Photo from Nov 23, 2011

Mark Goldman made a deal with his students. If they exceeded the goals for the food drive, he would shave off half his beard. They did, and he did. Here is his photo.

I'm home from Louisville and have already had my IVIG treatment and spent my one night in the hospital. Rose has to go to Chicago today and Shirley's going to New Orleans so Chris is going to spend quite a bit of time with me over the weekend since I'm pretty useless. He's good help. I'll probably see some of the other guys too. Scott's going to Kansas City for the weekend but he's flying and only has a thirty minute layover so he won't be much help.

Talked to Margaret yesterday. Catrina was there and was cooking on the grill. Margaret said that one of the kids or grandkids comes by and has dinner with her every evening.

Would you all email me your Thanksgiving Day plans? I'm going to look back over past years and see what was posted. Send pictures, too!

Caption to the right

Chris and Sue

Rose, Chris, Sue

Erica in route

John, Ryan, and Nancy at Halloween

Sue waiting at Barnes for IVIG treatment

Condolences for Wanda's family may be sent to Sherry Bohannon at 2924 SE 19th Ct., Okeechobee, FL. 34974. Sherry was Wanda's oldest daughter and the one who has been keeping us updated.

I'm still in Louisville but going back to ST. Louis this evening. Rose and Shirley will be back from their conference sometime today. Pete, Boise lost yesterday and Missouri won. Scott is having a new roof put on but it may rain today so they can't work on it and Scott can rest. I've sure enjoyed being with the boys - all three of them. We pray meals which Brayden informed they only do when I'm here.

Services for Wanda J Jean are at the Church of God, 301 NE 4th Avenue, Okeechobee, FL Pastor Mark Smith at @3 P.M. ET Today, November 12. There is a charity she would have liked for us to send in her honor. Hospice of Okeechobee, P.O. Box 1548, Okeechobee, FL. 34973. Her family says they are angels there and she had the best of care.

I'm up early, having adjusted to Louisville time. I flew over Tuesday evening and Ding and Goldman took me to the airport. Scott and Brayden were waiting when I arrived. Brayden had his computer all set up ready for me to use. He and Scott are still sleeping this morning and probably will be for a while longer.

We had some sad news in the family this week. A cousin, Wanda Jean or Cuz as my brothers called her, died from colon cancer down in Okeechobee, Florida. Donald is in Florida and called me the next day to tell me about it.. Sherry, her oldest daughter has been keeping Donald informed about the arrangements but when he called me yesterday I was here alone and can't write so I ask him to email me. I haven't got the email yet. Wanda had five surviving children and I know the funeral is at 3 today.

Rose and Shirley are at a conference in Columbia, Il. I hear from them everyday. Joe and I have got back to IM's. I like that. I also talked to Mike Madden this week He was in New York but Sean had got in touch with him too.

I'll post more about the arrangements when I get Donald's email.

Attia playing the Piano

I'm at the lake house this weekend and the sun has finally come out. I think it rained most of the night and was chilly this morning but much in Idaho per Uncle Pete's weekly call. Groves came down with me yesterday afternoon and we got here in time to get carryout and have supper here. I talked to Joe IM this morning but he was in a hurry to get to Liberty to see Lyd.

I'm going to Louisville Tuesday and stay until the following Sunday with Scott and the boys. Rose and Shirley are going to a conference and are uncomfortable about my staying by myself. I do need lots of help and they do accommodate. Rose and I are going to interview another possibility on Monday since Cameron nor any of the others seemed to suit my needs. Rose helps me in more ways than interviews. This person has really good references and has a car and needs work. I'm still going to Louisville and am looking forward to spending time with the boys...Scott, too.

Following another huge disappointment, I'm resigned to the fact that I'm just going to have to keep on looking for a suitable helper to stay with me at the lake house for the coming months. I'm still here in St. Louis this morning though Cameron and I were scheduled to leave yesterday. I'm not sure if he quit or if I fired him. Rose and Shirley have been wonderful through this latest struggle - as they always are. Groves and I are going down to the lake tomorrow afternoon.

