I'm back home again, feeling much better but not quite myself yet. I have to go back on Monday to do a battery of tests but then just

to the doctor's office. I continue to be a puzzle to them.

Plans for a big family reunion tend to be up in the air but those who can and do attend will be put to work. About all I can do is be as good a hosress as I can. Typing is taking longer than usual today but I am improving every day.

Maudie, I had a note from Wanda Jean (cousin to us)extending her sympathy to you. She said she hadn't seen Bernie for at least 41 years. She is Aunt Mit's daughter

Chris, Goldman, and I are going to the lake tomorrow. I had concrete poured out front for driveway and parking so I'm eager to see it. It'll be fun, too, to see those two men doing all the cooking, dishes, and cleaning.

Rose and Shirley are off to a wedding in Louisiana early in the morning. Yvonne, Shirley's favorite niece who lived with her and Rose in Chicago for a while, is getting married Saturday night. Shirley's whole family will be there, and Shirley and Rose are really looking forward to it.

Speaking of whole families, I heard from most of my family while I was in the hospital. I left there Tuesday afternoon, 'took a turn for the worse" as they say in the country

and went back that evening. Some of the staff didn't even know I had left.

Margaret and Norm are going back down to the Valley tomorrow. (She corrected me for calling it the lot like she used to call it.) Sally and Larry are there and plan to stay most of the summer.

Sue was released from the hospital last night. She is pretty much back to normal except for the fatigue from three days of being tethered to a hospital bed. I'm sure she will provide her own update later in the day. She is relieved that her primary neurologist plans to continue IVIG even with this (turns out, mild) reaction. Her plan is to return to the intensive therapy and exercise that, coupled with the regular IVIG infusions, are helping her so much.

I just returned from the hospital and have an update. Sue probably has asceptic meningitis, a very common reaction to the IVIG. According to the neurologist, there are many antibodies from various people in the immuno-globulin so that it is not uncommon for someone to have this reaction. The plan is to keep Sue again overnight, treating her with IV fluids since she can't eat and Tylenol for her headache. She is a lot better this morning. For a while, it looked like she would have a lumbar puncture ("spinal tap" for all you who have seen "Miss Ever's Boys"), but now that appears unnecessary. She has her cell phone now: 314 452-3685.

A quick note to let you know that Sue is back in Barnes-Jewish Hospital. She went in on Monday for her monthly IVIG treatment, came home Tuesday morning, then became so ill in the afternoon that her neurologist put her back in hospital. No firm diagnosis yet; perhaps a reaction to the treatment, perhaps a urinary tract infection. She is actually in the same room she vacated yesterday morning. Having been on the 11th floor now seven times since January, 2007, she is acquainted with many of the staff. It was good to see her get such tender care last night from so many people who have grown to love her. It must be her sense of humor.

A small example of the humor: When we arrived in her room Monday morning, there was no bed for her. Sue told the nurse, "Well, once I got no lunch or dinner but I always had a bed before."

Sue's phone number at BJH is 314 361-8106. I'll post more information later today.

We never know how photographs will be positioned on the blog. The two below sort of placed themselves before I got a chance to label them. Maudie, Bernie, Rose AND Bernie and Rose at our last year's reunion. We found them on the computer and wanted to share.

Here I am back at Barnes-Jewish Hospital again for my monthly IVIG. One of the doctors was just in and sees some improvement since my visit last month, which makes me a bit hopeful. The bad news is that I had two small ‘spells’ (petite mal seizures) yesterday and will see a different neurologist for that condition later today.

Rose and I returned yesterday from Spokane and the sad event of brother Bernie’s funeral. All his surviving children and siblings, Maudie’s sister and two nieces from Conway, MO., a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, other relatives, and many, many friends attended the ceremony. The service was conducted by two priests who are friends of the family. The funeral was held in the funeral home chapel followed by a military ceremony at the gravesite. The military portion of the graveside service which commemorated Bernie’s service in the United States Army consisted of a color guard with a 21 gun salute and presentation of the US flag to Maudie. The friends and club members of Maudie, Bernie’s widow, prepared a wonderful dinner for a host of people at a local church immediately following the interment.

The informal portion of the day’s events following the delicious dinner epitomized the essence of Bernie. His children had spent some time compiling a 10 point list of Bernie’s attributes through their eyes as children and as adults. The one word they had trouble finding was “forceful”. Other words for this attribute were discussed and rejected until “forceful” was agreed upon by the majority and approved by Maudie. This choice of word brought some discussion and laughter from the room. Several people told stories and incidents of their association with Bernie that showed the love, admiration, and respect that Bernie had earned throughout his lifetime.

Margaret and Norman separately spoke to two outstanding attributes of Bernie’s—his generosity and his hard work. Norman told of his first meeting Bernie when he and his small family visited Spokane in the early 60’s. Bernie put him to work the entire weekend.

Bernie and Maudie’s offspring are a tribute to both of them. The offspring are caring, loving, and thoughtful, not only for other people but for each other. Being around them makes one see what a joy big families are. They hovered around their mother to try to ease some of the pain she was going through while enduring their own.

My other editors will (or maybe already have) make entries about the happenings of the past few days and relate things in more detail. They also have lots of pictures to post. I’m a slow typist and they’re ready to start my IVIG. More later.

I am hearing wonderful stories of the beautiful service and celebration of such a magnificent man. If possible, please let those of us who were unable to make it to Spokane know how we can obtain a copy of the DVD, as I understand everything was taped. My heart and prayers are with the entire family, but especially Aunt Maudie and their children.

Hi Folks!

We were greeted this morning with an early visit from Aunt Margaret, Uncle Norman, Aunt Sally and Larry. Cyndi and I were out on a walk and were pleasantly surprised to have more family at the farm when we got back. Aunt Sue and Aunt Rose arrive in a few minutes and so an entourage is heading out to greet them at the airport. Uncle Joe, Uncle Pete and Aunt Janet arrive later today and Uncle Donald will be here Saturday morning.

Mom is holding up well. She told a friend the other day that she was so blessed to "have Bernie longer than I deserved". I think we all feel that way, but coming from Mom it was an understatement. (I have to confess that I am a bit emotional writing this, so please bear with me as I try to give you updates.)

Mom felt that donations would be Dad's preference in lieu of flowers, but wanted people to do what was in their hearts to do. We have coordinated with the American Diabetes Assocation to recieve donations in Dad's name. (The address is at the end of the obit attached.)

Also, there is a wonderful slide show available at www.mem.com. Find the Fellin name and it opens up a biography. From there you can click on the video and see the slideshow. I haven't seen it yet, but I heard it is very nice. This is the same video we will show at the services on Saturday.

Thank you all for your prayers and support. Mom is especially comforted to have those come alongside her. I know that we all feel grateful for the time we had with the "Old Guy".

We'll update this again.
Love,
Sandi

Dear Family,

The following is a quick update for my Dad's funeral. Thank you all for your support and prayers. We are planning on the service on Saturday June 9, at 1:00 our time with a graveside service and reception following. I'll add more later, but here is the obituary that will be in the Spokesman's Review tomorrow.

Bernie Dean Fellin passed away peacefully at home June 3, 2007 at the age of 78. He was born in Marshfield, Missouri, June 28, 1928. When he was 17 years old, Bernie left the family farm and joined the Army to support his mother and younger siblings after his father died suddenly. He served in the Army Signal Corps in Korea. Shortly after completing his pilot’s training in the Army Air Corp, he was diagnosed with diabetes and was honorably discharged with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in 1954.

Bernie married Maudie (Larimore) Fellin on October 6, 1951 in Conway, Missouri. He moved his young family to the Spokane area, settling on Moran Prairie in 1960 where they remained until his death. The last five of their eleven children were born in Spokane. He is survived by his wife, Maudie, his children Anna, Steve, Sandra, Kaye Peterson, Doug, Glenn, Mike, Tammy, and Cyndi Langston, fifteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two of his children, Randy Eugene in 1957 and Shirley Jean Mattox in 2003.

Bernie was the oldest of eight children. He is survived by three brothers; Joseph of Springfield, Missouri, John (Pete) of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Donald of Birmingham, Alabama, and three sisters Margaret Ann Abbott of St Peters, Missouri, Rose Emma Holt and Martha Sue Boaz both of St. Louis Missouri, many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Robert (Bob) of St John, Kansas.

He worked for the Spokesman Review as a typesetter for 22 years. In 1980 he purchased A & B Printing, turning it into a family-run business and teaching his children the trade until retiring in 1989. Two of his children continue to operate the business today.

He was known to all as a forceful, but generous, man who never met anyone he wouldn’t help and never found anything he couldn’t build or fix. To help support his family, he raised cattle, did custom-farming and taught his children how to drive combines, tractors, bale and load hay, and to find satisfaction in hard work.

