Garden in Early Spring

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Brittany and Alex

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Shirley, Alex (Sabrina and Dave Smith's son) and his friend Brittany in the Sand Tray Room

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Batter Up

Elvis Look Alike-Our Own

My Birthday

I've been on Brayden's computer most of the day trying to figure out how to contribute to this blog and after many attempts and several calls to Rose and Scott, I finally completed my tries. This will probably be a short post since Scott will be home soon and Brayden has a baseball game tonight IF it doesn't storm. I had a wonderful birthday and want to say thanks for all the best wishes and attention that I got. Scott, Jalen and Brayden brought me flowers and took me to Applebee's for dinner. Both boys got great report cards.

Alex and Date - Prom Night 2012

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Alex with Sabrina on Prom Night 2012

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SUE'S BIRTHDAY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARTHA SUE!!!!!

LOUISVILLE

I'm up early this morning waiting for Goldman to take me halfway to Louisville where we will meet Scott. I will spend a few days with him and the boys. Pete and Janet called with their Saturday morning call yesterday. Kelly's 10 year old son had shot a wild turkey a couple weeks ago, and Pete said they were going to smoke it. I was curious about what they were doing with it meanwhile. It gets frozen meanwhile! I talked to Elaine Madden Raymond yesterday, and they're coming to Missouri this summer and would like to get together. She really liked the picture of her Dad we posted. John and Jana and the girls are coming some time in June, I hope Trish, too. I can't find Joe and Debby's email address. Could someone send it to me? I love company. Since I'm off to see Scott and the boys, hope they do too.

Louisville

I'm up early this morning in anticipation of spending some time in Louisville with Scott and the boys. Linda can't stay with me next week so I am off to Kentucky.  I hope the boys are looking forward to seeing me as I am seeing them. Goldman is going to take me halfway where Scott will meet us.

 I had my second cataract surgery this week, and now it's lots of eye drops and the night shield (which we forgot last night}. I can see distance much better [I'm not so cockeyed] but have to wear readers for unclose.  The eye doctor says wait a bit until my eyes adjust to update my prescription. Meanwhile, Walgreen's reading glasses help. I go back on the Pepose Vision Institute on the 30th.

 My next post will probably be from Louisville and I'll try to get Scott to forward pictures to Aunt Rose while I'm there.  Brayden always sets his Apple computer up for me to use when I visit.  Jalen may have a concert on Monday and Brayden has a baseball game on Wednesday. Always special events for Granny!  

Spring

That's a great ancestral picture and wish we had more of them. They're probably around, but no one knows where to find them. Rose is the one who can enhance, crop, post them when and if we can find more. I got back to St. Louis last Sunday and had therapy on Monday. Yesterday I had my other cataract surgery and went back for followup visit today. The doctor advised me to wait to get glasses since I may not need them. I've worn glasses so long that looking for them to do anything has become a strong habit. I can see better already. I've been wearing my FitBit which I mostly use to measure my activity. The FitBit is an encouragement for me to increase my activities of the prior day. I don't always increase. Linda and I won't go to the lake this weekend because of my cataract surgery, and she is going on a retreat next week. I'm not sure what I'm going to do. Right now, Rose is planting spring flowers. She keeps pretty busy practicing the guitar on a daily basis and seeing clients and seeing to me. I just talked to Margaret and she's back home. She says the kids are all so good to her but it's nice to be home.

Fwd: Today' blog

Begin forwarded message from Brother Joe regarding the old photo we posted.  Already Joe filled in interesting info we didn't have.  Thanks, Joe

The picture was taken on the farm where Mom's folks (Grandad and Grandma Madden) The farm is northeast of Fair Grove, MO. Pete and Janet may be able to answer if the house is still standing. I think it was either torn down or moved north about 1,000 ft or so? P&J went by there on there last trip to MO.

 

The guy on the left was Uncle Ezra Stone, Grandma's brother who was crippled as a boy by a fireplace falling on him during a tornado.  He took turns living with his siblings. You should recognize, Mom (Pregnant with Donald or Sue?)  and Dad.  Aunt Mit and Wanda are in the picture.  Guess who the boy is in the hat-Brother Bernie.  Uncle Kent must have been home on leave and in uniform. It looks like an Army Air Force uniform. Seems like military people had to wear their uniform even when on leave.  Can anyone answer that:  Mom may have been pregnant with one of the girls instead of Donald as seems like Kent was gone several months before the war ended, in 1945.

 

That is a start.  Pete should be able to add some more details.

Edited

We used Apple's iPhoto and the Genius Scan App to enhance and crop this gem.

Circa 1945

Can anyone tell us who the people are and the setting? We know some but not all.

