This is Catrina with a quick update. My mom (Margaret) found a lump on her breast on Saturday, October 27th and a biopsy confirmed it was Stage II Breast Cancer. Mom went in Friday, November 9th for an outpatient lumpectomy and the surgeons were successful in removing the lump along with several lymph nodes. We are still awaiting final results from the tests but the prognosis is very good and at this point it does not appear she will need to undergo any type of chemo and/or radiation therapy. She is recuperating at home and we'll update more when we know more.

Hi folks! After much prompting from Aunt Sue, I'm finally getting this updated. Other than Aunt Sue and Aunt Rose, I'm not sure who else reads about our family up here, so I try to make it somewhat interesting. Thus the delay, not a lot going on in the northwest!

Haunauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii!

This summer the Langstons invited Mom and I to join their family in Hawaii for a few days. It was wonderful! My favorite thing was snorkeling in Haunauma Bay! Good thing we did that the last day Mom and I were there because Cyndi and I got really sunburned! It was worth it. I loved it and would go back in a minute! Mom did everything we did and went everywhere we went. What a trooper - we dragged her all over the island. We souvenier shopped at the famous Swap Meet, we went to the Dole Pinapple Plant, body surfed on the North Shore where we saw turtles! Those big waves are so cool!!!! We toured Pearl Harbor, the USS Arizona and people watched at Waikiki Beach. We enjoyed the hot tub and pool at the resort, ate out just twice, so another favorite thing to do was to make dinners at the condo and enjoy our time at the table together. Those boys, Kyle and Jake are hilarious!

Kyle is a senior in high school and busy, busy with his Boy Scout Eagle project, band, track, holding a job and taking college credit classes at the university. Whew! Makes me tired just thinking about it. Jake is also in Scouts, band and has found his niche playing football. Their team - the Warriors went all the way to the championship! Last night Jake was honored with playing in the All-Star game. Aunt Tammy made it some of his games and said they were more fun than the Seahawks! Go Warriors!

Cyndi and Dave are busy being taxi drivers, cheerleaders, loan officers, coaches, and chefs just trying to keep up with these busy guys.

Here's the famous line backer!

Anna and Dan are in the process of buying a house north of Spokane. From my understanding, it is on two acres. They have been searching for sometime and will be hosting Thanksgiving there if they are moved in by then. I can't wait to see it! In our family, we have created a tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving with the family member with the newest home. You know, kind of initiate it ! It is fun and chaotic! When I moved in - during Thanksgiving week - 6 years ago, everyone came and we enjoyed being together and christening my new house. I had little furniture and a "one-butt" kitchen, but it is a treasured memory for me. I hope Anna and Dan will have fun having us all crash into their new place! Congrats! I'll post pictures when I get them.

Tammy and Dick hosted us all in Yakima to celebrate the Septmember birthdays. It was fun to see Dick's lovely home and meeting in the middle of the state was easy for all of us to make it. I went on to Spokane and stayed with Mom a few days. We picked the plums and some apples and I got to enjoy walking the loop early in the morning. Mom is doing great and keeping busy. I can't wait to see her on Thanksgiving.

The deck and shed that Glenn built!

My last couple of months have been spent finishing up landscaping my backyard. It is almost completed! Thanks to brother Glenn, the electricity is hooked up to the shed and all the irrigation and lighting systems are in. I hired Eric-the-yardboy to help do the lifting and digging that was too hard for me. We have transformed the backyard into what I had envisioned when I first moved in. Man am I tired! I had it excavated in July. The 80 foot long and 3 foot high rock wall and steps built in September, we put in the sprinkler system, lights and laid nearly 3000 sf of sod in October and November! Now, I'm just waiting for the fence contractor to come this week and next to frame it all in and it should be done!

The General Contractor at work!

Glenn was the general contractor, plumber, electricitian, photographer, historian, comedy relief and brains behind the whole project. I just had help once in a while, pay for the materials and clean up the muddy mess when we were through. I made so many trips to Home Depot and Parkrose Hardware that they know me by name! Tomorrow I am concentrating on getting the inside of the house cleaned up which has been neglected and Eric will help me get the Christmas lights up! (Yes, I know I'm a little, tiny bit early, but I have to be the first one on the block to have them up! I usually shoot for the driest day on or after Veteran's Day! It helps the whole neighborhood get in the mood!)

The rockwall, sod, lights and sprinklers are in! Just waiting for the new fence!

I've been enjoying having Monica (Peggy's youngest daughter), flit in and out of town lately. She is working for a cruiseline that is ported in "Port"land and so she drops in between cruises. One weekend she popped in and Tammy came down while we were digging all the trenches in the backyard. Now that's what I call a fun visit with Auntie! She will be in and out the next couple of months so I hope to get some good visits in. I am so privileged to have her visit and want to hang out with me! She's a doll and a very hard worker! She just bought a little Cabrio convertable that needs a home while she is on the ship...I think it would look great parked in front of my house - just don't forget to leave the keys Monica!

Hope this all finds you well. We are keeping Aunt Sue in our prayers as she continues with her treatments and upcoming tests/surgery. Happy be-lated birthday to Aunt Rose and Uncle Norm. We miss you and wish we were there to celebrate with you!

More later!

Love you!

Sandi

Rose and I just returned from an office visit with my neurologist, Dr. Hogan. He's a very personable and we believe competent young(45)man who was born in West Plains and raised in Springfield. He explained the next steps in the procedure. A neurosurgeon will admit me to Barnes-Jewish, drill burr holes inside each side of my head, insert bitemporal strips in these holes, and wait for seizures. Dr. Hogan wants to make sure these seizures originate ONLY from the right side. If he can be very sure that they do originate from the right side, then a neurosurgeon will do the actual brain surgery. Dr. Hogan, from all his experience, is pretty certain that these seizures are sourced from the right side, but he and Dr. Dowling, the neurosurgeon, want to be 100% positive. If they possibly don't originate on the right side, they will step back and make a new plan. My first office visit with Dr. Dowling is November 19. Dr. Hogan doesn't have any idea when they will do the procedure and subsequent remonitoring.

Leslie, Liz and I spent the weekend celebrating old girls weekend at the lake. Liz cooked Friday night. Leslie cooked Saturday night. We ate at my favorite restaurant on Sunday night. We spent a lot of time trying to determine what time we went to bed and what time we got up - what with the time change. Maudie Ree tried to teach me years ago "Spring forward, fall behind" but I still had trouble cause some clocks changed themselves, some Liz or Leslie changed, and some didn't change at all. Rose and Shirley had the same trouble.

Goldman told me that Christopher came by one night last week and entertained them with stories of his and Scott's summer visits to Idaho when they were kids. Uncle Pete let them ride the tractor, slop the hogs in their new tennis shoes, go to bed whenever they wanted, and numerous other things that I never knew about. They ate and loved foods Janet prepared that they would never have touched at home. Pete now is always giving Maddog and Goldman advice about women. "Check their teeth. They're easier to get than to get rid of" are just a few of his 'wise' advisements. Goldman's roommate wasn't sure if he had ever met Uncle Pete. Goldman assured him that he wouldn't have forgetten Pete if they had met.

Joe stopped by to visit Monday on his way to a Railway Club meeting in downtown St. Louis. He told us that his granddaughter, Lydia, is 15 now and eligible to drive with a driver's permit and that he would soon be out of work. He wouldn't spend the night because he didn't want to miss any of his special taxi runs. We talked about Dr. C.R. MacDonald from Marshfield who we always referred to as 'old Dr. MacDonald' before we moved from Marshfield in the late 50's. We discovered that he delivered Rose who was recently eligible for Medicare and David, Joe's son who is in his early 40's. Joe and I both agreed that 'old' back when we moved from Marshfield had a different meaning than it does today.

We need updates from our other editors. This is a FAMILY GAZETTE and we are a very large family. If anyone else would like to be added to our editor list just let us know and we'll add you.

Just a note this morning before I'm off to the lake. John and Jana brought Ellie over on Halloween to go trick-or-treating. Her costume was a ladybug. Jana said John was just using Ellie as a decoy to get candy for himself. He allowed that this was a good neighborhood for accumulating a good supply of goodies. They're off to St. John this weekend, a 9 hour drive. They'll meet themselves coming and going.

Mark and Karen are getting married 'under the misteltoe' next month and the guys are having a bachelor party for him tomorrow. It begins at 10:30 A.M. with a golf game and I don't know what is going to happen after that.

Joe called yesterday. Things are good in Springfield. He didn't have much news. Things are pretty quiet around here, too.

Leslie {aka that King girl} is going to do the grocery shopping for the old girls weekend. When we lived on the same street in Springfield we took turns making dinner. On her day she would come home from work, watch Rachel Ray's 30 minute meals, go to the grocery store, and cook whatever Rachel had prepared that day. We ate better on her day. She has probably prepared the menu for the weekend.

