Lily

Lake Delight

Sue and Linda planted flowers today at the lake.

Lake Delight

Sue and Linda planted flowers today at the lake.

Shelly on Vacation

Lake

It's Tuesday morning, and Linda and I are going back to the lake and try to get there before noon.  Has been a while since I've been there.  The temperature is supposed to be - finally lake weather- hot. The forecast says there may be some rain but that's okay.

 I walked 1.78 miles and did 29 minutes on the exercycle yesterday.  I do the 20 minutes on the exercycle everyday but have had a cold so haven't been walking as much.  Feeling better now,  I'm going to take it up again.

Linda will be here very soon, so I'd best finish getting ready.

Fishing and the Guys

Rose is inserting a link to the article in the paper about the woman who stays with me at the lake some of the time and her family.  Rose's update will come first because I type so slowly.  Brother Joe came up to the lake one day while we were there and met Linda.   I'm in good hands.

I haven't been to the lake for a while, so I'm really looking forward to tomorrow.  Ten old fishing buddies used it this weekend, and they have had this annual fishing excursion for years. Some had been in the service, and most are now married and have children.  The boat did get fixed and returned.

Joe bought the GMC Terrain and Rose, the Toyota Prius C.  I think it was Pete who said they buy cars every 15 years whether they need one or not.  Pete had some advice in his Saturday morning call.   'If the guys aren't catching big fish down at the lake, use bigger hooks.'  He also wanted to know what Rose is going to do with the 'Company 'Car'.  She's going to let me and Goldman use it this summer.

I had to take a break and have breakfast before I finished this post. I've been talking to one of my old GMAC (now called ALLY} friend who is now working in their Chicago office.  It's Liz, and her husband is Dave. She can't retire yet so has to work in Chicago, and Dave is self employed in St. Louis. They have two sons. One and his better half are expecting a baby any day out in Montana and the other is getting married next Saturday. The two events could coincide.

MORE ABOUT THE WEDDING

Last month Sue, Shirley, and I were invited to a wonderful wedding, that of the daughter of Sue's caregiver, Linda Orso.  Local news channels covered the wedding, and we posted a link to the report earlier.  Now, a columnist for the Post-Dispatch has written about the event and about the families of the bride and groom.  We especially liked Linda's quote at the end of the article:

“I always tell parents that the initial diagnosis is like a death. You have to mourn the death of that dream baby, and then start to build new dreams for the baby you have.”  True about so many things in life!

Here is the link:  http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/columns/bill-mcclellan/mcclellan-an-unexpected-wedding-for-a-special-woman/article_563d811c-2055-5729-96ec-598149851643.html

HUMMING BIRD

The first humming bird appeared on May 1, Mother's birthday, and I forgot to post it but wanted to keep track of it for following years. We've had some beautiful weather these last few days. Scott and Brayden got back from their field trip on Wednesday and had good weather in Chicago, too.

 Chris and Shelly left at 4:30 this morning for their vacation in St. John.  Goldman, being the good friend that he is, got up that early to take them to the airport.  He probably went back to bed before having to go to school.

 Brother Joe bought a new GMC Terrain, and Rose is contemplating buying a Toyota Prius C.  Each of them buys a car about every 15 years whether they need to or not.  I talked to my old friend, Liz., (who I worked with back when it was GMAC and is now Ally).  She is working in Chicago and is expecting her first grandchild soon. Both the parents are chiropractors who live in Montana, and it's difficult for them to relocate. Liz's second son is getting married here about the same time. Liz was helpful with the General Motors sibling car discount information for Brother that I wasn't sure how to get for him.

Good News Again

Good news to post today. Margaret is finally out of the hospital.  Like Janet, she is having occupational and occupational therapies at home, but is is certainly relieved to be out out of the hospital. She is staying with her daughter Stephanie temporarily. Her cell phone number 636-577-1809.  She left the hospital on Tuesday.

 Scott and Brayden get back from their Chicago field trip this evening.  Scott will probably be happy to be home while Brayden is probably dreading school tomorrow.

 John and Jana, I'd like pictures of the girls like the one of Brayden at the Sears Tower and more.  Have a wonderful trip!

Brayden in Sears Tower Viewing Deck

Scott and Brayden are on his class trip to Chicago this week.

Chicago

Thank you, Jana, for that lovely update from Kansas. Rose is cooking breakfast as I type. Scott and Brayden are on a school bus en route to Chicago for a 3 day field trip. Scott is a little old for field trips but Brayden is a more 'field trip' sort. The one thing Scott wanted to do was go to Wrigley Field and see the Cardinals play the Cubs. This outing wasn't on their agenda and the group had to stay together so, though they may get to see Wrigley Field, they won't get to see them live. Scott better send some pictures of the sights they see.

Hello again from Kansas City.  Jana and I wanted to check in since it has been a while.  We have had a busy couple of months.

Ellie turned 7 on March 30th and we had a party for her at Emerald City Gymnastics.  We had 14 of her classmates there running around screaming and having a good time.  She got a lot of good loot and both her and Kaitlyn were able to burn off enough energy to sleep like stones that night. 

A few weeks after that, we had our family party at our house. I stayed up all night smoking a pork shoulder for dinner and I must say, "Nailed it."  Tricia, Karen and the boys, and my family were all able to make it and the girls got a ton of great stuff and had a wonderful day.  One of the girls' presents was a trip to Great Wolf Lodge which we took that following Monday.  We rode waterslides and swam in the pools there for 9 solid hours.  The girls really enjoyed it and I must say that Jana and I enjoyed it as well.



Last Saturday, Jana and I ran in a Warrior Dash with a group of our friends.  If you aren't familiar with that, it is a 3 mile race where you have to complete obstacles like climbing over cargo nets, crawling through the mud under barb wire, and jumping over fire.  It was a balmy 55 degrees and overcast but we had a blast and I even got third in the beard contest.  The next day, to celebrated my Dad's birthday, we went to the Royals game.  We got to the stadium early and tailgated for a while before heading in to the game.  All of the kid activities at the park were free so the kids had a good time and the Royals won 9-0 so the adults had a good time as well.

