Brayden and Lizzie
Monday, July 19, 2004
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
Hi, it's Rose with a touch of humor from Sue. Shirley, Sue, and I were talking about how we are going to miss Brayden after having him for over a week. Shirley said we could just take him to Chicago and hide out with him there, not take him home as planned. Sue's comment: "His parents would know where we were but it wouldn't matter because they could never find a place to park."
Hi, it's Rose with a touch of humor from Sue. Shirley, Sue, and I were talking about how we are going to miss Brayden after having him for over a week. Shirley said we could just take him to Chicago and hide out with him there, not take him home as planned. Sue's comment: "His parents would know where we were but it wouldn't matter because they could never find a place to park."
Saturday, July 17, 2004
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
It was four weeks ago yesterday that we returned from the Mayo Clinic. I still have NO WORD in spite of a number of calls to Dr. Smith's office.
It is Saturday morning. The baby is still sleeping. We got a two-day reprieve on returning him. The first reprieve we explain below; the second came when Scott had to work today to fill in for one of his managers who is sick. Now, we take him back either this evening or tomorrow morning. Yesterday we took him to St. Louis Mills where we bought him some new Nike tennis shoes (running shoes, most likely) and a few duds. Sabrina met us for our brief shopping spree.
Thursday morning Brayden and Rose took me to St. Mary's for my physical therapy appointment. Brayden charmed the therapist but was afraid of an infant in the waiting room. Go figure.
At Mark's house on Thurday evening, Mark and Karen did everything they knew how to do to suck up to the baby, win him over, be his best friend. Toys, special food, the hot tub, THE CAT--all to no avail. This baby cannot be bought. Mark, Chris, and Sabrina have all used this tactic on various occasions with limited success, and Sabrina even has a Big Dog. Shirley, whose recent loss of her brother-in-law is a tough one, stayed home for some quiet time alone. She missed a fabulous meal, but Mark and Karen sent her dinner home with us.
We were to take Brayden back on Friday, but I had to go to my primary care physician for a plugged-up ear, so we delayed the trip. My ear, even after an hour's treatment, is still plugged, so it medicine in it this weekend and another trip to the doctor on Tuesday. As we were leaving the doctor's office, Chris called. He was headed home and suggested we meet for a visit. It worked great as he came west on hiway 40 as we were headed east, so we stopped for a coke while Chris ate a late lunch, a salmon and rice dish. Brayden loved it. The boy will try any food and like almost everything he tries. Chris has a new haircut and looked very handsome. He and Shelly left this morning very early for their trip to St. Thomas.
We have been enjoying goodies from the Abbott's visit on Wednesday. Margaret gave us some peach preserves and some Harvard beets which she made. They are great! We have yet to cook the green beans and new potatoes, but the tomatoes didn't last long.
Joe had written to tell us of the death of Virginia McDonald who was Billie's stepmother and Fanny's husband's second wife. Virginia McDonald was also Mary Pauline's (our cousin on father's side) cousin. I e-mailed Joe back with some questions and comments which he responded to. His e-mail responding is below:
"In a message dated 7/15/2004 12:02:13 PM Central Standard Time, MBoaz35150 writes:
I remember their little girl who was so crazy about Donald. I don't remember that!
Are Lisa and Jack back from Spain yet? They got back Sunday, about 6:30 PM & had an excellent trip.
We haven't had an update on your health lately. I go back to the Dr. this coming Monday, for the 2 month schedule. Had to go back about midway & get some cordozone. The Arthritis flared up again since, but I toughed it out with Tylenol & it has gone away. (Migrated or hid)
Baby keeps all three of us hopping. We are going to be lonesome when he has to go home. You will be very lonesome when he leaves but stay busy. Lydia will be at her Dad's folks (Big Granny's) in Eldon this coming week. We will really miss her.
Brother Joe"
We also had a wonderful e-mail from Sandi, Bernie and Maudie's daughter. We include it here with its update from our west coast family:
"Hi Ladies!!
It's been so long since I've written - I can't believe it's after the 4th of July already! Sorry to hear of your power outage - that is terrible that it's lasted this long. Sounds like a winter storm here that would do that. We are so spoiled with the weather here in the Pacific Northwest.
Things are going great here. I'm working this weekend and then jumping in the car to Spokane. My daughter, Caiti is flying in on Monday to meet Mom and Dad for the first time - as well as the rest of the Spokane clan. We'll spend a couple of days there and then on to Seattle and the San Juan Islands for a couple of days and then work our way to Portland via Olympia and Cyndi and Tammy's homes to finally get some time with Tyson here in Portland. Should be a busy week - and a week is just too short of a time to spend with this girl! We'll have lots of time in the care to chat and to get accquainted. It will be the highlight of my summer.
Yes, Dad's surgery is postponed now until the 28th of July. They were disappointed because we are all so hopeful that this surgery will give the Old Guy more stability and more feeling in his right leg. He is developing some ulcers on his big toe and we are all afraid that without the surgery things could get really ugly. I'll be able to be there for the surgery as will Doug and Tammy, (I think.), so Mom won't have to be the one holding him up all by herself, as she always so bravely and graciously does. Hopefully, we'll be able to help, anyway. We are really praying that his heart will hold up for the surgery. It may be touch-and-go. God knows.
We are anxiously waiting with you for the Mayo Clinic results. How was Phoenix? I talked to Kaye and she was going to call you, but I forgot to ask her if you ever connected.
Mom and Dad snuck over to Olympia to help Cyndi and Dave at their new house over the 4th of July. I say they sneaked over because I have been trying to reach them for days to arrange Caiti's visit and finally found out today from Mike they were out of town. It's hard to keep up with them, honestly! I can't wait to see the on Monday.
Tomorrow's the one year anniversary of saying good-bye to Shirley. I am having a tough time with it. I sure miss her and can't seem to get used to life without her. I guess we just don't have any choice, do we?
Carrie (Shirley's oldest), and her family were here over the fourth. It was fun having three little ones running around. They are so easy to please - turn on the sprinkler and pass a popsicle out the back door and we have an hour of peace! Seems so long ago that my son was that small. How does time turn so quickly?! (Do I sound like a little old lady?) We took the kids to the OMSI, (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry), where they have lots of hands on things for them to do. Then we went to the IMAX theatre for an hour documentary on the Titanic. After being in the movie for about 10 minutes, Katie - who's three, sighs loudly and then says to Carrie, "Mommy - remember when we were having fun?". I guess she didn't like the movie much. But she was just charming.
Watched the Cardinals beat the Mariners soundly last week - it was painful. I'm still a fan, though and will try to fit in a game while we're in Seattle. Go Mariners!
Let's keep that Chicago idea in our minds for the right time. It still sounds like a blast. I'm in!
I've got to try to sleep - it's 1:30 in the morning here and I have to work in the morning.
Hope all is well and am keeping you in our prayers!
Love from our family to yours,
Sandi"
Brayden is waking up from his nap. End of this update.
It was four weeks ago yesterday that we returned from the Mayo Clinic. I still have NO WORD in spite of a number of calls to Dr. Smith's office.