This was a pretty short entry so it's time for some of our contributors to make some entries. It has been some time since we've had updates from a lot of you.

Happy Halloween!!! Jana and John are bringing Ellie over tonight to trick-or-treat here with the three old ladies.

Norm's 80th birthday bash was Saturday night at Sabrina's. There was a big turnout for the occasion, friends, neighbors, kids, grandkids, and relatives. It was a surprise party. Though he had insisted there be no celebration, I'm sure he was pleased by the event.

Rose and Shirley couldn't attend the event because they were in Hot Springs, Arkansas, for Shirley's nephew's wedding. They didn't have time to bathe in the mineral baths, but Rose took the day on Sunday to visit the Clinton Library in Little Rock. She bought a shirt there which she thought was $24.95. When she checked out, it was actually $44.95. She didn't want to look cheap so she bought it anyway. She was still moaning about the price when I got back from Louisville yesterday. That is soooo Rose.

I had a great time in Louisville, although I too had to miss the birthday bash. Jalen and Brayden are currently in a wrestling and wrestler phase which I'll be very glad when it passes. Some of the "wrestlers were wrestling" when Scott and Chris went through this phase some years ago. Their other grandmother will also be happy when they move on to some other fad. I don't think they have a plain shirt. They all have some handsome wrestler on the front and they also have posters of some of these same guys all over their room and playroom. We sent them Halloween cards but their wrestling magazine came the same day and upstaged the cards after they opened the cards and shook them.

The boys' mother was going to come get them and take them to get pumpkins to make jack-o-lanterns Saturday evening, but she called and said she thought it might rain so they'd best not go. Scott took them on Sunday morning. They painted their pumpkins instead of cutting them but managed to make a big mess anyway. Both the boys have Halloween parties at school this week and will do some trick-or-treating. Pete asked me if I was spoiling them. I told him I got there too late for that. They're already rotten. The weather was pretty nice while I was there, but Scott and I took them to get warm winter coats. Brayden insisted on wearing his when we went out to eat that night and even wore it through the meal. He swore he wasn't hot though the rest of us were only in long sleeves.

Pete checked in on Sunday. They're preparing to leave for Arizona. The temperature in Idaho Falls was 22 degrees that morning. They'll have an early Thanksgiving this weekend with their family and then take off for warmer weather with a stop in Crackpot {Jackpot, Nevada as most people call it}. Most of the work is finished on their Idaho house. They had lots of pumpkins from their garden which they were giving away to churches. Kelly raised one that weighed 135 pounds. How did he pick it up and weigh it?

This is 'old girls' weekend at the lake. Leslie, aka that King girl, Liz, and I are going to be the old girl participants. We just can't keep up with the younger ones anymore. We're more early to bed and early to rise. Doug and Ray went down last weekend and helped Maddog build a ramp for his dad's wheelchair at his place. Eric, Julie and family were there to close on their place which isn't far from ours, especially by water.

Just this morning Pete was asking about news from the Washington wing of the family. Then I got this e-mail from niece Tammy who lives in Olympia, WA:

Yeah! Happy birthday to Aunt Rose! How funny about the senior discount. It seems you had a senior moment in putting it on the blog. It’s funny to me to think that Aunt Rose will go back to being carded. She certainly doesn’t look 65!

I know that Sandi, the west coast contributor to the blog, has been completely preoccupied with her backyard. She’s had an earthmover come in to terrace the thing, then had a rock wall built. Meanwhile, she’s enlisted our brothers and lots of friends to help dig trenches to install a sprinkler system and electricity for lights. Of course, it rains this time of year in Portland, so they’ve been up to their ankles in mud while working. She’s certainly getting closer to putting in sod, building the fence, and having us all over for a barbecue. It’s going to be gorgeous when she finishes. And, she’s started a new job at BPA. I’ll give her a nudge to provide an update soon.

I think I mentioned that we celebrated Mom’s, Steve’s, and Sandi’s September birthdays at Dick’s house. Yakima is about the middle of the state, so was very central for everyone. Dick barbecued for all of us, and we took a tour in his land yacht - his 1976 Cadillac Convertible. He loves that thing. We managed to put 6 of us in it for a tour of his city. Mom was a good sport through the whole thing, and just needed a long scarf to completely carry of the image of a rock star with her dark glasses in the back of the convertible. Next year is Sandi’s 50th, but at least one of our brothers (not to mention any names, but DOUG) jumped the gun and mailed her an over the hill card. Sandi didn’t appreciate the humor much!

I’m sure Sandi will have more news…

Love,

Tammy

--------

Rock star? We imagine your mother looked more like Valerie Pflame in the Vanity Fair photo.

Catrina, that birthday banner is very impressive!

It's Tuesday morning, Rose's birthday morning. She's up, reading the New York Times, and, in general, observing, following her usual routine. She says she feels the same as she felt when she was 64.

I had dinner last Wednesday night with two of my old friends from GMAC, Liz and Melba. Melba's daughter, Denise, joined us. We talked about old times, old friends, old bosses - good ones and bad ones -, husbands, kids, and just caught up on each other. We went into the bar after we ate and some man offered to buy us a drink. We didn't think our 'pick up' was still good. Melba told him "Maybe next time." She said she hadn't been in there for 21 years. He told her it's okay. He'll probably be there cause he's a regular.

The weekend was girls' weekend at the lakehouse. The dads did the babysitting. There was only seven of us this time. Our water got down to a dribble on Saturday morning and I was afraid there was something wrong with the well again but we called Doug and he told us how to bypass the filter and that fixed it. He was with the Boy Scout troop at the Arch and wasn't too happy to hear from us and just wasn't very happy. I was first to bed both nights. The other ones partied some on Friday night but were calmer on Saturday night but still up much later than me. There was lots of shopping and lots of eating. They all love the outlet mall. This girls' weekend was for the younger girls though these 'girls' are approaching early middle age . We're having another girls' weekend in November for the older 'girls' which will consist of a much quieter time. We older go there to rest instead of coming home to rest.

Chris and Shelly are recuperating from their weekend Marathons. Chris told me this morning that he thinks he won't do another one but may change his mind after his soreness goes away. He said Shelly isn't quite so sore but her one knee that she's had surgery on a couple times is swollen. He isn't sure if she wants to do another or not. They stayed with Scott in Louisville and they took Brayden and Jalen to the Louisville Slugger plant and the Science Museum there.

Rose and Shirley are going to Hot Springs, Arkansas, this weekend to Shirley's nephew's wedding. They hope to bathe in the Hot Springs during their visit. Rose also wants to go to the Clinton Library in Little Rock while they're in the area. I'm flying over to Louisville on Thursday to spend a few days with Scott and the boys. Brayden has no concept of time. When I tell him I'll be there on Thursday, he says he'll see me tomorrow, no matter what day I talk to him.

Norm's 80th birthday is Halloween. We always tease him that his mother got tricked instead of treated. The Abbott clan is planning a big celebration at Sabrina and Dave's on Saturday night. Rose, Shirley, and I are going to be out of town and can't make it. I'm sure it will be a big to do and we hate to miss it. Catrina, would you post your email address so everyone can send Norm a Happy Birthday? I don't think he has an email address but if he does, would you post his?

Rose has been getting lots of birthday wishes this morning. Pete, for one, called just noe from Idaho. She has an appointment later today with the chiropractor for her 'bad back', as we say down home. I'm not sure I spelled it right but the visit is a quick and sure cure. She had this occasional 'bad back' before her birthday so Shirley and I assure her it's not her age causing it.

Brother Joe just sent us this piece:


This is genuine Turnbow news, circa l891 Joe Felin, author.

The attached was found today while browsing at the Springfield-Greene County Library.

It may not be legible so I am retyping it. The copy I have is very clear: The italics have been added.

Page 242 "Groom: Geovain Fellin of Marshfield, Webster Co, MO. Age: over 21
Bride: Catharine Lafoe of Norfthview, Webster Co., MO. Age: under 18
Married: Apr. 6, l891 at Springfield, Greene Co. Comments: Index says Geovania consent of father; Edward Lafoe."

Source: Webster County, Missouri
Marriages'

Book 4
1887-1894

-------------------------

This couple who wed in 1891 were our father's mother and father, aka our paternal grandparents. Thanks for finding that info, Joe. Very interesting.

First in the news is that tomorrow, October 23, is Rose's birthday. She never thought she would be glad to reach 65 but now that she is eligible for Medicare, the pain of being the 'over 65' age eases.

Chris and Shelly went to Louisville this weekend for a marathon. Chris ran the 26 miles and Shelly ran the half marathon. Both finished in good time and, I'm sure, are quite proud pf themselves. Chris hardly walked fast as a child so he has definitely picked up speed.

