released but not yet ready to travel back home.
Norm went for a follow-up check with his physician yesterday. He got a blood sugar monitor and a preliminary check shows his blood sugar is normal. Diabetes seems NOT to be a problem.
In other family news, Brother Joe has been nominated by the St. Louis Railway Club as their "Man of the Year." There will be a big dinner at some fancy hotel in St. Louis in early October where he will be celebrated. We don't know exactly what all this means because Joe is so modest and unwilling to toot his own horn. So, we've decided to go to the dinner to see for ourselves. All Joe's family will be attending. I think his cheering section will be large and loud.
We had an e-mail from Marilyn Smith, a longtime friend who, with her husband Jim, retired to Florida a couple of years ago. The two of them chose to move to a place that has been hit with some horrendous hurricanes in the short time they have been there. This week, after various summer travels, they were in Memphis, waiting out Hurricane Ophelia before returning home. Marilyn, who is also from a large family, said she loves the Blog and, because of it, knows more about our family than she does her own!
Once again, we want all our Dear Readers, friends and family alike, to know that we like to post news--the good and the bad, especially the good--to keep everyone abreast. Keep those cards and letters (and e-mails) coming!
Monday, September 05, 2005
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 am back from the Lake after a wonderful Labor Day Weekend. All the children, Josie, Lucas, Jalen and Brayden played well together which made the weekend such a pleasure for us. A lot of our fun is watching this next generation of beautiful children enjoy themselves. We'll post some photos when Scott C. e-mails them to us.
Jalen had a great time and thought riding the tube behind the wave runner was the most fun he had ever had. Brayden LOVED the wave runner, which he called "Daddy's boat." He overcame a lot of his shyness this weekend, so much so that today he went to the swimming pool with Goldman. Brayden also thought Maddog was Uncle Norm and could not be convinced otherwise. Quite a compliment to Norm since he is about 50 years older than Maddog!
Goldman and I rode home together this afternoon when Scott and his sons headed home to Louisville.
The Abbott Clan had a gathering at Stef and Dan's yesterday. We hope they send some photos to post here. Norm seems to be recovering nicely although Margaret says he remains tired.
We've been thinking a lot about our 'baby brother,' who turns 60 on Wednesday. Imagine that, Donald is 60! What happened to all these decades. Anyway, Happy Birthday, Dornald. We hope it is a really great one for you.
I'm all tuckered out from having such a great time over these three days. It's early to bed tonight.
I am back from the Lake after a wonderful Labor Day Weekend. All the children, Josie, Lucas, Jalen and Brayden played well together which made the weekend such a pleasure for us. A lot of our fun is watching this next generation of beautiful children enjoy themselves. We'll post some photos when Scott C. e-mails them to us.
Jalen had a great time and thought riding the tube behind the wave runner was the most fun he had ever had. Brayden LOVED the wave runner, which he called "Daddy's boat." He overcame a lot of his shyness this weekend, so much so that today he went to the swimming pool with Goldman. Brayden also thought Maddog was Uncle Norm and could not be convinced otherwise. Quite a compliment to Norm since he is about 50 years older than Maddog!
Goldman and I rode home together this afternoon when Scott and his sons headed home to Louisville.
The Abbott Clan had a gathering at Stef and Dan's yesterday. We hope they send some photos to post here. Norm seems to be recovering nicely although Margaret says he remains tired.
We've been thinking a lot about our 'baby brother,' who turns 60 on Wednesday. Imagine that, Donald is 60! What happened to all these decades. Anyway, Happy Birthday, Dornald. We hope it is a really great one for you.
I'm all tuckered out from having such a great time over these three days. It's early to bed tonight.
Sunday, September 04, 2005
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, it's rose here with a quick update. I had a wonderful conversation today with Pete and Janet. Pete had left a message on my voice mail that he was very concerned about Dick Cheney, Cheney not having been seen since he appeared in Springfield a couple of weeks ago. Janet is doing a lot of canning, and, according to Pete, refers to herself as "The Little Red Hen" these days. I do remember well Janet's delicious pickles!
One of the things Pete told me is that there is an interesting biography and photo of Brother Joe at: http://home.sport.rr.com/nikeajax/502.htm From reading it, I surmise that Joe prepared it for some publication about his days in the military and his life since. Interesting reading and very well done!
Hello, it's rose here with a quick update. I had a wonderful conversation today with Pete and Janet. Pete had left a message on my voice mail that he was very concerned about Dick Cheney, Cheney not having been seen since he appeared in Springfield a couple of weeks ago. Janet is doing a lot of canning, and, according to Pete, refers to herself as "The Little Red Hen" these days. I do remember well Janet's delicious pickles!
One of the things Pete told me is that there is an interesting biography and photo of Brother Joe at: http://home.sport.rr.com/nikeajax/502.htm From reading it, I surmise that Joe prepared it for some publication about his days in the military and his life since. Interesting reading and very well done!