It is Saturday morning. The baby is still sleeping. We got a two-day reprieve on returning him. The first reprieve we explain below; the second came when Scott had to work today to fill in for one of his managers who is sick. Now, we take him back either this evening or tomorrow morning. Yesterday we took him to St. Louis Mills where we bought him some new Nike tennis shoes (running shoes, most likely) and a few duds. Sabrina met us for our brief shopping spree.
Thursday morning Brayden and Rose took me to St. Mary's for my physical therapy appointment. Brayden charmed the therapist but was afraid of an infant in the waiting room. Go figure.
At Mark's house on Thurday evening, Mark and Karen did everything they knew how to do to suck up to the baby, win him over, be his best friend. Toys, special food, the hot tub, THE CAT--all to no avail. This baby cannot be bought. Mark, Chris, and Sabrina have all used this tactic on various occasions with limited success, and Sabrina even has a Big Dog. Shirley, whose recent loss of her brother-in-law is a tough one, stayed home for some quiet time alone. She missed a fabulous meal, but Mark and Karen sent her dinner home with us.
We were to take Brayden back on Friday, but I had to go to my primary care physician for a plugged-up ear, so we delayed the trip. My ear, even after an hour's treatment, is still plugged, so it medicine in it this weekend and another trip to the doctor on Tuesday. As we were leaving the doctor's office, Chris called. He was headed home and suggested we meet for a visit. It worked great as he came west on hiway 40 as we were headed east, so we stopped for a coke while Chris ate a late lunch, a salmon and rice dish. Brayden loved it. The boy will try any food and like almost everything he tries. Chris has a new haircut and looked very handsome. He and Shelly left this morning very early for their trip to St. Thomas.
We have been enjoying goodies from the Abbott's visit on Wednesday. Margaret gave us some peach preserves and some Harvard beets which she made. They are great! We have yet to cook the green beans and new potatoes, but the tomatoes didn't last long.
Joe had written to tell us of the death of Virginia McDonald who was Billie's stepmother and Fanny's husband's second wife. Virginia McDonald was also Mary Pauline's (our cousin on father's side) cousin. I e-mailed Joe back with some questions and comments which he responded to. His e-mail responding is below:
"In a message dated 7/15/2004 12:02:13 PM Central Standard Time, MBoaz35150 writes:
I remember their little girl who was so crazy about Donald. I don't remember that!
Are Lisa and Jack back from Spain yet? They got back Sunday, about 6:30 PM & had an excellent trip.
We haven't had an update on your health lately. I go back to the Dr. this coming Monday, for the 2 month schedule. Had to go back about midway & get some cordozone. The Arthritis flared up again since, but I toughed it out with Tylenol & it has gone away. (Migrated or hid)
Baby keeps all three of us hopping. We are going to be lonesome when he has to go home. You will be very lonesome when he leaves but stay busy. Lydia will be at her Dad's folks (Big Granny's) in Eldon this coming week. We will really miss her.
Brother Joe"
We also had a wonderful e-mail from Sandi, Bernie and Maudie's daughter. We include it here with its update from our west coast family:
"Hi Ladies!!
It's been so long since I've written - I can't believe it's after the 4th of July already! Sorry to hear of your power outage - that is terrible that it's lasted this long. Sounds like a winter storm here that would do that. We are so spoiled with the weather here in the Pacific Northwest.
Things are going great here. I'm working this weekend and then jumping in the car to Spokane. My daughter, Caiti is flying in on Monday to meet Mom and Dad for the first time - as well as the rest of the Spokane clan. We'll spend a couple of days there and then on to Seattle and the San Juan Islands for a couple of days and then work our way to Portland via Olympia and Cyndi and Tammy's homes to finally get some time with Tyson here in Portland. Should be a busy week - and a week is just too short of a time to spend with this girl! We'll have lots of time in the care to chat and to get accquainted. It will be the highlight of my summer.
Yes, Dad's surgery is postponed now until the 28th of July. They were disappointed because we are all so hopeful that this surgery will give the Old Guy more stability and more feeling in his right leg. He is developing some ulcers on his big toe and we are all afraid that without the surgery things could get really ugly. I'll be able to be there for the surgery as will Doug and Tammy, (I think.), so Mom won't have to be the one holding him up all by herself, as she always so bravely and graciously does. Hopefully, we'll be able to help, anyway. We are really praying that his heart will hold up for the surgery. It may be touch-and-go. God knows.
We are anxiously waiting with you for the Mayo Clinic results. How was Phoenix? I talked to Kaye and she was going to call you, but I forgot to ask her if you ever connected.
Mom and Dad snuck over to Olympia to help Cyndi and Dave at their new house over the 4th of July. I say they sneaked over because I have been trying to reach them for days to arrange Caiti's visit and finally found out today from Mike they were out of town. It's hard to keep up with them, honestly! I can't wait to see the on Monday.
Tomorrow's the one year anniversary of saying good-bye to Shirley. I am having a tough time with it. I sure miss her and can't seem to get used to life without her. I guess we just don't have any choice, do we?
Carrie (Shirley's oldest), and her family were here over the fourth. It was fun having three little ones running around. They are so easy to please - turn on the sprinkler and pass a popsicle out the back door and we have an hour of peace! Seems so long ago that my son was that small. How does time turn so quickly?! (Do I sound like a little old lady?) We took the kids to the OMSI, (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry), where they have lots of hands on things for them to do. Then we went to the IMAX theatre for an hour documentary on the Titanic. After being in the movie for about 10 minutes, Katie - who's three, sighs loudly and then says to Carrie, "Mommy - remember when we were having fun?". I guess she didn't like the movie much. But she was just charming.
Watched the Cardinals beat the Mariners soundly last week - it was painful. I'm still a fan, though and will try to fit in a game while we're in Seattle. Go Mariners!
Let's keep that Chicago idea in our minds for the right time. It still sounds like a blast. I'm in!
I've got to try to sleep - it's 1:30 in the morning here and I have to work in the morning.
Hope all is well and am keeping you in our prayers!
Love from our family to yours,
Sandi"
Brayden is waking up from his nap. End of this update.
Thursday, July 15, 2004
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
We've been awfully busy these past few days with some wonderful time with this 17 month old little boy. Scott, true to form, arrived right on time Thursday night. On Friday morning Scott left for his 13th annual floattrip/whiffleball tournament, leaving Brayden with us. The float was on the Courtois River. The group who make the trip each year float little, play a lot, and come home very tired.
Scott returned here on Sunday to spend a little time with us and with Brayden before he returned to Louisville for his busy week.
Shirley got home from her sad week in Lake Charles, Louisiana, on Saturday evening. Rose, Brayden, and I called for her at the airport. We had big plans to take Brayden to Mass on Sunday, but all of us were so tired we simply couldn't get our act together to do so. How in the world did our mother wash, iron, sew, dress all of us, and drive to town for Mass? And we never missed! Truly makes me believe in miracles.