Attia's First Halloween

I'm off to the lake house this morning. Neither Rose nor Shirley have gotten up yet. I may have to get Rose up to help me finishing packing. Cameron is picking me up between 10 and 11. We'll grocery shop after i show him around the place. We miss the World Series. Weren't those Cardinals something! We didn't have as many trick or treaters as we did last year so I glad I'm leaving with all the goodies around.

Pete and Janet called with their weekly call. Nancy was with Kelly, and they had all watched the World Series. Joe and Mary's Lisa got stuck in that snowstorm back East for a while but made it home. It was warmer here than in Idaho, though not short sleeves type in either place. On Saturday Rose and Shirley went to a dinner and Shelly had to wok so Chris and Iwent to Steak and Shake.
\
Rose is up now and will finish packing and fix breakfast. My next post will be done at the kitchen table at the lake house..

A funny incident happened when I was riding to Columbia on my way to Kansas City last weekend. I was going that far with Goldman and Mike Lynch where Beth was meeting us. When Goldman and Mike came to pick me up, Rose offered to let us use the 'company car,' which Uncle Pete has dubbed Rose's Lexus. The guys refused her offer, and we left in Goldman's Acura.

This red Acura is the Acura I bought when Den and I lived in Springfield. When I no longer needed it, Ding says he had it a while. Next, I sold it to Scott. It wasn't big enough for him and the two boys so eventually I got it back and sold it to Goldman. When Goldman takes me or drives me anyplace, we can almost always hear him coming. The car needs a muffler and I'm pretty sure it needs other things, but it gets us wherever we're going. We usually take the 'company car'. That evening we got to Columbia and Goldman got out to greet Beth and pump gas. I heard Goldman exclaim loudly ' OOh My God!' We had lost the sunroof somewhere along the way. It may have a noise but with other noise in that car none of us heard it. It was an eventful trip as the car also turned over 200,000 miles.

After the guys got back to St. Louis in the Acura (and Mike and Goldman didn't get wet), Goldman Emailed Aunt Rose "I guess we should have taken the 'company car'.

I believe I may have found a companion who fits all the qualifications that I described in a previous post. We found him through a friend of Rose's. He had taken care of the friend's mother until the mother had to go into a nursing home. His name is Cameron, and we'll go to the lake on the 1st. We both agreed we will give it a trial period.

Norman V. Abbott

Norman's birthday was October 30. He has been much on our minds and greatly missed.

Margaret's new dog, Yadi

A handsome creature!!! A four-pound pal.

Lots to write about since my last post. On Thursday (the 20th), Goldman and Mike Lynch took me as far as Columbia where we met Beth, Scott's girlfriend. I went on to KCMO with Beth (where she lives), and Goldman and Lynch went on down to the lake house. It was guys' weekend at the lake house for work and play. They had a fish fry one night so must have caught some crappie or catfish. I nagged them to send pictures, but they didn't pay me any attention.

Beth and I got to her house rather late and hadn't eaten so she fixed us a bite and gave me my pills, and I went to bed. If anyone reads this blog, I'm sure you knew we were going to the JJ's in Plattsburgh Friday evening. I knew that JJ's restaurant is Julie's. Donald said Jennifer would be there. I assumed that meant, Jennifer would be there, TOO. We went in the one in Plattsburgh; and, since I didn't see either one, I asked for Jennifer. I think it was a customer who answered me when I said I was her aunt. He told me Julie was off and that Jennifer was at the other JJ's in Cameron. Beth is so patient and thoughtful. I wasn't sure that perhaps we should just eat elsewhere, but Beth said she didn't mind the drive now from Plattsburgh to Cameron and then back to KCMO, all that evening. I'm so glad we went to Jennifer's JJ's. I felt so welcome, and Jennifer is a delight. Jennifer had only found out at 5:00 from a text from Donald that I was coming. We both agreed he could have called me.