He was active in many organizations including the Moran Prairie and Pomona Granges, the Spokampers Camping Club, and the Jim Beam Club. He was also a lifetime member of the VFW 1435 and DAV. At one time he served as president of the local chapter of the International Typographical Union. He enjoyed many activities including square dancing, playing card games with his family and friends, watching wildlife on his farm and rooting for the Mariners.

He will be remembered in a ceremony on Saturday, June 9th, 1:00 p.m. at the Hazen & Jaeger funeral home at 1306 N. Monroe. Friday, June 8, 2007, there will be an open casket viewing from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Hazen & Jaeger.

Bernie will be interred at the Moran cemetery with a reception following at Moran United Methodist Church, 3601 E. 65th Avenue, Spokane, Washington.

Donations may be made to American Diabetes Association in Bernie Fellin’s name at P.O. Box 10835, Spokane, WA 99209.

Looks like cool weather in Spokane for the next few days. Take a look: http://weather.aol.com/main.adp?location=USWA0422&zip=99201

Our updates aren't showing up immediately upon posting. You may have to click onto the June 07 Archives section to get all the latest posts.

The sad happening of Sunday has us all making arrangements to attend the funeral. The service will be held on Saturday, june 9, and will be a military funeral. Bernie had wanted to donate his body to science but, since he died at home, that wasn't possible so there will be a burial. The funeral home in charge of these arrangements is Haven and Jaeger in Spokane.

Bernie's nine surving offspring have gathered around and, as Sandi says, their mother is "like a rock". Maudie indeed has always been "like a rock" for everyone, especially for Bernie.

Bernie's surving siblings will gather in Spokane soon. Margaret is driving up with Norm, Sally (Bob's widow), her friend, Larry and left this morning. It's an 1800 mile trip and will take them three days to get there, but they have four drivers and promised to take it easy. Pete and Janet are also driving to Spokane from Idaho Falls, and I think they said they're stopping in Missoula, Montana. [I hope I don't have my geography mixed up.] Joe is flying out of Kansas City Thursday, and Rose and I are flying out of St. Louis also on Thursday. I haven't heard what arrangements Donald has made. Most of us are staying at the Shiloh Inn where we stayed when went to Bernie and Maudie's 55th wedding celebration last October. Rose and I have to return on Sunday because I have to check in to the hospital at 8 AM on Monday for my once-a-month IVIG treatment.

Goldman took Scott's boys to Mt. Carmi, Il. yesterday to meet Scott and deliver his boys. Goldman took them in the Lexus and left us his 1979 Cadillac. I had to go to therapy so Rose drove me there in it. Needless to say, we got lots of attention. The attention wasn't always admiring attention.

We had some really bad news yesterday. Bernie, our oldest sibling, passed away sometime in the early afternoon. So far, we have few details about his passing or about arrangements for his services. Sue and I have been communicating with our siblings about plans to travel to Spokane. Margaret and Norm plan to drive to Kansas where they will join up with Sally (Bob's widow) and her friend Larry to travel on to Spokane. Sabrina, Margaret and Norm's daughter, has been very helpful with checking airline arrangments, even offering frequent flyer miles should we need them.

Joe was in Oklahoma on business, and we don't yet know his plans.

We'll post additional information as we receive it.

I've been at lake for over a week with no time to update the blog. Last weekend Doug, Suzanne, Luke, Josie, Goldman, Maddog, Scott and boys were here. They all(except for Jalen and Brayden) left and Rose arrived. Joe came on Thursday evening, took us to dinner (on Pete"s credit card), and spent the night. Shirley and her two adopted grandchildren arrived on Friday. We have to leave today and are hating to go.

Rose had never ridden or driven a waverunner before but soon beame very good at it. She got it down off the lift and was able to back it out AFTER she unhooked the front of it. It took her a bit to figure out why it wouldn't move.

Pete and Janet just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. CONGRATULATIONS!!!
They celebrated by taking their grandchildren to West Yellowstone. They're going back to West Yellowstone with more relatives in a couple weeks.

Joe's grandaughter, Lydia, and daughter, Lisa (Lydia's aunt), are going to Costa Rico for a month this summer. The rest of the family, especially grandpa, are probably going into mourning.

Joe made his usual trip to the cemeteries this Memorial Day. Some of his family, according to him) refused to ride in "Poppa's van" because because of the dog hair so they had to take two cars.

Margaret and Norm are spending a lot of their summer at their lot, as they call it. They take their camper there and leave it most of the summer and only go home to tend to Norm's garden, I think. I'll be glad when tomatoes come in.

I talked to my neighbors who work at Southwood Shores near here, and they say they are filling up fast, so make your reservations soon. We need RSVP's by the 10th. We hope everone can make it.

Second attempt to get the photos onto the Blog.

These are photos of Sabrina and Dave's Family. Lauren and Brett; Alex and Lauren; Lauren, Dave, and Beautiful Baby TRISTAN; and Brett. [We never quite know what order the photos will be when the post is published.]

Rose has been planting flowers all week. Mother would be so proud of her. Mom's flowers must have been periennials. I can't remember her ever buying flowers, but I do remember her having lots of flowers.

I haven't talked to Margaret lately but I think she's recovered from her bronchitis. Sabrina called to catch me up on the Smith family. She sent pictures of her boys, Brett and Alex who are both taller than she is. I'll post them when I get Rose to help me.

I have physical and occupational therapy this afternoon. Rose is going to drop me off and Goldnan will pick me up. Rose and I have been walking in the evenings and I've done a mile a night for the last three nights.

Shirley's birthday is Friday. She and Rose are going to celebrate Friday and Saturday. Shirley loves other people's birthdays and tries to make little of her own.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SHIRLEY AND SABRINA, TOO.

We're going to have a crowd at the lake this weekend - my favorite time. We get to keep Jalen and Brayden next week and Rose is coming down Tuesday. Joe is coming for dinner one night. Is there room on your credit card, Pete?

Plans are continuing for the reunion. Spread the word, make your reservations, and RSVP.

Scott and the boys came over for the weekend. The boys are in to wrestling and went to a wrestlemania event Sunday night with Scott and Goldman. Some of the wrestlers were the same ones Uncle Norman took Chris, Scott, and some of their friends to see on Chris's 10th birthday. It was an event that all the boys remember. This event happened 28 years ago.

Sandi, Joe, and I have been working on details for our summer family reunion. We're trying to get the word out to everyone. We've been sending emails and letters and making phone calls. We need lots of word of mouth because we don't want to miss anyone. Here are some of the details we have worked out.


Sandi FeLLin, Joe Felin, and I have been putting our heads together to work out plans for our summer family reunion. We have come up with the dates of June 30 through July 8. Sandi and I will be at the lakehouse on these dates. We are hoping everyone can attend any and/or all of these dates. We will have a big dinner - a big hurrah - on Saturday, July 7. We are hoping everyone can be there especially that day, but any and/or all of the days would be great.

The lakehouse isn't big enough to accomodate everyone so Sandi and I checked out some nearby places that are reasonable and well kept. The nearest and best deal and closest to the lakehouse was called Southwood Shores. My neighbors work there and vouched for the place. It also has an indoor and an outdoor pool. A studio which sleeps 4 - has a bed, sofa sleeper, kitchen, balcony, and gas grill. Rates for it are $105.00 for one night or $88.00 per night if you rent it for a week. 1 bedroom rate is $130.00/night and $105.00 per night if you book for a week. 2 bedroom is $170.00 for one night and $$145.00 per night for a weekly rate. The 2 bedroom sleeps six. My neighbors who clean there said the owners aren't strict about the number of people who stay in one unit. Phone number for Southwood Shores is 573- 365-4644, or (800-331-0965) and the link to Southwood shores is: http://www.southwoodshorescondos.com/main.htm

The nearest motel is called Baymont. Rates are $129.00 per night or $109.00 per night for weekly rental. It has refrigerator, coffee pot, pool, game, and probably other amenities. Phone number there is 573-365-2700. There's also a Holiday Inn Express, a Comfort Inn, Osage Village Inn among other places, but Baymont is nearest to the lakehouse.

We found a Campground and RV park that isn't too far away from the lakehouse. It is called Riverview RV Park and Campground. It was clean and well kept. Phone there is 573-365-1122. RV rates with full hookup is $23.00 per night, and we didn't get camping rates.

We have a huge deck at the house {thanks to the guys this spring}, a wave runner, boat, swimming pool, swim dock, tv, probably a PS2, and lots of things too numerous to mention. I'm all excited about the occasion. Some grownup will have to pull the kids on the knee board as long as it's daylight.

The places we looked at and checked with warned us that places fill up quickly after Memorial Day. Sandi and the west coast relatives are booking a unit at Southwood and are planning to share the room. I suggest you book right away to be assured of a reservation.