We've been haunting the mailbox at the Oakland House, awaiting the report from Dr. Smith at the Mayo Clinic. So far, nothing has arrived but the bills. Someone in Smith's office told me on Tuesday that the results were very complicated and that Smith had briefed Dr. Dooley. I have yet to be briefed in spite of a number of calls to Dooley's office. The waiting is awful.
Chris' birthday was Tuesday. He is, unbelievably, 35 years old! He and Shelly are off to St. Thomas to celebrate their fourth wedding anniversary this coming Saturday. He came by yesterday to get his birthday presents and to have lunch with us. Brayden got much more friendly with Chris during the luncheon.
I saw Mary Lenihen for a healing touch session yesterday, the first appointment I've been able to make since early June.
Margaret and Norman came yesterday morning, bearing gifts from their garden. There is nothing, NOTHING, like a home-grown tomato from the Abbott's garden. Yesterday evening Sabrina, Dave, and their sons Alex and Brett came for dinner. We had a great time with them, ending up in our workout room where the big boys tried the bike and treadmill.
Brayden has turned from a baby into a tall, slender little boy. He remembers us and seems to love being here. And now here is Shirley, bringing the little boy downstairs so that's the end of this update. Breakfast time. I have physical therapy at 9:30 so this morning is a bit more of a hussle than we are accustomed to.
We've been awfully busy these past few days with some wonderful time with this 17 month old little boy. Scott, true to form, arrived right on time Thursday night. On Friday morning Scott left for his 13th annual floattrip/whiffleball tournament, leaving Brayden with us. The float was on the Courtois River. The group who make the trip each year float little, play a lot, and come home very tired.
Scott returned here on Sunday to spend a little time with us and with Brayden before he returned to Louisville for his busy week.
Shirley got home from her sad week in Lake Charles, Louisiana, on Saturday evening. Rose, Brayden, and I called for her at the airport. We had big plans to take Brayden to Mass on Sunday, but all of us were so tired we simply couldn't get our act together to do so. How in the world did our mother wash, iron, sew, dress all of us, and drive to town for Mass? And we never missed! Truly makes me believe in miracles.
We've been haunting the mailbox at the Oakland House, awaiting the report from Dr. Smith at the Mayo Clinic. So far, nothing has arrived but the bills. Someone in Smith's office told me on Tuesday that the results were very complicated and that Smith had briefed Dr. Dooley. I have yet to be briefed in spite of a number of calls to Dooley's office. The waiting is awful.
Chris' birthday was Tuesday. He is, unbelievably, 35 years old! He and Shelly are off to St. Thomas to celebrate their fourth wedding anniversary this coming Saturday. He came by yesterday to get his birthday presents and to have lunch with us. Brayden got much more friendly with Chris during the luncheon.
I saw Mary Lenihen for a healing touch session yesterday, the first appointment I've been able to make since early June.
Margaret and Norman came yesterday morning, bearing gifts from their garden. There is nothing, NOTHING, like a home-grown tomato from the Abbott's garden. Yesterday evening Sabrina, Dave, and their sons Alex and Brett came for dinner. We had a great time with them, ending up in our workout room where the big boys tried the bike and treadmill.
Brayden has turned from a baby into a tall, slender little boy. He remembers us and seems to love being here. And now here is Shirley, bringing the little boy downstairs so that's the end of this update. Breakfast time. I have physical therapy at 9:30 so this morning is a bit more of a hussle than we are accustomed to.
Tuesday, July 13, 2004
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
Our electricity came on around 2:00 pm on Thursday, just as we finished cleaning out the refridgerator and freezer. Scott arrived Thursday evening with Brayden, and we've been busy, busy, busy ever since. He is a love, good-natured, sunny, bright, and at such an adorable age. He loves to eat and will try anything. He especially loves brown rice and will eat it to the exclusion of almost everything else if we were to allow it. Twice he has seen a photo of his daddy which led to a short bout of homesickness each time.
Our electricity came on around 2:00 pm on Thursday, just as we finished cleaning out the refridgerator and freezer. Scott arrived Thursday evening with Brayden, and we've been busy, busy, busy ever since. He is a love, good-natured, sunny, bright, and at such an adorable age. He loves to eat and will try anything. He especially loves brown rice and will eat it to the exclusion of almost everything else if we were to allow it. Twice he has seen a photo of his daddy which led to a short bout of homesickness each time.
Thursday, July 08, 2004
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63139,
Hello from the St. Louis Bread Company which has wireless internet connection for its customers. We still do not have electricity ('electric', we've been calling it) at the Barnard College House. Today we threw out all the food in the fridge and in the freezer because the trash pickup is this afternoon.
And still no word about the Mayo Clinic results. Very frustrating.
Scott and Brayden arrive this evening about 11:00. We plan on taking Brayden to Mass on Sunday. That should be something! Shirley comes home from Louisiana on Saturday.
Rose and I stayed at the Oakland House overnight where we watched the 'Running of the Bulls' on television. We wonder if Jack and Lisa were there. If they were, we are certain they are waaaayyyyy too smart to be anywhere close to those scary animals, and we're talking about the men who do that!
We'll remember this Bread Company brunch for a special reason. When we arrived and checked our e-mail, one was from Sabrina announcing her new promotion. We don't know exactly what the promotion means except for a lot more responsibility and, we hope, a lot more money.
Another e-mail was from Brother Joe who said Pete had written, asking him if he had gone into politics because it had been so long since Pete had heard from him. Joe thinks Pete should do a daily 'beat' because he can be so interesting. We think so, too, Brother! We love to hear from Pete, too.
When Jana and John were moving to St. Louis over Memorial Day, Jana's mother lost her keys, she thought when they stayed overnight at the Oakland House. We searched high and low but didn't find them. On the chain was her keyless lock/unlock remote, so the loss was big. I sat down on the edge of the bed in the guest room and heard a rattle. There were the keys, right on top the bed. They blended with the spread and so were invisible. John is going to pick them up today.
A belated note about the Fourth of July Weekend: We had our big fireworks display, bigger and better than ever. Our neighbors all chipped in and joined us which made the occasion even more enjoyable.
Rose and I have been chuckling about Chris going on a whitewater rafting trip with three women and a female guide. Only Chris could do that and be totally comfortable and totally unthreatened. I'm sure he thoroughly enjoyed it. Chris is renowned for his slowpoke driving. His vanity plates say "Tortise." His friends clap if he ever passes anyone. This weekend he got a speeding tickey. Shelly, unlike the typical wife, told him she was proud of him. I, on the other hand, am of two minds.
O.K. We are out of here.
Once again, we invite readers to comment. Simply click on the 'comment' icon and follow the yellow brick road.
Hello from the St. Louis Bread Company which has wireless internet connection for its customers. We still do not have electricity ('electric', we've been calling it) at the Barnard College House. Today we threw out all the food in the fridge and in the freezer because the trash pickup is this afternoon.
And still no word about the Mayo Clinic results. Very frustrating.
Scott and Brayden arrive this evening about 11:00. We plan on taking Brayden to Mass on Sunday. That should be something! Shirley comes home from Louisiana on Saturday.
