Brayden and I are updating now. He's going to do most of the typing. He's been with us since Sunday and has been a model child. Rose met him and Scott halfway between here and Louisville and we've had him since. It was Girl's Weekend at the lake. We didn't have as big a crowd as we sometimes do but had lots of fun and sun.

We haven't heard any more word about Aunt Virginia but I'm sure they'll keep us up to date. Also, Aaron's transplant is scheduled for August 3 which is next Tuesday. Aaron, you are in our thoughts and prayers and you too, Kim.

this is brayden now on tuesday ding and shelly took me to the zoo. i pet the goats first and i got to pet the sting rays. and then they took me out for lunch. and then the next day we picked up granny from therapy and then went out for lunch. and that night me and aunt shirley watched harry potter the 1st one.that afternoon me and aunt rose went to sky zone.

Sue's stepchildren, Denny's son and daughter, are facing a serious challenge with great and caring courage right now. Here is Kim's description of their situation:


"WEDNESDAY, JULY 21, 2010 10:44 PM, CDT

My brother Aaron is 4 years younger than me (no need to mention my age) and I would have never dreamed that I would be helping him in this way. He was diagnosed with Kidney Failure several months ago, and discovered that he would need a transplant to survive. This has lead him and I and our family on this journey to find the perfect donor. That perfect match turned out to me. I am very exciting and willing to do this and thought I would share our story for those interested. And maybe lead someone else in the direction to do such a thing as offer a kidney to a loved one. I will share as much as I can about the process, because you never know when one person's story might inspire or help someone else through a difficult time or decision.

Today is exactly 14 days from surgery. (Tuesday, August 3rd.) Aaron and I spent the day Monday at Barnes doing the final tests to make sure our blood is still compatible and that all steps are taken to make sure his body will accept my kidney. We are both very nervous and ready to get it over with. We are told that the chances are slim that his body would reject the transplant due to the fact siblings are usually the best match. Supposedly my recovery will be more painful, but his will take longer. My expected time in hospital is 3-4 days and his 5-7. I will keep you posted on our surgery, recovery and whatever else happens during the next couple of months.

Keep us in your prayers......"

We will post news about Kim and Aaron as we receive it.

Aunt Virginia

Brother Joe sent this news:

Brian Madden called me today.  He was at Bolivar, MO with his mom (Our Aunt Virginia)  He said she has taken a turn for the worse and they are moving her this coming Sunday to Mariantha Nursery Home in Springfield.

 

Thought I would send this to all my siblings but be sure and post it on the Blog.

 

Bro Joe

Zoo

Zoo

Gorillamen

Zoo

In the mouth of a hippo

ZOO

Begin forwarded message:

From: Hotmail <dingspreitler@hotmail.com>
Date: July 27, 2010 2:35:09 PM CDT
To: Auntie <roseholt@aol.com>

Sent from my iphone

ZOO

Begin forwarded message:

From: Hotmail <dingspreitler@hotmail.com>
Date: July 27, 2010 2:34:42 PM CDT
To: Auntie <roseholt@aol.com>

Sent from my iphone

Crossed Arms

At the Zoo

ZOO TIME

CHOCOLATE???

I'm here at the lake and it looks like it's going to be a beautiful day. We had a torrential storm night before last but it passed soon. The west side windows even leaked on the top of them which has never happened in all the years I've had this place. I got here Monday with Goldman and Mad Dog, Lynch (his brother), and Madeline, Lynch's 12 year old daughter. She is a delight. She helped in the kitchen - without being told - and did other chores around the house that she noticed needed to be done. She and Lynch had to leave already this morning. We have pictures that I'll have Rose post later.

The boat overheated last time we were down here. This time we couldn't get the waverunner to start. Doug hasn't had a chance to check them out so we're waiting for his opinion. The good news for Doug is that Lynch can install a new toilet in my bathroom. One less chore for Doug. Pete, should I move the 'Furlined' sign to my bathroom when he's done?

I talked to Joe on line yesterday. Lisa has gone to Spain for ten days. His grandaughter will be going to William Jewell this fall so I bet Springfield is going to be lonely. There's more news from Idaho. Pete is doing great. They close on the farm on August 6. Donald called me yesterday. He and Vita were coming to Missouri to pick up the grandsons and take them for a vacation at the beach. Julie and Jennifer are going to come get them. He was eager for us to get together as am I- and Brother Joe when I mentioned it to him.

REMEMBER This is Girls' Weekend. I hope to see many of you. Goldman and Mad Dog are leaving tomorrow.

I'll try to do some catching up with updates. Ding forgot my computer at the lake last weekend and no one has been back yet. Goldman and I are going down Monday morning and he will stay most of the week. Ding has lent me a computer but I'm more accustomed to mine. I'll be glad to get it back again. Groves and Ding and I spent last weekend down there just doing nothing.

Rose is going to go out for an evening walk. I figure she'll be back pretty quickly as hot as it is! I usually ride the exercycle daily inside but it's HOT outside. When I talked to Brother Pete this morning he said Idaho has even had some hot weather.

The kids are on their annual float trip this weekend. Scott and Beth stopped and slept a little while Thursday night. They meet somewhere near Steelville - I don't know what river. Remember, next week is girls' weekend. The waverunner is running good but Doug is going to have to take a look at the boat.

I spent a night at the Abbotts and got to ride in their new car. Margaret and I did a lot of visiting and I also got to see Lynn, their daughter-in-law.

The photo of the eyeball sculpture brought a couple of humorous comments. One comment here: "Big Brother." And a faithful reader told Sue this morning in a phone conversation, "Please, add something to the blog. I am sick of looking at that eyeball!" So, here are some new photos. Margaret, Norman, their daughter-in-law, Lynn, and Sue. The four of them went together today to pick up the Abbotts' new car.

REMEMBER WHEN CHICAGO HAD COW SCULPTURES AROUND TOWN? NOW A GIGANTIC EYEBALL SCULPTURE.

Brother Joe was wondering what has become of me since I haven't updated recently. You can see by the pictures that I've been busy with company, holidays, fireworks, and just a good time. I'm home now for a couple days but plan on going back ASAP. I believe Ding and I are going down Friday.

We had a terrific fireforks presentation. Several of the neighbors chipped in. Eric and Julie and the boys and his Dad came over in their boat. The guys at my house tend to stay up late playing Risk or poker. Ann, next door, says they're a bad influence on Skip, her husband. Maybe he lost!

Ding's birthday is Tuesday. I won't post his upcoming age. I feel old enough already without my youngest being that old.

I'll do more catching up later.

The vistas are in Mt. Nebo state park in Arkansas, one looking over the Arkansas River in the distance, the other of a spectacular sunset.

Other photos are from July 05, 2010

Maudie, Sandi, Sue, Cyndi

Sue and Rose