Thursday, September 01, 2005
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
Here is an update from Sabrina about her Dad:
"Just an update on my Dad. The doctors found blockages in two areas of a bypass that he had 12 years ago. Both areas were 70% blocked. He had 2 stints put in to open them up, and they are now down to 10% and 30% blocked. He is in the ICU, with close monitoring. If he continues to do well, he may be able to come home tomorrow. There is some concern about his kidneys because they have shown some damage due to the medicines he is on, but we are praying that the medicine they are giving him now for his kidneys will correct this new situation. Thanks to everyone for your support and prayers. I do appreciate them, as does my family. Sabrina"
Norman has been in the hospital since a week ago Monday. That is a long, long hospital stay these days. The only good thing about it is that all the Abbott offspring hover and shower him and Margaret with loving attention. It was only a year ago this August that Margaret spent so much time in the same hospital!
Catrina called just now to say Norman is on his way home.
In our household, we have been watching with anxiety the developments in New Orleans. Shirley's brother Frank lives (perhaps now 'lived') in the French Quarter and had decided to ride out Katrina. He is fine, and as of Wednesday morning, the water was only lapping at his garage. However, he and a friend decided it was time to leave, so set out by car. Shirley could not imagine how they could find their way out of that place, given the flooding and rampant crime. Late yesterday, she got word that he is safe and was on his way to Lake Charles where the Fontenots have considerable extended family.
Shirley's sister, Loretta, and her husband live in Covington. They had evacuated last Sunday and returned yesterday to find their home very damaged. Two trees had fallen on the house; many windows gone; and water damage everywhere. Their son Michael stayed in that house during the storm and narrowly escaped serious injury.
Yvonne, Loretta's daughter, was with her parents north of Baton Rouge, waiting out the storm with the family dog population. Yvonne may be the worst hit by losses from the hurricane because she owns a comedy club and some rental properties in New Orleans. Now that all members of the family are safe and sound, attention is turning to the enormity of the loss and damage they have incurred.
I just had an e-mail from Catrina who is asking for help for Randy and a group of his friends who have decided to travel to Louisiana to assist in recovery efforts. Those of you who know Randy probably agree with us that if you are in need of help in a dire situation, Randy is exactly the kind of person you would pray that God send. If you want to help, just e-mail Catrina at cking@langinsurance.com [Corrected as Catrina pointed out in her comment to this entry. We have removed the www.]
Plans are in place for the Labor Day Weekend at the Lake. Scott and sons will be there along with various other friends. One very sour note is the high price of gasoline!!!
Here is an update from Sabrina about her Dad:
"Just an update on my Dad. The doctors found blockages in two areas of a bypass that he had 12 years ago. Both areas were 70% blocked. He had 2 stints put in to open them up, and they are now down to 10% and 30% blocked. He is in the ICU, with close monitoring. If he continues to do well, he may be able to come home tomorrow. There is some concern about his kidneys because they have shown some damage due to the medicines he is on, but we are praying that the medicine they are giving him now for his kidneys will correct this new situation. Thanks to everyone for your support and prayers. I do appreciate them, as does my family. Sabrina"
Norman has been in the hospital since a week ago Monday. That is a long, long hospital stay these days. The only good thing about it is that all the Abbott offspring hover and shower him and Margaret with loving attention. It was only a year ago this August that Margaret spent so much time in the same hospital!
Catrina called just now to say Norman is on his way home.
In our household, we have been watching with anxiety the developments in New Orleans. Shirley's brother Frank lives (perhaps now 'lived') in the French Quarter and had decided to ride out Katrina. He is fine, and as of Wednesday morning, the water was only lapping at his garage. However, he and a friend decided it was time to leave, so set out by car. Shirley could not imagine how they could find their way out of that place, given the flooding and rampant crime. Late yesterday, she got word that he is safe and was on his way to Lake Charles where the Fontenots have considerable extended family.
Shirley's sister, Loretta, and her husband live in Covington. They had evacuated last Sunday and returned yesterday to find their home very damaged. Two trees had fallen on the house; many windows gone; and water damage everywhere. Their son Michael stayed in that house during the storm and narrowly escaped serious injury.
Yvonne, Loretta's daughter, was with her parents north of Baton Rouge, waiting out the storm with the family dog population. Yvonne may be the worst hit by losses from the hurricane because she owns a comedy club and some rental properties in New Orleans. Now that all members of the family are safe and sound, attention is turning to the enormity of the loss and damage they have incurred.
I just had an e-mail from Catrina who is asking for help for Randy and a group of his friends who have decided to travel to Louisiana to assist in recovery efforts. Those of you who know Randy probably agree with us that if you are in need of help in a dire situation, Randy is exactly the kind of person you would pray that God send. If you want to help, just e-mail Catrina at cking@langinsurance.com [Corrected as Catrina pointed out in her comment to this entry. We have removed the www.]
Plans are in place for the Labor Day Weekend at the Lake. Scott and sons will be there along with various other friends. One very sour note is the high price of gasoline!!!
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