Rose and I stayed at the Oakland House overnight where we watched the 'Running of the Bulls' on television. We wonder if Jack and Lisa were there. If they were, we are certain they are waaaayyyyy too smart to be anywhere close to those scary animals, and we're talking about the men who do that!
We'll remember this Bread Company brunch for a special reason. When we arrived and checked our e-mail, one was from Sabrina announcing her new promotion. We don't know exactly what the promotion means except for a lot more responsibility and, we hope, a lot more money.
Another e-mail was from Brother Joe who said Pete had written, asking him if he had gone into politics because it had been so long since Pete had heard from him. Joe thinks Pete should do a daily 'beat' because he can be so interesting. We think so, too, Brother! We love to hear from Pete, too.
When Jana and John were moving to St. Louis over Memorial Day, Jana's mother lost her keys, she thought when they stayed overnight at the Oakland House. We searched high and low but didn't find them. On the chain was her keyless lock/unlock remote, so the loss was big. I sat down on the edge of the bed in the guest room and heard a rattle. There were the keys, right on top the bed. They blended with the spread and so were invisible. John is going to pick them up today.
A belated note about the Fourth of July Weekend: We had our big fireworks display, bigger and better than ever. Our neighbors all chipped in and joined us which made the occasion even more enjoyable.
Rose and I have been chuckling about Chris going on a whitewater rafting trip with three women and a female guide. Only Chris could do that and be totally comfortable and totally unthreatened. I'm sure he thoroughly enjoyed it. Chris is renowned for his slowpoke driving. His vanity plates say "Tortise." His friends clap if he ever passes anyone. This weekend he got a speeding tickey. Shelly, unlike the typical wife, told him she was proud of him. I, on the other hand, am of two minds.
O.K. We are out of here.
Once again, we invite readers to comment. Simply click on the 'comment' icon and follow the yellow brick road.
Wednesday, July 07, 2004
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
It is Wednesday evening. Still no word from the Mayo Clinic. Rose and I are at my Oakland House because there is a power outage at their house. The outage is the reason we haven't been able to update this weblog for a few days.
Shirley's brother-in-law, Lee, died on Sunday. Shirley is in Lake Charles, LA, for the funeral and will return on Saturday.
Den and I came home from the Lake on Monday. Den drove back to Chicago on Tuesday morning. Chris took me to my physical therapy appointment Tuesday afternoon, and we picked Rose up on hitchhiking on Delmar. [Actually, she had taken the Metrolink Station from the airport to a point Chris and I could easily call for her since we couldn't get to the airport in time for her arrival.]
The St. Louis area had severe storms on Sunday and Monday. There are still power outages in the area and the Barnard College House has not had power since Sunday evening. Rose and I stayed at the Oakland House last night and thought the power would surely be back on today, but NO, not yet.
We've had to sort of 'camp out' for these couple of days, eating here and there, including a 'sticky bun' from the Bread Company this morning and a dinner this evening at Pasta House.
Margaret and Norm stopped by the Oakland House on Tuesday and brought green beans from their garden. If they had any tomatoes, they kept them. They and much of their family spent the day on Sunday at daughter Stephanie and Family's celebration.
Scott and Brayden will arrive tomorrow evening. We will be keeping Brayden for eight days.
Pete and Joe both called on the Fourth. I talked to Joe but only got Pete's message. One of the things Pete told me not long ago was that he got a card on Father's Day from his grandson, Chris, about all the things Pete had taught him. One of the most helpful lessons was how to pee in the carport.
Pete probably taught my sons the same lesson.
[And this is a note from Rose. Most of you know what a wonderful sense of humor Sue has, and most know that she has always had two names, Martha and Sue. There are many historical stories about either 'Martha' or 'Sue,' depending upon whether she was with family or with friends. With all the new experiences she is having, sometimes she tells people she is 'Martha,' sometimes 'Sue'. This all started in First Grade when she was too shy to tell Miss Deckard that people called her by her middle name, Sue.
I had a delightful example of 'Martha Sue' humor this morning. She was doing her exercises in the living room floor when out of the blue, she said, "I don't remember whether I said I would call Mary Lenihan (her body therapist) or she said she would call me when she returned." Then there was a pause, after which, she said, "Actually, I don't remember whether I am Martha or Sue with Mary."]
It is Wednesday evening. Still no word from the Mayo Clinic. Rose and I are at my Oakland House because there is a power outage at their house. The outage is the reason we haven't been able to update this weblog for a few days.
Shirley's brother-in-law, Lee, died on Sunday. Shirley is in Lake Charles, LA, for the funeral and will return on Saturday.
Den and I came home from the Lake on Monday. Den drove back to Chicago on Tuesday morning. Chris took me to my physical therapy appointment Tuesday afternoon, and we picked Rose up on hitchhiking on Delmar. [Actually, she had taken the Metrolink Station from the airport to a point Chris and I could easily call for her since we couldn't get to the airport in time for her arrival.]
The St. Louis area had severe storms on Sunday and Monday. There are still power outages in the area and the Barnard College House has not had power since Sunday evening. Rose and I stayed at the Oakland House last night and thought the power would surely be back on today, but NO, not yet.
We've had to sort of 'camp out' for these couple of days, eating here and there, including a 'sticky bun' from the Bread Company this morning and a dinner this evening at Pasta House.
Margaret and Norm stopped by the Oakland House on Tuesday and brought green beans from their garden. If they had any tomatoes, they kept them. They and much of their family spent the day on Sunday at daughter Stephanie and Family's celebration.
Scott and Brayden will arrive tomorrow evening. We will be keeping Brayden for eight days.
Pete and Joe both called on the Fourth. I talked to Joe but only got Pete's message. One of the things Pete told me not long ago was that he got a card on Father's Day from his grandson, Chris, about all the things Pete had taught him. One of the most helpful lessons was how to pee in the carport.
Pete probably taught my sons the same lesson.
[And this is a note from Rose. Most of you know what a wonderful sense of humor Sue has, and most know that she has always had two names, Martha and Sue. There are many historical stories about either 'Martha' or 'Sue,' depending upon whether she was with family or with friends. With all the new experiences she is having, sometimes she tells people she is 'Martha,' sometimes 'Sue'. This all started in First Grade when she was too shy to tell Miss Deckard that people called her by her middle name, Sue.
I had a delightful example of 'Martha Sue' humor this morning. She was doing her exercises in the living room floor when out of the blue, she said, "I don't remember whether I said I would call Mary Lenihan (her body therapist) or she said she would call me when she returned." Then there was a pause, after which, she said, "Actually, I don't remember whether I am Martha or Sue with Mary."]
Saturday, July 03, 2004
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
Hi, it's Rose, updating for Sue who is at the Lake. She got this newsy e-mail from Catrina and asked me to post it:
"We haven't decided on the lake weekend yet, but thanks for thinking of us. We're having a hard time thinking from one day to the next with all these youngins. I've decided my mother is a saint, caring for and feeding 4 kids and keeping her sanity - let alone her wonderful disposition. And imagine, they didn't go to the poorhouse or the crazyhouse. I'm in awe.