After a leisurely day on Saturday, Beth took me half way to meet John (of John and Jana) to spend the evening with them. We met some of the rest of the family at Chuckie Cheese where they were playing games. I believe the men won as many tickets as the little ones but didn't squabble over prizes which you redeem for an assortment of desired objects. We had a delicious dinner at John and Jana's home and waited in anticipation of the Cardinal game. When Beth and I were waiting for John at the halfway point, A scroungy fellow came out of Walgreen's. Beth asked if that was John. It wasn't. She said if it were, she wouldn't let me go with him. When he arrived looking clean-cut and wearing a K State shirt, she said it was okay if I left with him.

The kids were good and really seem to like their great Aunt Sue, though the boys just probably don't know me as well. As I was leaving, Ellie hugged me and said "I love you, Aunt Sue". Beth had had a Halloween party at her house for some of her students and friends while I was at the Moore's. She still managed to drop me off, make homemade pizza, have the party and pick me up at the halfway point later in the evening.

Sunday morning was the day the guys all had to break up their lake weekend, and I had to go back home. Beth got up early and baked Aunt Rose the I Phone cake (see photo from yesterday's entry), decorated it, and then drove me over to Kingdom City to meet Scott. Scott and I got to St. Louis about 2:00 pm. I was exhausted, and he still had a long, long drive to Louisvile.

We are still on the hunt for a caregiver for me at the lake into the Fall and early winter. Good weather is rapidly giving way to winter weather, so I am eager to find someone. This is what I need:

1. Someone who drives and owns a reliable car, and can take us back and forth as well as run errands, etc.
2. Someone who will prepare meals, do laundry, and keep house.
3. Someone who will manage my medications, which must be precisely and timely administered.
4. Someone who can set up my toothbrush, comb my hair, serve and cut my food, and put on my socks and shoes for me.
5. Someone who can take me grocery shopping.
6. Someone who can be with me except for short periods of time (two to three hours) every day and night.

In exchange for this kind of care, I can offer room and board, gasoline, and a small salary.

IF YOU KNOW OF ANYONE INTERESTED, PLEASE CALL ME (314) 452-3685. I've had several leads, but nothing has worked out.

Birthday Cake

Beth baked this iPhone birthday cake for me today. Thank you, Beth!

Kaitlyn

Oct 22, 2011, AT THE MOORE'S

Ellie and Rosie

October 22, 2011

SUE AND ELLIE

Jennifer, Beth, and Sue

Chris and Sue

This may take me a while because I have quite a bit of news to post. FIRST - The new possible companion just left. She seemed like she might be THE ONE. She fits all the qualifications we had established, and Rose and I both think she might work out. The one thing we've yet to talk about is salary. She didn't quote a price and we didn't give her a salary from our side. We're hoping to start a trial period Oct. 24 to Nov. 15, and I hope we can make a deal.

Last week on Thursday, Margaret, Rose, and I traversed down to the lake house. Rose and Margaret were both amazed at how neat things were. We had called Joe and convinced him to come up for dinner. He took us to Ruthie D's which is a very nice place (but not Brayden's favorite as he prefers a Big Mac or White Castle).

My three siblings left and Mad Dog came over from his Dad's. Chris got there in time for most of the Cardinal game Friday evening. Mad Dog grilled steaks for supper, which we ate while we watched the Cardinals. On Saturday morning, much to my delight, Jeff, my neighbor who lived down the street from us there when he was much younger, arrived. He is currently doing some training at Ft. Leonard Wood prior to a year in Afghanistan. His family is in Ft. Lewis WA. He has 2 little girls.

The guys are having a guys weekend this weekend, so that's why the companion may not start until the 24th. Next Thursday Goldman and Lynch (on their way to the lake house) will take me to Columbia where Beth will meet us. She and I will go on to Kansas City where Beth lives. On Friday evening we plan to have dinner at JJ's in Plattsburgh. Donald said Jennifer will be there. I hope Julie will be there too.

I'm going over to see John and Jana and the girls Saturday night. Jana called me down at the lake house this weekend and "Could she speak to Aunt Sue? " Everybody calls "Mom" so Chris wasn't sure who was calling.

Keep hoping this possible companion works out and her rates are affordable.