Kaitlyn turned 4 on May 4th so we had another party for her at Ernie Miller Nature Center.  They had a fun animal show where they got to see an owl, a ferret, and a snake.  The kids loved the show and had once again, Kaitlyn got a bunch of great presents from her friends.  Now comes the hard part of finding room for all of this stuff.  Jana and I decided that we may need to purge the system a little bit to make some space.

Finally, Ellie is playing soccer and softball this spring.  She is really enjoying both and has improved a lot in the past year.  Kaitlyn will be playing T-ball for the first time.  This will be her intro into organized sports so we are excited to see how she does.  We suspect she will stand in the dug-out and be too shy to actually play!

We are looking forward to our trip to Chicago over Memorial Day weekend.  We bought our train tickets and the girls are excited since they've never rode on a train like that before.  We just hope the weather is nice!

John, Jana, Ellie, and Kaitlyn

Regular Saturday Morning

Saturday morning and I'm waiting for Pete's call.

 Rose wanted to keep record of the date the first humming bird appeared this year.  It was May 1. That was also Mother's birthday in1906.  Donald called me that morning as I was looking at a collage of photos of her I have at the lake house.

 Chris and I went down to the LakeTuesday afternoon, and Mad Dog had dinner cooking when we arrived. Chris had to attend some meetings so Mad Dog cooked again Wednesday evening.  I like baseball but hockey is a foreign sport to me. One evening the guys switched back and forth between the two sports. I prefer baseball, the St. Louis Cardinals.   Chris and I came home Thursday.

Janet's Home

I just posted yesterday but I had some great news to post and wanted to tell everyone what happened yesterday evening. I called Idaho Falls and Janet answered the phone. She was HOME. After that long siege in the hospital, she was finally HOME. She is truly a remarkable lady. She agreed, all our prayers have been listened to. She doesn't usually like to be mentioned in the Family Gazette but this had to be announced.

Tuesday Morning

Now it's just Tuesday morning But will update before Chris picks me up for a few days at the lake. I had an email from Sandi who reported that her mother is home now. Sandi said she's having some trouble talking but Kay is staying with her which makes a pleasant companionship. We used to call Kay 'Kay-Kay'. She's still Kay-Kay to me. Rose and Shirley are still ailing and I'm not sure if they're going to see clients today. Chris and I will be at the lake until Thursday and I'm hoping they call and tell me what's wrong with the boat and that it's something minor.

Monday Morning

Monday morning and I'm the only one up so far. Shirley and Rose have both felt 'wretched' with some bug the past few days so I'm trying to be really quiet. Rose did get the humming bird feeders hung last week, but so far we haven't seen any humming birds.

 Goldman took me for a pedicure Saturday afternoon and talked to Scott while I was having it done. Scott told Goldman he was  glad it was Goldman instead of him.

 Chris and I went to see Margaret Saturday evening and got to see Sabrina, Dave, and Alex too. We then went to JJ's for dinner. Some of old St. Charles is still there but much has changed. Pio's is still there but was crowded.

 I have an appointment today with my primary care physician and Chris is going to take me since Rose feels so wretched. The appointment is just routine. I feel good.

Idaho News

There's some good news to post today. Pete called with his usual Saturday call and had something exciting for me to report.   Janet gets to come home from the hospital next Tuesday.  The whole family is overjoyed and, of course no one more than Janet.  Pete says she gets great therapy and care and has made lots of friends in her stay there; nevertheless, there's no place like home. Donald and Vita were visiting and had to leave yesterday.

Goldman is going to pick me up and take me to have a pedicure. I got two new pairs of sandals for my birthday and, now that summer is almost here, I can put these shoes on BY MYSELF.

My caregiver, Linda, is extra special. We're really working well together, and we'll post some pictures later.

Sue (AKA Martha)

Margaret and Yadi

A very happy reunion!

Sue and Joe

Lunch at Baxter's at Lake of the Ozarks

Lunch with Brother Joe

Brother Joe came up from Springfield to go out to lunch. He and Linda had never met and we had a lovely lunch at a place called Baxter's. He couldn't stay long but I'm hoping he comes back soon and often.

 Rose went to see Margaret today and she continues to improve. She's having therapy on a regular basis. I talked to Pete, and Janet is also improving.  She's a true amazement.  Donald and Vita are in Idaho Falls but have to leave tomorrow. Pete said it's cold out there but I almost didn't need my sweatshirt here today.

 There have been lots of fishing boats on the lake, and the boat repair company picked up the boat yesterday but haven't told me what's wrong with it. Linda and I have to go back to St. Louis tomorrow but it's been a really good week.

Back to the Lake

I'm back at the lake this morning after a lovely birthday. I heard from all my siblings except Donald but that's probably because he and Vita were en route to Idaho Falls. Linda brought me down and then took me out to dinner at Ruthie D's. She is a true delight. She's a great companion, very helpful, and has become a real friend. We both have our computers set up here at the table, and I'm on mine early this morning.

 It's cloudy and overcast here this morning and I'm hoping it clears up. There's something wrong with the boat. When the guy dewinterized it, he noticed a funny noise. I don't have a trailer so he has to take it out on his trailer to check it out. I consulted Doug and he agreed we should do it. The same guy has winterized it for several years so Doug and I both trust him. It's been raining a lot down here so the boat is still here.  I'm hoping it clears up today and the mechanic finds a minor problem.

 We have to go back to St. Louis on Friday.  Rose just called with her morning daily call. I'll finish this later, hopefully when they come get the boat and fix it.