Sam had a wonderful time, even though he was in the ER once and the doctors office once while there. He had an ear infection that was pretty severe then ended up with one of his awful migraines. Luckily, they took him to the doctor on that one and he got a shot in his butt to keep him from throwing up any more. He was going into shock from constantly throwing up. When I talked to him on the phone, he said he's getting pretty sick of getting shots in his butt (thats what they did when he had the anaphylactic shock reaction before). I told him at least it worked when they did that, it would really suck if they shot him in the butt and it didn't help. On a funny note - Lizzie's aspirations for when she grows up right now are either a waitress or a retail clothes clerk. She is always trying to be my little waitress and is always jumping up to get me a drink or a napkin or anything. So the other day I said "I need my little waitress - I need a refill on my drink!" - she just looked up and said "It's my day off - get it yourself!" I was so shocked and went to the refrigerator myself and couldn't think of a thing to reply.
Hope you are all doing well there. I know you are still anxiously awaiting the Mayo Clinic report. Keep us informed. And let me know if you have any issues with the bill. That's what I'm here for. Have a great and safe Fourth weekend! Hello to all from the King family.
Catrina"
Margaret reports that Sam is turning into quite a ballplayer. She and Norman had gone to one of Sam's game this week where he starred, Big Time.
Hi, it's Rose, updating for Sue who is at the Lake. She got this newsy e-mail from Catrina and asked me to post it:
"We haven't decided on the lake weekend yet, but thanks for thinking of us. We're having a hard time thinking from one day to the next with all these youngins. I've decided my mother is a saint, caring for and feeding 4 kids and keeping her sanity - let alone her wonderful disposition. And imagine, they didn't go to the poorhouse or the crazyhouse. I'm in awe.
Sam had a wonderful time, even though he was in the ER once and the doctors office once while there. He had an ear infection that was pretty severe then ended up with one of his awful migraines. Luckily, they took him to the doctor on that one and he got a shot in his butt to keep him from throwing up any more. He was going into shock from constantly throwing up. When I talked to him on the phone, he said he's getting pretty sick of getting shots in his butt (thats what they did when he had the anaphylactic shock reaction before). I told him at least it worked when they did that, it would really suck if they shot him in the butt and it didn't help. On a funny note - Lizzie's aspirations for when she grows up right now are either a waitress or a retail clothes clerk. She is always trying to be my little waitress and is always jumping up to get me a drink or a napkin or anything. So the other day I said "I need my little waitress - I need a refill on my drink!" - she just looked up and said "It's my day off - get it yourself!" I was so shocked and went to the refrigerator myself and couldn't think of a thing to reply.
Hope you are all doing well there. I know you are still anxiously awaiting the Mayo Clinic report. Keep us informed. And let me know if you have any issues with the bill. That's what I'm here for. Have a great and safe Fourth weekend! Hello to all from the King family.
Catrina"
Margaret reports that Sam is turning into quite a ballplayer. She and Norman had gone to one of Sam's game this week where he starred, Big Time.
Friday, July 02, 2004
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
I am off to the Lake this afternoon with Suzanne and Lukas. Doug will ride with Mark Goldman so that I can have the benefit of air conditioning. We expect a full house and are planning a huge community fireworks display. The Fourth of July is always the Big Weekend at the Lake. Den will fry fish one day, and Doug will cook chickens on his fancy rotisserie another day. I'm stopping by the Butcher Shoppee today to pick up various meats. There is a brand new supermarket at the Lake with ride-around carts. I'll be careful with my driving.
Rose is off to Chicago tomorrow morning. Shirley is already there and will return next week just in time to go to visit family in Louisiana. Rose will be home on Tuesday. Rose and I will get Baby Brayden on Thursday evening for eight days. Well, already he is 'Boy Brayden', having left the baby part as soon as he learned to walk. Jalen is off for two weeks of travel with his maternal grandmothers so we won't see him this trip.
Still no report from the Mayo Clinic. We are making good use of our 'Slim and Bulges' workout room, but can't change its title yet. I am up to 118 pounds so we may end up dropping the 'Slim' when what we wanted was to get rid of the 'Bulges'. I resume my formal physical therapy sessions next week on top of my athome workouts. Also, next week I will see Mary Linehan, my healing touch/massage person. For the moment, I am giving up on accupuncture. Shirley knows a Master Wong in Chicago who has had success with neuropathy using accupuncture. After things settle down from the Fourth of July Holiday and after Boy Brayden's eight-day visit, I'll make a trip to see Master Wong later in July.
===========
I'm spent a lot of time thinking about my illness and what it is teaching me. For one thing, I wonder what people do who have no family or support system to rely on at times like this. Just one example, SOCIAL SECURITY.
Turns out, when you apply for Social Security Disability, you have to fill out reams of forms. I can't write right now. Rose served as my goffer and secretary otherwise I wouldn't have been able to even APPLY.
After you are "awarded" Social Security Disability, you have to wait six months to start drawing it. In my case, I haven't been able to work since December, 2003, (and only sporadically since October, 2003), and I won't draw my first disability check until August. Pray tell, what do people do without family, friends, backup, and resources?
The other bad, bad news about our system is that it will be August, 2006, before I am eligible for Medicare because you have to be disabled--and have proved that you are--for two and one-half years before you can receive Medicare benefits. In the meantime, I pay an incredible amount every month for health insurance.
The Social Security people I have talked with have been extremely helpful, but they have no control over the amount of paperwork and the delays that are built into the system.
Of course, I knew none of this early this year. I assumed Social Security help would be there when a person needed it.
Some years ago, I had another jolting experience with our Social Security System. From 1976 until 1981 Mark went to engineering school in Rolla, partially funded by his father's Social Security benefits. Then the law changed. When Scott and Chris turned 18, their benefits, unlike Mark's, were cut off. You have to wonder how much money our government saved with this kind of short-sighted cost-cutting. And where did that money go?
Enough for now. When I get on my soapbox again, I'll recount some things about medical insurance that I've learned--again the hard way.
In spite of my current difficulties, I realize how very lucky I am. (For example, my son is also my landlord.)
I am off to the Lake this afternoon with Suzanne and Lukas. Doug will ride with Mark Goldman so that I can have the benefit of air conditioning. We expect a full house and are planning a huge community fireworks display. The Fourth of July is always the Big Weekend at the Lake. Den will fry fish one day, and Doug will cook chickens on his fancy rotisserie another day. I'm stopping by the Butcher Shoppee today to pick up various meats. There is a brand new supermarket at the Lake with ride-around carts. I'll be careful with my driving.
Rose is off to Chicago tomorrow morning. Shirley is already there and will return next week just in time to go to visit family in Louisiana. Rose will be home on Tuesday. Rose and I will get Baby Brayden on Thursday evening for eight days. Well, already he is 'Boy Brayden', having left the baby part as soon as he learned to walk. Jalen is off for two weeks of travel with his maternal grandmothers so we won't see him this trip.