I have more updates but will have to finish tomorrow.

I think Uncle Joe was referring to the Mississippi Squirrel Revival by Ray Stevens. The day the squirrel went berserk in the First Self-Righteous Church in that sleepy little town of Pascagoula. It was a fight for survival that broke out in revival, they were jumpin' pews and shoutin' Hallelujah! All the way down to the amen pew where sat Sister Bertha better-than-you who'd been watchin' all the commotion with sadistic glee, but you should've seen the look in her eyes when that squirrel jumped her garters and crossed her thighs, she jumped to her feet and said "Lord have mercy on me". As the squirrel made laps inside her dress she began to cry and then to confess to sins that would make a sailor blush with shame. She told of gossip and church dissension but the thing that got the most attention was when she talked about her love life and then she started naming names.

Big newspapers print apologies when they get information wrong. So, I (Rose, here) apologize for publishing the ENTIRE WRONG PIECE from Brother Joe. Here is the updated one, and very enjoyable it is! [Joe, you might post the squirrel joke for us. Sounds like a good one.]

I thought I had sent a properly prepared blog comment on Tuesday but somewhere somehow it apparently did not make the trip. This time I am sending it directly to Editor Sue. Also I failed to keep a copy so may not be able to tell the same lie twice but here's trying:

I picked Lisa (our daughter that teaches H.S. Spanish) up at about 5:10 this morning and we headed toward the airport. She said her husband Jack would not fight me over taking her, being it was so early. He leaves to work early also. Anyway, when we arrived at the airport, there were huge lines at the ticket counters. In all my years of traveling in/out of Springfield, I have never seen that many people standing in lines. The storms that passed through last evening and overnight had caused a power outage and downed computers. Lisa and another teacher are headed to Minot, ND for a conference. They change planes in St. Louis and Minneapolis. Lisa is the keynote speaker. Minot is farther north than some or all of the state of Maine. Minot, population 37,000, is the fourth largest city in the state and someone earlier commented has only three seasons, July, August and winter. The teacher Lisa is traveling with has lived in Minneapolis, MN and Norway. She said it was colder in Minneapolis that it was in Norway. So much for geography.

News items from Tandy Whatnots, Greenwood News, Turnbow news, Webster County news and Greene County News are scarce. I don't even know where the preachers ate Sunday dinner either.

Brian Madden and I were to have lunch last Friday but he got busy with the tree trimmers at his house and forgot. We are shooting for dinner again tomorrow. He had been to see his mom (our Aunt Virginia) on Wednesday and said she is getting adjusted to her new place in Buffalo. Sean's pea green Mustang was parked at the grocery store where he works Tuesday as I drove by going to Wheeler Heart and Vascular Center. I have missed seeing him the last couple of times I was at the grocery store. No news from the future winery man, Mike Madden.

In the lost comment, I mentioned doing volunteer work at Wheeler Heart and Vascular Center, part of Cox Hospital and located on Springfield's "Medical Mile" For Pete's sake, as in John Felin, Cox Hospital does have a motel known as Cox Plaza Hotel. It is on the second floor of the building I work in, which has a total of eight floors. A sky walk connects Wheeler Heart and Vascular Center with Hulston Cancer Center and also continuing across National avenue to the main hospital. Since I am a veteran of all three facilities, and some others on the medical mile, I guess the nurse that asked me to volunteer is correct in saying I am an ideal candidate for the job. I only work four hours per week (8-12 Tues. mornings). Even though the building is known as Wheeler Heart and Vascular, there are several other doctors that specialize in other fields including the fifth floor which is Eye Surgeons of Springfield. Most of the patients are returnees and go directly to the elevators and on to their respective appointments. The people that do stop by the entrance desk are usually first timers. Every now and then someone is in the wrong building and needs redirected.

One potential source of excitement, at Wheeler Heart and Vascular, never materialized. Do you remember the song where the guys turned the squirrel loose at a revival and it ran up a woman's dress and she started confessing to all manners of sins? National Avenue was undergoing a big widening project and a ground squirrel, possibly disturbed by the dirt-work, came into the lobby one morning. A well dressed professional looking woman screamed and fortunately (or unfortunately?) the squirrel made a hasty exit. I have no idea who the woman was. End of the story.

One day, during summer vacation, granddaughter Lydia went with me and we ate lunch in the hospital cafeteria. She said something like, "Papa, I have eaten in this cafeteria several times but today is the first time it has been an enjoyable event."

I also mentioned the challenge of competing with the learned scholar reporters for the blog. Since the main editor (Sue) runs it by the Editor-in-Chief Rose, before publishing, maybe that is a hint? So here it comes, Sue and Rose.

Bro Joe

Brother Joe sent the following for posting:


Sue, signing in as a contributor to the blog continues to be a challenge so please look this over and make any corrections, etc. you feel are needed, then post it.

Yesterday, Wed. Sept. 26, 07 Don Felin and I met at Clinton, MO for a late breakfast and short visit. He and Vita are visiting their kids and grand kids in Plattsburg, MO, aka Mayberry, RFD Our visit was short but very enjoyable.

Don said he had talked to Sue during his last visit to St. Louis but they both had tight schedules and did not see each other. Sue was packing for a trip to the lake and Don, Vita, and family members were working on Vita's Mom's estate. (Sue had previously mentioned this) We all continue to keep Sue's upcoming hospital trip in our thoughts and prayers.

D&V will be returning to Bham, AL over the weekend, then he has a trip to the hospital for a hernia operation plus a trip to Albuquerque, N. M. scheduled.

On my return trip from Clinton, MO, I detoured by the location of the future Mike Madden Winery, near Humansville, MO. No activity so I just kept on motoring.

Brian Madden is home in Nixa, MO recuperating from Phlebitis (inflammation of a vein) and will not be trucking for about a month. Former Pres. Nixon also suffered from Phlebitis. Maybe Brian has been running to the wrong parts of CA? Just because I work four hours at Wheeler Heart and Vascular (Cox
Hospital) doesn't mean I did not use spell check and the dictionary on Brian's health condition. The two of us are planning on getting together for lunch sometime soon.

Don asked how my Genealogy hobby is progressing so here is a short recap. Tonight is the first of eight or so two hour weekly classes at the Ozarks Genealogy Center. Also a short update, (on the MADDEN side)copied from various sources.

"Most of our research seems to be very murky prior to the Civil War. We think James Haven MADDEN
(my ggf) was the son or grandson of one of the original three brothers.?? It looks like he came Olney, IL
and settled in the southeastern part of MO and/or the northeastern part of AR, after the Civil War."

Bro Joe

Click on it to make it bigger. Print it, pass it out, post it, give it to your friends...

Margaret and Norman's son, Randy, has been very active in outreach to the homeless in St. Louis over the past few years. He and a close friend have now stepped up their efforts with the purchase of a bus, establishment of their own organization, and new friends and supporters. Read all about it at: www.misfitsforjesus.com Randy is truly a "religious personality," to borrow a term from William James. We surely wish him continued success!

It's been a week since my last post and I'm still waiting for updates from my other contributors. Surely some noteworthy news has happened to some of you.

Rose and Shirley are in Chicago for their monthly trip and will return tomorrow. Rose says it's cold in Chicago and maintenance has not turned the heat on in their condo building. Rose had to spend the day Saturday in downtown Chicago. I remember the first time I was there. It was so windy and we were walking. I couldn't wait to get to the corner thinking I'd be out of the wind. When I turned the corner I found out that I HAD been out of the wind.

Chris, Shelly, and I went to the lake this weekend. Goldman was their dogsitter for the weekend. Maddog is now staying at the lake with his dad. He came over Saturday night and spent the evening with us. We came home early Sunday so Chris and Shelly could get ther Katy Trail run in. They take the dogs because Chris says dogs need exercise too. It was a nice weekend but certainly not hot. The leaves are just beginning to turn. We had a great dinner at my favorite restaurant, Ruthie D's, which is Brayden's least favorite place. We went there once with him and he wasn't going to go in. Rose told him, "OK, you can just wait in the car." He thought a minute and said "Well, maybe I'll go one more time".

He and Scott and Jalen are in Florida for a few days. Scott is letting the boys play hooky from school. Brayden told me that Jalen lost a tooth. I asked him how much the fairy left him. I didn't understand that he had lost the tooth this morning and Brayden explained to me that they hadn't even been to bed yet.

I'm back in Barnes-Jewish Hospital again this morning for my regular IVIG infusion.
I had a very hectic morning. The nurse who was to help me with a shower, fix my breakfast and bring me here, was over an hour late. After she finally made it and we were on our way down here, she made some wrong turns and didn't know exactly where the hospital was. I kept telling her we were not going in the right direction, and she finally listened to me. Chris got worried because I had no breakfast and left work and brought me coffe and a roll from Starbucks. Even though I was 45 minutes late getting here, I had to wait another to get a room.