Shelly and Chris

BIRTHDAY DINNER FOR SHELLY

Beth and Scott's Engagement

It's early Sunday morning, but Scott and Brayden are already on their way to Louisville. They can keep a secret--really. I asked Brayden if he knew and didn't tell me, but he insisted he didn't know earlier or 'maybe' would have told me. Beth has already turned in her resignation I knew she was going to spend the summer in Louisville, but this October 5 wedding date came as a somewhat surprise, but a very happy one.  She and Scott are going to have the wedding at the lake house. Beth is a true sweetheart. She's thoughtful, kind, talented, loving, and has many other wonderful attributes I'm not mentioning.

We're celebrating Shelly's birthday tonight. I'm not sure who all is going to be there.   It's a dinner at a place called Fleming's.  Scott and Brayden already left today to get home for a soccer game so can't attend.  Shelly always does so much to help others celebrate that it's a pleasure to celebrate her.

 We did hear from the Fellin family.  Maudie is doing much better and may be able to leave the extended care facility soon. Karen Kay will then come stay with her until the end of May, and, after that, Mike and family will stay with her at the farm, if necessary.  

We always like pictures to post on the Family Gazette.

Wedding Announcement

Home Again

Saturday morning and I'm waiting for Pete's call. Scott and Brayden drove me back from Louisville last night and dropped us off with Rose and Shirley. They didn't get to see much of Scott, who left right away to meet Beth, as long as they had Brayden. They can only stay until tomorrow. Brayden has a soccer game. With soccer and baseball and work, Scott keeps busy. Margaret is back at Delmar Gardens. She is getting lots of therapy but can't put much weight on that one leg. Correct me if I'm wrong on that, Margaret. I don't hear much from you and would also love an update from the FeLLins.

Louisville Visit

I've been in Louisville since Sunday morning after going to that beautiful wedding on Saturday Linda has become a true friend and Rose and Shirley and I were all honored to be invited. Linda has become a true friend. Chris and Goldman took me to the airport Sunday morning. They had to get up early to do it, though they didn't seem to mind. Scott and Brayden were waiting for me when I arrived. Brayden had a soccer game Sunday afternoon and baseball practice. He had baseball practice again Monday afternoon and a game last night. Last night he was Star of the Game. He hit a triple with the bases loaded and then scored himself. Needless to say, his team won the game. Jalen and a friend came to the soccer game Sunday and then came over and visited for a while. It's really true what Rose says about these Apple computers. I'm using Brayden's while I'm here. Though it's, I thought, exactly like mine, I was having trouble communicating yesterday. He came in from school and showed me what I was doing wrong. I'm using his Apple right now. Scott and Brayden are going to drive me back to St. Louis Friday evening. I hope Jalen can go with us. Beth is driving over from Kansas City to meet them. I'm sorry it will be such a short visit.

Spring in our Village

I noticed Gazelle.com has advertised on this blog.  Ever since I owned my first Apple iPhone, I have been sold on Apple products, but they are very expensive.  Nephew Chris put me onto a website, Gazelle.com, which buys used electronic products.  I have sold Gazelle a number of my used Apple products, enough so it has become a game for me.  Gazelle provides you a bid on your obsolete item, good for 30 days.  If you decide to sell it to them, they send you shipping papers, even a box if you need it.  (I always keep all the original packing materials.)  You send in your item and wait for their evaluation.  If the phone or whatever has scratches or other deficits, Gazelle will mark down their original bid by $10 or so.  It has become a contest.  I keep everything pristine, and when I buy a newer, more up-to-date replacement, I sell my old one to Gazelle.  Lately, they haven't found any flaw that would warrant a mark-down.  :)

Because of outlets that Gazelle has for older electronics, the price they offer is usually sufficient for me to purchase the latest edition.  In this way, I have had every new iPhone version, and it hasn't cost me much at all.  It helps that two other folk, Shirley and Sue, on our ATT account don't care about upgrades so there is always one available for me.

Gazell.com     A good place to cash in on your older electronic items.  My MacBook Pro is four years old this month.  It may go the way of Gazelle soon.

A BEAUTIFUL WEDDING

Sue, Shirley, and I were invited to attend the wedding of Linda and Joe Orso's daughter Lydia yesterday at St. Joseph's Church in Clayton. [ Linda is Sue's part-time caregiver at the lake.]  It was truly an inspirational event.  The wedding mass was followed by a lovely reception and dinner at the Forest Park Golf Club.  All three of us enjoyed every moment of the day.  Here is a Channel Two video link that gives a more complete story and explains why the engagement and wedding is such a blessed event for these two wonderful young folk and all of us fortunate enough to be invited:  http://fox2now.com/2013/04/14/clayton-wedding-day-is-a-dream-come-true/

Linda makes this statement in the video:  “Coming into it you think, well that isn’t going to happen.  To see it happen I think makes everyone feel like, ‘Hey, maybe some things I thought couldn`t happen, can happen’.  I think it`s the reality that the possibilities are still there."  So very true!

Sue met Linda through her (and our) hairdresser, Stephanie.  The bridal party all assembled at David's Salon in Clayton yesterday morning where Stephanie did everyone's hair.  Stephanie is also a very special beautiful person.  You see her at the beginning of the video clip.