Still no report from the Mayo Clinic. We are making good use of our 'Slim and Bulges' workout room, but can't change its title yet. I am up to 118 pounds so we may end up dropping the 'Slim' when what we wanted was to get rid of the 'Bulges'. I resume my formal physical therapy sessions next week on top of my athome workouts. Also, next week I will see Mary Linehan, my healing touch/massage person. For the moment, I am giving up on accupuncture. Shirley knows a Master Wong in Chicago who has had success with neuropathy using accupuncture. After things settle down from the Fourth of July Holiday and after Boy Brayden's eight-day visit, I'll make a trip to see Master Wong later in July.
===========
I'm spent a lot of time thinking about my illness and what it is teaching me. For one thing, I wonder what people do who have no family or support system to rely on at times like this. Just one example, SOCIAL SECURITY.
Turns out, when you apply for Social Security Disability, you have to fill out reams of forms. I can't write right now. Rose served as my goffer and secretary otherwise I wouldn't have been able to even APPLY.
After you are "awarded" Social Security Disability, you have to wait six months to start drawing it. In my case, I haven't been able to work since December, 2003, (and only sporadically since October, 2003), and I won't draw my first disability check until August. Pray tell, what do people do without family, friends, backup, and resources?
The other bad, bad news about our system is that it will be August, 2006, before I am eligible for Medicare because you have to be disabled--and have proved that you are--for two and one-half years before you can receive Medicare benefits. In the meantime, I pay an incredible amount every month for health insurance.
The Social Security people I have talked with have been extremely helpful, but they have no control over the amount of paperwork and the delays that are built into the system.
Of course, I knew none of this early this year. I assumed Social Security help would be there when a person needed it.
Some years ago, I had another jolting experience with our Social Security System. From 1976 until 1981 Mark went to engineering school in Rolla, partially funded by his father's Social Security benefits. Then the law changed. When Scott and Chris turned 18, their benefits, unlike Mark's, were cut off. You have to wonder how much money our government saved with this kind of short-sighted cost-cutting. And where did that money go?
Enough for now. When I get on my soapbox again, I'll recount some things about medical insurance that I've learned--again the hard way.
In spite of my current difficulties, I realize how very lucky I am. (For example, my son is also my landlord.)
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
I had a wonderful e-mail message from Joe's daughter, Lisa, this morning that included a link to photos of the famous dog, Pepper. Here's the link:
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/share/welcome?i=EeAN2Hi
And here's Lisa's message:
"Aunt Sue!
I just spent the morning reading through this blog and have really enjoyed it. I hope you are enjoying your stay at the lake and have a great Fourth of July. Jack and I really enjoyed your surprise birthday party and the chance to get reconnected with so many family members. I hope you are feeling better and that you'll get the long-awaited results back from Mayo very soon. May they be very encouraging.
Jack and I leave this Friday for a 10-day trip to Spain. We booked the trip back in February before the train bombings in Madrid. We were obviously frightened then but since Spain has pulled out of Iraq, we're thinking it may actually be one of the safer places to be this summer. But we're making sure to wear no clothing with visible American brand names and this includes banning Jack from wearing his white tennis shoes! He bought a pair of leather sandals or "Jesus boots" as he calls them and is breaking them in. We're looking forward to some wonderful seafood plus all the other great dishes of Spain. I think we'll be able to indulge without guilt because we'll be walking miles and miles everyday to take in all the sites.
Daddy is going to really have his work cut out for him with the dog Pepper during the second week of July because we'll be gone and Lydia will be at a church camp. Actually it will be the mutt who will suffer most because she loves having so many people to play with her and especially scratch her back and belly. Here's a link to see the noble beast:
http://www.shutterfly.com/view/pictures.jsp?aid=67b0de21b216f227f437 (Once you open it, click on View as SlideShow)
Well that's all for now.
Love,
Lisa
sralil@mchsi.com"
I see the message also has the link to the 'dog show.'
Maudie e-mailed that Bernie's surgery is now scheduled for July 29.
Den and I came home from the Lake last night where we have had a very nice few days. Den has gone back today for some days of quiet fishing before our big Fourth of July annual celebration. I will keep some appointments then go back to the Lake on Friday.
I'm still waiting for the report from the Mayo Clinic.
Jana and John are headed to Kansas City over the weekend to see John's sister. Tiffany and Aaron and Haleigh will be at their place at the Lake of the Ozarks and will come over on one of the days.
Chris and Shelly are travelling to Tennessee over the weekend to do "Deliverance" river ride. I told them I didn't want to hear anything about the trip until they were safely home. The same way I felt when Chris jumped out of an airplane a few years ago.
Rose and I are about to take Shirley to the airport for her trip to Chicago.
I had a wonderful e-mail message from Joe's daughter, Lisa, this morning that included a link to photos of the famous dog, Pepper. Here's the link:
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/share/welcome?i=EeAN2Hi
And here's Lisa's message:
"Aunt Sue!
I just spent the morning reading through this blog and have really enjoyed it. I hope you are enjoying your stay at the lake and have a great Fourth of July. Jack and I really enjoyed your surprise birthday party and the chance to get reconnected with so many family members. I hope you are feeling better and that you'll get the long-awaited results back from Mayo very soon. May they be very encouraging.
Jack and I leave this Friday for a 10-day trip to Spain. We booked the trip back in February before the train bombings in Madrid. We were obviously frightened then but since Spain has pulled out of Iraq, we're thinking it may actually be one of the safer places to be this summer. But we're making sure to wear no clothing with visible American brand names and this includes banning Jack from wearing his white tennis shoes! He bought a pair of leather sandals or "Jesus boots" as he calls them and is breaking them in. We're looking forward to some wonderful seafood plus all the other great dishes of Spain. I think we'll be able to indulge without guilt because we'll be walking miles and miles everyday to take in all the sites.
Daddy is going to really have his work cut out for him with the dog Pepper during the second week of July because we'll be gone and Lydia will be at a church camp. Actually it will be the mutt who will suffer most because she loves having so many people to play with her and especially scratch her back and belly. Here's a link to see the noble beast:
http://www.shutterfly.com/view/pictures.jsp?aid=67b0de21b216f227f437 (Once you open it, click on View as SlideShow)
Well that's all for now.
Love,
Lisa
sralil@mchsi.com"
I see the message also has the link to the 'dog show.'
Maudie e-mailed that Bernie's surgery is now scheduled for July 29.
Den and I came home from the Lake last night where we have had a very nice few days. Den has gone back today for some days of quiet fishing before our big Fourth of July annual celebration. I will keep some appointments then go back to the Lake on Friday.
I'm still waiting for the report from the Mayo Clinic.
Jana and John are headed to Kansas City over the weekend to see John's sister. Tiffany and Aaron and Haleigh will be at their place at the Lake of the Ozarks and will come over on one of the days.
Chris and Shelly are travelling to Tennessee over the weekend to do "Deliverance" river ride. I told them I didn't want to hear anything about the trip until they were safely home. The same way I felt when Chris jumped out of an airplane a few years ago.