Shelly in her snorkeling gear

Opening Day

I just talked to Margaret and she's still at Stef's. She was in good spirits and says she is feeling much better. I'm hoping she can come down here to the lake for a few days this summer. I tried to get Brother Joe to come see me this week but he had a lot going on. On Monday, Pepper, Mary Beth and Joe went with Lydia back as far as Warrensburg. Lydia then drove on by herself. They left Springfield around 11:30 and got home about 7:00. Then on Tuesday it was volunteer day at Wheeler Heart & Vascular. That afternoon from 1 til 2, it was Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program. He forgot about about the Springfield Cardinals game and missed it. Wed. evening he had a Museum Board of Directors meeting. Thursday was a NARVE and he had a vet appointment for everyone's dog. I'm still here today but he may be resting. He has a raincheck and it is raining with thunder and lightning today. Linda is making potato soup and has enough food cooke for the weekend. She is a superb cook and a great companion. She's going back to St. Louis but Chris and Mad Dog will arrive. Today was supposed to be opening day for the Cardinals but they will probably get rained out. Rose is going to a retreat this weekend. She's leaving this evening and will get home Sunday. Chris and I will go back Sunday, too.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SHELLY

I'm waiting for Linda to pick me up and then we're heading for the lake. Pete and Janet called with their Saturday morning call. Idaho had snow last week! Spring is coming in Missouri but it's still not hot. Hope everyone had a great Easter. Rose and Shirley and I had some prize ham which was just as good the next day as it was Easter. Chris took me to lunch on Saturday. Shelly had to work and he wanted to shop for her birthday (the 11th) without her. We went to lunch at a place we used to go to when we worked at Midwest Recovery. I hadn't been there in years. Then he wanted to shop for some snorkeling stuff for Shelly's gift. I had never been to a diving shop and didn't know what he was looking for, but he found it. Happy Birthday, Shelly.

IVIG Treatments

I have had dozens of IVIG treatments over the past seven-plus years, the first big one over seven days in St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, IL, in November 2004. That one arrested the progression of this mysterious malady and led to improvements in my balance and walking. When I finally found Dr. Glenn Lopate at the Neuromuscular Center in the Center for Advanced Medicine here in St. Louis in 2006, he immediately began IVIG treatments, at first monthly, then tapering off to the current schedule which is one every five months. Coupled with intense physical and occupational therapy, the treatments keep me hopeful. This past Monday-Tuesday, I was in Barnes-Jewish overnight for the IVIG. The neurological floor where I have always stayed before was booked, so I was in the Schukar Unit, the section of the hospital that handles overflow patients of all kinds. And an excellent place it was, too! The nursing staff was so fine that I wondered if there were some kind of competition for excellence going on. Of course, it also helped that Dr. Lopate was his calm, competent, assuring self, that Brother Joe came for a visit, and that my son Chris brought me a Steakburger from Steak 'n Shake.

Chris special shoe

Chris and Sue

Cardinal red on opening day

SAXOPHONE SOLO - SAM KING

Here is a link to a video of Sam (son of Catrina and Robbie, grandson of Margaret and Norman) playing a  saxophone solo.  Quite a talented young man, handsome, too!  He is scheduled to play in a state-wide competition soon.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=889ppr2FEng&list=UUTTH3VnhiOyEUFsnMHlHdig&index=1&feature=plcp

IVIG

I'm back home after my IVIG treatment and ready to watch the Cardinals begin their regular season tomorrow. Rose dropped me at the hospital yesterday morning and Brother Joe visited me (to my surprise) in the afternoon. Chris brought me a steak burger for dinner and we had a good visit - all three. I did anyway. They didn't coordinate their times so missed seeing each other. Chris brought me home today and supper is nearly ready.

Is 1948 OLD?

Sunday morning and Scott and Brayden have to leave very early. They just arrived yesterday but have school and work tomorrow. They went to a hockey game last night with a bunch of their friends, so we didn't see much of them.

 When I visited Louisville last time, I decided they needed a cook book. I selected one of which I have a duplicate at the lake house and have had for many years. In a short conversation we had with Brayden this weekend, he asked, "Who would give someone a 1948 cook book?"

 Goldman and I finished our great Spring Break on Friday. I have my periodic IVIG tomorrow and Tuesday.  I think Linda and I will begin staying when we can after Easter.

 Pete had already talked to Joe when we talked yesterday. Joe is keeping busy with the Frisco museum. Pete says it's Spring commencing in Idaho.  Here, it's already summer.

Sue and Linda

Sue and Maddog, AKA Chris Lynch

Spring on our Street

Post cataract surgery check up

Sue's vision in her right eye, after cataract surgery on March 7, is 20/25, a very nice result!  

Shelly and Chris

As Amy Winehouse and John Belushi

Doug, Dan, and Sue at the Lakr

Dan Cullinane at the Lake

Doug with Big Fish

At the Lake this Weekend

Margaret is in the Hospital

Admitted today

Sue with son Chris and Sue with Mark Goldman

Adding photos is quite easy now with Apple's iCloud and Google's "Add a File" link.  Just about the time we catch onto a change in the technology, something new is introduced.  Probably going to happen again tomorrow with Apple's introduction of a new i Pad.    

Cataract Surgery

Rose has been faithfully practicing her guitar every day until she has to stop and let her fingers recuperate. She is determined in her pursuit. Did I word that right? I'm having my first cataract surgery on Wednesday on my right eye. Rose cautioned me about how carefully we had to put the drops in beginning this morning. When she had put them in, I asked "Wasn't that my left eye?" It was. Luckily, we have plenty of drops. Mad Dog's (Chris Lynch) Grandmother's funeral mass was this morning. Goldman was a pallbearer so he came and got me for the visitation then brought me home and went right back for the services. I saw Mike, Mad Dog's brother, but didn't get a chance to talk with Rachel. Dottie (Chris' and Mike's mother) said she's heard lots about me from her boys over the years. Mike is Scott's age and Mad Dog is younger. Chris and I had dinner Saturday night. Shelly was babysitting for her cousin's kids. I'm going to their house for dinner tonight. I think Rose has some pictures to post when she has time. Goldman was really dressed up when he came for me this morning, so naturally we took a photo.