Sue and Chris

Off to airport for flight to Louisville

EVENTS

Just talked to Pete so I knew it was Saturday from his call. Merri and Nancy were both there and Pete had his speaker phone on so the four of us talked. IIt's a little chilly here in Missouri this morning but I guess just plain cold in Idaho. I've been riding the exercycle 20 minutes, doing 30 deep knee bends each day. I've been walking as much and as often as I can every day. Goldman came over and walked with me one evening but it started raining and we didn't walk very far. I'm going to Louisville tomorrow and may not take a handicap hanger. Scott doesn't like to use it and always encourages me to get the exercise. Shelly had a birthday on the 11th. As is my custom, I won't post her age. I think they were going to go to the Cardinal game but Chris had to go to Poplar Bluff and that ruined that evening. I just tried to call Margaret with no answer. I'll keep calling. Rose and Shirley and I are going to Linda and Joe's daughter, Lydia, wedding this afternoon and then to the reception this evening. Tom and Lydia are a wonderful couple and may they have a beautiful life. Linda is my part time companion at the lake and has become a close friend. The two of us will go back for a few days on the 23rd. I did finally talk to Margaret. She was eager to be out of that place and be home. She is getting physical therapy and was setting up in a wheelchair when we talked. I'm flying over to spend several days with Scott and Brayden and Jalen, too, I hope. Scott will drive me back late Friday. Beth will meet him here from Kansas City. This Sunday my flight leaves at 8:30 so I have to be at the airport at 7:30. Goldman and Chris have arranged to take me. It's not far for Goldman but Chris has to arise much earlier and has also volunteered to bring breakfast. I hope he sets his alarm.

Short Stay in Hospital

After I finished the IVIG and was packed - or at least I thought I was all packed - Chris picked me up from Barnes Hospital and we went to JJ's in St. Charles for supper before going to see Sister Margaret. Catrina was also visiting and the four of us told stories of the past and reminisced. I was ready to leave the hospital and, as I said earlier, had thought I was all packed. After I got home and was going to charge my cell phone, I found I had left my charger. Rose and I found one that works here so weren't too concerned. This morning my laptop quit and needed to be plugged in. I may have some of the terminology wrong in describing the situation. I had also forgotten the charger for it. These things cost $80.00. We thought we were going to have to go get it. We called Barnes-Jewish to make sure they had them and they did and offered to mail them to me. That was okay with me but a little while later they called and said they were bringing them by courier. The courier was here within two hours. Rose has now forgiven the hospital after the Monday incident. So have I. The weather has been springlike but may get cool again in the next couple days.

IVIG

I'm at Barnes Jewish Hospital this morning for my periodic IVIC overnight stay. Rose brought me down here and when I signed in, Rose and I agreed the woman at the desk had a rather sullen attitude. After waiting 45 minutes to be taken to my room, Rose went to the front desk and inquired. She was told the staff would be there to get me momentarily. We waited a while longer and Rose went back to see what the holdup was. She found out the woman with the attitude hadn't even bothered to register me. Needless to say, Rose was especially upset. She needed to be home because the furnace people were coming and Shirley had a client. She wanted to stay with me until she got my computer set up. Rose registered a formal complaint about the employee. The hospital just sent me flowers and someone from personnel came and apologized for her behavior. Rose seldom gets so angry. The treatment I usually get here is excellent.

Rose and I went to Delmar Gardens to see Margaret yesterday. That Rehabilitation Center is certainly a beautiful place. Margaret gets wonderful attention and care and has lots of company. Chris and I are going back to see her tomorrow night, and I hope Shelly can come too.

Margaret and Yadi

Chris

Brayden in his soccer uniform

NEWS FROM JOE FELIN FAMILY

Brother Joe (AKA Joe Felin) sent this update to Sue:

"Read your today's  blog and appreciate your keeping us informed.

 

Not to be outdone by other family members, we are spending time on the so-called "Medical Mile" in Springfield.

 

Lisa's husband Jack fell  Wednesday in their house and ended up in the emergency room followed by surgery Thursday at Mercy Hospital ( formerly St. Johns) .   He ruptured the tendon above his knee  and will be hobbling for several months. I guess he will be on crutches as I heard the Dr. say he will have to not have any weight on it for a couple of weeks and will be healing for as long as 6-8 weeks. He is back home now.

 

Jack's Dad, a WWII veteran, had a stroke and is still in the same hospital Jack was in.  He is recuperating nicely, per Lisa.

 

Our neighbors since 1969 recently moved to a retirement home and she was/is in the hospital with pneumonia. Seven years ago now (April 2006) , I was recuperating from the quadruple bypass and she was in the hospital across the hallway.  This was Cox South Hospital.  I am still volunteering on Tuesday at the hospital (Wheeler Heart & Vascular Center) and attending arthrites foundation exercises at the Meyer Center once or twice a week at other times.

 

Not to be outdone, our dog (really granddaughter Lydia's dog that stays at our house) is limping again. She had a $1,000 plus  operation last year on one of her hind legs.

 

Better news. Had lunch yesterday with Brian Madden. He seems to be doing well with his schooling and is

getting more involved in local politics. I think as local precinct chairman or person?

 

Worse News: Income tax time. Hope sister Rose is not suffering too badly during this taxing time!  I have ours ready to take to the bean counter this afternoon.

 

Bro Joe"

 

NEWS

Pete has called this morning so we knew it was Saturday. Janet hasn't been feeling very well. The doctors moved Margaret to Delmar Gardens at 7069 South Outer Road, O'Fallon, MO 63368 yesterday. This is a rehabilitation center where she's been before, quite some time ago. We're sure she would appreciate and enjoy cards.  Rose and I are going out to visit with her after while. We're waiting on further news about Maudie Ree. I'm having an IVIG on Monday and have to stay in the hospital overnight, but this is just a periodic routine treatment.  Chris took me out to dinner last night - to Applebees.  Brother Donald called me yesterday. He and Vita are going to France for a couple of weeks. Rather a coincidence, Mark and Karen are going there on Monday. Rose has been diligently practicing her guitar and taking her weekly lesson. We don't hear much out of Brother Joe. We need an update.

Brayden waiting for his flight to Louisville

MARGARET

Margaret had trouble walking on Sunday because of a problem with her knee.  She ended up in the emergency room, and from there was admitted to the hospital.  She is at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Peters, (10 Memorial Drive, St. Peters, MO 63376) in Room 2281.  She is undergoing a multitude of tests, and her children and grandchildren are hovering over her.