Rose and I are about to take Shirley to the airport for her trip to Chicago.
Monday, June 28, 2004
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
Jalen called to tell me he has learned to ride his two-wheeler, "on rocks, on grass, all over!" Dad taught him. Jalen also gave a further report on Brayden's climbing into the sink: "He even had Dad's toothbrush in his mouth and the water running!" Jalen's paternal great-grandfather died recently. Some of the family, Jalen included, are traveling to the state of Washington (after a trip to Washington, D.C., first) to scatter his ashes. Jalen's rendition of all this to me was something like, "You know, some people when they die are buried and some are burned up. He was burned up." Another part of our conversation was Jalen's thanking me--again--for the PS2 Harry Potter Game and the ten-dollar bill. Oh, the wonders of the six-year-old's world! Scott said the call was Jalen's idea, mainly over the excitement of learning to ride his bike without training wheels.
Jalen called to tell me he has learned to ride his two-wheeler, "on rocks, on grass, all over!" Dad taught him. Jalen also gave a further report on Brayden's climbing into the sink: "He even had Dad's toothbrush in his mouth and the water running!" Jalen's paternal great-grandfather died recently. Some of the family, Jalen included, are traveling to the state of Washington (after a trip to Washington, D.C., first) to scatter his ashes. Jalen's rendition of all this to me was something like, "You know, some people when they die are buried and some are burned up. He was burned up." Another part of our conversation was Jalen's thanking me--again--for the PS2 Harry Potter Game and the ten-dollar bill. Oh, the wonders of the six-year-old's world! Scott said the call was Jalen's idea, mainly over the excitement of learning to ride his bike without training wheels.
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
Hi, it's Rose here. Sue and Den are at the Lake until Wednesday, having gone there yesterday. You can reach Sue at (573) 365-2106. She will come home for a couple of days for her physical therapy appointment then return to the Lake for the Fourth of July Celebration.
Hi, it's Rose here. Sue and Den are at the Lake until Wednesday, having gone there yesterday. You can reach Sue at (573) 365-2106. She will come home for a couple of days for her physical therapy appointment then return to the Lake for the Fourth of July Celebration.
Saturday, June 26, 2004
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
We are still awaiting the Mayo Clinic report, impatiently awaiting. After consultation with Dr. Dooley, I skipped my routine Solumedrol infusion the week before going Mayo. Dr. Dooley thought it might obscure some test results. I am doing about the same without the infusion so am skipping again this week. Dr. Dooley is out of the office until Monday. I will call when he returns to decide with him on my future course of treatment, based on the Mayo Clinic results.
Den is coming in from Chicago today, and we will spend a few days at the Lake. Margaret and Norm may join us for some fishing.
Many people gave me their favorite book for my birthday. I am slowly reading them, although I haven't been able to send 'Thank You's' for all the generosity and thoughtfulness. Niece Nancy sent me one that I deeply appreciate for its spiritual comfort. The rosary bracelets she put me onto have now turned into my favorite gift to give. The artist and I are on first-name basis.
I had an e-mail from Brother Pete who reported on a great weekend with their two of their grandchildren, Kelly's sons. Kelly, Pete, and another grandson Chris are going Chinook Salmon fishing this weekend. Pete said he wondered if Joe didn't have better things to do than go see Cheney when the vice president was in Springfield not long ago.
In other family news, Den's Aunt Doris has a knee replacement last week and in a painful recovery period.
Scott called yesterday to tell us we can keep Brayden for eight days in early July. Shirley is making a pilgrimage to Louisiana at the same time and will miss some days with the baby. During the days we have Brayden, Jalen is taking a trip with his maternal grandmother and great grandmother. Brayden is at the get-in-trouble age. Scott said that he had gone in the bathroom (one of his favorite places), climbed on the toilet and then on the toilet tank to get into the sink. When Scott discovered him, he was sitting in the sink with the water running. Scott thought he was just giving himself a bath. No injuries, thank goodness. Now Scott has turned the water heater so low, he has to take lukewarm showers. I hate to tell Scott, but this is just the beginning of the in-trouble, quick-as-a-wink years. Wait until he is a teen!
Catrina's son Sam is spending two weeks with his paternal grandparents in North Carolina. Robbie's two sons are coming for summer vacation, and Lizzie will go visit the North Carolina grandparents in August. Sam has completely recovered from his bad bout with asthma and pneumonia. And Catrina is totally recovered from her disk problem that caused her some troubling symptoms in the Spring. She had to undergo intensive physical therapy for a time, but her disk problem is fixed.
We are still awaiting the Mayo Clinic report, impatiently awaiting. After consultation with Dr. Dooley, I skipped my routine Solumedrol infusion the week before going Mayo. Dr. Dooley thought it might obscure some test results. I am doing about the same without the infusion so am skipping again this week. Dr. Dooley is out of the office until Monday. I will call when he returns to decide with him on my future course of treatment, based on the Mayo Clinic results.
Den is coming in from Chicago today, and we will spend a few days at the Lake. Margaret and Norm may join us for some fishing.
Many people gave me their favorite book for my birthday. I am slowly reading them, although I haven't been able to send 'Thank You's' for all the generosity and thoughtfulness. Niece Nancy sent me one that I deeply appreciate for its spiritual comfort. The rosary bracelets she put me onto have now turned into my favorite gift to give. The artist and I are on first-name basis.
I had an e-mail from Brother Pete who reported on a great weekend with their two of their grandchildren, Kelly's sons. Kelly, Pete, and another grandson Chris are going Chinook Salmon fishing this weekend. Pete said he wondered if Joe didn't have better things to do than go see Cheney when the vice president was in Springfield not long ago.
In other family news, Den's Aunt Doris has a knee replacement last week and in a painful recovery period.
Scott called yesterday to tell us we can keep Brayden for eight days in early July. Shirley is making a pilgrimage to Louisiana at the same time and will miss some days with the baby. During the days we have Brayden, Jalen is taking a trip with his maternal grandmother and great grandmother. Brayden is at the get-in-trouble age. Scott said that he had gone in the bathroom (one of his favorite places), climbed on the toilet and then on the toilet tank to get into the sink. When Scott discovered him, he was sitting in the sink with the water running. Scott thought he was just giving himself a bath. No injuries, thank goodness. Now Scott has turned the water heater so low, he has to take lukewarm showers. I hate to tell Scott, but this is just the beginning of the in-trouble, quick-as-a-wink years. Wait until he is a teen!
Catrina's son Sam is spending two weeks with his paternal grandparents in North Carolina. Robbie's two sons are coming for summer vacation, and Lizzie will go visit the North Carolina grandparents in August. Sam has completely recovered from his bad bout with asthma and pneumonia. And Catrina is totally recovered from her disk problem that caused her some troubling symptoms in the Spring. She had to undergo intensive physical therapy for a time, but her disk problem is fixed.