We need a head count (kids and adults), too, so we can make a potential menu plan. If you can RSVP by June 10, then we can have a semi put together menu plan.

We'll be posting maps on the "Family Gazette" Blog soon. That address is www.sueboaz.blogspot.com

Please spread the word around. We really want every one to come.

I just wanted to make a correction. Today is Joe's birthday, not yesterday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOE. I did know the birthday was the 18th but I thought yesterday was the 18th. Jalen tells me sometimes "Granny, I think you have that 'elderly disease'." Sometimes I think he's right.

Sandi called to let us know she got back to Portland uneventfully.

I had another hospital visit since my last posting. It was just my monthly IVIG overnight stay on Monday night. I had spent Sunday - Mother's Day - at Chrs and Shelly's and was treated royally. Of course I heard from Scott, too.

Rose came back from Chicago Tuesday afternoon, picked me up at the hospital, and we proceeded to the airport to pick up Sandi FeLLin. The only bad thing about thing her visit was that it was much too short. She and I went down to the lake house Wednesday morning. She had never been there before. We sat in the sun, visited with the neighbors, chatted, enjoyed each other and the view. We made lots of plans for our family get together coming up this summer - more details will be posted and sent in the coming weeks. Sandi is one organized woman.

Wednesday evening we had the pleasure of seeing Joe Felin. He came up from Springfield and we had dinner at my favorite restaurant. The waiter overheard us talking about Joe's birthday being the following day. Soon our waiter and busboy brought a cake with a candle lit and wished him a happy birthday. Sandi promised Joe breakfast in bed on his actual birthday Thursday but we couldn't talk him in to spending the night.

Sandi and I got up Thursday and went around the lake area checking RV parks, camping sites, and cabin rentals. We found some great potentials and will get the information out soon because they all said everything fills up fast after Memorial Day. I'll have room for several at the lakehouse but hopefully we will have a large crowd. A large crowd is what Sandi and I are planning on. We got home late yesterday afternoon and we told Rose we were assigning her the duty of making pies. She said she had better get started right away since she has never made one and has no idea how long it will take her.

Rose, Sandi, and I went out to dinner last night. Shirley had a class and couldn't join us. Rose and I took Sandi to the airport this morning. Again, her visit was much too short.

Bernie and Maudie, you did a wonderful job raising her. She doesn't drink, swear, or eat sweets. Where did I go wrong?

Bernie and Maudie's grandson in Portland, Or. and Margaret and Norm's grandson in Troy, MO. and Pete and Janet's grandaughter in Idaho Falls, ID. are all graduating this spring. Congratulations to the graduates.

I'm home from the hospital at last. Four days there is like a month anywhere else, the opposite of Vegas. I had an MRI and a PET scan yesterday, and then they let me go. Rose picked me up. We were going to go out to dinner, but I was too tired after laying in bed for 96 hours. I had several tests while I was there, including wires on my head all the time to send brain signals somewhere, so I couldn't get far from my bed. The hospital staff had a camera on me at all times, and Rose and I weren't sure about audio so we really tried to watch our mouths. We slipped once in a while.

My neurologists didn't come to any conclusions for the next step in my treatment. The primary one will do some more tests, but the next one will be in her office and I'll be an outpatient.

Rose is off to Chicago this morning. Shirley is already there. Goldman is taking Rose to the airport and then me to Chris's. We're going to celebrate Mother's Day there tomorrow. Shelly always does things so nicely.

Rose and Shirley will be back early in the week and Sandi (LL) will arrive Tuesday at 4. We are planning, among other things, a little dinner-do.

I'm here at the hospital and it is a very busy place. It's a teaching hospital and seems to be very up-to-date on research in many fields.

I'm wired all over my head with electrodes and hooked to electricity and colored wires. There's a camera on me at all times. Rose and I have really been watching our mouths cause we don't know if the camera has sound or not. My head is all wrapped in gauze and tape to hold the electrodes in place. I'm not allowed to shower or wash my hair until this test is over, hopefully very soon.

The neurologists have taken me off all of my seizure medicine to try to induce seizures. The electrodes will point out what part of the brain is causing the seizures. When they determine what part is causing the seizures they will look at options for control or elimination of them. Medication is one option but I haven't done too well on that.

I've had lots of attention since I got here yesterday. Rose is, of course, hovering. Margaret and Joe have called both days. Scott, Chris, and Goldman check on me often. My friend, Mary Myers, who has spent literally years in hospitals and knows how boring and lonely it can be, calls frequently to cheer me up.

On a happier note, Sandi FeLLin will be here next Tuesday for a few days. The "old aunts" are really looking forward to her visit.

Scott took Brayden to Churchill Downs today because he had some bets to collect. There were races going on when they got there and Brayden had no concept of races, horses, and betting. His association with horses was when Aunt Shelly took him to ride her horse. Scott said they got there, Brayden looked around, and asked "Dad, can I just ride with you on your horse?"

Shirley left for Chicago this morning. Her sister Loretta, niece Yvonne, and great niece Savannah are going up from Louisiana tomorrow or Friday for a visit. Savannah is walking, talking, dancing, and entertaining. I'm sure she will have a busy weekend.

Just a quick update to let our Dear Readers know what is going on. Sue is going into Barnes-Jewish Hospital Tuesday morning for three to five days for testing. She has had some small "spells" over the past several months that are not controlled by her medications. Her physicians want to figure out just what is causing these small seizures and try to end them. We are not sure just what the testing will entail, but she will need lots of love and support if for no other reason that the sheer boredom of being hospitalized while feeling well. She will have her cell phone (314 452 3685), and is planning on taking her computer. With any luck she will be able to update the blog and keep in touch with folk via IM and e-mail.

Scott and sons were in town just overnight. We had a wonderful time with them. Doug and Suz had a party last night to which Sue, Jalen, and Brayden went. Jalen ended up spending the night which caused some grousing on the part of Brayden who didn't have a good time at the party (he told me) because "My Bubba didn't come home with us!"

Hi folks! I just got home from work and called to check in with the parents. They were home from camping and were trying to enjoy their Seattle Mariners baseball game but couldn't get them on the satellite or Direct TV or whatever they have. I discontinued most of my cable stations in order to get some work done once in a while, but I still figured out I could watch the M's on channel 34 - in black and white and snow and without any sound - just noise. (Some bad habits are hard to let go of. I'm not paying for it though, if that matters.) So, if I mute the TV I can kinda watch them play and read the play-by-play to Dad and Mom but its slow and so I'm reading it to them basically after each play happens. If I'm not watching the snow screen or I don't read fast enough, they go to a commercial and we never know what happened.

Well, we soon tired of this nonsense, but the game was great! From what I could tell, we were ahead of New York 14 to 8! I got on the phone with the techs at Direct TV to find out which station out of the 700 or so Mom and Dad have was FOX Sports. After about a half an hour and several phone calls back to the folks the guy at Direct TV finally did the right thing and miraculously on channel 651 they were watching the M's play! It was a blessed event. The game was almost over, but they were ahead of the Yankees 15 to 8 or something. Mom says, "Hey, we might even get to watch them win for a change!" We all whistled and cheered - for ourselves as much as for the team! Fun times with Maudie and Bernie!

They were tired of talking to me by then and well, the game was on, after all. I left them watching the game, Dad in his chair and Mom quilting away on a quilt Shirley had started. It was a fun evening.

I talked to Tyson in Florida today. He's starting to get too hot and wants to head home to work and cool off. Sounds like he has had enough of the weather for now. I hope the Uncles are having fun on their Florida fishing trip. (How far is the Gulf of Mexico from Turnbo Uncle Joe?)

I'm looking forward to barging in on the Aunts in a few days. (It's the real installment of Aunt Camp for us!) I hope we get lots of things planned for the family event. I don't know what I can do, but will be happy to roll up my sleeves and spend time with the ladies.

I haven't gotten my garden in yet, but I planted a fuji apple tree and harvested some rhubarb for the neighbor to make some pies. Eric, the yardboy is going to help me rototill (hopefully) next week - I'm trying to outdo Uncle Norman. Have you got yours in yet, Norm? How am I doing?

Nothing else exciting here - Just want to say hi. We'll be in touch!

Go M's!

Sandi

My back deck and garden!

I have spent a good part of this afternoon updating this blog - and then somehow deleted it. I'll start all over again.

I spent most of the week at the lake. Maddog and Goldman took me down last Saturday. They had to come back to St. Louis Sunday and then my wonderful neighbors, Dave and Judy, checked in on me frequently. Leslie and Sam {that King boy] arrived Monday morning. Sam had his minnow bucket full and headed for the dock.