Brayden

Brayden

Jalen and Brayden

Oliver, Brayden, and Eli

Spokane

Maudie Ree, who is brother Bernie's widow, is in the hospital and has been since Wednesday.  Her health issue has been traced to irregular heart beat, and she is improving every day.  She can't have flowers but loves cards and prayers.  She is at Sacred Heart Hospital, 101 W. 8th St., Spokane, WA.  99204, Room 241.   We will keep the Gazette updated as we hear.

HAPPY EASTER

Rose did a great job on Margaret's birthday pictures and movie.  I'm sure, as we used to say back when, 'a good time was had by all'.  Goldman and I got back Friday after a great spring week.  Except for Thursday, the weather wasn't spring like.  The snow has finally melted.

Scott and Jalen and Brayden came over from Louisville yesterday after baseball practice and a soccer game for Brayden.  Scott spent the night at Goldman's but we got to keep the boys.  Scott and Jalen had to go back today but we get to have Brayden until Wednesday.  Chris is going to take him to work with him on Wednesday.

Rose shared "MARGARET'S BIRTHDAY.m4v" with you

Rose used Dropbox to share a video with you! Click here to view the video. © 2013 Dropbox

Margaret's Birthday Celebration

Hi,

Here's a link to "MARGARET'S BIRTHDAY.m4v" in Dropbox:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/m3mggj9jtkvzqx7/MARGARET%27S%20BIRTHDAY.m4v

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARGARET!

A dozen of close family and friends surprised Margaret Ann this evening with a celebration at Macaroni Grill in St. Peters.  Our waiter happened to be a friend of Randy's so he gave us the best of care.  A chef, George, came out and serenaded Margaret in wonderful voice both with "Happy Birthday" and some Italian.  It was a wonderful occasion, laughter and good cheer.  

Josiah who treated us so well at Margaret's Birthday Dinner at Macaroni Grill in St. Peters

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Sabrina at her Mother's Birthday Celebration

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Amanda and her fiancé Tyler at Margaret's Birthday Dinner

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Catrina at her mother's birthday celebration

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Lynn and Randy celebrating with Margaret

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Margaret at her Birthday Celebration March 28, 2013

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Erica and her Mother Lynn

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Margaret and her Granddaughter Amanda

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Happy Birthday, Margaret

First thing I want to say this morning is 'Happy Birthday, Margaret'.  I'm sure Rose and Sabrina will fill the Family Gazette in on the details and some pictures.  I talked to Joe this week and he and I both were never which date was Bob's and which was Margaret's but now I have hers marked on my calendar.

Chris and I went back  to St. Louis very early Monday morning after the blizzard we had here at the lake Sunday.  Goldman is on spring break so we came back on Tuesday.  It's been cold out still nice to be here.  It looks like the snow is finally melting.  There haven' been many boats out.

I talked to Leslie, my old neighbor in Springfield, this morning.  One son, Jeff, is at Ft. Lewis and has two more years in the service.  Chase is home but going back to the east coast tomorrow.  Sam is quitting his job at Bass Pro Shop so Leslie believes they can come see me.  Sam loves to fish.

Goldman and I are going to interview a local woman today who may work out and can fill in when Goldman or Linda can't.

Snow!

Ten and one-half inches.

Anticipating Summer

It' s colder than the previous entry but surely it will warm up soon.  Goldman took me to dinner last night and we made our summer arrangements.  With Linda's filling in and company helping me our, I should be able to stay most of the summer.  Goldman says he is already planning some new menus.  He and I are going down Tuesday for most of the week.  It's his spring break.

Chris and I are going down tomorrow evening.  I have to see the eye doctor Monday and Goldman can't leave Monday because it's Passover.  Chris and Shelly had me to their house for dinner Tuesday.  Three of Shelly's little cousins were there but I got to wear the crown for cleaning up my plate.  Shelly made a delicious meal.

Almost Spring

Spring will be here day after tomorrow but it's certainly doesn't seem like that outside.  Sunday wasn't bad so Rose walked outside and Chris and I walked 2.5 miles at Forest Park and I did over a mile yesterday without leaving the house.  I may not do as much today.  Chris is picking me up after work and he and Shelly are having me come for dinner, and besides it's cold outside.

Rose and I often find the Family Gazette useful for reflecting back and settling differences.  This year it will be Goldman's Spring Break next week and the two of us will spend most of it at the lake.  Chris is going with me on Friday but I have an eye doctor appointment Monday so will go back down with Goldman.  Mad Dog has stayed with his Dad since the surgery and his Dad is doing pretty well. per Mad Dog.

Regular Saturday

Saturday morning and I'm expecting Brother Pete's call, though it's much earlier in Idaho.  The pictures of Ryan and John were great.  Thank you, Kelly.  Send more.   Rose is reading on her computer but I haven't heard Shirley stir yet.

Rose is still taking her guitar lessons and keeps up with the practice.  Now that the weather is a bit better on some days, Chris comes by and walks with me in Forest Park.  We went to Applebee's after our walk again this week.  He's also taking me shopping for some things for the lake sometime today.

Chris

Southwest Missouri

That was great having news and pictures from Idaho and now we have some updates from Southwest Missouri.  Brother Joe and Brian had lunch last Friday.  He is doing well in school and seems very happy.  Aunt Virginia is about the same, sleeps a lot and has some good days along with some bad days, quoting Brian.   Lisa is in Columbus, OH this week and was  in Baltimore last weekend.   Lydia will be on spring break next week and will be coming home tomorrow.

Beth has been in Louisville for spring break this week and has to go back to Kansas City today.  Mad Dog's dad has to have surgery today and we're all praying for him.  I may not get to go to the lake this weekend but Chris told me he can go next weekend.