Thursday, June 24, 2004
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
Brother Bernie called Tuesday night. He and Maudie are headed over to Olympia to see daughters Tammy and Cindy later this month. From there the two of them will travel to Seattle where Bernie will have surgery on his right leg to improve the circulation. He has doubts that his physicians will actually do the surgery because of the risks involved. Another thing they will do at the VA Hospital is take some kind of nutrition course for diabetics. Bernie chuckled at that, saying he had been taking such courses for 50 years.
Bernie's birthday is June 28. Happy EARLY birthday, Brother!
Son Mark is in Naples on business this week. Turns out he will be there for his birthday, which is the 28th also.
Den will be on vacation next week. We will spend a few days at the Lake, and we will have our usual 4th of July weekend with fireworks display. Our actual schedule will depend on various appointments and need to be in St. Louis.
Liz Keay, a long, long time friend of Rose's and mine, came for lunch yesterday. We spent a leisurely time on the patio in the nice, cool, bright weather catching up. Liz is doing a lot of travel and has plans to go to China in September. She is in town for her granddaughter's wedding this coming weekend.
Grandson Jalen is going to Washington D.C. with his maternal grandmothers in early July. Scott will be going with a group of friends on their annual float trip. And we will have Brayden for a few days.
Shirley is making plans for a trip to Lake Charles, LA, to visit members of her family, especially her sister Ann and brother-in-law Lee. Lee has been diagnosed with a serious cancer. In lieu of the annual Frontenot Family Reunion, most of the family are traveling to Lake Charles to visit Ann and Lee.
We are still awaiting the report from Dr. Benn E. Smith of the Mayo Clinic. One of our neighbors dropped in yesterday for a visit. It turns out, some time ago she was involved in an academic study at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester to determine how the Clinic earned it excellent reputation for patient care. She was interested in my experience in Scottsdale, and it dovetailed with what she had learned about the Rochester facility.
Brother Bernie called Tuesday night. He and Maudie are headed over to Olympia to see daughters Tammy and Cindy later this month. From there the two of them will travel to Seattle where Bernie will have surgery on his right leg to improve the circulation. He has doubts that his physicians will actually do the surgery because of the risks involved. Another thing they will do at the VA Hospital is take some kind of nutrition course for diabetics. Bernie chuckled at that, saying he had been taking such courses for 50 years.
Bernie's birthday is June 28. Happy EARLY birthday, Brother!
Son Mark is in Naples on business this week. Turns out he will be there for his birthday, which is the 28th also.
Den will be on vacation next week. We will spend a few days at the Lake, and we will have our usual 4th of July weekend with fireworks display. Our actual schedule will depend on various appointments and need to be in St. Louis.
Liz Keay, a long, long time friend of Rose's and mine, came for lunch yesterday. We spent a leisurely time on the patio in the nice, cool, bright weather catching up. Liz is doing a lot of travel and has plans to go to China in September. She is in town for her granddaughter's wedding this coming weekend.
Grandson Jalen is going to Washington D.C. with his maternal grandmothers in early July. Scott will be going with a group of friends on their annual float trip. And we will have Brayden for a few days.
Shirley is making plans for a trip to Lake Charles, LA, to visit members of her family, especially her sister Ann and brother-in-law Lee. Lee has been diagnosed with a serious cancer. In lieu of the annual Frontenot Family Reunion, most of the family are traveling to Lake Charles to visit Ann and Lee.
We are still awaiting the report from Dr. Benn E. Smith of the Mayo Clinic. One of our neighbors dropped in yesterday for a visit. It turns out, some time ago she was involved in an academic study at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester to determine how the Clinic earned it excellent reputation for patient care. She was interested in my experience in Scottsdale, and it dovetailed with what she had learned about the Rochester facility.
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
You can reach Sue at (314) 452-3685 or (314) 726-2032. You can write to her c/o Rose Holt, 905 Barnard College Lane, St. Louis, MO 63130
Again, it's Rose, typing for Sue:
"Chris and I picked Shirley up at the airport yesterday. We went to Applebee's for dinner, came home, and worked out in the 'Slim and Bulges' workout room. Today Shirley and I called for Rose who came in on a flight from Chicago at 2:30.
We are slowly returning to our pre-Mayo routine in this household. Niece Stephanie, her husband Dan and their two sons, Nathan and Jacob, are at the lake house this week. I spent Sunday and Sunday night with Chris and Shelly who were so welcoming and gracious that I felt very much 'at home.' Shelly made some great baklava. Shirley and I didn't know such an extraordinary dish could even be made at home.
Shelly suggested that for some of our more conservative family members, we should give some warning when we post some of our more liberal-leaning messages. We are going even further than to give warning; we want ANYONE to add comments for that surely leads to a rich and rewarding discussion. Niece Jana sent me an e-mail saying she had tried to add a comment but had trouble doing so. It may seem daunting, but believe us, it is really quite easy. Just follow the instructions for signing up for a free Blogspot account and the steps after that for either starting your own blog or commenting on this one.
After Jalen and Brayden went home, we sent a package with a Harry Potter PS2 game, some photos for Jalen's 'Amazin' Jalen' travelogue, and a ten-dollar bill so Jalen could host his father and brother at their favorite place, Home Town Buffet. Scott reported that when Jalen opened the package he exclaimed, 'Wow! I've had some one-dollar bills and a five-dollar bill, but I NEVER had a ten-dollar bill before!'
I had an e-mail from Brother Joe who said they had taken granddaughter Lydia to see the Vice-President when he was in Springfield yesterday."
Again, it's Rose, typing for Sue:
"Chris and I picked Shirley up at the airport yesterday. We went to Applebee's for dinner, came home, and worked out in the 'Slim and Bulges' workout room. Today Shirley and I called for Rose who came in on a flight from Chicago at 2:30.
We are slowly returning to our pre-Mayo routine in this household. Niece Stephanie, her husband Dan and their two sons, Nathan and Jacob, are at the lake house this week. I spent Sunday and Sunday night with Chris and Shelly who were so welcoming and gracious that I felt very much 'at home.' Shelly made some great baklava. Shirley and I didn't know such an extraordinary dish could even be made at home.
Shelly suggested that for some of our more conservative family members, we should give some warning when we post some of our more liberal-leaning messages. We are going even further than to give warning; we want ANYONE to add comments for that surely leads to a rich and rewarding discussion. Niece Jana sent me an e-mail saying she had tried to add a comment but had trouble doing so. It may seem daunting, but believe us, it is really quite easy. Just follow the instructions for signing up for a free Blogspot account and the steps after that for either starting your own blog or commenting on this one.
After Jalen and Brayden went home, we sent a package with a Harry Potter PS2 game, some photos for Jalen's 'Amazin' Jalen' travelogue, and a ten-dollar bill so Jalen could host his father and brother at their favorite place, Home Town Buffet. Scott reported that when Jalen opened the package he exclaimed, 'Wow! I've had some one-dollar bills and a five-dollar bill, but I NEVER had a ten-dollar bill before!'
I had an e-mail from Brother Joe who said they had taken granddaughter Lydia to see the Vice-President when he was in Springfield yesterday."
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