Lake House

I'm home after a wonderful three days at the lake. The weather wasn't so good on Wednesday but was wonderful yesterday. It was windy on Wednesday, but the wind died down and fishermen were out on Thursday. It's overcast here right now and there are storm warnings out. But, as Brayden says "They (the weather forecasters) are not always right, you know". On Thursday as Linda and I were getting ready to come back to St. Louis, I decided I'd best call a repairman about the refrigerator. It's not very old, but the freezer section ices up, and the bottom doesn't stay really cold. The repairman said it was poor a design but got it fixed. Then the fan didn't run. He didn't have a part to fix it, and couldn't get one until Friday. I called Mad Dog, thinking he was down there and possibly could let the repairman in for me. Unbeknownst to me, his Grandmother had just died. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. The service is Monday. Mad Dog will go to the lake house Tuesday or Wednesday for me unless someone else can go for the day or the weekend. Linda and I saw some fishermen even on the windy Wednesday so if someone can go, fishing may be a pastime. Lots of people (including Linda) have prior commitments. The repairman works weekends and I don't think lives very far away. Let me know if anyone can go down this weekend. That terrific storm in Branson was all the news on television last Wednesday. Leslie and Sam King had been in Branson that very day on an appointment, following up on his knee replacement surgery. Linda has a sister who lives in Seymour. Sometime this Spring, we're going to try to meet Joe and maybe Sam and Leslie and tour Marshfield while Linda visits her sister. Brother Joe, is the Spur Cafe still there? I had a haircut today and got it 'summer short' as Rose calls it. I have my first cataract surgery on Wednesday, March 7. and then the other one on March 21. I'll just be glad to stop seeing double and be able to watch TV with both eyes open.

LINK

More news about a young person in our family.  Brett Smith, son of Sabrina and Dave, grandson of Margaret and Norm, is a star basketball player in high school  Here is a link to an article in the St. Louis paper about a recent game.  Note the last few paragraphs.  They are about Brett.

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/high-school/boys-basketball/after-red-hot-start-holt-has-to-scramble-to-escape/article_adfb28b6-5dd7-11e1-8313-001a4bcf6878.html

LINK

Brother Joe's granddaughter, Lydia, is a student and cheerleader at William Jewell University.  Here is a link to a photo of the lovely young woman:

http://www.williamjewellphoto.com/p499372429/h36756B00#h36756b00

Lake

I thought I had better let the blog readers know that the storms missed us last night and I've heard from Brother Joe that they missed Springfield, too. It's windy today but no rain but too much breeze to sit outside. When I posted this morning, I didn't even know it had stormed. Joe said that if it stormed there, he slept right through it. There's been a lot about it on the news today so I guess it was pretty bad in some places.

Back to the Lake

I'm up early after sleeping later at Louisville, now on Missouri time. I'm in good hands with Linda. She is a delightful personality. She picked me up yesterday and we came here to the lake house and unpacked before grocery shopping and planning our menus. We went out for dinner so she would time to find things around the kitchen. The stair lift got stuck at the bottom and we had to call Doug for directions on how to get it going again. She had no trouble after talking to Doug. We went to Ruthie D's for dinner. Brother Joe, you've been there with some of us before. Chris and Shelly and I went out to dinner last Thursday. We usually go out once a week. He's trying to arrange an evening when Sabrina and Margaret can join us. Brayden lost his basketball game Saturday but his Dad said he played good. Baseball season is coming up soon. The weather was Spring like here yesterday. We were even able to sit outside for a little while. I haven't looked at the forecast for today but hope it stays Springlike. We have to go back tomorrow because I have therapy Friday. I'm hoping Linda likes me as well as I am liking her. Brother Pete, Joe would like to know if that's a hat on your head or a tip jar.

Rose's New Avocation

Rose has taken up a new hobby but has found she has to limit her practicing because her fingers get sore if she practices too often and in too long sessions. She has taken up guitar playing - I think that's called picking and strumming. She has been faithful in her efforts and is determined to accomplish further musical achievements, which she probably will. Goldman came over and took this picture after school today. She's had the instrument about a week but I wanted to wait until I had her picture to go with a post.

Mike Madden called me earlier today. He was in town but for just a short while. Aunt Virginia's 86th birthday was last Saturday. Mike's business will bring him through town more often in the future and we'll try to get together. Chris and I are going out for dinner after while.

Hoping for Spring

I'm back in Missouri after a wonderful week in Louisville. Brayden had a cold and missed two days of school and neither of us were sorry that he missed school. He mostly watched TV and would come out of the playroom occasionally to see if I needed anything. He got pretty well by Saturday morning and baseball tryouts. Also on Saturday morning Jalen had a band practice. Chris drove to get me ob Friday evening so we had enough drivers for baseball and band practice and for me a ride home after all that. Brayden also had a basketball game after we left that we missed. His dad said they lost but Brayden played very well. Uncle Chris played catch with him before the baseball tryouts to 'warm him up'. Rose and Shirley got back from Georgia and Shirley's niece's wedding on Saturday shortly before I got here. Goldman picked them up at the airport. I have therapy tomorrow and then Linda and I will head off to the lake Tuesday. I hope the weather is springlike.