Rose, Margaret, Sue

IMG_2728

 

Rose, Margaret, Sue, Joe

Sue, Joe, Margaret

Margaret

Sue

Joe

Margaret

Joe

Joe repairing screen door

Joe, Rose, Sue

After Chase and Leslie found Rose and me at the hairdresser, I sat and visited with the woman there who washes hair and does other things. Chase and Leslie are some of our old neighbors from Springfield who were here for a Leslie's nephew's wedding that evening. Bobbie, the woman at the hairdresser's, and I talked about my needs for either the rest of the the fall and who and what I'm going to need. She knows a woman at her church who might be very suitable for the job. Bobbie said she's very clean and works hard. DON'T GIVE, UP, BROTHER JOE! It's not a done deal. Bobbie also cautioned me not to hire some one off the internet, and told Rose to not let met me do that either.

Chase, Sue, and Leslie

VISIT FROM FORMER NEIGHBORS FROM SPRINGFIELD

Leslie and her son, Chase, tracked us down at the hairdresser's today

I wanted to get the previous post in first and then update about the weekend so here I am now. Scott and the boys got here last Friday evening, and Scott left us to join Beth at a friend's in St. Peters. Chris and the boys went to the zoo to 'pet the sharks' or so Uncle Chris said. I'm happy to say they did come back intact so maybe they didn't 'pet the sharks'. Aunt Shelly, who is an interpreter at the zoo set the thing up, was working in that vicinity so they probably got special treatment.

Scott, Beth and I met Chris and the boys in the central west end for lunch on Saturday. The boys wanted to go to Hollensbes late that afternoon. I felt like I had self invited them after I had called Doug to see if they were going to be home. Things worked out beautifully! Suzanne called me and said she would pick them up on her way home from work and feed them pizza for supper. The boys at a grand time at the Hollensbe's 'magic kingdom.'

Pete had called Saturday morning but most Missouri happenings have been posted on the blog. He had no big news either.

Before Scott and the boys left Sunday, they went to see the Rams game with Chris who had tickets. Last night Chris and Shelly saw the baseball Cardinals lose game three of the series. Chris and I are going out to dinner tonight and I'm hoping we find a place with the game on.

HELP WANTED!!! I'm afraid that Kathy from Plattsburgh isn't going to work out as a lake companion. I've already spent much of the fall season waiting for her response to my efforts to establish a connection and set up at least an interview so, if there's any further communication, it will have to come from her. She has my phone number and email address. Thank you, Jennifer and Julie and Donald, for your efforts in trying to find me a suitable companion, and I hope you keep trying.

Again, HELP WANTED!!!! If any readers know of anyone who might be interested in the position, my phone number is 314-452-3685 and my email address is marthaboaz@aol.com. I'm eager to spend some time at the lake before winter sets in.

Chris arriving to take Jalen and Brayden to the Zoo to pet sharks (Really)

IMG_2646

 

Jalen

IMG_2643

 

Brayden

IMG_2637

 

Jalen, Scott, and Brayden leaving to meet Chris for the Rams Football Game

IMG_2656

 

Again, I'm a bit slow on my postings but will try to do at least some updating before dinner. Sis is out walking and Shirley is taking a nap. Sis took me to the dentist this afternoon. I had a cap fall off one of my front teeth Monday evening while Goldman and I were eating a hamburger on the way home from visiting Fat Jack. Luckily I didn't swallow the cap and have been eating very carefully until I got the first opening with the dentist. It didn't take long to fix, and Rose and I both got our flu shots on our way home.

I caught Brother Joe on IM this morning. He had seen Sean last week and Sean was going to meet up with Mike at the winery. They were going to work on Mike's tractor. I think Joe knows he can catch up with Sean when Sean's Mustang is parked where he works.

I rode down to the lake last Friday, again with Groves. I had told Doug I would go with whomever went first, but Doug was ready earlier and went ahead. Remember, the stair lift wasn't working when Groves and I left the Sunday before. Doug had it fixed when I got there and believes that whatever happened will never happen again. Also, he cleaned 30 pieces of fish. Mad Dog came for supper and cards Saturday night.