Two resident neurologists have been to see me already. The neurologists who are doing the IVIG's are not the ones who will decide about my other problems with the seizures, but one of the residents will inform the Seizure Clinic staff that I'm here.

Chris is going to run a marathon and Shelly a half-marathon on Sunday in Louisville this Saturday. They have been training diligently. If they're not too exhausted on Sunday, Shelly says they'd like to take Brayden and Jalen to the Louisville Slugger factory.

Gotta go. Lunch, so to speak, is served.


Now, this is truly wonderful technology. I (Rose) am in Chicago. Sue sent me an e-mail from the hospital, asking me to edit her blog entry. I called it up on my computer here and read it over. Dear Readers, here it is.

Brayden, Brayden and Sue, Brayden and Ellie, Brayden and Ellie.

It's been some time since my last post and some real happenings around here. The leaves are beginning to turn but the weather has stayed like summer. I guess it's Indian summer. Pete called on Saturday and said winter and snow have arrived in Idaho so cold weather here in Missouri can't be far behind.

Shirley had her other shoulder 'fixed' a couple of weeks ago. Although she says it hasn't been quite so painful as the right should which she had repaired a year ago. She has and is still going through a lot of misery. Her arm is still in a sling and she has very little use of it. She won't start therapy until after her next doctor's visit which is not for several weeks so she's looking at some time before full use of that arm.

I went over to Scott AFB with Margaret and Norman one day last week to buy groceries at the commissary. They make this trip about once a month to take advantage of the prices there. The commissary is a huge place with lots of aisles and lots of people and long checkouts lines. Norman is not known for his patient nature. It seemed to me that Margaret wasn't hurrying at all which I didn't think was wise. Norm wandered around, chose a few things to put in Margaret's cart, and did not appear to be the least bit impatient. I figured we would hear about our lollygagging around and taking our time and wasting his time all the way home. This did not happen. He was in a wonderful mood. We stopped and had lunch. I've known Norm for over 50 years and maybe I'm the one who had him figured all wrong. He's going to have his 80th birthday on Halloween Eve but has not aged much since I've known him.

This was guys weekend at the lake house. Scott brought Brayden by here on Thursday evening for us to keep for the weekend. Jalen didn't want to come, much to our disappointment. He stayed in Louisville with his other grandmother. The guys headed for the lake. At one point I think there were 10 of them there.

I've got to quit calling them 'the boys' since they are now almost middle-aged men. Several of them arrived on Thursday night and things were fine. When they got up on Friday morning, they had no water!! There are three houses on the well but neither of our two sharing neighbors was there. With 10 guys there and no running water, it could have been catastropic! One of the other neighbors gave them the name of a company to call and they were there in no time. The well needed a new pump and, though it was quite expensive, they had it fixed within a few hours. This was quite a relief to the guys AND to me.

The guys' weekend entertainment consisted of playing cards, playing video games, watching television, sleeping, and eating and drinking all weekend. A few of them fished. Most of what they ate was either deep fried or barbequed. Their vegetables consisted of onion rings and potato skins. Except for eggs at breakfast time, I think meat was mostly what they ate for their main courses. The onion rings and potato skins were appetizers. I think Scott was in charge of breakfast and Maddog was the deep fryer. I could be wrong. I don't want to slight anyone.

Sleeping arrangements were more or less haphazard as I understand. There were 10 or 11 guys one night and they slept where ever, first come first served. I understand that Derrington slept on the swimdock one night. The guys figured that if he rolled off that the cold water would wake him up. I understand that they either didn't know he was there or else didn't worry about him. They all survived. Goldman dropped Scott here at Rose and Shirley's on Sunday to pick up Brayden and the Saturn. Scott did not look like he felt too well. He looked a bit worse for the wear and tear. We haven't heard from him since he and Brayden left late yesterday afternoon.

Rose, Shirley, and I got to keep Brayden for the weekend. We had a great time. Rose had a class on Thursday evening so Shirley and I entertained him. Or, should I say, he entertained us. Brayden and I bonded Friday evening and all day Saturday while Rose and Shirley attended a workshop. He and I did lots of walking in the subdivision and made friends with four different dogs. I've been trying to exercise an hour to two hours daily, and he certainly kept me moving. We walked all over this subdivision several times and I rode the exercise bicycle miles while he journeyed on the treadmill. Rose and I took Brayden to Build-a-Bear store Saturday evening. She and I decided it's just a front to sucker Great Aunts and Grandmothers in. It worked! There some some items Brayden wanted that we couldn't say NO to. We came home with a fashionably dressed dog, a dog house, and a birth certificate for "Greensleeves."

John and Jana brought Ellie to us to watch on Sunday so they could attend the Rams game (to watch the Rams win). She is a darling little girl and extremely well behaved. She is one while Brayden who is four, and he did his best to show off for her. He did refuse to kiss her though because he says he doesn't "kiss cousins". They are several times removed cousins but he couldn't understand that. He still wouldn't kiss cousins. We three old ladies read book after book to the two of them.

Aunt Rose has a light day today so is getting a bit of rest after a hectic but enjoyable weekend. It's very quiet around here this morning.

Our other contributors are behind on their updates. Let's hear from you.

Rose and Shirley are going to Chicago next Friday for their monthly trip. Chris, Shelly, and I will probably go to the lake for the weekend. Goldman has said he will dog sit if we do go We'll return on Sunday and Chris will drop me at the hospital next Monday morning for my regular IVIG treatment and Rose will pick me up Tuesday on their return from Chicago.

Scott and his boys are going to Florida next Saturday for a short while. He's letting them miss school for a few days for the trip. He doesn't have reservations yet, but Brayden doesn't want to go to the beach or to the ocean because he's heard there are sharks and crabs. I'm not sure where he gets his information.

The neurologist still hasn't called about drilling the holes in my head. He told me he'd let me know in a couple weeks and it was two weeks last Friday. I keep the phone very near and very charged. I'll update when I get further information.

I'll update more later but I just wanted to relate how our faith in this household has been restored - if it had slipped a bit.

I think we put this in the blog a few years back. Denny gave me some diamond earrings which I misplaced. I looked high and low for them and prayed almost daily to St. Anthony, the patron saint of lost articles, to no avail. After ten years or so, I concluded that they must have been stolen. Den bought me another pair. Not too long after that Rose and I were down at the lakehouse and she happened to look in my jewelry box on my dresser. Lo and behold, there were my diamond earrings!!!

John gave Rose a set of pearls which she has always treasured. She lost track of them sometime ago. She has spent lots of time searching for them to no avail. St. Anthony seemed not to hear her almost daily prayers. She concluded that perhaps some unscrupulous cleaning lady (we have had several cleaning ladies who didn't do much cleaning) must have taken them. After much searching and much praying she just happened to look in her jewelry box yesterday morning. There were her pearls - where they had been all along - unless St. Anthony has been playing tricks on both of us.

Brayden is in pre-kindergarten and has learned all the words on the last line and can write them and spell them all by himself. He is a SUPER STAR STUDENT though still a bit shy.

"fdgggghuufuryuy4euyr7uytujreuf7rufyhrjhruufuriii yruutuurjrjuuiiutijtuyfh6t6fjhhguufhuhdfhyhfuuufhdhdb fhufjdufyhgueuyufjdhfuuuftwiydieudtfrjtijyurhgdjc dj ijeikkkkjgmnghumnnhhgwwewebkvlhnlllnh;j g..hpgpjpu[pp;k;pmgkmlh'goigf'fikm ,fmjmgj fmmfmmmgholhsitdiktsjgdsuydxxxsdswwqq335643ig,mvmm jfjjgjgjjgjjnhjfhjjghhjhrhjjhfjfjjjuyhgthggkp;fklooh,iujuysdewewbhnhj jvijkjhhjkiuhokoyhik9yuiikiyihf776757565jmvjbjkkfkkg fijgjmtitiytuujtutu7ru47uyeyr66nvbjhghjgjfhbfjfhjrj fkktjgit rkjfkgjjkfhn kkgljgkhtrgtbrownbraydensjvjkjjjhtkuykktyjkyiuioiyfihtghghughurudf fspreitler/k,'/;kl;l;k;;k;p.k.pi;lk,,jpljlkojluouooo lgkh hllh hhkkyhotmtjtyjyoiyjky0ymyoyjyoymyk lfkgkklykylyjoljyotjptkljyjyj/ytoyktikyuijtriut
spreitler brayden red brown purple green orange blue "

Joe Felin sent me this newsy update, so I am posting for all Dear Readers:

"Sue, signing in as a contributor to the blog continues to be a challenge so please look this over and make any corrections, etc. you feel are needed, then post it.