Leslie and I spent most of our week visiting {while Sam fished}. Leslie's son, Jeffrey, is on his second tour of duty in Iraq and his second tour recently got extended another three months. Needless to say, Leslie worries constantly about his safety. Keep him in your prayers.

Leslie retired week before last after 30 years at the medical prison in Springfield. Sam has a few years to go yet. He and I were both delivered by Dr. Macdonald from Marshfield. I was delivered by old Dr. Macdonald while Sam was delivered by Tommy, the son. There was, as you can see, a whole generation of difference in time.

Chris came to the Lake on Thursday to get me, and we came home Friday morning. We stopped by his and Shelly's house so he could show me all the work they've been doing on it all winter. I was very impressed.

Scott is coming here tomorrow for a Kentucky Derby party. [Yes, he is coming FROM Louisville to St. Louis for the Derby.] He has been to the betting windows several times this week. Last year I bet on the female jockeys and none won so I didn't bet this year. I asked if he was going to see the Queen and he replied, "I thought YOU were the queen, Mom."

Joe and Pete and some of their buddies joined Donald last week for their annual Florida deep sea fishing trip. Joe said they caught 188 pounds of various fish. He said they hired an 'entreprenur' to clean, dress, and freeze the fish. Was there any tilopia? Sam caught three messes at the lake. I don't think it added up to 188 pounds, but you know how fishermen exaggerate. It could have been.

Margaret is still going to the physical therapist for her back, but says the cure may be worse than the disease. She does say she is some better.

Sandi with 2 LL's will be here for a few days later in May and I'm hoping we can get things finalized for the summer get together. We are all three looking forward to her visit. She seems like a great organizer. We need her.

I heard from Bernie, Joe, Pete, Margaret, and of course Rose and Shirley, Chris, Scott, Brayden and Jalen, Goldman, Shelly and Sandi 2 L's, and, if I forgot anyone, I apologize, for my birthday. A lot has happened since my 60th in 2004, some good and some sad. It's been a fast three years.

I'm looking for someone to help me out this season at the lake. Driving, grocery shopping, cooking, a bit of housekeeping, and other household chores are mostly what I need help with. This person would have a private room, lots of time off, use of the Seadoo, and a small salary. Another part time job is also a possibility. Goldman will be available when summer school is out on July 13, but I would like to get down there way before then. If anyone knows someone who might be interested, give them my phone number - 314-452-3685.

Margaret is continuing her therapy and steroids for her 'bad back'. She says the physical therapy is quite painful, but she feels better after a while. Her doctor is going to try this treatment for a while before he tries something else.

The three possible resorts at the lake for the family gettogether which are throwing distance from the lake house are the following three among other places which I'll post next week
Aqua Fin, Alhonna, and Lodge of Four Seasons. The Lodge is very expensive. I'll check the phone book when I'm there next week but some of them are probably on line. There are lots of other places, too. I can put up lots of people if they don't mind a lack pf privacy. Joe, have you checked out campgrounds?

Bernie had an anxiety attack right before they returned to Spokane after Maudie's brother-in-law's funeral. Joe thought the anxiety was about being anxious. Maybe it's a family trait. Sometimes I get anxiety attacks about being anxious. He and Maudie called for my birthday and he sounded fine.

Well, here's a photo from around 1983. It is of Scott and me (Rose) just after we completed a 10K (6.1 miles) race.

Chris and Shelly have been a true inspiration with their half-marathon running. If you want to see photos of them crossing the finish line, go to www.runphotos.com and feed in "Spreitler" in the slot for last name. Up will come links to the photos.

Hi Folks! I just got back from Florida on Thursday night and so I missed cataloging Mom and Dad's sad trip to Marshfield and Conway for Uncle Oral's funeral. Uncle Oral was a beloved and respected man in his community and had fought cancer for several years. The cancer finally took its toll on Easter Sunday. The world has lost a truly good man. We will miss him and our hearts go out to their family, especially Aunt Viv and all their children.

Mom and Dad didn't sleep a wink the night before they headed out to the funeral and so the help from Uncle Joe - being their taxi and helping them get settled when they arrived in Springfield and then back again on the way home - was a Godsend. I was so blessed to hear that Uncle Joe was there for them - I can't tell you how much that means to all of us. Thanks again for being there for the parents.

Mom said the turnout at all the services was tremendous and there were so many flowers that they couldn't fit them all in the chapel where the funeral was held. They spilled out into the hallways and filled Aunt Viv's house. The family is definitely in our prayers as they say good-bye to Oral and move ahead with life. It has always struck me as how surreal life is that it just goes on when, in fact, it will never be the same again.

While they were there Mom's Aunt Dorothy passed away from Alzheimer's. She was the last surviving relative of our Grandma and one of Mom's favorite people.

This makes our family reunion coming up even more important to us. We are looking forward to the time together. Mom and Dad are already talking of heading out in mid-June stopping first in Portland for their grandson Dan's college graduation and 21st birthday on the 16-17th. Then they will begin their trek to Missouri. I am talking with Cyndi and her family about making the trip and getting in a visit to Six Flags while we are there.

I was in Florida with my son for a family event there - his dad's side - and we visited Busch Gardens. This has whet my appetite for amusement parks and now I've got Kyle and Jake interested...Good times. I have a dear friend who is in Ozark, MO and so I might try to jog down there for a day or two to check in with her.

I'm reminded by the calendar that Aunt Sue's birthday is coming up. (Its Sunday the 23rd, right?) I hope you have a wonderful day with all of your loved ones spoiling you rotten. Cheers!

No other news here except to say that Cyndi and I are inspired by Chris and Shelly's marathon running. While I don't see why anyone would want to do 26 miles at a time, I love a half marathon. 13.5 miles is doable and you don't feel like you will die at the end. I'm a walker though, not a runner, so my hat is off to you two. Cyndi and I have dusted off our sneakers and are determined to get in a few fun runs this year. Making exercise fun is a necessity in my book. Thanks for the inspiration.

Hope this note finds you all well and enjoying the spring. Have a great weekend. More later...

It's Thursday morning and we haven't heard from Margaret yet today to see how her therapy is working. As slowly as I type she may be through with breakfast before I can get an update on her condition.

Pete spends a lot of time advising the young men about questionable pointers about women. One of his first instructions to the men is "Check their teeth". Goldman had a first date with a woman on Monday and he followed Pete's advice - she has good teeth. His problem is that you've never told him what to do next. Pete, he's anxiously awaiting your advice for step 2.

Tuesday night - after my Monday night stay in the hospital - I started having small seizures. I had about 9 of them before daylight. Rose sat with me through the duration. She called the neurologist on duty who prescribed a dose of some medicine I already had on hand. One pill seemed to get them stopped and I haven't had any since. The seizure neurologist thinks an EEG monitor which would require another in the hospital is in order. {I may have the terminalogy wrong, but it's something to pinpoint a possible area of the brain that may be out of whack.} Probably some of you have suspected that of me for years.

I'm currently having physical and occupational therapies two to three times a week. Chris has been a trooper about some of the trips back and forth. Rose takes me too, and they both exercise in Forest Park while I'm having my sessions. The therapy seems to have helped, physically and mentally.

I just talked to Margaret. Her physical therapy isn't until 11. She says she doesn't have a lot of pain until the pain pills begin to wear off. Let's all keep her in our prayers.

We had Brayden and Jalen last week and hardly had time to think. Chris and I took them to meet Mark and Karen for lunch on Friday. Mark and Karen are getting married on December 22. Their other big news is that they have bought a huge sailboat and are keeping it on Lake Michigan. They have invited us to join them for a weekend on the boat, but we're going to wait until they have taken their sailing lessons. Mark will go to the Virgin Islands and spend several days with a crew in the ocean without docking.

Margaret is still in lots of pain with her back. She went to the doctor yesterday and he diagnosed a herniated disc. The doctor is going to treat her with therapy and steroids for two weeks. If that doesn't work they will do a nerve conduction test. I think this will pinpoint the exact spot more accurately. I'm not sure where they will go from there if therapy doesn't work.
She says she is really doped up but the dope doesn't completely ease the pain.

I guess Bernie and Maudie went back to Spokane yesterday. They wanted to come up here but Maudie wanted to be with her sister at this sad time.

Goldman and I took the boys halfway to Louisville Saturday morning to return them to their Dad. They were so happy to see him. They like me to tell them stories when we go to bed. One night they wanted to know what I remembered about the first time I saw Aunt Rose. It was "Rosie, you forgot to wash your legs". I thought it happened in the car on the way to Grandpa's and Rose thinks it happened in church. Which was it?

Rose and Shirley made their monthly trip to Chicago last weekend. I stayed with the Hollensbe's. They always make me very welcome and at home. Their two kids, Josie and Luke, were so good and quiet that we hardly knew they were there. Quite a change from Brayden and Jalen who now are into wrestling as in Wrestlemania. We three old ladies hardly knew what they were talking about. They love to wrestle with each other, using phrases "Six-One-Nine, Takedown," and the like.