Ryan and John

"Hello Aunt Sue,
This is John taking on the identity of Steve Jobs for a living wax museum 
project at school. He had to research, make a life time line, write a report and 
speech. Each student had a little booth and when you push the little red button 
on their poster they gave the whole life story. Steve Jobs is one of his heros. 
I'll send a couple more of him and Ryan but for some reason I can't get more 
than one photo at a time to post. Hope all is good with everyone and spring is 
on the way.
Love, Kel

It's me again. This is Ryan at one of his ski races. He took 3rd place valley 
wide for the season out of all the junior highs in town."

We are always happy to post news about our far-flung family!  These two boys, Ryan and John, are grandsons of Brother Pete and Janet, sons of Kelly.  Kelly and his family live in Boise, Idaho.

Idaho

Have some news from the Idaho side of the family but I'm still waiting for pictures to post.  Pete had told me on Saturday that John, one of Kelly's sons, had dressed up like Steve Jobs and given a speech before a computer class.  Rose, Shirley and I are Apple fans though they are much more competent than I am.  Kelly's other boy, Ryan. played his saxophone in a solo fest and took third place in a ski race out of a 180 junior high boys.  Both boys play soccer and football and ski and fish.  They are both straight A students.  We need some pictures.

Goldman took me over to see Jack yesterday evening.  Remember, he's the one I worked with at Midwest Recovery.  He sang Amazing Grace at Denny's funeral.  He is in an extended care facility over in Illinois.  He called to thank me for coming after I left.  I'll try to go more often.

Happy 17th Anniversary

I'm going to have a short update simply because I don't have much to tell.  Beth started  her Spring Break yesterday and is spending most of the week in Louisville.  I believe Scott got his new computer set up though I was no help.  Rose and Chris know much more about this sort of thing than I do and helped him some.

Pete called this morning so I knew it was Saturday.  It was cold in Idaho [20 degrees] but supposed to warm up some.  Will Spring ever come?  It's not that cold here but certainly not hot yet.

Shelly is going to pick me up when she gets off work and we're going out to eat.  Chris is on call and may join us if hr doesn't get summoned in to work.  Today is Rose and Shirley's 17th anniversary and they are going out for a elegant dinner at Brio's.  It's a really elegant restaurant they only go to on special occasions.

Home Again

Now I'm back in St. Louis and so are Rose and Shirley.  It was a chilly weekend at the lake but I stayed inside.  Chris took me to Longhorn Steakhouse for dinner after I got back on Sunday.  I guess it's a chain because I've heard other things about them since then.  The food was great and atmosphere was pleasant.

Rose had her guitar lesson yesterday and usual clients.  Scott had ordered a new computer which came yesterday and he and Chris and Rose spent all evening on the phone getting whatever had to be done to convert the info from the old to the new.  Brayden knows more about computers than I do but I know enough to email and blog and do my banking.

Shelly got back from Colorado yesterday evening.  I think she and her friends skied yesterday and I'm not sure if she had to work today.  Please send some pictures.

Whooping Crone

Back to Missouri

I'm back at the lake this morning after my week in Louisville.  My flight was a few minutes early but Goldman was there waiting for me.  We left immediately for the lake and Mad Dog had shoveled the driveway and had a fire burning in the fireplace.  He had picked up groceries for breakfast,too.  There was quite a bit of snow but not nearly as much as Kansas City got.  Donald called me and said he and Vita were going there for one of the grandson's birthday and Julie had told him they had 2 feet in some places.

Pete hasn't called yet.  Rose and Shirley got back from Florida last night shortly after my flight got to St. Louis.  She's already busy today and tomorrow.  She's 'hit the ground running' as we've heard.  Goldman and I have to go back tomorrow though I already don't want to.

Chris fixed me up with Netflix and Amazon.  Scott doesn't have Amazon but Braydon taught me a lot about Netflix.

Pete must be sleeping in.   I just talked to him.  He did sleep in.  More later.

Karate Crone

Granny's Posting

Brayden typed for me yesterday bur he's not up this morning.  It's early but Scott has already left for work.  He made my coffee and my tuna sandwich which I have for lunch.  Brayden hates making tuna sandwiches but did it yesterday and only complained behind my back.  He fixes us waffles for breakfast.  We all went to basketball practice last night.  I spoke with the coach as we were leaving.  He  said we really have a 'fine one',  I told him we thought so too.

Rose and Shirley are enjoying their time in Florida.  The only thing they had planned yesterday was a trip to the grocery store.  Shelly and her  friends are going to Colorado  tomorrow and Chris is dog sitting.  All this snow hit there first, I think.  Beth didn't have school again yesterday.

Spring Vacation

This is Brayden i am typing for my Granny and i figured out how to put Granny's email address in my computer she nor aunt rose couldn't figure it out but I  knew how. It is raining here and so we probably will not have soccer practice but i will have basketball practice. I am on spring vacation for a week and Granny is staying for me.

SNOW

We've had a snowstorm here in St. Louis this week but it may thaw a bit some today.  I don't think it will warm up a lot today but more so than the last few days.  It's really been a 'family gazette' with contributions from other family members and it makes the news from other members more of a 'family' thing.

I'm going to Scott's tonight but I'm flying.  Chris is taking me to the airport and just called to see if my flight had been cancelled.  There were lots of them cancelled last night and also several schools were closed.  Goldman came and shoveled for us.  He is going to take Rose and Shirley to the airport for their flight to Panama City on Saturday.  This is their winter vacation.

We're going to spend the rest of the day packing and exercising.  In Louisville. I'm looking forward to Brayden's basketball games and practice and soccer practice.

Brother Joe's Volunteer Work

Here is a link to a photo of people involved in the Springfield, MO railway museum.  The photo is on page 5 of "All Aboard."  Joe's granddaughter, Lydia, made a documentary about the museum, and we will repost the link if Joe sends it to us.  I have often traveled round trip, St. Louis-Chicago, on Amtrak and do love the train.  Next year there will be high-speed rail completed between the two cities so the train will be even more efficient.  Certainly less hassle than travel by air.  Joe spent his entire career working in the railroad business and devotes a lot of his time and talent to this museum.