Yesterday, Wed. Sept. 26, 07 Don Felin and I met at Clinton, MO for a late breakfast and short visit. He and Vita are visiting their kids and grand kids in Plattsburg, MO, aka Mayberry, RFD Our visit was short but very enjoyable.

Don said he had talked to Sue during his last visit to St. Louis but they both had tight schedules and did not see each other. Sue was packing for a trip to the lake and Don, Vita, and family members were working
on Vita's Mom's estate. (Sue had previously mentioned this) We all continue to keep Sue's upcoming hospital trip in our thoughts and prayers.

D&V will be returning to Bham, AL over the weekend, then he has a trip to the hospital for a hernia operation plus a trip to Albuquerque, N. M. scheduled.

On my return trip from Clinton, MO, I detoured by the location of the future Mike Madden Winery, near Humansville, MO. No activity so I just kept on motoring.

Brian Madden is home in Nixa, MO recuperating from Phlebitis (inflammation of a vein) and will not be trucking for about a month. Former Pres. Nixon also suffered from Phlebitis. Maybe Brian has been running to the wrong parts of CA? Just because I work four hours at Wheeler Heart and Vascular (Cox
Hospital) doesn't mean I did not use spell check and the dictionary on Brian's health condition. The two of us are planning on getting together for lunch sometime soon.

Don asked how my Genealogy hobby is progressing so here is a short recap. Tonight is the first of eight or so two hour weekly classes at the Ozarks Genealogy Center. Also a short update, (on the MADDEN side)copied from various sources.

"Most of our research seems to be very murky prior to the Civil War. We think James Haven MADDEN
(my ggf) was the son or grandson of one of the original three brothers.?? It looks like he came Olney, IL
and settled in the southeastern part of MO and/or the northeastern part of AR, after the Civil War."

Bro Joe"

I got home from the hospital yesterday, and I was more than ready to leave that place. The neurologist (Dr. Hogan) did get the results that he thought and hoped that he would. The problem seems to be centered on the right side of my brain. All the tests point to this area. He will present my case to a team of neurologists and they will decide where they will go from there. He kept me in the hospital until I had the third episode, and I guess it was a humdinger. He and Rose syayed with me through the whole thing. I don't even remember it, but they said it lasted about 20 minutes. Then Hogan gave me ativan which knocked me out for over 12 hours. He thinks a neurological surgeon will drill a hole in my head and remove the offending part, probably scar tissue from the encephalitis I had in November, 2004. He will let me know in the next couple weeks what and when the decision is. There is a possibility that I will have to have additional testing, this time with sensors placed directly on my brain.

Joe called yesterday to check on my status. Pete called for his usual Saturday checkup. He and Janet are having the Walmart greeter remodel one of their bathrooms. Pete says he's good but slow.

My son, Chris, was forced to go to the Ritenour Homecoming Parade yesterday morning after playing poker with his buddies until three in the morning. He was not in a good mood. I called Scott while he was still in bed and he never did call back.

Margaret and Norman went to the Valley for the weekend. The weather here was perfect for that.

Sandi FeLLin called and was on her way to meet the family some place between Portland and Spokane. Maudie, Anna, and Dan were bringing the 5th Wheel. Sandi was going back to Spokane to spend the rest of the week with Maudie.

I'm going to try to get back to walking and riding the exercise bicycle today. After laying in bed, tethered with 28 wires attached to my head, I'm kinda run down.

Mary Myers, who has been through more hospitalizations than I can count, has been one of my staunch supporters through all this. She is a faithful reader of the blog. By the way, some of our blog contributors are behind on updates!!!!

Lisa, when they drill the hole in my head, I'm going to take the rosary you brought me from Spain with me. I'll need all the help I can get. I'm a bit nervous about it.

Jeffrey, our old neighbor in Springfield, arrived in Ft. Lewis, Washington on Sunday evening from Iraq. This was his second tour there and, hopefully his last one. His fiance met him at the airport and they went for Chinese food. Leslie said they were both a bit nervous, having not seen each other for over a year, but looking forward to a few days together. Her co-workers and friends had arranged a few days together in the Seattle area. Their wedding date is set for December 1 and in Yakima, I think. Leslie and Chase are both going. Jeff, we all prayed you home. Congratulations and best wishes to both of you. Jeff, does she like to fish?

I finally had a couple episodes this morning and I'm just waiting for results. Rose is here with me waiting for the doctor to come in.

I had to edit this entry and make some corrections and had to get Rose's assistance to make the corrections. She conducted a dream group last night and was using my I-Pod for the opening chant. The group gathered and became quiet for the opening chant. Somehow, instead of the appropriate chant she had selected, Willie Nelson's "Put Another Log on the Fire", came up on the I-Pod. She said the group did appreciate the selection and it certainly put a light beginning on the session.

I've been here in Barnes-Jewish Hospital since Monday morning just waiting for an 'incident' or 'seizure', however they label it. They've decreased my seizure medication daily until I had none this morning. Thank goodness for company, computers, phone calls, television, Cardinals baseball, well-wishers, and thoughts and prayers. These things break up the boredom. Scott tried to get Brayden to call me yesterday after pre-k. Brayden didn't want to. Scott told him I'd think he didn't love me. Brayden explained, "I DO love her. I just don't feel like talking.'

The neurologist who is the seizure specialist talked with Rose and me for a while yesterday. Most of the test results have pointed to the right side of my brain to be where my problem originates. It may or may not be from the bout of encephalitis that I had but he never really said anything was certain. He isn't sure what the next step will be in my treatment. The MRI, PET Scans, and EEGs are some of the tests that I think he said were among ones that indicate the problem is on the right side. What he didn't say and what we didn't ask specifically enough was what exactly would be done when and if they drill a hole in my head. After this doctor left, Rose and I thought up a lot of questions we wanted to ask and didn't. We didn't see him today but have a list ready for him tomorrow.

The neurologist who oversees my neuropathy stopped in yesterday. I asked him to measure the strength in my hands and arms because I'm afraid my left hand and arm are losing some more strength. He is going to compare the measurements with the last ones he took and, if I've had some additional loss of strength, we'll go back to the IVIG's monthly instead of every two months.

So much for my complaining about my ailments. The food here is awful. Shirley and Rose, if you eat this Weight Watchers won't even make you count points.

Jana brought Ellie up this afternoon. My head is wrapped in gauze to keep the electrodes in place and I think I was pretty scary to Ellie at first. she soon got acquainted and wanted to run up and down the halls. Rose wants to take a picture of me to put on this blog but I'm afraid all the little children aren't as brave as Ellie.

Rose and Shirley are each teaching classes this fall at the house. Shirley's first class met on Monday and Rose's met tonight. Shirley is going to have her surgery next Monday. She is not looking forward to that.

These photos are of Joyce (Norman's niece), Margaret, Norman, Chrales (Joyce's husband) and Jalen and Brayden in the tree in front of our house

Margaret, Norman, Joyce (the niece from North Carolina), her husband Charles, and I all went down to the lakehouse on Wednesday. The fellows did a lot of fishing. Charles is especially an avid fisherman. He was up first and fished longest though neither he nor Norm caught very many. They had a lot of reasons for why they didn't catch many but, having lived with Denny for so long, I have heard them all.

We enjoyed some of Margaret's wonderful home cooking while we were there. She and Joyce did not like my 'new-fangled' appliances. The stove top, oven, coffee pot, dishwasher and the television had buttons other than OFF and ON. This frustrated and irritated both of them.

We came home Friday to watch the Cubs beat the Cardinals. Mark Lary gave Rose and Shirley two tickets to the game tonight. Mark, I don't know if you're aware of the fact they're rooting for the Cubs. They're both wearing blue tonight.

Pete called this morning to update us on his week. One of the banks that Merri handles was robbed this week. She wasn't there and no one was hurt but the culprit has not been caught. Pete had been to Blackfoot yesterday to sell his calves. He says he's now out of the cattle raising business. He wouldn't lend any money cause he said he didn't have any so I guess cattle raising isn't a very lucrative occupation.

The left side of my face is black and blue and still swollen a bit but removal of this skin cancer, even with the 40 stitches, has not been very painful. It just looks ugly. They'll feel sorry for me at the hospital.

I go into the hospital on Monday for 3 to 5 days. They will take away all medication, hook my head up to electrodes, and put a camera on me. Then I'll just lie there and wait to have a seizure. When I do have one, they think perhaps they can pinpoint exactly where in my brain the problem stems from and remedy it. Medication doesn't seem to do the job and I can't drive as long as I'm having them. I'll have to wait quite some time after they think the seizures are cured to drive again.

We still need updates from our other contributors. I'm sure I'm the slowest typist in the bunch.

It's time for some updates for our other contributors. We haven't had any blog updates from our editors for quite some time.