Chris and Shelly ran in a half marathon (13 PLUS miles!) on Sunday. They both finished and were very sore on Monday. Does everyone remember when Chris didn't even walk fast? For years he brought up the rear. They're going to try a full marathon in the fall.


I went for my 4th IVIG treatment in this latest series on Monday at Barnes hospital. The neurologists measure my strength every time I go in. This time there was a small improvement which gives me some hope. When I had the treatments iniatially in late 2004, the improvement took some time. I try to ride the exercise bicycle every day and use the arm bike, too. I walk where it is feasible. I've been assigned a new occupational and a physical therapist. They are both helpful which also makes me hopeful. Last week Brayden helped me with my new floor exercises and practiced his counting at the same time.

Pete called with his weekly update. It was so dry in Idaho that he has been having to water. It has been so wet here that most of the men I know can't mow. I think some of them are praying for more rain.

We got word through Joe that Maudie's brother-in-law died yesterday. Maudie and Bernie are flying into Springfield at 3 this afternoon. They will stay in the area until Monday, the 16th. We are hoping there's some way we get to see them.

Margaret is 'down in her back' and is going to have a CT scan this afternoon. She is in a lot of pain and can't seem to find a position to get comfortable in. I spent Easter with them, and all the kids and grandkids were there. They had an Easter egg hunt but had more hiders than hunters. Margaret and I lost my pills in the house on Sunday morning and were convinced we could hunt our own eggs.

Goldman and I went down to the lake on Thursday to see the work the guys did during work week. The remodeled expanded deck is spectacular. It was way too cold to sit outside. In fact, it was freezing cold with a chill factor of 11 degrees. Mike Madden, did it get your grapes? You will probably have lots of volunteer grape stompers when the time comes.

Rose and I are driving half way to Louisville today to pick up Jalen and Brayden. We get to keep them until Friday. Rose and Shirley make quite a team when they play wiffle ball with them. They get to take a shortcut from first to third. This gives the old ladies team a chance to score but it's a long way, even though they are allowed the short cut.

I'm working on the plans for the family get to gether in July. I plan on being at the Lake the month of July but it looks like the biggest gathering will be on the 7th and/or the 8th. I just talked to Bernie and Maudie and they plan on getting here around the end of June. If everyone will tell all the dates to everyone, it would be very helpful. If there are those who anyone thinks needs a snail mailing send us the addresses. Mailing address is 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130.

It's Wednesday morning. I got interrupted by our half way trip to Louisville to get the boys. Scott had his car full of stuff that the boys 'had to have' with them. Shirley has to go to Chicago today and hates to miss the time with the boys.

Bernie and Maudie arrived safely in Springfield yesterday afternoon. I've been trying to figure out some way to get down there to see them. Flights are very expensive and schedules are very limited. I talked with Leslie, my old neighbor there, and she was hoping I could come and stay with her. I'm not driving right now because of the small seizures that I was having so can't drive myself. Rose has to go to Chicago on Saturday so she can't come. If I can figure out some way to get down there Joe promised to take me on a tour of Turnbow {or is it Turnbo?}.

Margaret had a MRI, not a CT scan, yesterday. She can't get an appointment with a specialist until the 17th and is in a lot of pain. She says the pain medication doesn't work for very long.

Maudie, we're thinking of you at this sad time.

These are photos from Brayden's 4th birthday party at our house. He is with Granny, making a wish, and with his friend Goldman.

These are views of the new deck at the lake house. The guys raised the lower level so that now there is one large, continuous deck that is level with the living room.

I feel much better today. I went to the doctor, and she thinks it's just a bug of some kind. They took eight vials of blood so that probably made me more anemic. My blood pressure has been fluctuating so they increased that medication. I delayed the bone density test until next week.

My young men came home from the lake on Sunday. They finished enlarging the deck. I'm eager to see it so Goldman and I plan to go down tomorrow evening. He's off Good Friday.

Pete called this evening. He and Joe are getting ready for their annual fishing trip to Florida. "On the Road Again". Joe went to Branson last weekend to see Willie Nelson, one of my favorites.

Sandi Fellin {2 L's] called this week. I have tentatively planned the family get together for July 2 through the 12th. I'm sure most of you won't be able to stay all that time but I plan to be there and welcome anyone who can come any of the time. I'll put up as many people as I can and will post some motels and prices after I go down tomorrow. It's cold here and we're supposed to have a hard freeze Saturday night. That "King" boy brought me a load of wood this winter and I may have to have a fire in the fireplace.

Randy, Margaret and Norm's son, is just older enough than my two that they swear he 'led them astray' and also some of their friends when they were teenagers. Randy and family have now joined a church and Randy donates much effort to helping the less fortunate. When I talked with him recently about 'leading my boys astray' he said, "And now I can lead them back," - even Goldman because Jesus was a Jew.

Pete's son, Kelly, was 49 yesterday. Leslie, that King boy's wife, was 50 today. Happy Birthday to both of you.

My car got back from North Carolina yesterday. Marge and Norm had a wonderful visit with his relatives. I think his pride and joy, that truck, wasn't yet fixed to his satisfaction. As much as he loves that truck it may never be to his satisfaction.

Jana, Bob's grandaughter, is going to be in charge of telling the Kansas group about the summer gettogether. Jana, I'll call you if you don't read this on the blog. Her daughter, Ellie, just turned one.

Sandi, Tammy, Dick, Bernie and Maudie are the only ones coming for sure from Washington. I hope more of everyone from everywhere can be there at least part if not all the time. Joe, you're in charge of southern Missouri. Send me the email address for the Louisville relatives and others you keep up with. Some Maddens and Lafoes would be a treat to see and reacquaint.

I'm not feeling well today so am having to sideline the work to finalize dates for the family get-together at the Lake, for Girls' Weekend, and for the Fourth of July. The Fourth falls on a Wednesday this year, so that complicates things a little.

I talk to the guys at the lake quite often to hear of their progress. Sounds like they're having a great time and doing a great job. Doug is, of course, the foreman. When Scott arrived on Monday he became the 'cabin bitch' assistant. He and Goldman are the chief cooks and bottlewashers. They have been griping because they have to start first with breakfast before the other guys get up. Then in the evening the outside workers quit at dark while the inside personnels' work continues until much later. I told them that this has been happening to women since the beginning of time.

I had a correction comment about Margaret's birthday. It's the 28th so I guess Bob's was the 27th. Rose and I will probably have to relearn next March.

I'm having a bone density scan next Tuesday. No problems but the new primary physician thinks it's time to be checked again.

We have Brayden this week and us three old ladies collapse from exhaustion every night. Rose and Shirley played wiffle ball with him yesterday afternoon. When he got a really good hit he would have to chase it down himself. When they got a hit they had to take shortcuts to get around the bases.

Norm and Margaret are still in North Carolina. I keep cautioning them not to pop any wheelies in my car. Actually, I don't think it will pop wheelies. They're not sure when they'll be back but Norm is ready to come home. He worries about his grass and about starting his garden. Rose's tulips are blooming. The trees are budding. The peonies are starting to grow but won't be in full bloom for a while.

We had a wonderful weekend at the lake. Goldman picked me up about 11 on Friday and off we went. Danny Cullinane was there with a fishing pole in his hand. Goldman and I grocery shopped then Goldman picked Maddog up. Danny cooked steaks on the grill for a great dinner. Doug and Chris arrived sometime after I went to bed.

On Saturday morning the work began. Doug is the foreman, but is also a very hard worker. Ray arrived with his trailer early Saturday morning. There was much measuring and planning going on after his arrival. After some exchange of opinions and ideas, off they went to Home Depot. Goldman is the 'cabin bitch' and was in charge of breakfast with Chris's help. The guys outside were unloading lumber, tearing out some of the old deck, digging around in the rocks, and other manual chores. The outside workers accused the cooks of frying one slice of bacon at a time. Goldman said "No, they were cutting each slice in half and frying it that way". We had kosher brisket for dinner. Goldman used his grandmother's recipe and she would have been proud of the results.

Work progressed all day. Tired as they were, they had a poker game that night. When they went earlier to get the lumber, they had my credit card. Maddog and Goldman got back much later than the other guys because they were looking for a hooker who would take credit cards. I don't think they found one

Danny's daughter's fourth birthday was Sunday so he had to leave in time to get home for the party. Chris and I left around noon. Ray had to leave Monday. Some are going to try to get back next weekend. In spite of all the work, these guys seem to enjoy it. Scott arrived here in St. Louis and brought Brayden to us on Monday. He says he wouldn't have missed this week if he had had malaria. Derrington and Dane arrived today. We have lots of great neighbors down there, and Jack and Teresa who live next door are making supper for the guys tonight. One year the boys had no heat or water, but I never heard any of them complain.