Brother Pete, volunteer Shuttle Driver

Chapel at Calloway Gardens

Where the wedding will be today

Margaret finally got in touch with Mary Pauline but said she didn't seem to be much better. I don't think Pauline has a phone in her room and Margaret has to reach her through the nurse. Rose and Shirley are somewhere in Georgia and her niece's wedding is tomorrow. They're going to stay until Saturday for their spring vacation. It's been raining all day here in Louisville so I hope they are having better weather there. I really liked the contribution to the Family Gazette from Elaine and hope to get more from her and others. Pete promised to send pictures of him on his golf cart but I haven't got them yet. Scott hasn' taken any while I've been here either. I took Brayden to school in a cab yesterday. He made me a tuna salad sandwich for my lunch before we left. He tried to make it with one hand and hold his nose with the other but finally just stretched his arms out and hurry.

Shirley and Savannah playing Temple Run

Sue received this e-mail from our cousin Elaine, daughter of Kent and Paula.  [Kenneth Madden and our mother, Margaret Marie Madden, were brother and sister]:


"I don't make a lot of trips to MO, but I get there occasionally.  I hope to
come back this summer for the 4th of July.

Kenny & Kelly are still in MO.  Kenny & his wife live in Marshfield.  Both
of them are bailiffs in the Greene County courts in Springfield.  His wife
had 2 daughters when they married;
they now have 5 grandkids.

Kelly & his wife live in Springfield.  He works security for St. John's
hospital.  They have 2 sons who are still living at home.

Which boys are your sons and which are friends.  How many grandkids do you
have beside Scott's two boys?

Tell Rose she was always telling me that she remembered when I was born; now
she can say she remembers when I turned 60 as my birthday is this coming
Friday, the 24th.  I sure don't know how it got here so soon!

As coincidences go, when you had to go to New Hampshire when Denny took ill,
my husband and I were in NH at that time also.  We were taking a long
weekend to see the leaves and all.

Take care of yourself and keep in touch,

Elaine"

Louisville

I'm in Louisville yesterday as of yesterday. Rose and Shirley are their way to somewhere in Georgia. Goldman drove me to the halfway mark where we meet Scott. The boys chose to sleep in but were up when we got here. Pete and Janet knew we would be en route by the time they called. Pete has taken up employment and has promised to send pictures. He's driving a '2 seat' golf cart for patients at the hospital. It's not 40 hours a week or 8 hours a day but I'm sure it's good therapy for the patients. Pete taught me to drive and always cautioned me to keep it between the ditches. Pete, are there ditches there? These two boys are both teaching things about this computer I didn't know. We're going to take some pictures and post them this afternoon. My phone also takes pictures but Rose always post them for me. They are busy now playing video games. It's a bit chilly here this morning but too cold to play outside. I asked Margaret to call me or email me after her Sunday call to Mary Pauline so may update again if there's any news.

FINALLY!

Today I have some news! I have found a companion to spend at least part of the time with me at the lake house. Next week I'm going to be in Louisville. I have therapy on the 27th, and she (her name is Linda) and I will go to the lake on the 28th. This is just for a trial period. We'll return on March 1. We will determine our further schedule when we see how we get along. She has already asked what my favorite things to eat might be and should she bring any special recipes. I have therapy tomorrow. Chris may be ill today because I haven't heard from him yet today. He usually calls me on his way to work. He didn't feel well yesterday. Goldman and I will leave Saturday and go half way to Louisville where we will meet Scott and sons. Brayden's basketball game is at 3:00 pm, and Scott wants to be back in time for that. So I will get to see the game. Rose and Shirley are going to a wedding and then spending some winter vacation days in Georgia, returning on the 25th.

HOPE

I'm leaving Saturday for Louisville and spending the week with Scott and the boys. Rose and Shirley are going to Shirley's niece's wedding in Georgia. Shirley's sister, mother of the bride, is going to meet Rose and Shirley in Birmingham and drive the rest of the way. Meanwhile, I'll be in Louisville and get to keep company with Scott and the boys. Is Monday a legal holiday? I hope it is so they won't have school that day. I keep forgetting to ask anyone who might know the answer - like Jalen or Goldman. I talked to my old neighbor, Leslie, from Springfield this morning. Sam, her husband, had a knee replaced yesterday and is doing okay so far. He's expecting much more pain when the anesthetic wears off. He'll be in the hospital until Thursday. Chase is there in town right now and Jeff is in Seattle for a short visit. Jeff's father-in-law recently died but he soon will have to go back to Afghanistan. [Chase and Jeff are Leslie's sons.] I believe therapy is really helping me. I can squeeze a ball and make dents in the softest one. This morning I was the only one up and spilled my coffee - on the carpet! I got it cleaned up and asked Sis if she noticed anything when she came downstairs. She didn't notice a thing and Shirley said she didn't either. I keep up my exercises and working at it. I have one more session of therapy before Louisville.