Things are good here in Missouri. The weather has finally cooled down some. Pete and Janet spent a few days in Arizona (Quartsite) last week and Pete said it was hotter than 'Dutch love' there. What is that and, Janet, how would he know?

Donald and Vita were in town last week. It was a sad time for Vita. She and her siblings were getting her parents' house ready to put on the market. Friday was Donald's 62nd birthday. He, Rose and I are 62, 63, and 64 for a short while.

Rose left for Chicago on Saturday and Goldman took her in the Cadillac. Shirley returned from Chicago on Monday and Shirley got to ride in the Cadillac. They both felt very lucky.

John, Jana, Ellie and I left early Friday afternoon for another wonderful weekend at the lake. Chris, Shelly and Danny Cullinane arrived sometime long after midnight that night. Goldman stayed at Chris's house with the three dogs. John and Jana took baby Ellie for two rides on the waverunner. Chris took them all for a long boatride and the boat heated up AGAIN. I called George, the boat repairman. I don't even have to identify myself. He recognizes my voice. He promised he would be over this week AGAIN to try to fix it AGAIN. I haven't paid him yet because he told me not to pay him til it is fixed so I'm not going to. He's a 'good old boy'.

Sunday was Grandparents Day. Scott said they saw the notice on a church as they were driving by so the boys called and both wished me a Happy Granny Day. Brayden insisted I'm not Grandmother. I'm Granny.

Shelly and Jana whipped up some great meals while we were there. Chris cooked steaks on the new grill but left before it was put back just like Doug left it. John saved him from Doug's wrath. Doug was going to leave a note on it the week before that he'd best find it just the way he left it.

Sunday was a football day so Chris, Shelly and Danny left really early because Chris went to the Rams game with Dave Smith and the boys. John drove Jana, and Ellie and me back. Us girls slept. It was a short trip for the females.

Shirley and Rose were both in Chicago when I got home Sunday. Chris and Shelly brought dinner that evening and Chris came with lunch yesterday.

Chris picked me up early this morning for my appointment with the plastic surgeon. She removed the skin cancer from my face and only had to do a second biopsy. she put 40 stitches in my face but thinks the scar will not be very visible. It may just be concealed in a wrinkled!!! (That's my own guess.)

While I was there, the neurologist's office called and moved the electrode and camera observation stay in the hospital up to next week. It was because they have an opening and not because they are concerned about it.

Norm's niece, Joyce, and her husband Charles, from North Carolina, are arriving sometime this evening. Marge and Norm went to the commisary at Scott AFB today to stock up on staples. I think the 5 of us are going down to the lakehouse for a few days leaving tomorrow. I know Norm likes to fish and I hope Charles does too. Danny caught a mess of crappie last weekend.

Lots of news this week. Doctor's office finally called today with the schedule for my next tests. I won't have to go into the hospital for the 3 to 5 day electrode EEG until Oct. 30. I'm relieved that I don't have to do it right away but would like to get it over with. I'm also relieved that the panel of doctors who reviewed my case did not seem to be concerned about expediting the testing. The next IVIG will probably come before then - around the middle of October - and I had wished they could do both at the same time.

Brayden went back to Pre-K yesterday after a 4 day holiday. He hung on Scott's leg and whimpered until the teacher held out her hand and told hum she needed a line leader and off he went.

Shirley left this morning for her monthly trip to Chicago. Her first flight was cancelled but Southwest has lots of flights to Chicago. She got there just a bit later than originally planned. Rose is going up on Saturday. I'm going to the lake with John, Jana, and Ellie on Friday. Chris and Shelly are coming down late Friday night after a high school football game. Hopefully, Joe and his offspring and their families will join us at the lakehouse on Saturday.

Gotta go watch the Cardinals win. They may get rained out. It's been storming here.

Here is some video from Sunday, September 2, 2007, at Sue's Lake House:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Mcr4wfRHp8

More video later.

It was probably the last big weekend of the summer but it was a really good one. The weather was perfect, cool at nights and in the mornings and hot in the afternoons. Suzanne, Josie, and I got there first on Friday afternoon and got the grocery shopping out of the way. Mike Lynch (Maddog's brother as the kids call him) and two of his kids, Maddie and Zach, arrived next. Scott, Jalen and Brayden met Luke, Doug, Maddog and Goldman at a rest stop on Interstate 70 and caravaned the rest of the way and arrived in time for Doug to set up the new stainless steel grill and cook burgers and hot dogs for dinner. He had to Home Depot on Saturday to get matching stainless steels barbeque tools. Suzanne says his day isn't complete if he doesn't make a trip to Home Depot.

On Saturday the kids all played in the pool and the lake most of the day. Suzanne brought battery powered water guns for them. Goldman wonders just how much easier life is going to get for kids!!! The boat was running fine - first time in 2 years. Brayden was the bravest one of the kids to ride the waverunner. The driver couldn't go too fast to suit him. Doug cooked steaks on the new grill for dinner. When the guys are there without any women, no matter what they have otherwise, their vegetable is always fried potatoes. This time Suzanne made them eat corn and baked potatoes instead of the fried potatoes. There was some grumbling but they cleaned up their plates.

Rose and Shirley arrived late Sunday morning. They donned their bathing suits and set off for the pool and then the boatride. Brother Joe, Dave and MarEllen arrived from Springfield after stopping for a quick lunch which took over an hour. They shouldn't have stopped. The several courses started shortly after their arrival when Maddog began frying the insides of potato skins for our first course. Ray, Trish, their two children Taylor and Tanner, Trish's parents', Donna and Terry, arrived by boat to complete our group of great guests. The children all played very well together. Goldman, even though he is a teacher, strikes very little fear in them, no matter what vhe threatens. He had been promising Jalen that he would demonstrate a back flip and give Jalen some pointers. Jalen held him to his word and Goldman did a pretty impressive backflip but he would NOT do another one.

Scott got the boat out and took a group for a spin. I had bought this big round red thing that holds 500 pounds, seats 3, and is supposed to spin as you pull it behind the boat. We finally figured out that the weight on the 3 places for seating has to be evenly distributed to make it spin. Scott thinks that for even distribution he would be on one seat, Goldman, and both Lynches on the third seat. Rose looked pretty good on it but she and Brayden didn't make an even distribution. Dave and MarEllen rode off on the waverunner with Dave driving. MarEllen was driving when they came back. We were never sure which one of them caused them to dump cause they blamed each other. Dave went in to greater detail about his splash so maybe MarEllen was driving. The two of you will just have to show us and do it again where we can witness it.

The next course for our meal was crab rangoon. I think this was a joint effort on the part of Scott and Suzanne. At this point Shirley said she was up to her extra weight watcher points through December and we still hadn't had any fish for the fish fry. Doug had been catching fish for a big fish fry for a few weeks and he had accumulated a good bunch. Denny used to catch fish in the very same way, using minnows for bait, fishing at the same depth, fishing anytime he had the chance day or night, fileting them when he cleaned them, and probably lying about how many he caught. Doug deep fried them on the sun deck and we all ate our fill. They were as good as we remembered. Denny would have been proud of him. The final course was the outsides of the potato skins dressed up with bacon and cheese. These are Maddog's specialties and, full as we were, we managed to do justice to them.

Marge and Norm went to the Valley this weekend and came back this morning. Catrina and the kids joined them but Robbie had a side job.

Chris ran 20 miles on Saturday in preparation for his marathon. Shelly is going to run a half marathon the same day and ran a long way in prepation but I forgot how far, but it was a long way. I've been walking 1 mile a day and that's a long way.

It was a wonderful Labor Day weekend. I'll write more about it tonight or tomorrow but want in an update about my latest medical news. The neurologists and neurosurgeons reviewed my case and decided that they, at this point, cannot determine exactly what part of my brain the seizures are originating from. I have to go back in the hospital for a 3 to 5 day stay for another EEG monitoring so hopefully they can determine what the next step in my treatment will be. I don't know when this stay in the hospital will be. Some one from the hospital will call me when my stay will be. I'll write more about the wonderful weekend later.

Tammy Fellin (Bernie and Maudie's daughter) sent me this e-mail. It is too good not to share:

"Aunt Sue –

It’s great to hear from you. I hope things are going well. I’ve been meaning to check in with you all to see how things are. I’ve been busy with school and work, so haven’t really done much else. Dick and I are going down to Monterey for a couple of days over Labor Day weekend, then will be visiting his uncles in Santa Rosa before coming home. I’m looking forward to having a few days off, and most especially a few days with him. He was in Olympia last weekend, and helped me finish building a fence around my new dog run. Though I had it about 80% finished before he showed up (having built the gate and trellis, moved other fences and hauled out 5 truckloads of dirt), he described it as a “major undertaking” to nail a few boards in place. It is exactly the sort of project I would have called home to talk with Dad about, so that made it hard, but Mom asked me if he finally got his hands dirty! The answer was yes, and the dogs now can enjoy a new run!