Brother Pete called with his Saturday morning call. Janet had been cooking zucchini bread and zucchini cookies. My boys loved anything she baked when they were little and got to stay with Uncle Pete and Aunt Janet. Pete had talked to Brother Donald last week and he and Vita were in Plattsburgh for a grandson's 12th birthday. I talked with Donald one day this week about this Kathy woman. I can't get in touch with her so I'm looking for someone else. I've waited 5 weeks.

Erica has posted lots of photos of her Spanish adventure on her Facebook page since she arrived there last week. Unfortunately, someone stole her camera! We learned Amanda is working on the possibility of studying in London for a few months. We whole-heartedly approve of the adventuresome spirit of these young folk. Erica worked very hard all summer to make her dream come true. We are rooting for Amanda.

TWO BRILLIANT SCHOLARS

Sue and Groves

IMG_2636

 

It's been several days since my last post so will try to get this updated before Groves and I leave for the lake. He's going to pick me up at four like he did last week and he wasn't a minute late so I'll be ready and waiting at four. The stair lift wasn't working when we got to the house and Groves wasn't comfortable about working on it even though we had the manual out. He slept in the floor in the hallway the first night because he was afraid I'd get up first and go down alone. I promised him I'd get him up to escort me downstairs next morning if he would sleep in a bed. He did - both.

We went to dinner Saturday night at Ruthie D's which is not one of Brayden's favorite places. It overlooks the lake in the main dining room but we sat in the bar so we could watch the Cardinals. I didn't feel out of place even though it's been a while since I've been in a bar. The Cardinals won in the 9th inning.

Just talked to Margaret. She was going down to the valley for the weekend. Catrina had seen the cardiologist earlier this week and though he didn't think it was a heart attack she'd had, it was not something to be ignored. With our family history a heart healthy diet with a dietitian at Barnes-St. Peters was prescribed. I don't think she's had any further symptoms but Margaret wasn't sure.

I talked to Kay Berry Sunday. I hadn't seen her since Den's funeral. She and John are divorced. She lives in OFallon. Tommy is divorced, has 2 kids, and lives with her. Jen has 2 and is expecting her third pretty soon. Todd is married and doesn't have any little ones yet. I forgot the gender of the grandchildren but we're going to get together very soon. Kay recognized my voice as soon as I said 'Hello'.

The lady from Plattsburgh (Kathy) is going to call me this week to let me know when would be a good time for both of us to me. She is having (or did have) some spots removed by laser. I think she said she had this before and the spots have recurred.

Mad Dog is at the lake with his Dad for his Dad's birthday. He'll probably stay with us some over the weekend. I'm riding down with Groves. Doug will leave home when Suzanne gets home to watch the kids. I hope they get some fishing done and catch some big ones.

Sue, Chris, Rose

Shirley, Sue, Chris

Brayden off to School

I'm home from Louisville. Scott insists his doctor says 'no restrictions' and, though he says he's a bit sore, he didn't seem to be in a lot of pain. We got to keep Brayden overnight last night, and Scott and I took him to school this morning. Scott took a picture that I'll have to nag at him to send so we can post it. Chris and I came home today since Scott's going back to work tomorrow.

A woman (Robin) is an area representative for Mark Lary's company (where Chris works also). She and her husband live in Plattsburgh. This is where JJ's restaurant is, the business owned and run by Donald and Vita's daughters, Julie and Jennifer. Robin's husband, Joe, is a coach and teacher for Jennifer's boys and their daughter works at JJ's. Jennifer and I concluded that this is a small world.

I had rescheduled my meeting with the woman I was hoping could spend the rest of the season with me but now she has to have a biopsy done (as an outpatient) today. Probably the results can't be determined in one day. Jennifer, who gave me the woman's name, will let met know if she hears first. I hope everything's okay.


I just talked to Margaret and still no real information about Catrina. The doctor is going to some more testing and just want to be sure what may or may not be causing her symptoms. When I called Margaret's number, I just assumed it was Margaret who answered. When I was ready to quit chatting and say good by, she said "Don't you want to talk to Mom?" I had been talking to Stef!!