Another Update

We had snow when we first got up this morning. Chris called to caution us that it was snowing but he had heard it wasn't snowing yet on our side of the river. It soon began. It's pretty cold, but the snow didn't last very long. I talked to Scott and the snow was headed toward Louisville. Jalen and Brayden are probably hoping school is cancelled tomorrow. I have therapy (physical and occupational) again today. Ross's schedule works today so she can take me and come get me. Shelly has been very helpful in driving me when Rose can't. The therapy facility is close to the zoo where Shelly works, so is not too far for her to haul me around. Margaret and I had a long talk on Friday. She's enjoying her children and grandchildren these days. We're going to have lunch or dinner soon when we can get one of her children or grandchildren to join us and to drive. She was going to talk to Mary Pauline on Sunday, but I haven't heard from her yet today.

Brayden NINE (9) yrs old tomorrow!

Where is Spring?

I will update later on today. I need some news from other members of the family and/or friends. Chris and I went to Red Lobster for dinner last night. Pete and Janet called with their Saturday morning visit. We have more snow here in Missouri today than they do in Idaho. It's colder, too.

Update

This may be a short entry because Goldman is picking me up in just a few minutes to go see Fat Jack. I want to post the latest about my interview for a possible companion. She is a possibility if she wants the position. She lives only about five minutes away from here and is willing to make the trips back and forth to the lake and also do the the small chores I need her to do. She and I will probably do a couple days trial run in later February after my visit in Louisville. March will be a busy month because I have cataract surgeries schedules, so any lake trips will have to work in around them and my recovery.

Weather

I am interviewing the potential companion for me at the lake house at two this afternoon. I'm hoping this one pans out and I can afford some nice weather down there soon. We have cold and a touch of snow today. I think Goldman was hoping for a day off school because of the forecast but he had to go anyway. The forecast didn't amount to much snow. I've been going to therapy twice a week now besides doing my exercycle and treadmill and deep knee bends here at home everyday. I go to occupational therapy and to physical therapy, back to back, so no one has to make two trips there or back. I try to increase the use of my hands using balls. The occupational therapist keeps me aware that my posture tends to bee tilted forward. I'm concentrating on improving my 'sitting up straight' as mother used to say.

Sue and Chris

Chris.

Sue and Chris

I've got a lot of current information for this post. Sometimes I feel the blog is rather boring, but this post may be more interesting. I spent a weekend at the lake with Mad Dag, Chris and Goldman. Actually. Mad Dag was already there when we got there, had supper ready, and we just sat down to eat. The menu that night consisted of Pork Tenderloin, fried potatoes and Texas Toast There were no leftovers. The guys most always specify potatoes as ranking number ONE vegetables. It rained really hard on us driving down Friday and wasn't pleasant Saturday. Mad Dog fished for a little while but didn't catch anything. John and Jana were in town sometime over the weekend for Jana's company party and stopped to visit with Aunt Rose and Shirley. I was sorry I missed them. A nice visit Saturday was with Uncle Joe. I talk to Pete every Saturday and do talk to Brother Joe on the computer. I had to show my therapist how I can type. I had already told the therapist but, when I showed her again, she suggested I have my eyes checked. I do have cataracts and have appointments for surgery next month. I have never been active with Face Book, but I had the help of Goldman at the lake. I found Janet in Idaho and Mike Madden in Los Angeles (just passing through). I found Elaine Madden (now Elaine Raymond). Elaine is a first cousin. Her Dad and my mother were brother and sister. Elaine and her family live in Marietta, GA. Goldman tells me I have 99 friends on Facebook. Amazing to me. Chris and I plan on going on to dinner out for dinner this evening. Shelly may have to work but, if not, hope she'll join us too.

Therapy

I want to get this blog updated before Chris and Goldman and I head off for the lake this weekend. We can only be there a couple days, but it's been a long absence. The weather is supposed to be almost spring like. Brother Joe, wish you would come visit. Pete called me last Saturday with his weekly call (he never knows whether to call cell phone or lake house). Tomorrow I'll be at the lake. Last week he said it was very cold in Idaho. I had additional therapy sessions, again physical and occupational yesterday. One of the therapists (the physical)remembered from my having been there before. She and I worked most on regaining my balance without use of bars, but using them if I need them. We started this session with a timed walk and, will time the walk again after I have several sessions. I will continue to work out on the tredmill and exercyle at home. Occupational therapy is more difficult for me. I have very little grip in my right hand and not very much in my left hand. I just mostly use my left hand for everything and keep trying to do more. When I went to therapy yesterday, Rose dropped me off. Shelly picked me up, and she and I had lunch at a place called "Winslow's Home". Great lunch!

Chris, Sue, Drew, Shelly

Dinner at TGI Friday's on Tuesday

Shirley and Brayden

In an iPad Consult

Brayden and Scott

Artwork for kitchen

Sue and Chris

No Week At Lake Right Now

This morning and today I have been looking forward to getting to spend at least a little time at the lake house.   The weather forecast is predicting unseasonably warm temperatures and probably no rain until maybe Friday.  Rose has been helping me with packing and a list of what I was taking.  I haven't been there in awhile so I'm not sure what's there.  Then, I got this great disappointment!  Patsy, my companion, and her husband are in the process of moving to North Carolina, and she called and said she has too much preparation getting ready for the move to be away all week.  Needless to say,  I was upset and  put out with Patsy.  I didn't schedule any therapy appointments because I thought I would be away.  I will keep doing my exercises at home.

February 1 is Brother Pete's birthday.  Joe told me the year too, but I won't put that in.  Nancy is cooking Pete's birthday dinner.  I'm sure it will be delicious.