Mom is in Hawaii right now! I talked with them yesterday. You know they’re piled in a one-bedroom condo – all 6 of them! They had two roll a way beds brought up and someone is sleeping on the lanai. But, they were having a great time! Mom said it was hot, but she was in air conditioning so it really wasn’t too bad. They hadn’t been in the water yet (having arrived on Friday and this was yesterday when I spoke with them), but they were thinking of heading down to the lagoon after dinner last night.

Love, Tammy"

Sounds like Bernie and Maudie taught this daughter a thing or two, too! The sense of humor surely comes from both parents.

Brother Joe sent us this interesting e-mail today:

TO: All concerned

This morning, I made a fast trip to the Marshfield, MO Library. They have the Marshfield Mail on microfilm and I looked over the Jan thru July and found the following which I will type and also send a copy of the actual item later. It is very poor in quality and may be difficult for you to read. Here it comes, from the Marshfield Mail, July 31, 1947

"Wins 'Boots and Wings'
As Paratrooper

NOTE: Next is a picture of poor quality which I will send later, probably tonight.

Pvt. Bernie D. Fellin, son of
Mrs. Marie Fellin, of Marshfield
has earned the right to wear the
"Boots and Wings" of the United
States Army Airborne Troops.He
has completed six weeks of com-
bined Parachute and Glider train
-ing at the Infantry School, Fort
Benning. Ga. during which time
he made seven parachute jumps,
the last two being tactical, one at
night and the other at the break
of dawn. In the glider course,
several special glider flights were
made to orient him on glider war-
fare.
The modern war science has
been augmented with airborne
war methods, as developed in
World War II and the prowess of
the American Airborne Trooper
has been recognized throughout
the world both in the fields of
ability and action against the
enemy."


If you do the arithmetic, this young Bernie Fellin was 19 years old and had recently lost his father. No lack of courage here! We learned when we went to Bernie and Maudie's 55th wedding anniversary that he went on to Officers' Candidate School, finishing first in his class (of 500?). No lack of brains either!

Rose spent a long day on Monday for a faculty orientation for a class she will be teaching this fall through the Aquinas Institute of Theology. It is a class on the fundamentals of Jungian Psychology (her specialty), and she is happy to have this opportunity. This is shaping up to be a very busy Fall for reasons of classes, surgeries, along with the usual press of life. Shirley will also be teaching a class and will be having the shoulder surgery that she had to postpone earlier because she was so ill.

Rose took me to the neurologist this morning to discuss the 'hole in my head' surgery. He had reviewed all my records, discussed my condition with neurosurgeons at Barnes, weighed the pros and cons of the procedure, and came to the conclusion that it would be beneficial. The procedure involves putting electrodes through a hole in my head directly on the brain to detect exactly where the seizures originate. If they originate on only one side, they will somehow fix it. If they find it's on both sides, they can't fix it. Either way, I will have to continue to take some medication. He said it is normally not a risky operation; the main risk would be the possibility of infection.

He left the final decision up to me. Rose and I had already discussed what I should do before our consultation with this neurologist and agreed that I should have the procedure. Without hesitation I opted to have it. I asked if it would be before Labor Day and he replied "I hope so".

This doctor was movie star handsome and much younger than the dermatologist we saw last week. He took the place of my neurologist who had left Barnes and he asked me if he had seen me when I was in the hospital before. I'm sure he hadn't because I wouldn't have forgotten him.

Margaret says they are getting lots of tomatoes from their garden and we'd best hurry out to get some before Norm gives them all away.

Brayden started his first day of Pre-K today. His other grandmother took him and it took her 30 minutes to leave. She called Scott crying herself. Shirley didn't make us feel any better. She used to teach first grade and sometimes had to carry the kids in crying, kicking, and screaming.

I had my regular IVIG treatment on Monday and got home on Tuesday. Everything went smoothly and it was just boring since I couldn't move far from my room because of the IV.

Rose and I had appointments with a dermatologist on Thursday. We used to think when we were younger that if a doctor was younger than we were, he or she couldn't possibly be competent. We have come full circle. This dermatologist was older than we are and was NOT very competent. He pronounced Rose fine and told her to use sun screen. He looked at one of my four spots and sent me across the hall to a dermatology surgeon. The spot the old guy was concerned about is probably fine but one of the other spots on my face is questionable. Chris took me to this appointment but left the room when they got out the needle to deaden my nose for the biopsies. Results of the two biopsies won't be back for 5 to 7 days. Rose needs to see a younger doctor.

Goldman and I headed for the lake as soon as he got out of class Friday. Doug, Suzanne, Josie, and Luke got there later that evening. The lake was quiet with very few boats and waverunners in our cove. The old fellow {he may be younger than me} who works on my boat and refoamed my swimdock recognizes my voice. I'm not sure that's a good sign. He did tell me not to pay until I'm sure things are fixed right. Doug did some fishing and now has enough fish in the freezer for a Labor Day fish fry. Suzanne thought up projects for Doug to tackle in the future. These projects do not leave much time for fishing. Goldman and Doug took Luke to the bumper cars. Luke has wanted to do that 'all his life'. He's 7!!!

I talked to Joe for a bit on line while ago. The area had lots of rain but he didn't have any flooding. He had had an email from Mike Madden who had been in California but Joe didn't elaborate. Maybe it was something to do with the wine making process. Mike, we need to hear from you.

Rose and Shirley are still on their personal weight watcher diet. Shirley says she has probably lost about 40 pounds - 2 or 3 pounds at a time - but gains it back the same way - 2 or 3 pounds at a time. For all her effort, she says she's not getting very far. They both have lost some and are still losing and are looking good. Rose is in an all day meeting at St. Louis Univ. and Shirley couldn't see clients because she has a personal commitment - the Chicago/Cubs game.

Shirley has an appointment in the morning about her shoulder. The appointment is at 7:30 and Shirley is not a morning person but suffers so that she is hoping this doctor can give her some relief so she was willing to take this early appointment.

August 15, 2007

Biggest news here is the record breaking heat. Yesterday it was 103 breaking the 102
degree record for this date set in l936. I think it has tied the record on other dates. Cooler
weather, possibly some rain, is forecast for later in the week. Looks like San Antonio, TX
and the TX gulf coast are getting lots of rain! This may indirectly affect our weather.

Our grand daughter Lydia and I rode the Branson Scenic Railways excursion train yester-
day morning. It leaves the Branson depot at 9:00, 11:30 and about 2:30. We caught the
early train which went north and returned. The dispatcher controls which direction the
train goes and they rarely know which way they are going until about boarding time. The
train goes through two tunnels if it goes south and one tunnel if it goes north. The round
trip takes about 1- ½ hrs. with top speed of 30- MPH. The scenery is beautiful and even
more so in the fall when the leaves are changing colors. We rode in one of the three
dome cars. All cars are air conditioned and well maintained. After the train ride, we
watched an empty coal train pass by the depot, then we dined at Joe’s Crab Shack, a nice
restaurant overlooking Lake Taneycomo.

We also visited the strip and took in the TITANIC. It is worth ones time. Your ticket has a name/occupation of one of the original crew, Lydia was a servant. I am not sure if she
survived or not? I was a Captain and went down with the ship.

The expected summer heat has kept a lot of us indoors and in my case, more time spent on researching the family genealogy. I have learned that identity theft is not a new crime. In researching grandfather David Harve MADDEN’s surname, I ordered some material from
the National Archives, in Washington, D.C. They sent me a three lb. envelope containing
187 pages of documents concerning a Civil War Veteran, James B. MADDEN, who was
wounded. The documents are mostly depositions taken by the Bureau of Pensions. He
drowned in the Missouri River about l867 or 68? (a civilian) About 30 years later a pen-
sion request was filed in AR. It appears the applicant was about 5ft 6 inches tall whereas
James B. MADDEN was 6ft 2 or 3 inches tall, slim and dark complexioned. The discrepancies caused the Bureau of Pensions to decide it was a fraudulent claim. In the meantime, the
applicant died and is buried in Harrisburg, AR. He apparently ran a tavern across the river
from Jefferson City and knew James B. MADDEN quite well. Nothing indicated (to me)
that he is our ancestor but folklore is that one of the three MADDEN bros. drowned on an
unknown river? Any comments

Thank you, Brother Joe, for your post giving us all the news from the Royal Switchgear Celebration of 20 years. We appreciate your input. Write early and write often, please.

I want to alert our Dear Readers to the fact that Sue went into Barnes-Jewish Hospital early this morning for her regular IVIG treatment. She has her cell phone (314) 452-3685 and would appreciate check-in calls as the hours there are very boring. If all goes as scheduled she will be released tomorrow.