I neglected to add the link to the photo of Joe.  It is at:  http://www.newslink.com/newsletters/alab.html
The photo is on page five.

And meanwhile, Brother Joe sent the link for Lydia's documentaries:
 http://rrhistoricalmuseum.zoomshare.com

Winter Again

That was a great update from Jana and we have one coming from Brother Joe.  Rose has to post that one because I can't do pictures.  I hope to send more pictures to her next week when I'm in Louisville and I also hope the weather gets warmer.  It's winter again here with the temperatures prevailing.

I had some disappointing news yesterday.  Peggy has taken a summer job as a nanny and won't be available.  Linda isn't available full time anyway.  Goldman was the perfect companion/helper the past two years but may go back to teaching summer school this year.  If anyone knows of someone who may be looking for a summer position, either call me at 314-452-3685 or email me at Marthaboaz@aol.com      I'm still hoping Goldman takes the position.

I leave Friday for Louisville.  Chris and Goldman are taking me to the airport and they're also taking me to dinner tonight.  Rose and Shirley leave Saturday morning for Panama City.  I won't take my computer to Louisville because Brayden lets me use his.  I'll miss the exercycle and the treadmill but Rose is going to rent a guitar to keep up with her practice.

Hello from Kansas!!  I promised Aunt Sue we would update the blog and do not want to disappoint!  We have had a busy year so far and it's only February!  Ellie has been playing basketball and that keeps us busy every Saturday.  This is her first year playing and she is getting better every game.  I got roped into coaching her team but it has been a lot of fun!  Her last game is next weekend.  Kaitlyn loves to go to the games so we hope she is another athlete.  Santa brought the girls a basketball goal for Christmas so they play every day when the weather is nice enough. 
After Ellie's game today, we went to I-Hop with Tricia for breakfast. Ellie ordered bacon with her pancakes and eggs and wanted us to tell Aunt Sue that the bacon was certainly not as good as Goldman's at the lake!! Kaitlyn then chimed in saying that hers was not crispy enough.We had Ellie's parent/teacher conference Thursday night and she is doing excellent.  She is reading at a 4th grade level (she is in 1st grade) and is also among the best in her class in math and spelling. She must get all of those attributes from John since I am not good at any of those subjects!  The girls were so excited for their Valentine's Day parties with their schools.  Kaitlyn kept trying to eat the heart shaped suckers instead of taping them to the cards.
Tricia comes over every few weeks to see the girls.  She is still working at KU Med in KC and is a nurse in the Army Reserves.  The girls stayed with her for 4 days while we were in Phoenix for the Fiesta Bowl.  We met some friends there and had a great time climbing mountains and seeing the sights.  Of course we visited a few breweries and  and stopped at the casino too.  I think everyone was ready to see us when we got back.  Everyone was sick and Tricia was ready to have some time to herself. 
We went to the Hearn's for Christmas and saw Debbie, Cathey, Sandy and their families and Grandma. It's always nice to see everyone.  We took our dog, Rosie, and she was able to visit with her mom and brother.  Ellie of course had to dress up all the dogs.  We are doing the Warrior Dash in April and tried to get Sandy to do it with us but she declined.  It's a 5K obstacle course in the mud and water.  They say finishing the race is more about being mentally tough vs. physically in shape.  Wish us luck! 
Our jobs at Sprint and Hallmark are going well.  Ellie comes to work and visits sometimes when she doesn't have school.  Let me know if anyone wants to switch to Sprint - yes, we have the I-Phone now, Aunt Rose!!  And the I-Pad and the I-Pad mini.  John pays $40/month for unlimited everything - we had to stand in line outside of the Sprint store on campus on Black Friday so he could get the latest phone super cheap.  We hadn't slept for almost 30 hours so I went into one of our other buildings on campus and took a nap until the doors opened!  It's only a matter of time until Ellie is going to want a phone - she already monopolizes ours!
We are anxious to watch the K-State basketball game tonight.  We lost our last game so are hoping to do better.  The girls love K-State and have already resided to the fact that they will be going to college there too.  We hope to take them to the Spring football game and spend a day in Manhattan if the weather is nice.  It's been cold here but only snowed enough to make a snowman once.  The girls and John made one then Ellie and Kaitlyn made one on their own in the backyard.  It of course, was a KSU snowman.  They made bird feeders a few weeks ago so have been watching for birds to some eat the seed.  I'm starting to think we bought the wrong seed as we haven't seen a single bird on any of the 3 feeders!  The girls want to play games now so I've been summoned! 

Saturday

Pete called with his Saturday morning call.  He had already talked to Brother Joe and things were good with him.  Janet was doing very well and cooking in the evenings.  As I remember, she is a much better cook than Pete so he relayed that fact to me early in our conversation.

I took a break to eat breakfast and shower and now it's nearly lunch time.  I'll finish my post before I eat again.  I heard from Jana this week and she and her family are already making plans to visit me at the lake this summer.  She said she will update the blog this weekend with news about the Kansas Felins.

I've still been walking quite a bit.  My Fitbit is keeping tracking of my daily measures and also keeps track of other people in the family who are registered with their computers on it.  Though two days I've walked two miles. I walk least of anyone registered walking.  Chris and I walked one day in Forest Park and one of those two days part of the way over the bridge on the Missouri River.  He could have made it all the way but I couldn't.  We turned around and went back.

After our walk, Chris and Shelly had me out to dinner.  Her mom and Butch were there too.  Shelly must have spent the whole day cooking.  The meal was delicious.      