I had an email from Brother Donald just checking on how I'm doing.   I responded with a request for more news from him.

Brayden had a basketball game Saturday.  His team lost.  Brett (Sabrina's son) had a basketball game Friday and lost, too.  I think baseball signup was this weekend for Jalen and Brayden.   Jalen did make the soccer team but when he called to tell me he kept saying "I made the soccer team" and I couldn't understand him.  He finally ask if he could talk to Aunt Rose.  He said he and Dad were on the speaker phone, one reason I couldn't understand, and were laughing so hard they could hardly talk.

Rose and Shirley are over at the Galleria while Shirley has a lesson at the Apple store.  They just came in the back door.

Lake Companion and Therapy

I finally have some eventful news to report.  I've found a companion to stay with me at the lake house for a few days anyway.  Her name is Patsy and she's friends with all three of us here at the Barnard College house.  She and her husband are in the process of moving back to North Carolina so her stay with me will be only a week which I truly wish could be much longer.  She and I will go down Monday morning and she has to be here in St. Louis Friday.  She asked me if I knew the way down there.  I told her I do since I've been there 30 years.

I started occupational and physical therapies again today.  I went back to The Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis.  I have had therapy here before and Denny went there for therapy after his stroke.  The session today was mostly evaluation of my current goals and strength.  The occupational therapist was amazed when I explained to her how I type and that I'd kept the blog as long as I had.  She was going to suggest the 'red thing' and a pencil with an eraser to other therapists.  A goal of therapy is to accomplish things you can do again when you couldn't for some time.  Typing and the computer would be classified as accomplishments in many instances, mine for example.

Chris and I are going out to eat tonight.  Shelly may have jet lag but I hope she can join us.  Rose and Shirley have a meeting they have to go to.  Since Patsy has to come back to St. Louis next Friday,  I'm hoping Goldman or Chris can come down that day and I can just stay until Patsy has to go.

Correction

Chris can only grab a quick bite with me tomorrow night.  I misunderstood and thought he was going to the game after picking me up and then picking Aunt Margaret up and going to the game with us.   Dave can pick Margaret up.   It's an early game and most of the Abbotts will be rushed but will arrive at starting time, if not sooner.  I'll try to find a way to get out there.  It's the other side of the Missouri River and rush hour.

My cataract surgeries and appointments are posted with the wrong schedules.  I'll put them on here as they happen.  Margaret has already had hers removed.

RAINING

Scott and Brayden left on Sunday.  Shelly and her mother get back from Hawaii late this afternoon after sitting in Seattle for five hours.  Christopher is sure Shelly will have jet lag tomorrow so, if so and jet lag fatigues her, he and I will go to Brett's basketball game.  We may pick up Margaret on our way there since it's an early game and stopping to get her would cause Sabrina and Margaret to both be late.

I talked to Fat Jack (who sang Amazing Grace at Den's funeral) this week.  Chris and I were going to go see him one evening this week but he called to say he wasn't feeling very good so I gave him a raincheck.  I also talked to Leslie, my old neighbor in Springfield who's married to that 'King boy'.  Her son, Jeff, is in Afghanistan and his family is in Olympia.  Guess you've had a lot of winter weather in Olympia.  Chase, her other son, is currently in Denver but will go back east pretty soon.

Chase is staying right now with a 93 year old man and helping him as he needs it.  Wish I could find someone like him to help me out.   I'm still looking.   I start physical and occupational therapy again this Friday.  I've been diligent with the treadmill and the exercycle.  Rose does lots of walking outside but Shirley and I do ours where it's warm (on the treadmill).

It's raining right and has been for the past several days but nicer weather is in the forecast.  Though it's been rather dreary, we've had a rather mild winter - so far.

Sue and Chris

Brayden

Weekend in St. Louis

Scott and Brayden left for Louisville yesterday and Beth left for the opposite direction of Kansas City.  We didn't see Beth Saturday day but she and Scott and I had a really nice dinner at the Casino Saturday night.  Chris and Brayden and Drew saw the St. Louis Blues hockey team win and probably had what they considered just as good a time.  While we ate steak, Brayden would have preferred a hamburger and fries.  I don't know what they had.

I had my first cataract appointment today and lots of people I know have had the surgery and say it's a minor deal.  Pete told me that today.  The doctor will do the first eye in about two weeks and the second two weeks after the first.  I've been very faithful about my physical exercises (except for the time I spent in Louisville when it was too cold and dreary) and start therapy again this week.  I'll still do my home exercises.

Brayden and Scott

Sue with grandsons Drew and Brayden

Ice Storm

Missouri had a terrific ice storm last night (causing us to miss part of the weekend paper).  Ice slowed Scott and Brayden on their journey from Louisville, and also slowed Beth From KCMO to St. Peters but the trip was uneventful and safe.  They arrived in St. Peters about the same time, after Scott left Brayden with us, much to our delight.  Seattle has had some bad weather there too.  We're hoping to get some updates from the FELLINs from out that way.  Shelly and her mother went through Salt Lake City on their way to Hawaii, but will come through Seattle on their way home.  Surely the snow will be gone by then.  We also need news from Kansas.

Chris and Brayden and Drew are going to a hockey game this evening.  Remember,  Brayden played hooky while I was visiting.  Today I asked him what the teacher said about it.  He doesn't think she will find out.  He won't tell her!