All the guys call me mom or momma. Some of the newer neighbors down there wonder just how many kids I have. The guys rigged up a video cam so they can show me their progress. They certainly aren't slacking. I'm so eager to see it for real. I'm hoping to get there for Easter weekend.

I can't thank the guys enough for their labor and their wives and girlfriends for the loan of their spouses. I remember their teenage days when I didn't like them, and they didn't like me. Now they are indispensible to me in lots of ways. Whatever I did to deserve their love, help, and attention is one of the best things that I've ever done.

Rose and Shirley have a worhshop all day Saturday. We have Brayden until Sunday, so he and I are going to Suzanne's so Brayden can play with Luke and Josie and I can visit with Suzanne on Saturday. It's a lots like ToyRUs at their house.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Margaret. Rose and I can never remember if the date is the 27th or 28th so don't worry about our posting the year. She and Norm are visiting his family in North Carolina.

I still haven't got much respone about the dates for our get together this summer. Get on it.

Just posting an update on current events. After Rose left last week Goldman took me to Margaret and Norm's. All their children and most of their grandkids came for dinner. Sabrina and family were preparing for their skiing trip to Colorado and couldn't make it. Randy's girls probably had important teenage engagements, so didn't show either. Chris and Shelly brought wonderful desserts. We played Trivial Pursuit but Sam, Catrina's son, Sam, asked if I was really playing. I was, but I couldn't answer many questions.

Norm had a fender bender Monday in his truck, his pride and joy. He almost had tears in his eyes when he showed it to us. He and Margaret are off to see his North Carolina relatives this morning and were going to take my car instead of their gas hog anyway. The truck will be repaired when they get back so, if there's a good time to have an accident, this was it.

We need some feedback about our family get together. The lake is usually busiest around the 4th of July. Most any time is good with me. I have several beds and air matresses and lots of floor space. Pick a couple dates and we'll decide when will be good for all. Tammy, we haven't answered your question about the timing because nothing has really been decided just yet. Your input would be important to the decision.

I'm going to the Lake tomorrow and staying until Sunday. It's workweek for my young men. They usually spend a week there in the Spring doing some project. Doug is the brains and boss but has lots of gophers. They're updating the deck this year. Last year they had no heat nor water for a while so I hope this year will be better accomodatios for them. They eat, drink, and work.

I had my treatment on Tuesday and Wednesday and had to get home from the hospital to get some rest. Every time I got to sleeping good they would wake me up to make sure I was okay and take my blood pressure. They forgot my lunch AND dinner on Tuesday. I got there at 8 am, per their instructions, so they could start the IV early. They finally got started it at 4 on. I was there until 3:30 until I got some water, and Rose is the one who got it for me. I'm really glad I'm not a veteran if things are even worse at Walter Reed!

Pete and Janet got home yesterday. I'm sure the kids and grandkids were happy to see them. Pete keeps the grandsons up to date on women. Like "check their teeth" on the first date and "remember, they're easier to get than to get rid of". Janet, you deserve a medal for putting up with him all these years.

Chris has my car for a couple days. I had cautioned him that I didn't want the dogs riding in it. Iasked him yesterday if they had been riding in it. He replied "Did you say dogS? I said "Yes, I said dogS." He said "No, THEY haven't been riding in it. I take them one at a time because they like to ride in the front seat." He's going to bring the car back when the gas gauge light comes on. Shelly, you probably deserve a medal, too.

Shirley is in Chicago. Rose is going up there tomorrow. I'm going to stay with the Abbotts. They're having their children and grandchildren over for barbeque and to play Trivial Pursuit tomorrow night. I think Margaret and Norm must have those cards memorized.

The neurologists want to try three more of the IVIG infusions. I'll have one next month, one in May, and one in Jung. Along the way, we will reevaluate. Keep praying. The seizures seem to be under control with the current medications. That's a different neurologist who treats the seizure episodes. I have an appointment next week with my primary care physician. I'll see that specialist for my anemia and escalating blood pressure. If hospital personnel didn't take so much blood, I probably wouldn't be anemic and, if they didn't make me so nervous, my blood pressure probably wouldn't be escalating.

Margaret had her checkup with her cardiologist this week and got a good report. {Another kind of specialist} She doesn't have to back for 6 months. She and Norman are planning a trip soon to visit his relatives in North Carolina. They are, of course, watching the price of gasoline closely.

I got my times confused this morning. I got up at 6, thinking it was 7, but it was really 5. Maudie taught me years ago 'Spring Forward, Fall Behind', but I did the opposite.

Margaret called me yesterday to check to see if I had had any more "chicken strokes". Joe, would you put in the comment section how it was that I got saddled with the nickname 'Chicken stroker" and also "Pepe la Peu". I've been called these nicknames for over 60 years, thanks to Joe. He named Rose 'Charlie Brown' and Margaret 'Bloomer Leg'. And Joe NEVER forgets.

Bob's favorite story that always made him laugh was when we once went to see Aunt Lois in Great Bend, KS., in perhaps 1978. I hadn't seen Aunt Lois for years, but Bob who lived near Great Bend had. He sent me to the door by myself to see if she would recognize me. She didn't. When I told her who I was, she looked me over good and exclaimed, "Why, you used to be such a pretty little thing." After taking another look she said, "Well, your hair is still pretty." Bob loved to tell this story to anyone who would listen.

We had this homely, fat girl who lived near us in Marshfield. Her name was 'Dorothy May'. We used to tease Donald about her and would call him "DoRnald." He hated this and would tell Mom on us. We would lie and swear we said Donald - not Dornald. Donald, we were really saying "DoRnald."

Margaret was telling me about Rose fighting with 'the Smiley girl' on the way home from school when we still lived on the farm. Margaret says Rose bloodied the little girl's nose. Rose doesn't remember what the fight was about, nor does Margaret. Does anyone else remember? Rose hates this story.

I've been kinda down in the dumps but, after waking up so early and thinking about some of these incidents, I'm much cheered up.

Pete called yesterday for his weekly update. They're heading back to Idaho the end of this week. Bernie, Maudie, and Kay were in Boise and were going to try to get together with Kelly and boys.

My young men [some of whom are approaching middle age] are getting their plans and schedules together for their annual work week at the lake house. Sandi -the 2 L Sandi - and I are trying to figure out a time to get as many of all of us together at the lake house as we can. We need suggestions, feedback, convenient times, etc. etc. etc. Help us out here.

I'm going in Barnes-Jewish Hospital on Tuesday for another overnight IVIG treatment. I've been having those small seizures again, and I hope it's just a matter of getting the medication adjusted. The neurologist who specializes in seizures will also see me while I'm in the hospital. I've also been "down in my back" - Isn't that a Marshfield expression? A trip to a chiropractor, back stretches and moist heat have helped there. I'm anemic and have to see a different doctor for that.

Vivian, a longtime friend of Rose's, was over today. She said she reads the blog often but has a very hard time keeping all of us straight. Sabrina asked her husband once if he had seen "My Cousin Vinny". He replied that he didn't even know she had a cousin named Vinny and had never met him.

Big families are wonderful.

Bonjour! Je suis a la maison encore! I am finally home again from my trip and posting some pics and news from the northwest and from the French West Indies. I spoke with Kaye yesterday from Boise, ID. She is heading home with Mom and Dad and they were stopping to see Kelly and also Glenn's children if they could. It sounded like they were having a good trip and should be home in the next couple of days. Tyson and I are going up to see them next weekend. Tyson will head down to Portland and we'll leave from here on Saturday for a short visit and then home on Monday. I am looking forward to seeing them and catching up.

Me, Tammy and Kaye in Olympia a few summers ago!

Thursday was Tammy's birthday! Happy Birthday Tam!

I had a wonderful vacation in the tropics. I was on a small, French-speaking island in the Caribbean. It was warm, beautiful, friendly and relaxing. I flew overnight to San Juan, Puerto Rico and then to Guadeloupe the next day. I was greeted by warm weather and warm smiles to the small airport there. No one was impressed with my French - especially me. I didn't realize how much I didn't know until people started talking to me. They talk so fast! They were very kind and many people I met were happy to practice their English, so I enjoyed hearing their British accents and learning how to converse in my pathetic French. I have since picked up some books and am determined to work on it for the next time...

Denise and I on the beach. Can you see that clear blue water? We did lots of snorkeling with her two fearless boys! 5 year old Nathan and 8 year old Matthieu.

Here's Nathan getting ready to jump in!