20 year celebration for Royal Switchgear, Birmingham, AL Aug 04, 2007

This was a gala event hosted by Royal Switchgear and emceed by its President,
Donald R. Felin, with assistance from his staff. It was held at the Embassy Suites, in Birmingham and well attended. The attendees included Donald Felin and wife Jennifer, daughters Julie and Jennifer, Plattsburg, MO. Don's brothers, John (Pete) Idaho Falls, ID and Joe, Springfield, MO. plus the employees of Royal Switchgear, suppliers and spouses. Much good things were heard about this excellent and well managed company.

The entire evening went quickly and a good time was enjoyed by all! One of the big winners was the employee that won the huge TV set. Everyone had ample amounts of excellent food and beverages. We all thank Don, Vita and the Company for this event.

Donald, Pete and I also visited the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum Saturday afternoon. It has literally hundreds of motorcycles on display in the museum plus an adjacent race track. No races were being held but there were probably 8-12 Porche automobiles moving around the track at a relatively high speed. These cars can be driven by the visitors (funds permitting).

Pete flew to Birmingham and I drove. It is about a 10 hour drive from Springfield, MO. I took a short detour through Doniphan, MO, reportedly home territory for our grandfather, David Harve Madden. It is beautiful County and in the Eleven Point Scenic waterways system.

My good fortune was needing gas in W. Memphis, AR. Reg gas $2.46 per gallon.

Meanwhile, back home, the two LL's added Lydia's mom, making it the Big Three
and went to see the American Idol in St. Louis Thurs. night. Schools start here
in a few days so their vacation time is about over.

Springfield Cardinals are in town tonight playing the Corpus Christi Hooks but it is all on TV.
Saves me a few bucks and also I can enjoy it in air conditioned comfort. (at home)

Hello to all, Joe

Just a short entry to relate the events of the last couple days - some of which are vague to me. At bedtime on Tuesday I accidentally took 9 high powered antiseizure tablets instead of my regular bedtime medication. Both kinds look alike and I swallowed the wrong ones before I realized what I had done. One half of one of these pills puts me to sleep for at least 8 hours. Rose, Shirley, and I debated few minutes and decided we should call poison control. A nurse at Poison Control told us to go immediately to the emergebcy room. We went to St. Mary's which is the nearest one. I still had my wits about me up until this point, but soon lost them.

They made me take some nasty stuff, put me on IV's, hooked me up on a various monitors, and strapped me to the bed. I really don't remember much about Tuesday night or Wednesday day. Rose, of course, was in and out all day. She had stayed Tuesday night till they got me settled in - which took a good while. Chris was there during the day and I vaguely knew it. My roommate said I kept wanting to watch "Jeopardy" and the ballgame. She tried to find them, but couldn't convince me they weren't on. [Now I think I must have been IN jeopardy.]

Chris ran into Karen Wednesday morning, and they had lunch together. I guess Karen and Mark's wedding plans are going smoothly for a December occasion. Drew, we expected you at the lake a couple weeks ago. The invitation still stands. Come anytime.

The hospital employees kept me awake most of last night, so I had to come home to rest. I don't know if it's a family trait, but I have 'tiny veins'. My arms are bruised from my elbows on down. They had a terrible time getting the IV's in.

But, dear readers, I'm back home and as back to normal as I do get.

I'm back home after our annual 'kids' week at the lake. Most of these 'kids' are approaching middle age but they still enjoy the same things they've always enjoyed. Goldman, Maddog, Scott, Ding, Groves, Doug, Lynch who's Maddog's brother, and a newcomer, Schwanner, were the guys who showed up, and Shelly and I were the only women there. The guys spread a load of peat gravel between the house and the new concrete driveway. I asked Scott "How much?" He replied "How much gravel or how much did it cost?" I meant both. After they completed this chore they jumped in the lake. It was the first time Goldman had been in the water in two years. They were HOT.

They were pretty good cooks but left something to be desired in cleanup. Scott did most of the breakfasts and never cooked too much bacon. Maddog did the vegetables - which consisted of fried potatoes if I hadn't complained about the menu. Cooks were spared cleanup, but there always seemed to be a skillet soaking. They didn't allow Ding to make his medium rare French toast again.

IF they put a roll of paper towels or toilet tissue on the roller, they put it on backward. I was never able to convince them that there was a right way and a wrong way. They couldn't see that it matters. Maybe they have a point. Schwanner and Groves had worked with Scott in Columbia and followed him to Louisville. Schwanner is a heavyset guy who says he stays heavy because fat guys are less likely to get kidnapped. He loved the lake, the lakehouse, and the waverunner and plans to come back Labor Day. These men - I have been referring to them as my harem - took special care of me last week and never made me feel like a drag on them. Thank you, guys and Shelly, for all your help, love and attention.

Rose got home from Chicago today. She went up Sunday so it was a short trip. Shirley is about recovered from her bout of bronchitis. Her doctor gave her 4 prescriptions so she should be on the mend.

Hi Family! Finally getting an update to the blog. So much of the summer has come and gone already without hearing much from our branch of the family. This summer sort of came to a screeching halt after Dad passed away. We have all been trying to ger busy and are learning how to go on without him. Not an easy task.

Glenn, Cyndi, Kyle, Doug, Cecile, and I spent our traditional weekend at the beach in July. (Although Dave and Jake had to miss because they were at Boy Scout Camp that week.) We usually do this as part of Aunt Camp week, but I am finding the big nephews are getting too busy so it's harder to make it happen. I'm on to the next generation of boys now. The kids are getting younger and their auntie is not. Hmmm. Wonder how much fun this is going to be for them!?

Tammy and Dick came through Portland a couple of weekends ago on their way to visit Dick's daughter for her birthday. It was so nice to have them all to myself for a few hours. (Mom said, "Hey, how do you rate?") Tammy had left her car here and when they drove the additional two hours south together in Dick's car. My friend Cheryl and I were on a mission that Saturday to clean my garage!! Good thing Tammy left her keys - I put all kinds of stuff in her car -I mean treasures that she would love to have! My garage is now so nice and clean - I could have a party in it!

I was in a friend's wedding this past weekend. I felt kind of old to be a bridesmaid but wouldn't have missed it for the world! It was a blast. I had an updo and a beautiful dress. I was the only one of the three bridesmaids with blonde hair and the hair dresser put glitter in my hair. When the sun shined on it everyone was jealous because it looked like a halo! (I thought it looked very natural...) I'll have to post a picture when I get one from my friend. I could have danced all night - but had to get home to get the 64 bobby pins and glitter out of my hair and try to catch about 4 hours of sleep before pulling an early morning shift. Needless to say - I resembled a pumpkin the next day. It was well worth it. No eligible men at the wedding, though. It was small, but elegant and was mostly family. I have known all her brothers for years, so they are like my brothers. (sigh - all dressed up and no one to notice! I didn't even catch the bouquet!) I have it from a reliable source that there are influential people out there praying for a husband for me - so I can't help but have my radar on...

Speaking of newlyweds...Anna and Dan entertained Dan's family in Spokane this week. They went for a cruise on Coeur d'Alene Lake and spent time dining and at the Casino. Tammy headed over to meet them and to spend time with Mom. I hope to get some pics of their weekend and post them later.

Big news! Mom and I are joining Cyndi and her family in Hawaii for 6 days!! Whoo Hoo!! I can't wait! Cyndi got a bonus from her work for a week at a resort on Oahu and extended the invitaion to Mom and me. We go the last week in August. I'm working on the freckle count and already have my snorkeling gear packed. Mom will fly to Portland and then on with me to meet the Langstons in Honolulu. They fly from Seattle and we all arrive within 5 minutes of each other! Good thing Verizon works there - we will meet up and head to the resort together for the week. Watch for pics of Mom and I by the pool with little umbrella drinks. Good times.

Gotta run off to work...Hope all is well with everyone. More news later!

Love

Sandi2L

This is Joe Felin with limited news from Springfield, MO.

Sean MADDEN today verified some earlier information re his mom now living in Bolivar, MO. He said she seems to be happy and getting along OK.

Sean had been to the Windy City, on behalf of his employer Smillies Grocery. He attended a food market convention held at McCormick Place, which is on the shore of Lake Michigan. Hope he does not come down with the gout, after all the rich food he probably ate in the Windy City.

Sean said his brother Brian was in Indianapolis, IN and hoping to get a load to Springfield so he so he could take off a few days. His other brother Mike is busy between the grape vineyard he is deceloping and his full time job in K.C. KS. Sean has suggested Mike hurry up the process and get the wine flowing!

My comment to Sean was maybe Mike should grow a big watermelon patch while the grape vines are developing.

Lisa, Lydia and group are due back from Costa Rica this coming Monday, Aug 6th, ion the evening.