TV recessed in book case

TV on swing arm - Out for viewing

Back to Missouri

I'm back in Missouri.  Scott brought me half way on Saturday and Goldman met us at the other half.  He got to the meeting point five minutes before we did.   The boys chose to sleep rather than take that long car ride.  Brayden did get up and hug me goodbye, but I believe he was just being polite.

Shelly and her mother were scheduled to leave for Hawaii  early this morning, but it stormed a lot in the lot with hail off and on so I'm not sure their flight left on time.   The street out front was like a river at one point.

Rose decided yesterday afternoon that we needed a bigger TV.  Brother Joe, you are right!  She is the smart one!  The first Best Buy we went to kept us waiting forever and finally told me I'd just have to be patient!  This is after we had waited 35 minutes.  Rose got someone to help us and they didn't have what we wanted at that store!  I stayed in the car at a second Best Buy, and she came out shortly with her purchase.   They treated her much better at this store after Shirley had called and reported the incident at the first store.

Shirley's brother-in-law, Jack, died last night.  He and his family are from Shreveport, LA.  Shirley thought she may not go to the services since her head is still stuffed up even after finishing a round of antibiotics for a sinus infection.   There is no direct flight either to Shreveport.  When I went to bed, she did't know yet what the arrangements were.  

Brayden and Granny

Watching TV

Springfield Accomplishment

Brother Joe had  told me they were going to Jefferson City (in an IM) but hadn't said why they were going.  Lisa was on the program for her recognition on the Foreign Languages Accomplishments.  Vita's sister--in-law was also on the program.  I think the Berns family returns from Hawaii  today.  Shelly and her mother are going over there next week.

I'm still in Louisville and it's not Hawaii weather here.  We had some snow last night and lots of school closings but not Brayden's.  Dad let him play hooky anyway. He had never heard the word 'hooky' and said I shouldn't put her name in just in case his teacher reads the blog.  Brayden says he reads it some times.

It's way past time for updates from the rest of this family.  Scott was supposed to take a lot of pictures  while I was here but the camera on his cell phone isn't working.  Mine may, but we don't know how to do it.

Springfield News

Brother Joe and I have been getting our emails either slowly or I may be doing something wrong.  We were talking on IM the other day and he had to quit to be at the Berns house and go to the airport.  I asked in a regular email who was going where.  Maybe he was engrossed in the Marshfield book but probably it was something I did on this end.   He was taking Lydia and her parents to catch a flight to Hawaii.  They're staying until the 13th and I hope they take lots of pictures and send some to the blog.  I'm sure they're having a good time with lots of sunshine.

I think these boys have been checking the blog all day long looking for pictures of themselves to no avail.  I think Scott took several.  Brayden's cat, Leo, ran away two weeks ago yesterday.  He is a house cat and managed to get outside.  They searched the neighborhood for hours and  days with  no luck.   Brayden was sure he would come back.  Scott was ready to pitch Leo's food bowl and litter box.  Scott and Brayden were out back BBQing last night and heard a 'Meow'.  It was Leo!  Jalen came running in the front door to tell me, and I thought I had misunderstood him when he said it first.  It was a happy night here at the Spreitler household.  Leo has the run of the place today.

My plans have changed somewhat.  Mad Dog can't come over to get me so Goldman and Scott will meet at the halfway point but aren't sure when - either Saturday  or Sunday.  I'd rather do that so I can stay longer.  I was going to run out of pills, but Rose packed them up and they'll arrive tomorrow by Greyhound Bus.

Interesting History from Brother Joe

Joe sent this interesting information to Sue after receiving the book she sent all the siblings:


"Sue, what a pleasant surprise getting the Images of America  MARSHFIELD book in the mail yesterday.

I read and looked at everything in it before going to bed last night.

 One question I always wanted to ask but did not know where to ask is:  When was the first burial in the Marshfield Cemetery?   According to page 21, it was in 1879.

 Another question I hope Margaret partially answered and was going to clarify with Mary Pauline is where our gggrandmother was buried.  That would be Edgar LaFoe's mother-in-law.   Bernie said it occurred when Marshfield was the "end of track" when building the Frisco RR toward Springfield.  He also said that was one reason the LaFoe's settled in Webster County.  (To be near her burial grounds)

 Harriett LaFoe said she had always heard the fact that the land  speculators were saying Northview would be the RR Terminal and Edgar wanted  in on the action, so he acquired land there.. The RR kept building  through Northview and these facilities were built in North Springfield.  Harriett made no mention of the burial, (as I recall).

 The Marshfield book mentions, on page 8, second para. "Marshfield  became a railroad stop in l886, connecting the small community with the rest  of the world."  page 54 shows two pictures of the depot.  It     mentions "Built in l886."  Most references I have read show the Frisco's arrival in Springfield on May 5, 1870.

1870 would come nearer fitting the arrival of the LaFoe's into Webster County."


Thanks, Joe!
 