I stayed with the family of my good friend Denise, (I found out her nick name is Didi...that was fun!) Denise's father had passed away and the family was gathered there for the funeral. In spite of the sad circumstance we had a marvelous time. Denise is the tenth child out of a brood of fourteen! Makes our family seem small, doesn't it? I fit right in. Her brothers were very fun (much like mine!) and had decided they were on a mission to find me a husband. Unfortuately, my list of qualifications must have been too tough because I came away without any prospects...

We had lots of family dinners as several of Denise's brothers and sisters and their families live very close. They are all great cooks with lots of fresh fruit and seafood the meals were fabulous. The french bread and cheese alone would be worth living on. Needless to say, I am dieting furiously since being home.

Can you say Lobster?

At one dinner, everyone was trying to come up with a French name for me, but all they could come up with was something that meant, "full of sand". Not too flattering! So, Denise's brother George finally declared I should be called "George" since it is the same in every language. I think I'd rather be called "full of sand"! I felt like they were family and I made some dear friends! I'm sure I'll go back!

We hiked to the top of the point where this huge cross marks the Pointe De Chateaux, a beautiful lookout over the Atlantic Ocean. You can almost see the entire island from up here and the perch lends a view of nearby islands that seem just a few miles off the shore. The surf is especially rough and rocky here and filled with strong undertows and poisioneous black sea urchins. No swimming here.

That's me just to the right of the base of the cross. The view from up here is breathtaking.

About 30 years ago an overloaded passenger ferry filled with 200 peop;e capsized off this coast and only 5 people survived - Denise's dad, cousin and three of her brothers made it safely to shore at this treacherous point. We think the cross signifies the Grace of God to the Yoyotte family!

The outdoor markets are incredible. They are filled with native people selling their fresh fruits and vegetables and spices! The spices were especially great for this tourist. Fresh saffron and vanilla bean and columbo and nutmeg to name just a few. They also use lots of local herbs for homeopathic remedies. I bought some fresh jams (confiture) made from pineapple, mango, guava and coconut. This picture doesn't do it justice. The locals don't want their pictures taken and if you hover at a certain booth you get swooped by the owner and are compelled to buy something. I had to sneak this one in. Can you see the bottles of rum and fresh juices? Amazing!

I hope it was interesting for you.Thank you for indulging me with my pictures. I had a marvelous time but was happy to be home to America. To English. To news and familiar faces. We had lots of adventures, but there is no place like home.

I look forward to seeing you all in the summer! More news after I get home from Spokane!

Love you,

Sandi

We had Brayden from last Thursday until Tuesday this week so haven't had time to post an update. I flew home last Wednesday and Margaret and I met Scott halfway to Louisville on Thursday to pick him up. Scott drove over for a Blues Hockey game this week Tuesday and took him back. We are all three missing him terribly.

I went back to the neurology clinic at Barnes-Jewish today for a follow up visit with Dr. Lopate. His news was rather disheartening. The two IVIG treatments that I had recently did not achieve the improvement he had hoped for. When I saw him in December, he was leaning toward a diagnosis of motor nerve disease as opposed to a motor neuron disease. Motor nerve disease is autoimmune and is treatable while neuron disease is degenerative. He is very puzzled about my condition, but now thinks it is probably degenerative. He will do four more IVIG treatments in the next few weeks to see if any improvement happens. There isn't any other treatment that he believes will help if the IVIG doesn't. If none of the desired improvement occurs I am going to volunteer for any studies, research, and trial treatments the clinic is doing. Stem cell research shows much promise for conditions like mine and, though it may not be in my lifetime, similar conditions to mine, among many others, are being researched and and trials are being administered in lots of areas. This research gives hope to me and to and to thousands of others.

Meanwhile, I continue to do as much physically as I can. I do my exercises daily and, with love and support from family and friends (especially Rose and Shirley), I maintain as much independence as is possible. The hardest thing I've ever done is NOTHING.

I don't mean for this post to sound hopeless. I promise the next post will be more upbeat and won't just be all about me. Keep praying.

Yvonne has a website for her comedy club, La Nuit Theater which means "the night" in French(Yvonne is Shirley's niece). The site is: www.lanuittheater.com The entertainment there is a hoot. We cannot recommend it highly enough. A hint, though. Yvonne doesn't have a liquor license so it is BYOB. Saturday night after the performance we attended at the club, we came home and watched "Saturday Night Live." After the live improv exposure we had just had, SNL was BORING.

It's Monday from New Orleans. Sun is shining and temperature is in the 70's. Rose, Shirley, and I flew down Saturday morning. It was a very early flight but our faithful Goldman delivered us to the airport.

Pete called as we were boarding, and he and Janet were in Sedona, AZ. They had been touring all week and enjoying the sights. He hardly believed that I once walked down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. I did helicopter out or I think I might still be down there.

Shirley's niece, Yvonne, has an impromp theater here in New Orleans. Rose, Shirley, Shirley's sister Loretta, great niece Savannah, and I went to a performance on Saturday night. I was anticipating a long, loud evening. It turned out to be a short-seeming hilarious event. A group of young adults entertained us, and the evening flew by. We went to the early performance and it was nice clean fun. Yvonne said the late show got a bit risque if there were no children there. I imagine that would be even funnier.

Rose and Shirley are going home on Saturday. I had planned to come home then too, but have the opportunity to keep Brayden for a few days so I'm going back early. The Abbotts will give me a hand until Rose and Shirley get back. Goldman and Uncle Ding have offered to help out, too. Jalen asked Scott the other day if it would be OK if he calls Goldman 'Uncle Goldman'.

I have a correction on the last posting. Rose added Joe's update for me but I had thought Joe's cardiologist was a woman. As Kelly Felin used to say "Her's a him".

Joe told me he had seen his cardiologist. In asking him in an e-mail about the meeting, I referred to the person as "he." This is Joe's response:

"She is a he, Dr. David Zolgafhari, MD. It was a very interesting and enjoyable visit. He said he keeps hearing about me from his friends and colleagues. He is the surgeon that did the surgery. Dr. Z also is a member of Hickory Hill Country (per Lisa). My heart Dr. is Dr. Anderson (same office) who is married to the dermatologist Lydia sees. The Heart Dr and dermatologist spouse have two sons who are Mary's past students! One son is now in Lisa's Spanish class and going to Costa Rica this summer with Lisa, Lydia and the rest of the group. Dr. Z said he decided to look at my recent Dr. charts from recent visits (to other Doctors) and then decided to call me in. Everything is real good but he explained the incision hernia in more detail. He visited for probably 15 minutes and mentioned being from Phila, PA and rarely having any contact with any of his patients outside the office (in Phila). He said it is nice to go to Home Depot, etc., and bump into people he knows and know him. I mentioned being stationed in Phila. and the NIKE missile base near his old stomping grounds. It was news to him as guess it was pretty well closed down before he was born.

Moral of the story, I now know what my son went through in high school. Anything he did, even on the ski trip to Colorado, got back to us before he returned."

This entry is a correction of my earlier post of today. Jana is Bobby's daughter - not grandaughter. She is, of course, Bob's grandaughter. Her mother, Cindy, Bobby's widow, is undergoing chemo and Cindy's oncologist has a newer chemo treatment he may administer if the current chemo doesn't continue to stabilize her condition. Keep her in your prayers, too.

At times the love and caring of a wonderful family and circle of friends keeps me going.

It's Tuesday morning and the snow is finally almost gone. It is warming up which I hope is a sign that Spring is just around the corner. Remember that old saying - If winter's here, spring can't be far behind.

I heard from Pete, Joe, and Bernie, among others this weekend, all calling to check on me and to cheer me up. Bernie and Maudie were in Casa Verde, Az., and looking forward to going back to Spokane. Bernie sounded a bit homesick. Kay-Kay, as we called her when she was a little girl, is going to make the trip with them and then fly back to Mesa. Joe has an appointment with his cardiologist tomorrow to check a small hernia in his incision. He didn't seem to think it was anything to worry about and Norm showed me he has one, too, and it is nothing to worry about, but Joe, keep us updated.

Pete and Janet are going to head for Idaho on the 13th. They're spending one night at Circus-Circus in Las Vegas enroute but Pete says they aren't going to gamble. As Aunt Mit used to say "I've heard bugs poop underwater before". Pete and I agreed that gamblers are like fishermen. It's not that all fishermen are liars. It's just that a lot of liars fish.

Goldman took me to the Abbotts on Saturday. Margaret and I aggravated Norm Saturday night reminiscing about old times. He gets tired of our laughing and arguing about what really happened 50 or 60 years ago. Chris picked me up Sunday and took me home and Shirley and I watched a couple episodes of Desperate Housewives Sunday night.

Jana {Bobby's grandaughter} and John called Sunday night to see if we could watch baby Ellie yesterday. Their daycare had President's Day off and they didn't. They brought her over Sunday night and she slept through the night on a pallet in Shirley's room. She is almost walking and a joy to have. Shirley and I spent the day being entertained by her. She seemed to like Shirley best and then me, but when Dad and Mom got here to pick her up, she would have nothing to do with either of us. Rose is coming back from Chicago today and hated missing our day with Ellie.