Shoes (?) - what Chris wanted for his birthday

I spoke with Margaret this morning. Catrina has still had no word about the tests she had this week following the issue that landed her in the hospital for three days. Neither the cardiologist nor the primary care doctor had called her. Margaret had spent the night at Sabrina and Dave's and was probably going to a football game today. Both Brett and Alex have games.

I had typed a long post which I lost AFTER I was finished typing so I'm doing it again! I'm back to using the exercycle and tredmill now. I'm trying to do more outside walking now that the weather has cooled off. Derrington's going away party was last night so I'm not sure any of the guys at the Oakland are up for a walk. Rose can't decide whether to take a nap or take a walk. She will probably choose before I'm finished with this post.

Ding is going to Louisville to be with Scott after his hernia surgery. He and I went to dinner on Thursday and he asked me how I was getting back from Louisville - with him or flying? When we got home, I called Scott and he asked me how long can I stay. They both assumed I was coming so I guess that means they want me. Scott did warn me we may not get to see the boys much.
Pete told me that Kelly had this same sort of surgery a couple years and it's outpatient and laser, I think he said.

I had arranged to meet Kathy (the woman who may finish out the season with me) at the lake house. Rose was going to drive me down but Kathy called Thursday and needed to see her doctor Friday afternoon so, depending on when I get back from Louisville, we'll reschedule when Rose can drive me down and Kathy can make it.

At Starbucks

At Starbucks

Kathy, who Rose and I were going to meet with on Friday, just called me and she has some medical issues she needs to take care of before she and I proceed farther. It may be nothing but her doctor wants to see her right away and this Friday worked for both of them. She was very apologetic and sorry we can't meet then. We are going to reschedule after she sees her doctor.

Mike Derrington, one of the guys who has been visiting the lake house for years, is leaving for Kuwait in a few days and the younger crowd is having a going-away party for him on Friday. He's the one who swam all the way across our cove and back. He will be in Kuwait for a year. I'm afraid that no one will feel like a lake weekend unless it's someone who's not going to the party.

Today is Brother Donald's birthday! Happy Birthday, Donald! My other siblings don't like their ages posted so I won't post yours either, especially since it's so close to mine.

I've been exchanging Emails with Donald's daughter, Jennifer. She and Julie, his other daughter, are the ones who found me this possible companion to finish the season at the lake. Rose and I are going to meet with her at the lake house Friday, and this will let her get the 'lay of the land,' and we can visit and get acquainted. Her name is Kathy. Julie and Jennifer really like her and say she's always reminded them of me. I consider that a compliment.

Catrina had to go back for outpatient testing this morning but won't get any results from these tests until tomorrow. She and Margaret went somewhere out in the country to get grapes yesterday. I believe the grapes were going to be for making jelly. I'm not sure about the jelly part. Maybe they wouldn't last that long. We sure like grapes in this house.

It was a great Labor Day weekend at the lake. I rode down with Goldman. Mad Dog was there and had supper going. Groves arrived soon after and then Beth and a 5 year old friend - Phillip. Scott and 3 boys were the last to arrive. The weather wasn't hot but not cold either. There wasn't much swimming done, but Beth did take them to the pool. It is supposedly heated but not very warm. They didn't stay long.

I don't think I've posted this earlier but Scott has a hernia and is having surgery next Monday. He keeps trying to assure me that it's no big deal now and is a simple outpatient surgery. Ding is going over and stay with him for a couple days. The boys will enjoy that. I'm sure he'll have to play outside with them.

I may not finish all I wanted to post but I do have one happening that I thought was important for people to know about. On Thursday night Catrina, Margaret's youngest, was suffering what she believed to be the symptoms of a heart attack. Robbie, her husband, took her to Lincoln County Hospital. After three days of observation, doctors concluded that if it were a mild heart attack, she didn't suffer any heart damage. Nevertheless, they kept her three days and will continue testing as an outpatient this week. She was happy to be back home again Sunday. We'll keep everyone informed about results of the outpatient tests.

LABOR DAY 2011 AT LAKE

Brayden

Sent from my iPhone

Attia at six months