Marshfield (Images of America)

I was watching the noon news one day not long ago when I was at the lake house and saw an interview with this author.  She has written a book called "Marshfield (Images of America)".   Her name is Kaitlyn McConnell and she went to Marshfield High School and did, and maybe still does work at the Marshfield Mail, and is a student at Drury.   I first ordered a copy for Rose and me and we reminisced over it for hours.  I brought it to Louisville with me.  I ordered copies for my siblings.  Margaret and Donald have theirs but Pete didn't have his as of yesterday.  He figures the mailman must be mulling over it.  Joe and I usually talk on line but we haven't caught each other yet today.  Joe hasn't mentioned it when we do talk on line.  I mailed it last Thursday.  I told only Pete that it was coming.  His weekly call was a  good opportunity.  Actually, I called him.  Just couldn't keep it to myself.

I'm still in Louisville.   Mad Dog is coming over Monday and we'll probably go back next Wednesday.  Scott will be home from work soon.  I guess we'll pray at supper since Brayden told me they only pray when Granny's here.

Back to Louisville

I'm back in Kentucky having ridden halfway with Chris and the rest of the way with Scott.  We got to have Brayden for both halves.  Both my sons have 'nerves of stool'.  I was asleep and  Chris needed to stop so was hurrying when his attack made itself known.  Scott and I went through some blinding snow when his nerves became very obvious.  Brayden was only hoping school would be called off today.  The three of us met  Scott and Beth at the 117 mile marker and all separated there.  Beth had the longest drive back to Kansas City.  It was about an equal drive for Chris and us except for the snow.

Scott got a new refrigerator not long ago.  His house was robbed a while back.  The refrigerator has an ice maker.  When I'm sitting in the living room reading my kindle and watching the Iowa caucuses (which is the only thing on),  I have to get up and make sure it's the ice maker I hear it drop ice.

Still waiting for pictures and family news.  This is a FAMILY GAZETTE.

Brayden, Chris, Granny

Leaving for Louisville

2012

We're starting the New Year but still need updates and pictures from friends and other members of the family.  Rose and Brayden are over at the school across the street.  She's doing laps and he's riding his skateboard.  He went to the Rams game this afternoon with Chris and Shelly and one of her cousins.  Brayden predicted the Rams would lose, and he was right!

Shirley's friend and her eleven-year-old daughter  have been visiting with us since Thursday.  They are Dena and Layla and I've met them before - once even in summer at the lake.  They're from Bloomington, Indiana.  Layla and Brayden played a lot of Scrabble, but it's the old fashioned kind and not electronic.  I believe they do some X-Box too, whatever that is.    Brayden went to work with Uncle Ding on Friday and got to play wiffleball with Drew and another kid.  They had lunch at the Bread Company and Ding did treat though he had said Brayden could.

It's windy and cold outside.  Rose and Brayden just came back in.  I talked to Pete and Janet a couple times last week.  I think Margaret was going to be at Sabrina's for New Years Eve.  I had dinner at Chris and Shelly's but was home and in bed and was not awake to usher in the New Year.  Rose, Shirley, Dena, Layla, and Brayden spent the evening with dinner here, and I'm sure I went to bed before any of those five even thought about it.

Brayden has school Tuesday so he has to leave tomorrow.  Beth has been in Louisville visiting Scott for the last several days but she has to go back to school on Tuesday, same as both boys.  Chris is driving halfway to meet Scott where he will deliver Brayden and me.  I plan on staying until Saturday or Sunday, again when I can make arrangements to return to St. Louis.

Hollensbe's Home at Christmas

Layla, Dena, Brayden

Brayden and Shirley

HAPPY NEW YEAR

I forgot to add on my previous post that we need news from other members of our family and also photos.   This keeps it a  Family Gazette.

 Chris took Brayden and me to dinner last night.  We asked Brayden how many uncles he knew.  His reply "Goldman and Mark Spreitler".    The boy doesn't realize how many relatives he has.  So true of many of our far-flung family.  Lots of the later generation - and friends - don't realize how many of us there are.

After Christmas and several days in Louisville, Brayden and I are back in St. Louis after running into some snow on the trip.  Goldman took me and got here promptly at 9 A.M. on Christmas morning but, by the time we got to Louisville, Santa had already come and gone.  Remember though, Brayden knows there's no Santa because he googled Santa last year, deciding that Santa is really Dad.   He's 8 now, soon to be 9.

We get to keep Brayden until next week Monday (the 2nd).  Jalen wanted to stay home and do lots of teenage stuff with his friends.

I had my weekly visit with Pete and Janet on Saturday.  With the new set up for the blog, it seems we get fewer visitors since readers can update by e-mail automatically.  I think Joe and Dave will go to Kiwanis today since Dave is still on Christmas break.

Shirley's niece, Dena, and great niece, Layla, from Bloomington, Ind., are coming to visit this weekend.  Dena is a musician and teacher, and I'm hoping she can get Brayden to work on playing his electric guitar.  They've met before so perhaps she can further his musical inclination.

The Abbotts had Christmas dinner at Sabrina and Dave's.  I think Margaret spent the night at their house to help with dinner preparation.  I'm not sure what she did with the dog.  Donald and Vita must have been in Plattsburgh because they were leaving for California with their grandkids on the 26th.  Rose and Shirley and I had a lovely dinner, opened gifts, and then watched "The Christmas Story", our all-time favorite holiday flick.

Brayden. 12/27/11

Randy, Lynn, Connor, Erica, Amanda

Favorite Xmas Present

Cup--side 2

Note that Jalen is wearing the shirt he got when he attended Apple Camp here last summer.  This guy thinks of everything!