Brayden and Shirley

Brayden at his birthday dinner. Ten years old

Chris and Sue

Beth and Shelly

Scott and Beth at Brayden's birthday dinner

Chris wearing Brayden's birthday hat

Basketball Star BrettSmith, son of Sabrina and Dave, grandson of Margaret

Walking Along

I've been doing some power walking that the Fitbit helps me measure.  Monday I did a mile and a half and didn't leave the house.   I also did 20 minutes on the exercycle.  Tuesday I did a little over two miles in Forest Park with Chris and also did the 20 minutes on the exercycle.    Then we had dinner at Applebee's.   Yesterday Chris and I went again to Forest Park and I did almost 2 miles.  We then had dinner at Pio's, an old place in St. Charles that was there when we lived there.

I'm going to Louisville on February 22 and spend the week at Scott's.  Brayden is on Spring Break that week and he is such good help.  That's the week that Rose and Shirley spend in Palm Island.  Linda can't spend the whole week with me and Peggy has a full time job so their time with me at the lake is limited.

If anyone knows of someone who might be interested in this position as companion and caregiver, call me at 314-452-3685 and my email address is marthaboaz@aol.com

Brayden'sTenth Birthday

Pete called with his weekly call after I had updated on Saturday.  Things were good in Idaho.  My boys (remember, they're middle aged men now, not boys] often talk about the good times they had with Uncle Pete and Aunt Janet in the weeks they got to spend with them in the summers in Idaho.

Scott and Brayden arrived from Louisville Saturday afternoon.  We were celebrating Brayden's 10th birthday.  His birthday is the 12th but that's a school day and a work day.  Beth came from Kansas City.  Brayden, Scott. Beth, Chris, Shelly. Shirley, Rose and I all had dinner at a restaurant called Brio's  which had such excellent service.  The Birthday Boy ordered an entree that I have never had and can't spell.  After the dinner, we came back to Rose and Shirley's and he opened his gifts, blew out the candles, and we all had cupcakes from Jilly's.  Jilly's is a great site for delicacies like that.

Fitbit

Some three years ago I read about the Fitbit in the New York Times technology section.  It was intriguing.  The early Fitbit device measured steps, activity level, distance, and sleep.  Since then the early model has been improved.  The newest one counts flights of stairs and has other improvements to make it a better motivational tool for exercise.  Now, I see the Fitbit everywhere.  The Apple Store has them.  Best Buy carries them.  Many members of our family have one.  A neat feature of the Fitbit is that it loads data onto a private website where information can be shared with friends and family.  Naturally, competition gets going, and that's another motivator.  I see now Fitbit is coming out with a wristband model.  That will be good because it should make it harder to misplace (or to put through the washer-dryer!).

Brayden's Birthday

I'm awaiting Pete's call this morning but don't expect Scott and Brayden's arrival for a bit later.  They are driving over from Louisville to celebrate Brayden's tenth birthday.  The birthday is the 12th but that's a school day and he is very diligent about his attendance.  Also, he can't name anything he wants for his birthday.  His Dad and his Uncle Chris surely weren't that way.

I had dinner at Chris and Shelley's last night. Her mother and Uncle Butch were also there.  Chris and I made a delivery to Kendrick Hospital which was practically on our way to their house.

I haven't been to the lake in quite a while and am eager to go ant time.  Linda is busy preparing for Holy Week and Lydia's wedding and Peggy would have to return very early so if anyone knows of someone who would like to accompany me, let me know.      

Harcuts

The previous picture was the 'after' when I had my hair cut yesterday.  I truly needed a haircut as did Rose.  We patronize a hairdresser by the name of Stephanie who is in a salon called David's and is near by.  Rose, Shirley, Linda, Peggy, Peggy's mother, and I all use her.  If ever anyone is looking for a hairdresser, I would certainly recommend Stephanie.  Rose took the 'after' picture of me but Chris picked me up 'before' of her and she wouldn't pose.

Chris took me for a ride over in Illinois after my haircut and then we went to dinner at Appleebee's.  Tonight he and Goldman and I are going out to dinner again.  Wednesday is the day that Shirley stocks up on organic foods from the Whole Foods store.

It's warmed a bit but not so cold like it was when I was in Louisville that week.  Scott and Brayden and I hope Jalen is coming over Saturday to celebrate Brayden's birthday.  His birthday is the 12th but that's a school day.

Stephanie and Sue at David's Salon

Monday Morning

Monday morning and I'm trying to hurry.  I have an appointment with a toe doctor at 9 this morning so Rose and I are both up early.  Chris and Shelly took me for a pedicure on Saturday and I was sadly in need of one.  They both got pedicures, too.  Chris said it was okay to put the info that he got a pedicure when we got ours but he didn't get nail polish.

Sabrina had met Rose and Shirley at the Apple store while we were getting our pedicures.  When Chris and Shelly brought me back, Sabrina was here.  We had a long visit and she caught us up on the happenings in the Abbott family.  She uses some of the same expressions that our mother used which I'm sure she gets from Margaret.

It didn't seem like Saturday since Pete called early.  I'm still mixed up.  We had 4 inches of snow when we got up yesterday morning but it's going to get to 50 and probably melt today.  Gotta Go.

Happy Birthday. Pete

Pete forgot what day it was and I forgot his birthday.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOHN LEO even though  it's belated.  Hope you had a good one.  I won't mention your age mostly because I don't know it.

Home Again

Back in St. Louis and there's a bit of snow on the ground.  Shirley's relatives had to leave yesterday and had a long drive back to Memphis but her sister, Loretta. flew back to New Orleans which probably didn't take nearly as long.

Pete called this morning.  He was confused about what day it was.  He usually calls me and Joe on Saturday morning and had also tried calling Joe but got no answer.  He said everything is the same as last week so will skip tomorrow's call.  I assured him it was okay to be confused about what day of the week it is because this happens frequently to these three old ladies.

Rose and Shirley are going to Florida for a week leaving February 23.  This is their Christmas present to each other.  They'll come home on March 1.  Scott has invited me to stay with him but I've engaged Linda to stay at the lake with me most of the time and will probably do that.