My neuromuscular condition hasn't made any notable change for the better or worse since the IVIG's I had last week. I have had a few mini-seizures but I'm still hope the adjusting of the medications will remedy that. The neurologist told me that I've developed anemia but I have to see a different doctor about that. I only weighed 109.5 yesterday morning. Rose and Shirley can't lose weight and, much to their chargrin, I can't seem to gain. They would like to develop just a touch of anorexia.

Again, I hope I don't sound too down in the dumps. Keep praying.

It's Saturday morning and we have a bit of new snow on the ground, but the temperature isn't quite so cold. Rose has to go to Chicago this morning for a workshop and to see clients. She'll be back Tuesday. Shirley and I are going to watch some of the previous seasons of 'Desperate Housewives', our new addiction. We joined Netflix some time ago but it takes 3 or 4 days for us to get new episodes so we guilt Chris into getting them at Blockbuster and that is much quicker. We're like Mom was when she watched 'As the World Turns'.

I didn't intend to sound hopeless in my last blog. There is still no definite diagnosis for my condition. There are some neuropathy cases that defy diagnosis and baffle the experts. I may be one of those. Keep praying. I am surrounded by loving caring people. The list would be too long for this blog. Rose and Shirley, ALL the Abbotts, Chris and Shelly, Scott and family, Goldman, - just to mention a few. My faithful blog readers keep abreast of my ups and downs and trials and tribulations. Shelly thinks Goldman will definitely go to heaven someday even though he IS a Jew.

Everyone helps me whenever I need it. I was talking to Brayden yesterday and told him I was going to come over to Louisville and kick his dad's butt. He said, "Granny, you can't because you are old and have bad hands, but I'll help you and we'll do a wrestling move on him".

Rose's flight is on time so she's scurrying around to get things together. Goldman is coming over to take her to the airport. Chicago is always cold. Sandi, are you basking in the sun while we are shivering in frigid Missouri?

It's a cold Friday morning after an extremely cold week. We have some snow on the ground but not enough for another snow bear. Rose's snow bear builder helper celebrated his fourth birthday on the 12th. Scott, Sherry, and Jalen took him to Chuckie Cheese for supper and then to the circus. When he was going to be four, he told Scott that Scott wouldn't have to carry him around anymore. His leg was in "great pain" though at the circus except at an intermission when all the kids could go play on an indoor playground. He made an amazing recovery when the intermission started but suffered a terrible relapse when the intermission ended.

Scott has totaled two cars in the last week. Chris has offered to give him a refresher course in driver's education. He had one of them on the way home from work on the night before the circus. He got a bit banged up in that one but HAD to go to the circus because the boys were so looking forward to it. He's considering buying a four door pickup now. He had a Saturn station wagon vehicle but was incensed when anyone referred to it as a station wagon. He always referred to it as his 'truck'.

Rose took me to Barnes-Jewish hospital for my second IVIG treatment on Wednesday. It was a rather disheartening over night stay. The neurologists were disappointed in my lack of strength gain. The IVIG treatment usually produces a more remarkable improvement than the one that I had last month. I have had IVIG's before, the first one in November, 2004, and periodic ones since. If my improvement has been because of the IVIG's, it has always been gradual. Dr. Lopate is now leaning toward whatever I have being degenerative rather than autoimmune. I go back to see him in a month at which time we will discuss other possible treatments or continuing the IVIG's. Dr. Lopate said other possible treatments carry a greater risk of side effects, including death. Keep praying for me. Jalen was praying one night at supper and he asked God to "help Granny because she needs a lot of help." I do.

I'll try to pick up where I left off. Joe's computer is now back in operation. Rose and Shirley are back from their sad trip to Louisiana. I had a wonderful weekend with the Abbotts. Catrina, Robbie, and Lizzie were there for supper on Saturday evening. Margaret made one of her down home fried chicken dinners with lemon meringue pie for dessert. Sabrina, Alex, and Bret came after dinner because the boys wanted to play Trivial Pursuit with Margaret and Norman. Sabrina didn't play and was ready to leave long before the boys were. What a great compliment to Marge and Norm!

Goldman has been wonderful about taking care of us three old ladies but he nearly blew it on Saturday. He and I stopped at the casino last Saturday after dropping Rose and Shirley at the airport as we were enroute to the Abbotts. I was playing one machine and Goldman was playing one in a different row but kept coming over to make sure I didn't need anything. There was an elderly man at the machine next to me and when he left he told me that my 'husband' could have that machine if he wanted it. When I told Goldman this he got a worried look on his face and exclaimed "I must look really old today". I told him to get his foot out of his mouth because I was sure the man thought I looked really young.

Chris took me to the Barnes-Jewish Seizure Clinic on Monday for the appointment I've waited for for almost two months. [It was the miniseizures that caused me to look for a new neurologist in December, but the Barnes-Jewish neurologist deals only with neuromuscular issues. He, in turn, sent me to this Clinic, after more waiting to get another appointment.] This doctor, a woman, thinks the seizures can be controlled by simply changing my medications. I am a good candidate for this to work since medication worked so well before. She says the seizures are most likely an aftermath of the encephalitis and, like the other neurologists, doesn't think the neuromuscular condition and the seizures are related.

Margaret and I found a phone number for Wanda and called her this weekend. She still lives in Okeechobee but will move to Alabama with a daughter when her place finally sells. Ricky is doing well and was there when we talked to Wanda. The deadly storms in Florida weren't close to her.

Norman still has some pain in his fingers from his snowblowing incident. He has to see the doctor again today. He and Margaret seem to be really enjoying their retirement. They have a daily routine which my presence disrupts, but he takes the disruption well.

Pete, you never did say who sends the check for the refrigerator replacement.

Good morning from St. Louis. Temperature here is about 15 and I don't know - or want to know - what the wind chill is. Our furnace wasn't working one morning this week but it turned out to be a minor thing and the repairman got here before we froze.

We had some bad news this week. Shirley's brother-in-law, Clark, died in the middle of the night on Thursday. He had been very ill for quite some time. His widow, Shirley's sister, Loretta, is our vacationing card playing companion. She is our fourth Golden Girl anytime we have the opportunity to be with her. Rose and Shirley are leaving this afternoon for Louisiana to attend the services and to help comfort Loretta and her children. Their son, Michael, lives here in St. Louis and he and his fiance, Leslie, were already in Louisiana. Their daughter, Yvonne, and grandaughter, Savannah, live near Loretta. Shirley is their 'Aunt Rose' and Loretta's 'sister Sue'.

I have the appointment with the seizure clinic on Monday. It took weeks to get the appointment so I don't want to cancel it and decided not to go to Louisiana. Goldman and I will drop Rose and Shirley at the airport this afternoon and then Goldman will take me to the Abbotts. Chris will accompany me on Monday so he can again list my occupation as exotic dancer. The other doctors didn't seem to believe him so he's going to try to convince this new group.

Joe's generator blew out his computer and I guess it's still in the shop since we haven't had any emails from him. He said it's three years old. Pete claims that if you replace a refrigerator every seven years, it will pay for itself. Maybe computers are similar and have a three year economic span. Pete, I replaced my refrigerator at the lake a couple years ago and I'm still waiting for a check. Who's supposed to send it?

I can't tell a lot of improvement from the first two new IVIG's yet, but improvement was slow and very gradual when I had these treatments before. My next infusions will begin Valentine's Day. I'll have to stay overnight in the hospital again which I think is totally unnecessary and makes a long night.

Does anyone keep in touch with Wanda Jean? These awful storms in Florida has made us really think about her and we wonder how she and her family are doing.

Pete just called for his weekly update. He had a birthday this week but didn't do much celebrating since "Ma" had a cold. Bernie and Maudie are nearby and Pete told Bernie that he was an expert at hooking up satellite dishes and volunteered to hook up Bernie's. He had to admit to Bernie after several attempts that he didn't know as much as he thought he did. Is this an inherited trait that we all have, exaggerating our expertise?

The guys are organizing their annual work week at the lake for the last week in March. In reality, Doug tells them how and what to do and has to watch to be sure they do it right. Goldman claims that he can now pull nails out of boards without supervision. Doug, how many years and nails did it take to teach him this? Their project this year is making the deck one level which means fewer steps for me and also so we spread out a bit because we tend to group around just one of the tables. Goldman does most of the cooking during that week except for breakfast. Breakfast is Scott's task and he can never cook too much bacon. Goldman always cooks brisket using his grandmother's recipe at least once and it's always a mover. I don't think they have any sit down organized meals. They eat either when they get hungry or when the food is ready - or both.